Please Note: Statements between % something in italics % are game system messages.

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It was an uproar like nothing else.

The revealing of the permanent death system caused a large scale argument to break out between its supporters and its detractors. As many people welcomed it as wanted to leave the game. For two real time days the forums had exceeded capacity limits. Intense discussions were taking place in both virtual and real meeting places. What did it mean? How was it applied? How long will it take?etc etc. People did not completely understand Age yet so how could they understand how long it will take to reach 150. Disease was a completely new phenomenon as well. So far only Swamy had contracted one or that's what he guessed.

And that lead to another problem. Swamy did not know how to describe this phenomenon. He clearly remembered Mr Collins from the interview who said that 'Unlike levels, having a higher age may not mean that the person is simply stronger than the other but it will mean that he/she knows more about the game, its world and its inhabitants.' Word by word this was exactly what was said. Swamy had even seen the interview again, courtesy of someone who had uploaded it to youtube, to confirm this. Now, if one looked at it logically, he/she could easily understand that game information was one of the factors determining Age, but not the only one. If Swamy thought about it some more, Mr. Collins also didn't say that having an higher Age made you 'definitely' stronger/weaker than the other so level experience, like in other games, also played some part in determining it. Most of all he never said that simply knowing more about the game increases your Age.

'So how did this happen?'

Group psychology is a strange thing. When in confusion people tend to follow the one with the most confidence, even when he could be completely wrong. And just like that misunderstanding becomes truth.

Someone had clearly misunderstood Mr. Collins's words and confidently equated more game knowledge equals more Age. Ok, one can logically argue that more Age equals more game knowledge so the opposite must be true.

Language, unfortunately, is not convenient like maths. Game knowledge was only a factor which determined Age. So having higher Age will always mean that the person has a greater game knowledge. The opposite however, may not be true. But someone had confidently stated that it is. And so post after post were filled with questions. 'Why would you kill the expert? Shouldn't you value them? Wouldn't the experts help the company itself?' etc etc.

'Even thinking simplistically I reached Age 15 in 4 months. That means it will take more than 3 years to get to 150 at the least. It's a pretty long time.'

That was neither here nor there though and it looked like today also, the forum would be filled with hundreds of thousands of posts.

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The forest outside Thelmova. A monkey and a parrot were fighting a rabbit. The monkey swiftly jumped on a branch and looped over the rabbit's head. It quickly attacked with its hands and before the rabbit could react, the monkey jumped back up on the branch. While the rabbit was distracted, the parrot attacked swiftly with its claws, digging it into the soft flesh, lifting it up. The parrot then threw the rabbit, smashing it onto the nearest tree. Finally the monkey jumped down and twisted the head of the now stunned rabbit, killing it.

"Ooh delicious. We have to get human to cook it." (monkey)

"Hmm..but isn't he vegetarian? I have only seen him eating fruits." (parrot)

"Ah...that's true. Dang! But I am no good at cooking and I don't like the taste of blood. Maybe human can cook it and not eat it anyway." (monkey)

"You mean to pretend to be sick again? Like someone would fall for it now. Ah the tragedies of human! I will sing a song of penance." (parrot)

"Don't sing! Noooo..." (monkey)

But it was too late. Monkey was stunned already. Looked like parrot's singing could even petrify a monkey, let alone a human.

In the meantime, Raka was headed towards the palace to meet the Queen. Almost a week had passed in game. His disease had also advanced.

"Disease window"

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Unknown disease - Stage 2: 40%. The disease has not been diagnosed yet. Old wounds will open and cause bleeding effects often.

20% movement penalty is applied. Endurance decreases 20%.

%

Stage 1 did not have any penalties. But as soon as it reached Stage 2 all these penalties started showing up. With the speed with which it was advancing he would be dead in another 3 weeks in game or like a week in real time. Which made this visit to the Queen doubly important.

He approached the palace gates where the guard stopped him.

"State your business."

"Hi I am Raka. I would be meeting the Queen."

"Ah yes. We have been informed. Please follow this guard inside."

Ilmentia is a competitive monarchy. Look it up on the internet and if you find the term then the author will replace it. It was a term Raka had made up. Why? Because the ruler of Ilmentia was chosen through a competition. The competition was aptly named as well; 'The Right to Rule'.

Spending hours in the library looking at books and trying to learn his new found skill of herbal medicine, he had stumbled on a book on Ilmentian history. Seventeen generations ago there was great turmoil as noble after noble fought each other to take the throne when the ruling monarch died without an heir. This was the last time Ilmentia had a proper ruling family. Peace came when someone called the 'Oracle' intervened and set up this competition where all those who wish to rule would participate. The winner would then be crowned King or Queen.

He could not find any details of the competition anywhere though some books did mention that it was a test of more than strength or skill. Initially this competition was reserved only for the various noble houses. But over the years it had changed. Anyone who had been knighted could now participate. Hence it was named the 'The Right to Rule'. Seven generations ago, the first commoner became King.

The present Queen also did not belong to a noble family. The books did not talk much of her origin but they did say she was born in a fisherman family.

'Thinking of it, Lady Altia and Verina would also be able to participate in the future. Guess I really made friends with the right people eh!'

In a huge palace, the Queen resided. Raka followed the guard inside a huge archway entrance of a building which seemed to be made completely of marble. Like the Taj Mahal, it looked much grander up close. Inside was a small room, filled with guards standing at attention at regular intervals leading to a ornately carved metal door. Raka was asked to wait a while. And then a big gong was heard. The huge doors opened to let him in.

Inside was full court, a term Raka picked up from the internet. It meant all the officials of the court and noteworthy nobles were present or that's how it looked. He stepped in and slowly walked towards a group of people standing, all of whom looked at the new arrival and smiled. Ok not all. Only those who had received Raka's massage did.

They had come here for one reason. This was a ceremony for the soldiers who had participated in the pirate subjugation and also for the soldiers who had died.

An official looking person came forward,

"Please state your name and position?" he asked.

"I am Raka. Not sure of the position but I was hired as a shipwright with Salmon."

The official pulled out a scroll and ticked off a name in it with his quill. He nodded and motioned to join the rest.

Everyone from the fleet was there. Well all the notable ones at least. Raka did not know a lot of people on the other ships but looking at the numbers everyone was present. Incredibly the throne room...let's call it a throne hall owing to its amazing size and its ability to fit everyone in, like 200 people atleast. The incredible throne hall had the throne at one end where sat the lovely Queen overlooking the rest of the hall. Then came rows of seats where important people sat. The Ladies were also seated as was the Captain. He also recognized Lord Holtimius and the General too. Interestingly the magic students were seated as well. Von Gult Despira was sitting besides someone who could be his father. The rest on their own but in prominence. 'Maybe they are part of nobility as well,' Raka realized.

A few arrivals later...

"Silence! The Queen shall speak!" the attendant shouted and all chatter died down. All eyes faced the Queen.

"Today we honor our brave warriors who fought against the aggressors. Against those who wished to overthrow the peace of the land. The foreigners were strong indeed but through our warriors courage and dedication, we have defeated them."

The hall roared its approval. The Queen raised her hand and it died down.

"Today we also honor the dead, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of this nation and protected us and our families. May the Goddess bless their spirits and accept them into her home. But they will not be forgotten! They will be remembered by the loved ones they leave behind and by those who they protected. And by us who stand guard to protect the peace in their stead."

A deep silence almost like everyone was in prayer.

"I, as the Queen, promise to take care of all of the families who have lost their loved ones in this battle against the intruders."

"Long live the Queen!" and the hall burst into chants.

A little while later it calmed down and the Queen continued.

"We shall now honor the persons who have shown extraordinary courage and exemplary service in the face of the enemy. Please proceed."

Another official looking person stepped and stood next to the Queen.

"Please step forward and be recognized when I call your name."

........

.......

A lot of names were called. Each stepped forward and received a medal from the Queen. After it ended the Queen spoke again.

"As per Ilmentian law, you will be allowed to partake one piece of item from the pirates belongings as per your merit."

'This is what I was waiting for.' Raka smiled. This was the law he was told about when he landed. The Crown got a percentage of all spoils of war and also anything which was deemed dangerous or too valuable. Things which could be used for political motivations or dealings with other races like the rust stone were also taken. But the rest was divided among the soldiers as rewards. The higher ranks would get first pick and then the rest. Everyone who participated would be allowed a chance with the merit holders getting preference.

One by one their names were called and they followed the official inside one of the doors, adjacent the Queen's throne. But they did not come back with treasure. They soon explained that they had marked a piece which will be delivered to them separately. Carrying valuable treasure in the street would not be a good idea after all.

But there was a problem Raka had not foreseen. He was the lowest of the lowest rung of the ladder after all. So he will get last pick. 'Hope there is still something left for me.'

Eventually every merit holder's name was called and it was now the turn of the ranking members. The fleet commander went first and then a few other nobles who had accompanied them. And then it was Lady Verina's turn. She rose but then she walked to the Queen instead. A few quiet words later the Queen nodded.

And then Lady Verina went back to sit. 'Did she refuse her reward?' Her noble act was highly appreciated as it increased the chance that Raka would get something. Next were the Captains of all the ships. And then it was Lady Altia's turn. But like Lady Verina she also said something to the Queen and sat back down.

'More luck!' Raka was beaming.

One by one everyone's turn came. Salmon, the Cook, and the rest of his shipmates and finally it was Raka's turn. Or it was supposed to be but his name was never called.

'What the hell! Did they forget about me?' Raka wanted to shout out when the official put down his scroll and the Queen stood up to say,

"Let the celebrations begin."

But he held his tongue. 'Maybe there is no more treasure left,' was one of his guesses. It was sad but better than being forgotten. Raka chose to think so. Well, he had never laid eyes on any of the treasure except the rust stone which probably won't be handed out anyway. So as they say, he wasn't burning with a desire to obtain something particular. He had still hoped to get something but the pirates wouldn't have carried that much treasure with them anyway. 'Oh well I should probably ask for an appointment with the Queen after this. Hopefully she will allow me to visit the royal physicker in the palace.'

And Raka drowned himself in the celebration. Food was served and entertainment was brought out. Drinks were brought out also. Raka was highly tempted to get one. After see-sawing for a bit, he took a sip as well.

"Ugh!" That summarized it. Damn thing was bitter like hell. And people around him were drinking buckets of this stuff!

Alcohol was a premium item on the island. Especially because making it took such a long time. And then it became the property of whichever noble owned the land. Which meant there were no bars as such on the island for common people. The caskets were broken only on special or festive occasions so this was the first time Raka had a drink. In real or virtual life. And it was revolting.

By the way, the alcoholic drink was made by fermenting potatoes and some other stuff. So it would be considered closer to whiskey or vodka rather than beer but on the island it was called 'barka'.

Raka spent the next hour digging in the good food, his drink lay forgotten. He even slipped some of it into his bag. The herb roast of rabbit could easily beat most of the food Raka had eaten in the game, except ofcourse Neona's pies which still had no parallel. He sorely wished he had a skill which could identify ingredients of things he ate so that he could make them himself. But life wasn't so convenient.

After the festivities ended which was basically when the Queen decided to leave, Raka approached the official in order to schedule an appointment but,

"Please follow me," the official said instead.

"Eh.." But as the official headed towards the door leading inside, Raka followed.

The door lead to a hallway which then lead to a large courtyard. And then to more hallways leading to unknown places. They took one of these hallways which then ended in another hall similar to the throne hall, though smaller. 'Maybe this is the Queen's inner room where she meets private guests?' Raka guessed.

Sure enough, the Queen stepped in through a side door a little later and surprisingly Lady Verina and Lady Altia came with her. More surprising was that they were chatting ten to the dozen like old time pals. Raka was seriously confused as to what was happening now.

The Queen took the throne and Lady Altia and Lady Verina took the seats near it. Raka bowed but,

"No need for formalities. That's only for the nobles and boy' is that tiring." The Queen sighed.

Raka smiled at the change.

"I guess you are wondering why you are here and perhaps why your name was not called out there, right?"

"Yes, your majesty. I thought that all the treasure was taken. Though I did want to meet up with you on a separate thing," Raka replied.

"Is it concerning your sickness?" The Queen asked straightaway.

"Yes. I was hoping that your majesty would allow me to meet with the royal physicker if possible."

"Hmm. That is possible. But..." and the Queen paused. Raka waited for the prolonged 'but'.

"You are not a part of this palace. The royal physicker is only obliged to treat people who are part of the palace. Even palace maids come under his purview. But outside of it, even nobles do not get that privilege." She continued.

'What the hell is up with that!' But he was still here so he could still hope.

After some pause she smiled again.

"Its a drag, I know. Fortunately, we can ask him under special circumstances and he has to relent. Circumstances like when the crown owes you a favor. Altia and Verina have decided to give up the right to their share of the reward. In my books, that is counted as a favor to the crown. Therefore I can ask that egotistical narcissistic fly of a human to treat you." Her smile changed to an evil one at some point in time.

"Call the royal physicker please." The Queen ordered her attendant.

A little while later a short but stout old man wearing round glasses and some kind of conical cap came in yawning and smelling of drink. He definitely looked like those villains in books who were always plotting something and rubbing their hands in amusement.

"Ah your majesty. If you had to wake me up from my slumber, couldn't you have chosen a better time? This is most inappropriate and shows utter disregard to my position. I thought that you learnt it in your courtesy classes."

Now if he had been king and this guy came about, Raka would likely hang him.

"Yes. But you see this matter couldn't have waited till you woke up. Why this young man could have died by the morning if we had waited." The Queen replied.

"Ho...him! Might I remind you, if you have forgotten already, that I am the Royal Physicker. I have no obligation to cater to those peasants outside of the palace gates. You have me treating the lowly maids is insulting enough."

"But you said that you have the responsibility for everyone inside the palace gates didn't you? And they live inside the palace gates. So I am sorry but you have to follow the law like everyone else Napier." The Queen replied lively.

Raka could not help but notice that the physicker visibly twitched when he heard his name like that. But before he could reply the Queen continued.

"Verina and Altia have given up their share of the pirate's treasure in return for a favor from the crown. Now a learned person like you who knows the law so well, knows that the crown is obligated to grant their favor."

"Only when that favor does not constitute or require the crown's position to be untenable." Napier interrupted.

"Exactly. In this case however there is no question of that. Their request is that you treat this gentleman over there. Also, him being one of Goddess's children, would make it our duty towards the Goddess herself to treat him. Hence the crown raises no objection to his treatment. Well do your thing then." The Queen ordered jovially.

Old man Napier grimaced and shot daggers with his eyes. But he started checking Raka.