[One Month Later]
As the weeks passed by, the Scavengers guild fell into a steady routine of clearing out a B-rank dungeon each day. During this time, Arthos had not heard any news from the IT department regarding his failed job promotion. He was repeatedly tempted to submit a follow-up ticket with the developers, but noticed something unusual with his account that stopped him for proceeding with another ticket.
Arthos noticed his account was growing faster than the rest of his companions…and his stats were growing at a faster pace as well. After weeks of grinding levels inside B-rank dungeons, Wain was at level 65, Kristan was 66, Hector was 69…and Percy finally admitted his level at 80. He also admitted he was 22 years old but looked much younger. Arthos, on the other hand, was surprisingly level 71.
On top of that, his Strength stat was higher that Kristan…which was surprising because Tank classes had the highest strength growth rate of all the classes.
!ALERT!
[ALPHA LIGER DEFEATED]
[YOU LEVELED UP!]
"That boss looked tough, but he was surprisingly easy." Arthos said with a bright smile as he and his companions gathered together to discuss the loot division.
FUUPPP!!!
Without warning, Percy launched a savage attack aimed at Arthos. His attack came without a sound or warning…not even a whisper of intent. Twin daggers flashed sharp and fluid-like resembling lightning aimed at Arthos' throat. Without a single word being exchanged, Arthos parried the attacks with cat-like reflexes that stunned the rest of the party as their weapons clashed in a whirlwind of quick flashes.
Percy stopped and without a word put his daggers away.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!" Kristan shouted as she took a defensive position. The rest of the guild did the same.
"Percy…what's going on here?" Arthos asked…trying to keep his cool and give his friend the benefit of the doubt.
"Sorry for that. It will never happen again, I promise. I just needed to see something for myself. The way you moved, blocked and countered my ambush strikes…that felt like I was fighting another assassin." Percy explained.
He continued, "ever since the failed promotion…I noticed a change in you. Players normally don't look at each other's stats…but based on your footsteps I can tell you strength is higher than Kristan's. It's not just that, your speed can match mine, your agility is equal to a sniper, and your mana is thick and heavier than a mage."
The group remained silent for a moment as they considered Arthos' performance in the last few dungeon raids. It was true. He was stronger, faster, and more agile than before. His speed and strength allowed him to overwhelm and easily defeat even level 70 dungeon bosses. On top of that, he seemed able to easily unleash skills in quick succession with little mana drain…like a top tier magician.
"Arthos…are you ok?" Wain asked worried for his friend.
"I feel fine guys…but Percy is right…I think something is busted with my avatar. I seem to be leveling faster than average…and my stats are growing fast too…all my stats, even intelligence." Arthos confided in his family.
"I've never heard of that." Percy added.
"Perhaps…its best if you stay away from Promotion Stones until we get a better understanding of what is happening to you." Wain suggested.
[…]
[THE GOLDEN PARLOR]
"My, my, my…back so soon. Your guild is giving me a lot of business these days." The shopkeeper said with a smile.
Lost in thought, Arthos said little as he exchanged the latest set of equipment tickets with the merchant.
"Is everything ok? You look downcast…did something happen in the raid?" The shopkeeper asked with earnest worry.
"No…it's fine…everything is ok…the dungeon went well." Arthos said flatly.
The shopkeeper said nothing, he simply stared into Arthos's golden color eyes as if able to read minds. Arthos felt indebted to the man…and he had proven to be trustworthy and dependable. After some deliberation, he decided to confide in him.
"It's just that…how can I say it…it's just that the dungeon raid went too well. I'm sorry, I can't really explain it."
"It's your growth…you are rapidly growing into the man you were meant to be. I think it's time for a greater challenge. The Elderwood Grove. Rumor has it there's a unique S-rank armor in that dungeon waiting for a hero to claim it."
"The Elderwood Grove? I heard that place was a dead-end…completely unbeatable." Arthos said in disbelief.
"Hmm, yes…the Verdant Wall. The impenetrable wall of trees and vines that keeps all outsiders away…but have you ever wondered why that wall is there in the first place?" The shopkeeper asked.
It was certainly strange to build a dungeon that no player could access in a game fully devoted to exploration and conquest. Numerous tickets had been sent to the IT department since the game released to the public, but nothing had been done about it…almost as if it was beyond NAVA's control.
The shopkeeper continued, "perhaps the Verdant Wall is not a wall at all…perhaps it's a door. A door waiting for the right person with the key to enter it."
"Where do I find this key?" Arthos asked.
"I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that…perhaps no one does. Somethings are better to see for yourself."
[…]
[SCAVENGERS GUILD HALL]
[Later that evening]
"You want to do what?" Percy asked in disbelief.
"You know that place is unbeatable. Why waste time going all the way over there? Not to mention we will need to register the raid." Hector asked confused. He knew his friend well by now…and knew he never did anything without a plan or scheme.
"Arthos, brother…what are you thinking?" Wain asked a bit worried for his friend.
"Sorry guys, I have no plan…no scheme…no idea really. I just have a feeling. I don't know…I can't really explain it. Maybe I have been playing this game too long. I just have a feeling that…that we need to go there next." Arthos said somewhat embarrassed for not making sense.
"Ok. I'm in. Let's go there." Kristan said firmly.
"Ok, I'm with you," Wain said next.
The rest of the group nodded in agreement.