The Wetlands, Menethil Harbor.
True to its name, the Wetlands were a maze of lakes and marshes, humid and sweltering year-round. Geographically, it served as the critical junction between Dun Morogh to the south and Lordaeron to the north. This location was vital for both the Alliance's defense against the Scourge and the Forsaken who had joined the Horde.
On the western edge of the Wetlands sat Menethil Harbor, the Alliance's second-largest port on this continent after Stormwind Harbor. Its name was derived from the surname of the Menethil dynasty, the former High Royalty of the Alliance.
Once a major port for southern Lordaeron, Menethil Harbor had buzzed with activity, facing the kingdoms of Kul Tiras and Gilneas across the sea.
Now, much like that fallen royal name, though ships still came and went, the prosperity of the past had faded. Lordaeron had become a dead land, Gilneas was completely sealed off, and Kul Tiras had fallen into a mysterious silence.
Inside the port's Deepwater Tavern, Pirelli was holding court.
True to his slippery nature, he remained faithful to the principle of "doing the job once paid." Having taken a single gold coin from Tess, he was traveling the world broadcasting the "Secrets of the Dragon Tongue."
As he ordered a drink and spoke with such animation that spit flew from his mouth, a burly, dark-haired man in a sailor's vest draped an arm around him. "Friend," the man said warmly, "what's your connection to that net cafe owner? You seem to know an awful lot."
Pirelli took a quick look at the man. Seeing he was just a sailor, he didn't think much of it and bragged, "That goes without saying. His whole family are dear friends of mine. Every time I meet his uncle, we have a grand old time chatting and laughing. When that boy sees me, he has to call me 'Uncle.' Haha!"
The man, whose name was Tarbock, nodded and leaned in. "Brother, what should I call you?"
"I'm Pirelli."
"Brother Pirelli," Tarbock said with a smile, pulling out two silver coins and sliding them onto the table. "Our captain is looking for someone like you—someone with a wide reach and a silver tongue."
Seeing a chance to make money, Pirelli immediately set down his glass. "Of course. But I don't do sea voyages. Once you enter that vast, endless ocean, your life isn't entirely in your own hands anymore."
Tarbock raised his glass and toasted Pirelli. Two of his sailor friends walked over as Tarbock lowered his voice. "Our captain heard about the net cafe too. He wants to see if there's an opportunity for partnership, but he's struggled to find a way in. You know how it is—without a mutual acquaintance, who would be willing to share such a treasure?"
Pirelli nodded repeatedly. "Right, right. That's natural. That place is truly something unheard of and never before seen."
Tarbock replied, "Well, lucky me, I ran into you here today."
He leaned close to Pirelli's ear. "Don't worry. If we can really open a branch, you'll get a ten percent cut."
Pirelli's eyes lit up. Ten percent of a net cafe's income! That was enough money to never worry about food or clothes again.
ilHe agreed immediately and repeatedly urged Tarbock to take him to see the captain. Tarbock didn't waste time and cheerfully invited Pirelli onto their ship.
At that moment, the tavern's bartender, Mikhail, walked over to ask if they wanted another round. He was shoved aside by Tarbock's two companions.
"Out of the way, old man," they cursed.
A short while later, after the four men walked out, Mikhail went to the tavern entrance and lit a cigarette. His eyes quietly followed Pirelli as he walked toward the docks to board the ship.
Then, Mikhail ran back to his quarters. A messenger pigeon took flight from Menethil Harbor, heading toward Stormwind City.
Once Pirelli entered the cabin, he saw a massive, coal-black Tauren!
The Tauren stepped forward and, without a word, delivered a heavy punch to Pirelli's face. Pirelli was knocked unconscious instantly.
Looking at the man with a bleeding nose, the Tauren ordered his men: "Set sail. Tie him up and deliver him to Stormwind!"
"Understood, Mr. Smite!" the sailors replied.
...
The Net Cafe.
"What is happening?! Why are all these people suddenly attacking me?"
Oneiya's cry of alarm rang out. She sought help from Wayne, who was currently out in the wilderness gathering materials for alchemy and enchanting.
Wayne switched to her screen and chuckled to himself. "You didn't pay attention to the details while watching the stream. You've offended the Chicken God."
The others, hearing him through the in-game voice channel, were confused. "Chicken? God?!"
Wayne didn't explain immediately. He looked at Verdan, who had also just arrived in Riverwood. "Why don't you try it? Give it a kick."
Verdan figured a single chicken couldn't do much. He walked up and, without much force, landed a "thudding" kick on the hen's backside.
The chicken let out a squawking cry of agony. Several nearby villagers saw this and stood up immediately. Some charged with their fists raised, some ran home to grab weapons, and others shouted for the rest of the town. Within moments, every adult in town was in full pursuit of Verdan.
"MURDERER!"
"STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM!"
.
.
.
"HYAH! THEN PAY WITH YOUR BLOOD!"
"I'VE FOUGHT MUDCRABS FIERCER THAN YOU!
"Wayne, what is going on?!" Verdan shouted while trying to fight back. Nearby, Oneiya, who had chosen to flee, had already swum across the river. Panting, she ran up the opposite mountain and hid behind a row of trees to avoid being found by the searching villagers.
On the other side, despite Verdan's agile movements, he was facing a mob of villagers with higher levels than his own. Having just escaped Helgen at level 2, his stamina bar emptied after a few dodges and blocks. This meant he could no longer sprint or block effectively.
The angry villagers descended upon him with pitchforks, axes, fists, and farm tools. Covered in wounds and splattered with blood, Verdan finally collapsed and died.
Verdan was both shocked and resentful—shocked that kicking a chicken could have such dire consequences, and resentful that he couldn't use his full combat prowess in the game.
When he opened his eyes again, his save had reloaded. He was back outside Riverwood, just before entering the town. The "Chicken God" was once again wandering arrogantly in the middle of the road.
This time, Verdan acted exactly like Wayne, giving the bird a wide berth, terrified that even the wind from his passing might cause it the slightest harm.
Meanwhile, Wayne's bag was now full of Tundra Cotton, Cyrodilic Spadetails, and Abecean Longfins.