Crusader: Champion of the Dark One

Chapter 9

Jason entered the tavern to see countless people inside with violent laughter erupting among the patrons from time to time as they went about their conversations. There was music playing and drinks being served in mugs as waitresses moved among the patrons delivering food and drinks. As Jason stood there in the doorway observing the place, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. He felt like his legs were going to buckle from the weight alone when he heard a voice behind him

“You’re small,”

As Jason turned, he saw a giant of a man with a huge barrel on his shoulder staring down at him. He wore sleeveless leather armor with a huge battle hammer slung across his back and Jason could swear the man was at least seven feet tall.

“Don’t mind Tom. His etiquette leaves much to be desired, but he means well.” A smallish man said from Jason’s side as the now identified Tom moved past Jason. Jason turned to get a better look at the smallish man who had spoken to see him wearing clothes of varying shades of black with a garish mustache. The small man continued with a small bow, then continued to introduce himself saying

“Name’s Sylvester and I welcome you to my humble establishment.” Sylvester guided Jason to the bar as he continued speaking

“ I wouldn’t walk around with that mark on your hand openly if I were you, not many are fond of your kind around here but luckily for you, my tavern caters for people of all sorts so no worries here,” Sylvester said as he poured Jason a drink.

“Now what can I do for you, no offense but you don’t look like the type to visit my establishment so you must have a purpose to be here then,” Sylvester said staring at Jason

“ I am looking for a man called Rex,” Jason said as he took a sip of the drink

“ And what business if I may ask do you have with a guy like Rex “

“ I was sent by a mutual acquaintance of ours to seek him out,” Jason said slowly

“ Then you’ve come to the right place follow me,” Sylvester said as he began to walk towards a door behind the counter, which seemed to lead further back into the tavern. Jason entered the door after him and saw Sylvester open a trapdoor leading downwards to some kind of basement.

“After you,” Sylvester said as Jason looked at him warily

“No trust at all,” Sylvester said after seeing Jason hesitate before climbing down to the basement himself. Jason followed soon after and the moment he stepped into the basement found a sword pointed at him by a man in a silver armor of some kind. He tried looking around to find Sylvester only to hear a voice behind him as he felt a dagger placed on his throat.

“ I wouldn’t make any sudden moves if I were you, wouldn’t want your throat slit accidentally would you,” Sylvester said with a small laugh

“Now I heard you were looking for me, not many know to find me in this tavern so who are you and who do you work for”

“ My name is Jason and an old man told me to find you”

“Really why?”

“He said to deliver a message to you”

“And what message is that”

“That the time has come and that soon Darkness shall cover the light and that you would guide the champion unto the path”, immediately after Jason said those words the mark on the back of his palm started to glow and shine in a dark light and immediately Rex dropped his sword and fell to his knees in front of Jason as he said

“ Apologies my Lord, it is an honor for me to be in your presence, we have long awaited your coming”

“ What do you mean by ‘Lord’ Rex, what is going on here? Sylvester asked in confusion as he sheathes his dagger

“ Pay your respect Sly, for you are in the presence of the chosen one, the champion who would lead us to greatness once again has arrived”

“ You mean to tell me he is the one we have been waiting for”

“ Yes, our Lord told me himself in a vision that, he would come to seek me out and that he would speak these very words unto me”

“ Is that so, well he doesn’t look like much but since the Lord has spoken I shall do my best to assist you along your journey” Sly said sheathing his blades somewhere within his cloak.

“ So what now,” Jason asked looking at the two men in the room.

“ Now we get you acquainted with the world and all the factions involved”

“ First you should know that this world is inhabited by a lot of different races but the major races that are the current world powers are the elves, dwarfs, humans, and the dragon race, these are the main races in control of the world but there are other races that are also strong in their own right but these are the important ones,” Rex said as he led Jason further inside to other rooms underground.

“ Over the ages, we have slowly rebuilt our numbers ever since the catastrophe and now we number at around 1000 members spread out all over the continent with 100 active members in this city,” Rex said as he sat down and pointed to Jason to sit down on another chair beside him

“ In this world as you already know there is the system that governs all creatures that exist in this world. The leveling mechanism operates on the absorption and refining of essence gained from killing, when you kill any creature the system allows you to absorb being's soul and refines it to strengthen you. The amount of strengthening depends on how strong the creature is and as you get stronger more essence is required and the higher the level the better the quality of essence. As you might already know the system has multiple stats like strength, dexterity, intelligence etc. with which you are already familiar with. With each level gained a certain number of stats are awarded with which you can invest in these stats. Of course racial bonuses and class bonuses also exist. You can also manually grow these stats but this is extremely difficult to do and more suitable for otherworlders like you especially with the blessings given by the Dark One to you. The vitality stat has to deal with your health and although it exist it does not mean that you have to reach health zero before you die, any strike to the vitals will kill you, the health is just the amount of damage you can take without dying that is why even though it may be difficult it is possible for a level 1 to kill a level 100, stats may make you more stronger, faster and resilient but they are no substitute for true skill and clever planning.” Rex explained to Jason slowly

“ So what about skills, how do they work?” Jason asked

“ There are two types of skills one can gain, common skills and class specific skills. Skills level up from use and the understanding one gains from frequent use. Common skills are ones anyone can gain as long as a certain requirement is met but class specific are ones limited to class. Classes are awarded by the god’s there are specific classes related to every god out there and some that are common but even then depending on the god that awarded you the class some skills may be different. But you do not have to worry about that, due to the blessings you received from the Lord, no matter the class you choose you would still be able to gain and use the skills that are related to the Dark One and darkness as a whole. “

“ Okay, so what now, what is the next step”

“Now we get you trained and prepared for your task, from how you look you don’t seem to be someone who would be standing on the front lines. You also don’t seem the type to wear heavy armour with your build. You are lean, and look like you have some speed. You strike me as the sort that will probably avoid fighting yourself unless you absolutely have to.”

Rex paused for a moment and examined Jason carefully as he continued

“ You strike me as someone who is not  above playing dirty to win against your foe. Daggers and throwing knives. “ He said as he nodded his head.

“ Why those in particular” Jason questioned Rex

“ Daggers and knives have many uses ass they can be thrown as well as easily hidden on your pesona to convince others that you are unarmed in other to lower their guard and catch them off guard. Depending on the type you can cause massive damage as well as kill silently and quickly.”

 Jason nodded his head thoughtfully as what Rex said made sense to him perfectly

“ So when do we start” Jason asked eagerly

“ Now of course, we do not have time and as such we would have to speed up your training but unfortunately I would not be the one to train you, had you been suited for any other weapon like the sword then I would be responsible for your training but as for small bladed weapons I believe that we should allow an expect to handle your training. Therefore Sly would be incharge of your training” Rex said as he turned towards Sly who has been standing in a corner.

Jason barely felt his presence and was surprised as he seemed to fade into view but his presence was very faint as if taking your eye off him even once would cause him to disappear again. Jason saw the grin on his face and he shivered.

“ Well then savior, shall we begin teaching you the ins and out of how not to die 101” Sly said as his grin widened even more.