Chapter 24：Surpassing Goals

1:03:32

"What do we do boss?" An Elemental Master asked.

"Leave a few people here," The Swordsman replied impassively. "I just sent for a few Trappers to set up a few nasty surprises for them when they log back in."

The Players laughed.

Marius stayed still. Listening.

"What do you think they were looking for Cold Mist for?" One of the Hunters asked.

The Swordsman shrugged. "It doesn't matter. We aren't letting anyone get past us."

"But we let Cold Mist through," another Player said.

"Cold Mist has an understanding with Ardern. We don't touch him as long as the Guild Leader says so."

"Hah," another Player laughed. "Even if we let them through it's not like those two weaklings could get to the Mountain. Those Bears are too overpowered. Even our elite teams are struggling with them."

Marius smiled, sending a private message to Super Nova. "He's definitely here. Look around the Mountain."

Marius continued to listen in on the Players as they chatted. The Trappers came and went, setting enough traps to fill a four-unit radius around where he and Supper Nova disappeared.

He'd even needed to move slightly as a Trapper set a trap right by his feet.

Once they had gone, the Players left kept a lazy watch, waiting for Marius and Super Nova to return. They were not happy about being on sentry duty.

A distance away, Super Nova was searching for the Battle Mage, Cold Mist.

He remembered what it was like when Marius had first started bringing him along. He hadn't even been able to enter this Map and now he could waltz through it without anyone or anything troubling him. The difference was hilarious.

"Marius, how are things over there?" He asked

"Nothing much is happening," Marius replied. "They've set traps and are waiting for us to 'log back in'"

"Haha. Are you going to Teleport back to Iron Mountain City?"

"Let me know when you find him, if we can get him to meet us in Iron Mountain City then I will. Otherwise, I'll stay here as your backup."

They both knew that Super Nova didn't need back up, but it was something to do and Marius didn't want to grind anywhere until this matter was settled.

Before too long Super Nova found a lone Battle Mage. He was grinding away at a lone Stone Goat. He had already killed the other two.

Without a second thought, Super Nova attacked, one-hitting the Stone Goat.

Cold Mist jumped back in fright. He hadn't expected anyone else to be here, let alone that anyone would have the courage to steal his kill.

"Hello Cold Mist, I've been looking for you," Super Nova smiled.

"I've found him," he sent to Marius.

"Need any help?" Marius replied.

"I'll let you know."

"Can I help you with something?" Cold Mist replied angrily. It was hard work grinding Stone Goats and he was not happy about losing one.

"My name is Super Nova," He introduced himself. "My friend and I would like to have a conversation with you."

"Super Nova? The number 2 Player? Prove it." Cold Mist replied flatly.

"Turn on your friend requests and let me add you," Super Nova replied. "I'll message my friend to add you as well."

Cold Mist shrugged and did what he was told. "Alright then, send me a request and prove it."

(Player Super Nova has sent you a friend request. Will you accept?)

(Player Midnight Solitude has sent you a friend request. Will you accept?)

Cold Mist was stunned. The two top-ranked Players wanted to talk with him about something? He suddenly became suspicious.

"Ok, I believe you," he said as he accepted the requests. "But what do you want from me?"

Super Nova laughed. "How many players do you trust in this game?"

Cold Mist frowned. "Only the ones I know in real life. And maybe one or two of them."

"Well, Soli and I only trust people that act in their best interest. Which is why we want to talk with you," Super Nova smiled. "So will you join me in Iron Mountain City for a chat, or would you like me to get Midnight Solitude up here so we can all talk together?"

"Midnight Solitude is here as well?" Cold Mist was shocked.

"He's near the Map entrance." Super Nova replied. "But it would be faster if we just went to the City. Teleport, Safe Zone and all that. Plus we can get a little more privacy."

Cold Mist went pale. "He isn't attacking Ardern is he?"

Super Nova laughed. "I guess that would be the Guild that tried to turn us away. No, we didn't want to reveal ourselves. Come and talk with us and you will understand why."

Cold Mist had to admit he was intrigued. If both of the top Players in the game wanted to speak with him it could be very interesting. And if they didn't want the guilds to know about it, it had to be good.

"Ok, I'll come and talk. Let's meet up in the City."

Without another word he Teleported, leaving Super Nova somewhat proud of himself.

A moment later, both he and Marius Teleported to the City and were greeted by Cold Mist.

"You must be Midnight Solitude," he said politely to Marius.

Smiling, Marius sent him a private message. "Yes, it's me." while saying "Its a pleasure to meet you Cold Mist," he said.

Cold Mist smiled. "Should we go find someplace private?" he asked.

Marius smiled, agreeing.

There were many places where Players could socialize in Iron Mountain City. The more popular option was a bar, where people could drink without the nasty side effects of a hangover.

There was also the option to purchase a private area for a period of time. The longer you wanted, the more you paid.

Though Marius had never needed to use such a place before, he was familiar with its concept. He also made the first move, paying for the room. That way only he could invite people in.

Once they were seated, Marius began.

"Why do you play the game?" he asked curiously. Though he had a general idea, he still wanted to hear Cold Mists answer.

Cold Mist laughed. "I am a Professional Gamer. I play to get paid."

This made Marius pause. He hadn't thought that a solo player would be a Professional Gamer. Usually, such people would be apart of a Guild that was funded by their workshops.

"My apologies,' Marius took a pause. "But are you associated with any group or are you a sole operator?"

Cold Mist smiled. "That is one of the best-kept secrets of the Shattered Lands," he teased. "But you can be assured. I am a Professional and I also play solo, with no official Guild affiliation."

Marius frowned. "Does that mean you hire your services to other Guilds? I'm not trying to find out who you work for. But I do need to find out if what I tell you will remain confidential."

Cold Mist looked at the two Players. Since Midnight Solitude had started talking Super Nova had been silently sitting and listening.

Cold Mist suddenly regretted speaking flippantly. These guys are serious.

"As for best-kept secrets," Marius continued. "We would like to invite you to obtain a Customised Weapon if you do not already have one."

This caught Cold Mist's attention. He had never heard of such a weapon.

'Could you tell me more about Customized Weapons?" he asked.

Marius smiles and recounted the benefits of the weapon making Cold Mist curse.

He had spent most of his money purchasing this Level 10 Weapon from one fo the other Cities. If he had a Customized Weapon he could have saved so much time and money.

"So that's it?" he asked. "Are those Customised weapons the secret to your success?"

Marius smiled. "They definitely play a part. Now, I have revealed one secret to you. It will definitely help you become stronger, but there is still quite a lot more to it. Care to Trade?"

Cold Mist understood. Midnight Solitude was building a relationship with him. And he was using information and goodwill to determine the basis of that relationship.

Plus, he could sense that the Customized Weapon was just the tip of the iceberg. If this Midnight Solitude was convinced that he could trust him, then he would be sure to reveal even more.

Cold Mist sighed. "My fiancée is the Owner of a small Guild in another game. She wanted me to pioneer 'Shattered Land' so we would have someplace to start when we move the Guild here. It's not very big or profitable but it's what we have."

Marius nodded, understanding. "Cold Mist, if you are your fiancée are planning on moving your Guild here, then I have a suggestion for you. But in saying that, I will require you to do something for me as well."

Cold Mist looked at Midnight curiously. "What is it you need me to do?" he asked.

"I need you to reset your account."

Cold Mist was stunned and offended at the suggestion. Reset his account? What kind of idiot would reset his account when he was this far ahead?

Swallowing his anger asked, "Why would I want to reset my account?"

Marius smiled. "As you can see, Super Nova and I are well ahead of everyone, including yourself. But still, to have gotten as far as you have so quickly you probably play quite a lot right?"

"Yes," Cold Mist replied, "I play about 18 hours a day."

Marius was surprised. That was quite the dedication.

"That is an admirable amount of playing time. I'm almost afraid of saying this to you now."

"Saying what?" Cold Mist wasn't as angry but still, this person was starting to frustrate him.

"Well, you and everyone playing the game have been doing it wrong."

Cold Mist wanted to scream. Wrong? How could you play a game wrong? Just because two freaks had...

He didn't complete the thought as the outrage drained out of him.

8 Levels. There was currently 8 Levels between these two men and himself. Unless they were cheating they definitely had some insane grinding method. There was theoretically no other reason why anyone else wasn't at their Level. It had been debated on the Forums for weeks, ever since their shocking rise in Levels.

Marius was watching the reaction on the Professional Gamers face. From frustration to outrage to shock. He felt an immeasurable about of sympathy for the man.

"I will tell you this now," Marius began. "The way everyone is playing the game is incorrect. When the Player base learns this then there will be a mass reset of most accounts. What I am offering is a headstart."

Cold Mist was reeling. Had the last month of his life really been wasted?

"If what you are saying is true, then how did you figure it out?" Cold Mist asked. "If it's true?" he thought. He already knew it had to be true. The proof was on the Leaderboard.

"I got lucky," Marius said honestly. "I also know the owner of the Company that launched the game. I've been acting as an in-game Monitor for him. Letting him known how balanced the game is, how difficult the monsters are and what not."

Cold Mist was stunned. Was such a thing really allowed in a game?

"So you've had help this whole time?" Cold Mist could feel his temper boiling.

"No, I've been playing without any help just like you. It's just that I stumbled in the right direction. Now I'm here and offering you an opportunity. You can either take it and work with the two of us. Or we can call it quits now."

Cold Mist considered Midnight Solitudes words. This really was an opportunity. But he'd have to reset his account? What kind of rubbish is he talking about?

"And why do I need to reset my account?" He asked bitterly.

"Marius smiled. "Well, it is a two-parter really. First, there are a few things you need to do in the Beginner Village. Secondly, Super Nova will be resetting his account with you to see if we can trust you or not."

This revelation stunned Cold Mist even more. The second most powerful player in the game was resetting his account? Was this just to test him? If it was then it was an extreme measure.

"I assure you, if you help us we can help you build a strong foundation so that when your fiancée brings her Guild here it will thrive. But I need you to understand, we have our own goals for playing the game. If you threaten those goals, we will deal with you. Thoroughly."

Cold Mist felt a chill go down his spine. Midnight Solitude had been looking him straight in the eye and Cold Mist knew it was no idle threat.

"What are your goals in the game?" he asked cautiously.

"I am here to enjoy myself. And I bet with the Owner that I can break his game," Marius replied lightly "So that is on my list as well."

"I'm here to make some money to pay for University." Super Nova chirped in.

Cold Mist was stunned. He could understand Super Nova and his desire to make money. But Midnight Solitude's goal was insane. Have fun? Break the game? How did this guy function?

Then Midnight Solitude smiled at him. "We can add your goal to ours if you like. We have a rule or two, but they are pretty easy to remember and live by."

Cold Mist swallowed. "And what are those rules?"

"Don't try to screw with me, Marius spoke with a dangerous glint in his eye. "I might not look it here, but I'm an old man and I don't have time to go seeking retribution. But if you do anything that interferes with our goals, I will become your worst nightmare. That is the only rule, but it also comes with a condition."

Cold Mist felt nervous."Whats the condition?"

"If you agree to join us, then you are one of us. We do not betray each other and we do not let secrets slip, not even if it's to your wife. But most importantly, we look after each other."

"Fiancée," Cold Mist replied. "And those aren't conditions, they're common sense." he smiled.

"Ok," Cold Mist turned to Super Nova. "When do you plan on resetting your account?"

"Are you in?" Super Nova asked.

"Absolutely." Cold Mist grinned.

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He would have to be a madman not to take it.