Freelance Saga Episode 4: Beta Shift Read online

  “I’m glad that I could help. I would advise you to sell the bracer, though.”

  “Why? It allows me to fast travel.”

  “It also has an infernal attribute. Unless you intend to develop infernal powers it will be pointless to keep it. There is also one other point to consider.”

  “Oh?

  Jameson raised one finger then pointed at Scott. “Your compensation package, remember? Your class will allow you to automatically gain fast travel ability. All advanced classes have that option. We granted you several skill books that you can instantly learn as well.”

  “Oh, yeah! Wings of Light! I can return to any significant location or town that I have visited as long as I have open sky above me.”

  “Yes, and the spell-bracer had no embedded spells. It’s a nice artifact item, but you may want to sell it after you reach a point where you can fast travel to the extent that you desire using that skill. Of course, you might also want to keep it for an infernal demi-human if you choose to acquire one.”

  “I’d hate to just sell the thing, but where would I even find an infernal minion?” asked Scott.

  “Go to Hell.”

  “Excuse me?” Scott was taken aback. Did Jameson really just say that?

  “Hmm, oh yes. Amusing confusion. Yes, go to Hell. More specifically, journey to the capital city of Pandemonium. You’ll find all the infernal minions you might ever want. Though, at your level you would be more likely to become a snack or a minion yourself.”

  “Snack?” Scott shook his head incredulously. That did not sound promising at all.

  “Yes, a small one.” said Jameson.

  A message screen popped up in front of Scott.

  <<< * >>>

  You have learned about the infernal kingdom of the devils, Hell. The Hell kingdom region is now available as a tourist destination. (Please note: There is currently a shortage of ice water.)

  Caution: Minimum suggested level for visiting the outskirts of Hell is 780.

  <<< * >>>

  Scott shuddered at the horrendously high level suggestion. “Yeah, I won’t be going there any time soon, I hope.”

  Jameson chuckled lightly. “No, I suppose not. None of the other Beta-testers will, either.”

  “If there is a hell, is there a heaven, too?”

  “Of course, let me add it to your map.” Jameson made a gesture and a new screen popped up in front of Scott.

  <<< * >>>

  You have learned about the Celestial Kingdom of the gods, Heaven. The celestial kingdom region is now available as a tourist destination. (Please note: There is currently a shortage of chairs.)

  Caution: Minimum suggested level for visiting the realm of the forsaken, the lowest realm of heaven, is 780.

  <<< * >>>

  “So, basically the celestial realm is a polar opposite of hell? They even have the same level suggestions.” asked Scott.

  “Yes, though I caution you that the suggested level is the bare minimum. There are beings in the depths of hell and the higher heavens that have levels in the tens of thousands. Consider those regions to be endgame content if you will.”

  Scott smirked at the idea of endgame content then opened up his inventory screen. He stored the bracer. It could be useful for fast traveling until his innate skill increased to a decent level.

  He thought to ask one more question after storing his gear. “Were there any other changes to the world other than the mentioned updates?”

  “Yes, quite a number of things. Humanoid monsters are now referred to as demi-humans instead of king or queen. This was to eliminate confusion.”

  “Well, that does clarify a few things, but how are they related to monsters now? Do they still show up if enough subordinate monsters are defeated in a short span of time?”

  “No, not like before. They can still show up if the gods running the system determine that you have over-hunted in the area and drastically lowered the respawn rate. Now they will always be true boss level encounters, however. You won’t be able to just have a picnic with them and discuss your differences.”

  “I see, so if I hunt in an area enough I will eventually have the chance to increase my harem?”

  “Possibly, but that is not a given. It will usually be a somewhat random event and often it would not trigger unless you were in a bad situation or if you were being flippant toward the monsters. They do have feelings, you know. If you want to capture and train a new harem member in the wild, she will need to already be actively living in the area most of the time.”

  “Actively living in the area?” asked Scott.

  “Yes, the demi-humans will actively live in the area now. If one takes over an area and becomes a boss then it will be stronger and can increase the levels of the monsters in their domain. This happens frequently, and after a month or two you might even be able to go through the same area and capture a new demi-human boss even if you captured one previously.”

  “That sounds interesting. So, the world is more dynamic now?”

  “Absolutely! It has always been a legitimate reality with game mechanics layered over the top of it. However, now it has a stronger feeling of realism in regards to how those living there interact with the world. The monsters have more emotions and stronger personalities, for one thing.”

  “Well, those turtles seemed to have personalities before.” said Scott. They were somewhat goofy and perverted to be honest.

  “Yes, but now that will be even more fleshed out.” said Jameson.

  “Really? How so?” asked Scott. He had to admit that he was intrigued.

  Jameson nodded. “Demi-humans and monsters are now handled as creatures that are similar but different. It is more like the difference between humans and normal animals now. Technically, the demi-humans are monsters, just a different category. They spawn randomly and come from the same world as monsters. Demi-humans are far more plentiful now and will have their own clan and town structures. Consider them alternate races. In the wilds they tend to be boss monsters of an area, however.”

  “Wait, so instead of being summoned from the monster world by their minions they will live on Alterra full-time?”

  “Yes, the monster world will become like their version of the after-life. Monsters and demi-humans will now die and reincarnate like humans instead of simply respawning.”

  “How will that work? So much is changing now!”

  Jameson sighed. “Yes, you missed a lot of the updates due to your file corruption. Now when a monster dies, it dies. A new monster will spawn at the basic level for the race and location. The recently slain monster will go to the monster world, regain power, and wait for its chance to reincarnate in an appropriate habitat for its race.”

  “How is that different than respawning?”

  “It is essentially the same, but it keeps the level range of monsters more manageable. A continuous supply of monsters will be maintained, but the level range will balance out in distant locations.”

  “What about demi-humans?”

  “They undergo the same process.”

  Scott was not happy about any of that. “So, Scarlet and Mina can die now?”

  “Yes, but there are methods for returning local companions to life. Resurrection is more common now than it was before. Monsters did not need it before. Just take a fallen companion’s corpse or a piece of their body to a nearby temple.”

  “What if they don’t have a body or even parts to take to the priests?”

  “The priests charge a great deal more for such cases. Resurrection of that level is essentially utilizing admin functions to restore a character file. It’s highly limited for mortal priests and taxes their powers greatly. Be advised that repeated resurrections in a short period of time can result in permanent failure to resurrect due to file corruption.”

  Scott still looked uncertain. Jameson decided to explain further, “This is a good change. It means that demi-humans will be classed differently than common monsters in the world. They ca
n have their own lands, homes, and schools. Demi-humans can be barbaric and murderous, or cultured and civilized. They are less one-dimensional now.”

  “I never thought of Scarlet as one-dimensional.”

  Jameson smiled at the younger man. “That’s why she wasn’t. Most of the demi-humans in the world were actually a different variety altogether. You know. We make babies. Penis want. Your face I hate.”

  “Mina wasn’t like that, either.”

  “I don’t doubt that. You did not meet her till after the change-over started. It was limited in your direct region, but it was still occurring at a slow rate. Did you not notice occasional oddities and changing answers for simple questions that you asked? As for Scarlet, your first interaction with her was very one-sided initially, right?”

  Scott had to admit that she was not exactly super-bright when they first met. He easily acquired her loyalty with food. He literally offered her a picnic lunch then fucked her into happy submission. She had a mind of her own, but she only spoke of territory, food, and sex. After they met up again during his ordeal in the wilderness she was much more, well... human.

  “What does this mean, really? Can the humans even survive if demi-humans have towns and such?”

  “Sure, why not? Humans are not pathetic weaklings. They have superior numbers and strong weapons.”

  “Really, it seemed like the place was mostly empty of people. Ervice had a good bit of real-estate but it felt practically lifeless for lack of people.

  “Things have changed a bit in Ervice since you left. However, most demi-humans either live alone or in small groups. Those who do build villages will often literally use holes in the ground, or nomadic structures. The demi-humans don’t need as much technology since they have brute power. They also live in very small communities. There are rarely more than a few dozen per village except for the hidden cities of the more intelligent races. While demi-human cities are rare they can be quite populous. They wouldn’t need to interact with humans at all if it were not for breeding purposes.”

  After hearing about that factor, he was reminded of one of the promises that he had made. The beta-tester sighed softly then looked down at his hands. “Scarlet wanted me to build a town for her and her turtles. Now her turtles won’t even recognize her.”

  “Not necessarily. It’s possible that those dragon-turtles of hers would remain in effect as her pets or minions. I would have to check the files, but you can find out easily enough when you return. Either way, you can still build a town if you want. We would even be willing to grant you a town charter.”

  “I’d love to build a town, but I’m not even remotely ready for such an undertaking. Hell, it’ll take me months just to leave Ervice at the rate I am going.”

  Jameson eyed him with a critical gaze. “Have you considered that part of the issue is that you have not been pandering to your strengths, but have been trying to shore up weaknesses instead?”

  “What do you mean?” asked Scott. He’d spent most of his time trying not to be eaten alive and just barely made it through!

  “It’s simple really. What are your natural skills? What are you actually good at? What abilities do you already possess that you could be using to heavily influence your growth pattern?”

  “I...” Scott was not sure how to answer that. What were his skills really? Outside of military training and a few things like plumbing and redneck style electrical repairs, he really had no notable skills.

  “Consider that carefully. Your stat and skill growth are dependent upon how well you can develop your abilities. If you already have skills that you are familiar with they might prove to be useful. I gave you a hint about what could help you achieve greatness. Look at your skill books carefully later.”

  “Alright, I’ll do that.” said Scott. That seemed strangely helpful and direct. Jameson seemed to be the type to muddy the waters of a situation rather than keep things clear.

  “Now, what you said about starting a town.” said Jameson.

  “Yes?” asked Scott.

  “I understand. It does take a lot of money to start and keep a town. We’ll keep the promise on file, and you can access it later. Just make an appointment if you find a suitable location.”

  Scott smirked at Jameson. “Thanks, but I’d want to start a kingdom and not just a little town. I can’t be the Dark Lord of Alterra when my people live in mud huts.”

  Jameson grinned back at him. “Now that’s the spirit! I wish you success. It would be a nice thing to see.”

  Scott laughed at the man then smiled. He was mostly joking about being the Dark Lord of Alterra, though the title did have a nice sound. Still, what kind of Lord of Darkness was named Scott?

  Jameson laughed then said, “Keep up that attitude. It’s what we like to see. We want people to enjoy being part of the world and help to influence its future.”

  “So, do monsters and demi-humans still have a hierarchy? You know; kings and queens?”

  “If a monster is labeled a king or queen now, they have powerful support from other demi-humans of their race and may command monsters. They also own territory and rule it. Your dragon, Scarlet, would probably be labeled as a demi-human queen, but due to her being returned to level one she might no longer have many subordinates. I honestly don’t know more about that than you do, currently.”

  “She’ll hate being downgraded like that if it’s true...” Scott thought of the prideful dragon and her constant outcry of ‘Call me queen.’

  “No, she won’t. Changes like that are universal and retroactive. The World Masters personally made the change. She won’t remember the way things were prior because the nature of reality itself was rewritten.”

  He remembered something. “When I went to do the farm quest, and gained Mina... What happened to Scarlet? She said that she would go look after her turtles.”

  “Have you asked her what she was doing?”

  “Well, no...”

  “I suggest asking her, though it’s possible she won’t know what you are talking about. The change-over did not occur in your immediate vicinity due to your corruption. Things outside your immediate area had changed, but she probably did not know that her turtles might no longer recognize her. When you go back, she will probably have an entirely new memory of what happened during that time, with or without dragon-turtles.”

  Scott felt mildly nauseated upon hearing that. The beings that had created Alterra had casually rewritten existence and the people would not even know anything had changed! “That’s... disturbing.”

  “It fixed a lot of issues. As I’ve said before, the World Masters aren’t very creative despite their ability to generate a new existence with a thought. We’ve worked with them and the Beta-testers to streamline Alterra. They are quite eager to see the world become a thriving and properly vetted system.”

  “Maybe, but the idea that people are toyed with in that way does not sit right with me.”

  Jameson shrugged. “If it makes you feel better, the world is a much improved place now. You’ll have to see it yourself to realize it.”

  “Yes, I suppose I will. What else can I do really?”

  The mid-level manager smiled. “I don’t think you will be disappointed. Besides, this is the last major change that the World Masters intend to make. They are largely done with what they intend for the structure and rules of the world. You can say that Alterra is finally nearing its completion as a true existence. The beta testing, update, and tutorial period are coming to an end.”

  Scott remained silent. What was there to say, really? He could not stop them from doing what they wanted. All he could do was choose to continue or to give up on Alterra altogether.

  A thought occurred to him. “You said that the beta test would be ending soon? I had been under the impression that it would take a much longer period of time before it ended.”

  “Yes, in a few months. The changes have fixed a lot of issues, and we are able to move the release schedule up. It’s also
good that you get your class now. You went through a lot of trouble, but in the end you’ll be the one of first beta testers with an advanced class.”

  “Live? You’re seriously going to announce the existence of an alternate reality to the world?” Scott was not sure what to even think about that! He did like the idea that he would be the first to get an elite class, however. Maybe that would count for something, finally.

  Jameson laughed loudly then shook his head. “Yes, the world is entirely ready for such a revelation... Actually, we intend to market Alterra as a virtual reality based massively multiplayer online game.”

  “How would you manage that?”

  The recruiter called up another message screen then fiddled with it for a moment before turning it around to face Scott. “We’re going to reveal our hot new virtual reality technology. The helmet that you see on the screen will act as a neurological pseudo-link. This early iteration will allow people to experience virtual reality while sitting at home. They will still be semi-conscious of the supposed real world around them while they play in Alterra.”

  “I see... I think.”

  The image on the screen shifted to a more dynamic looking device. “Two years later we intend to market a specialized augmented reality cradle. This innovation will allow people to completely shut out the real world and experience Alterra with the same depth that you do now. Though, they will still be a different existence than their character.”

  “Why not just start with that?”

  “Realism and acceptance; the next step after the AGR cradle is to admit that the world of Alterra was real all along. People will be allowed to venture there in the same way that you do. At that point people will be so used to existing in Alterra that they will slowly accept the truth, hopefully. If not, we’ll just grant that level of access to those who do.”

  “Given the size of the world and the leveling speed, you could take decades to get to that point and they still would not have seen everything.”