Souls Online: Mythic Ascension
Chapter 117: Silent Steps

Chapter 117: Silent Steps

Nyx had a cheerful look on her face when she separated from the group, however that faded into a cold stern expression when she was truly alone. She tilted her head until she heard an audible crack.

"Alright. That’s enough goofing off already. It’s time I actually do some work.."

She muttered softly before slipping into the shadows of a nearby alley. She was off to gather information. Whether it was info about who was behind the game, mechanics her party members had missed or even info on other players.

She quietly walked, her footsteps not making even the slightest sound as she passed by unnoticed by all. It was as if her presence itself had been erased. She glanced at a notification screen that popped up in front of her.

Due to your Actions. You have Acquired the Skill: Stealth

Description: The ability to become harder to detect as it masks the player’s presence. Effect Depends on Proficiency and Actions.

’Hmm. Interesting...Maybe I will use it to peek on Cutie if we ever go to a bathhouse...No. I have to. focus!’

Shaking her head, she continued her wandering as she gathered information through gossip and rumors.

After about twenty minutes, she had garnered a variety of information about the power structure of the Players and information about the standard level of Players.

’Seems we really are the outliers here. But it is thanks to these people that I learned something new.’

At one point, she had started making a list of the observations she had made and currently she had 10 points.

1.) EXP gained is based on the difficulty of defeating the monster divided by the number of people. So outnumbering a goblin in a 2v1 will give you less EXP per goblin when outnumbered in a 1v2.

2.) PVP Penalties. Unsolicited Murder will result in your name being revealed and hunted down by NPCs. Apparently there is an increased drop rate for your items if you die.

3.) Respawn Mechanics seem to be in place but upon death, you lose experience and you experience a 50% Stat Debuff for 12 Hours.

4.) Guilds are starting to stake their claim. While it may not matter for now, Groups are far scarier than individuals.

5.) Currently there are 3 Potential Threats to the Party: Empress, Banditking and Mr. Moneybags.

6.) Empress is a Solo Player. Current Status and Location: Unknown. Known Element: Water/Ice.

7.) Banditking is a notorious Party Leader known for the extravagant use of Money and Physical violence. Current Status and Location: Rumor is he is looking to find a base to make his own guild. Known Element: Fire.

8.) Mr. Moneybags is a Mysterious Merchant that nobody has seen nor heard of. Current Status and Location: Unknown. Known Element: Unknown.

9.) We’re Not Normal. Compared to the average level and progress of most players, our party is statistically anomalous. Faster growth, rarer drops, and stronger enemies—either the system is favoring us... or setting us up.

10.) Lifestyle Professions are different from Classes but they are more difficult to change and evolve. A wise decision is needed.

Looking over her notes, Nyx couldn’t stop a sigh from escaping her lips. That’s when she saw there was actually a tavern located near the alleyway she was walking through. Curiosity took hold and her instincts told her she should head in.

’It’s not cause I am craving a drink or anything. Yup! Totally that...’

Following her gut, she discreetly opened the door and slipped inside. The tavern reeked of smoke and alcohol which caused her to wrinkle her nose in displeasure. However she did not turn around and instead headed to the counter where she put down a silver coin.

"Barkeep. I would like a drink please. Something sweet preferably."

The old man cleaning a mug glanced at her for a brief moment before he turned around and reached for a bottle on the shelf that had been behind him.

Nyx watched with a relaxed expression as the man poured a golden liquid into a small glass before it was slid to her. She shot a questioning glance at the Barkeep as if to ask ’What’s this?’ but his stone faced gaze was all the response she needed.

’Try it for yourself.’

Without hesitation, she lifted the glass and threw her head back, allowing the drink to be poured down her throat in one fluid motion. She recognized the drink as a form of brandy that was actually quite sweet.

She slammed her glass onto the counter, a grin spreading on her face as she stared into the Gruff Barkeep’s eyes.

"Peaches?"

"Very Astute"

The man was very curt with his words but he did have a faint smile as he was pleased that she had noticed the added flavor of the brandy.

"It was very nice. I would like another please"

"Savor it this time. Yeah?"

The two of them felt an instant rapport. The Barkeep didn’t need to say much and Nyx was able to pick up on even the slightest nuance the man let slip. Nyx was about to ask him what he knew about Lifestyle Professions when the door to the tavern swung open with a heavy bang.

Glancing back, she saw 3 familiar middle aged men crowded around one younger looking man who appeared to be in his mid to late twenties. By no means was he attractive but he had a swagger to him as if he demanded attention and others respect.

Not wanting to get involved, she turned back to her drink and was about to engage in conversation with the Barkeep once again when the men started speaking in loud uproarious voices.

"Anyone here who is not willing to join the Boss’s New Guild Bandit Brigade can fuck off!"

"Going forward, this will be the territory of our Clan. We expect you all to start paying tribute if you would like to come drink here!"

"Soon enough, Our Leader will be the proprietor of this establishment and all other Liquor stores in this village. If you have a problem with it, you can speak to our blades!"

The young man didn’t say anything but crossed his arms in front of his chest with an accompaniment of rustling and clinks of his heavy metal armor.

The patron goers were annoyed but they did not attempt to resist, instead choosing to stand up and start walking towards the door.

"This is bullshit! First I almost died ’cause of hitting on that Tamer girl and now this shit?! Fuck me, my luck is shit!"

One man grumbled as he and his friends trudged along. That was until there was a loud bang from the one person who had yet to stand up.

Turning their heads, they saw that the person was holding a pitch-black staff. Her gaze was cold as she glared at the four men. For some reason, despite outnumbering her, they couldn’t shake the fear that was burgeoning from the depths of their souls.

"Barkeep. Are these men welcome here?"

She asked in a soft yet chilling tone. The Barkeep did not flinch as he responded with a single word.

"No."

Nyx slowly broke into a wide, wicked grin

"Fine by me. I’ll help you take out the trash"