Chapter 16:
Gamers: Genesis
ROWEN
You could join Charles in his search for items.
HIRO
(happily)
Yes. Yes, I would love to.
INT. WEAPONS SHOP, REMONI - DAY
Tayo looks at a bow in a shop that looks pretty high-end. There are weapons everywhere even the exotic kinds such as, halberds, cutlasses, tridents, kunais, idas, etc. He picks up the bow and goes over to the shop owner who takes a looks at him.
SHOP OWNER
You have good taste but you can't afford it.
After insulting Tayo or from another perspective; after telling Tayo the truth, he returns his focus to the blade he was inspecting. Meanwhile Tayo is shocked.
TAYO
Is that how you treat your customers?
SHOP OWNER
(without glancing up at Tayo)
The penniless aren't customers.
TAYO
Seems I need a refund. From the assholes that created you.
The shop owner now notices that Tayo is a gamer. He decides it's better to say something to get him out of his sight.
SHOP OWNER
You are better off making a bargain with scavengers.
Tayo understands he has no options at this point.
TAYO
Could you at least tell me where to find them?
EXT. WORKSHOP, REMONI - DAY
Tayo sits on a rock with a dwarf named Buck, who is currently sharpening a knife. There are a variety of humanoids there, mostly dwarves though. Some elves are there to purchase items too. Some other humans too are there working with the dwarves. Tayo also spots a goblin at the back of the workshop.
BUCK
Sorry, the kilobons carted everything before we arrived. But I do have an item that might interest you, however it comes at a price.
TAYO
I just told you I have no money.
BUCK
You only need to accompany me on a mission. A simple mission. We need someone who can run.
EXT. FOREST, REMONI OUTSKIRT - DAY
Tayo is running away from something in the forest. He reaches a cliff with a short drop and jumps down the side SCREAMING. A gigantic and colorful eight-meter-long lizard is chasing him. It makes the jump too.
The lizard has six eyes on its head and part of its spine is protruding from its back. This creature is called a Lanba.
The party accompanying Buck fire arrows at the beast. They also are running but can't really keep up with the lizard and Tayo. Tayo catches a glimpse of Buck's excited face.
TAYO
That little bastard.
The lanba makes a huge lunge at Tayo who narrowly ducks out of the way. Though Tayo is scared and angry, his movements are fluid and full of energy.
BUCK
You're going too fast!
TAYO
Screw you!
BUCK
Take it to the thicker bushes!
Tayo is now approaching a dense area of trees and bushes but something tells him the lanba would be able to climb and avoid them and it would be him trapped in there, so he changes direction.
He heads towards and empty area and is able to run faster, unfortunately the beast also picks up speed. Tayo sees what he's heading towards, it's a cliff. He steels himself for the crazy shit he is about to do.
He brings out a knife and still at full speed falls to the ground as the lanba lunges at him once again. He stabs the knife into the ground to slow himself so he doesn't fall off but unfortunately for the lanba, it took no notice of the cliff and it is airborne already so to Tayo's delight, the creature tumbles down the side of the very large drop as Tayo holds on for his dear life.
Tayo crawls to safer ground, injured but alive.
EXT. FOREST VALLEY - NIGHT
The company is standing around the body of the immobile beast, they have created several fireplaces around. One dwarf is bandaging Tayo's wounds. Buck approaches the lanba and it stirs. He recoils.
One of the humans with him draws his sword but Buck stops him.
BUCK
Let him do it.
(to Tayo)
Hey, come complete the job.
Tayo realizes what Buck is gesturing at. He walks over but stops.
TAYO
I can't. I don't feel like it. You do it.
BUCK
If we deal the final blow, it's magic will be wasted but you're a gamer. Don't you want to raise your magic power.
Tayo decides it's worth a shot. Tayo unsheathes his knife.
TAYO
Okay
Tayo opens his dashboard by tapping his neck. His level now is 14.
He goes up to the head of the lizard, he steels himself, suddenly the lizard fires off an acid as a last resort but luckily Tayo is able to dodge it and stab it dead.
Tayo waits to see if his level increases.
TAYO
Buck, my level isn't going up. My power isn't rising.
BUCK
Oh, I should have mentioned, it has to be done with a magical item.
Tayo is about to flip out. The other company members are now approaching the lanba to begin their work of skinning it.
BUCK
Don't worry. You can still do it after. Let's finish with it first.
(tauntingly)
Aren't you glad you took this job?
EXT. FOREST VALLEY - DAY
The shimmering skin of the lanba is being lifted by some of the dwarves. Tayo is with Buck.
BUCK
One magic bow as promised.
Tayo collects the bow but gives the dwarf a questioning look.
TAYO
What about arrows?
BUCK
Make them yourself.
TAYO
How?
Buck relents and hands Tayo a quiver of arrows. Tayo looks at the skinless dead lanba.
TAYO
Can you lend me a magic item?
BUCK
The bow is magical fire an arrow at it.
Tayo arms the bow, the tip of the arrow glows slightly. He fires at the lanba corpse. The lanba begins to disintegrate. Buck was right. He watches his level go up by two points to 16.
INT. GENTLE ROSE INN, REMONI - DAY
We see Jim seated, talking and laughing with the NPC that glanced at him at the food line. Tayo now has a bit more facial hair and fewer bandages; he is about to exit the inn when he spots Jim. He goes over to their table.
TAYO
Jim!
JIM
Ray! You're alive! Join us.
TAYO
Sorry, I can't, I'm just about to leave.
(to Jim's NPC)
Hi.
NPC
Hey
TAYO
Have you changed your mind or do you still intend to stay put?
JIM
Not that again. Things have finally settled down. To be honest, it's not too bad here, the makers did deliver on a few of their promises.
He glances the beautiful NPC opposite to him.
JIM
Is anyone going with you?
TAYO
Nah, it's just me.
JIM
Okay, I know some people who are leaving in a couple of days. I might consider leaving then.
TAYO
You should. Anyways I've got to go. See ya.
JIM
You too. Give Henry my greetings.
TAYO
Sure.
They shake hands and Tayo leaves.
INT. TOWN HQ, RAINIT - DAY
The room is packed full. At the bartender's place there are a few posters hanging. Tayo walks in straight to the bar. People see the tattoo on his neck and make way for him.
BARTENDER 1
Welcome sir, what would you like to have?
TAYO
I would like a mission please.
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