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Raymond was severely out of breath. Climbing up 4 sets of ladders, in full leather armor, shield in one hand, was not the easiest. Not to mention the people who were probably chasing him–though he couldn’t hear any footsteps, you could never be too careful. He was half-mad at himself for not considering how he would survive as soon as Evbo and Tabi advanced. Suppose he was too focused on, oh–I don't know, making sure Evbo didn’t get caught sneaking away.
But, a quick decision was made, and now he had a last-minute hiding place. And, well, a mansion wasn’t the worst place to be sheltered in. He heaved, catching his breath.
Man, how did Evbo live all the way up here? Or, well, lived. He was pretty sure Evbo had only had this mansion, for like, a day. He hadn’t stopped talking about the pool, though. Maybe he could take a couple of hour’s rest, once he knew none of the cavalry would be looking for him. He tossed a glance over the ledge. There didn’t seem to be any crowds of guards, or that weird PrinceZam guy, so… he slipped in through the double doors.
The first thing he noticed was that there was no way for him to functionally close the door. He didn’t have a sword to hit the armor stand with. Maybe he could just punch it with his fist? Worth a shot. It would be a sucky hideout if the door was wide open.
He reeled his fist back, trying to muster the strength equivalent to a sword. When it hit, the door half-closed, and it made an unpleasant grating sound. His knuckles stung. Not good enough. Another hit, then. He slammed his fist into the dummy, as the doors slammed shut in the same manner, leaving Raymond alone in the huge space.
Then and only then did the guard finally relax. He immediately slumped back against the smooth, cold diorite walls. With a few more heavy breaths, he leaned his shield against the wall and took off his helmet. The huge apartment wasn’t heated, but the cold was nice, and the world slowly started to come back into focus.
The second thing he noticed was, wow, his hand hurt. Maybe punching a flimsy wooden mannequin wasn’t the best idea. He shook it out, trying to get rid of the sting, then pressed it up to the cold wall to soothe it.
Man, this place was fancy. Raymond understood why Evbo was so eager to get one of these. It seemed like it was worth the price of a hundred swings, and not just the sorry result of Evbo’s reckless shopping addiction.
The third thing he noticed was the pool. It was clear and swaying, looking very cool and very comfortable. Evbo wouldn’t complain if he used it, right? He did say he could stay here, and that probably meant he wouldn’t be back for a while, which meant Raymond would need to hunker down and get comfy. And the pool looked really comfy.
Raymond unbuckled his chestplate and kneepads. No need for his armor for a while… plus, the water would damage it. He left it close by, just in case, piled near the corner of the water.
He took a few steps toward the pool. He splashed at it with one hand. Warm. He carefully slipped in, deciding that he could just let his clothes air dry later. It was a pleasant temperature, contrasting the abrupt coldness of the rest of the mansion. He slipped his sunglasses off, letting his head tilt back, and finally melt.
Wow, a lot had happened. So much had happened, very very fast, that it wasn’t until now that he realized it’d only been an hour since he last actually paused to think.
And now he was thinking.
About Evbo, mostly.
Evbo, Evbo, Evbo. It bounced around his mind, endlessly looping. Raymond had been there when he first dropped down after he completed the golden sword level. He’d been half-asleep, barely even registering Evbo’s energetic, quick recap of his plan. There was the slight distraction of Evbo’s new shiny chestplate, which the guard would never admit, looked really good on him.
Today had been the day, apparently.
Then the real thoughts disappeared, then he was running, side by side with him. The world turned into one foot following the other, till Tabi had been let out, and they were standing on the grassy field outside the hallways. His heart was thrumming in his ears. Evbo was talking. He hadn’t really been paying attention until he’d started talking.
If all goes well, I'll find a way to escape, and I’ll come back and get you, Evbo had reassured, still heavily out of breath. Those words echoed in his ears, warming his cheeks ever-so-slightly.
Would he really? Could Evbo really save PVP civilization?
If you had asked Raymond that, say, about a month ago, he would’ve scoffed. There’s no way this guy could do anything all that worthwhile. Just another sword who would inevitably get killed, replaced, and remade.
But now, deep in his mind, the guard believed it.
Well, half-believed it. Evbo was still Evbo. Which means he was still stupid. And did stupid things like kill himself over and over again, have a shopping addiction, and talk to a video journal all the time.
Still, a half-belief is better than no hope at all. Which Raymond could live with.
The water splashed up against the rims of the pool as he drifted around. It wasn’t a huge pool, just barely over 15 yards, but it was enough to do small laps. He switched between strokes, whichever he felt like at the moment. There were a few rounds of freestyle, a couple lazy lengths of backstroke, and he’d now settled into just aimlessly floating with no set technique.
He was pulled out of his flow by a sharp ding!
Raymond pulled his head up from the water and scanned the room. It dinged! again, and the sound seemed as if it was coming from the other side of the house. As much as the guard would like to continue to laze about in the water, if there was something wrong in Evbo’s mansion, he’d like to fix it.
He lifted himself out of the water. Squeezing at his shirt in an effort to drain the water, he trudged across the hall toward the source of the noise. There, on the opposite side of where he’d entered from, was a small camera.
A light on it was lit a bright red, and beeping. The screen read ‘Video Download 56 Complete. Play Preview?’ Two options, yes or no, appeared below.
The non-stop talked about video journal. Raymond had heard that Evbo had one of these at every single level. It seemed to be all he did when he wasn’t dying or fighting, talking to this thing.
He absentmindedly raised a finger and tapped ‘yes.’
The Evbo that popped up had a somber look on his face. The first minute or so of the video was a small recap. Raymond didn’t understand much of it– some guy, some trial, flint and steel, whatever. For most of it, Evbo was looking away from the camera, eyes far away. Raymond stared at his features, his nose, his eyes, his hair. They were a little grainy due to the quality of the camera, but his pupils still shone and his hair still bounced. That was, until Evbo turned to stare at the camera directly, and the guard suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
Raymond tuned into what Evbo was saying after his little zone-out. This is the last trial I need to complete to become a diamond sword. After this, I’ll be able to see what it's like at the last level of PVP civilization. The slight melancholy in his voice was quickly replaced with something more confident and chipper. I’m pretty excited, to be honest! I’m a little scared at what I might get roped into when I get down there, but I’m confident I’ll get a lot of answers to all of my questions–which is all I’m really after at this point.
Evbo was right. There were so, so, so many questions. Even as a guard, he wasn’t told much about anything. He was given a task, a place to sleep, and food, which was deemed all he really needed. No reason to wonder if you’re given nothing to wonder about.
But Evbo had become the source of his wonder. Some random new wood sword, who managed to come back from the dead multiple times, was absolutely mind-boggling. How could Raymond go back to endless monotony when the most insane thing in the whole of PVP civilization had asked for his help?
On-screen Evbo paced a bit, talking to the imaginary viewer. Something about his next trial? And wow, apparently he had beaten it first try.
I completed the challenge first try! That’s some real improvement, If you ask me. Evbo beamed, accenting it with a little excited jump. Cute. (Uhh, what?) So, yeah, once the trial was over, I went through the door that opened, and I was back in the room I originally started in. Only this time, the doors to the red gate were open. I passed every single challenge I needed to do to rank up to become a diamond sword! There was nothing stopping me from going to level 5.
He had drifted to the left side of the camera, leaning on his bedframe. With a nervous huff, he continued, So yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Why am I talking to my video journal machine at level 1, and why am I not at level 5? He picked himself up from the side of the bed, walking up closer to the center of the frame, eyes locked on the camera. That would be because there is something stopping me from going to the bottom. Evbo bit at his lip. And that reason is because of my friend, Tabi.
Oh. Right. Tabi. It’s all about Tabi.
Her being captured is the only reason why the iron swords have leverage over me in the first place. Now that I opened all the doors at the golden sword level, I can break Tabi out, and bring her with me!
So, this is how he formulated that plan. It considered most of the outcomes, except for, yknow, Raymond's situation. (He frowned a bit at that. Why?)
I'm hoping the doors stay open, though, or else my plan–well, yeah I mean that would just be really bad.
Despite how little Raymond had seen them interact, it was easy to pick up on Tabi and Evbo’s dynamic. She knew things, he didn’t. She didn’t need anyone else, he needed a friend. Or two.
But anyways–if I could just get this done, then I can break free of the endless cycle I was in. I won’t have to die over and over again, and I can actually focus on getting out of here.
Evbo had floated closer to the camera in his little tangent. Raymond could see the frayed edges of his sweater, the funky way his hair curled. Evbo called out a quick goodbye, ‘singing-off,’ apparently, and the video ended. The screen was left on the last frame of the video, one of Evbo reaching to the end button off-screen, a confident smile on his face.
“Man, he is addicted to these things,” Raymond mumbled to the empty room. His gaze lingered on the photo of Evbo for a moment, before he exited out of the video player, and scrolled down a bit further on the menu.
Raymond fumbled with the buttons for a moment. Scrolling through, there were a lot of entries. There had to be hours and hours with of this stuff. Jeez, this guy had a problem. He browsed for a moment, before landing on the second most recent one, dated from just a little over three hours ago.
Was it wrong to keep watching his personal video diary-thing? …Probably. But there wasn’t much else to do other than splash around in the pool and stare listlessly out the window.
First the pool, now this. Evbo might regret letting Raymond stay here. If he ever found out, that is.
He stood and took a quick glance out of the window, once again confirming no guards or crazy players were searching for him. A good way to pass the time– and it’s not like Evbo would ever know, so–settling back down, he found the play button, and tapped it.
The beginning was a bit of shuffling, Evbo backing away from the camera after having just started, and a bunch of recapping. The gold level trials, a movement course he had apparently completed (many of the things he described Raymond did not believe he could do), and a word-for-word retelling of a conversation with a guy named Wembu.
Evbo paused in his recap and started to address his imaginary audience. Yeah, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I'm talking about this trial in the past tense. Which means–I’m talking to my video journal, which–also means I died the first time I tried it. But it’s kind of weird–like, yeah, obviously I don’t wanna die, but when I do, I get to come back here and update my video journal! Really weird situation– I mean, yeah it's good for the content, but I’m also wasting time, I could be saving Tabi’s life, my life, and everyone else’s life, Evbo sighed heavily, taking a few steps toward the camera. There was a conflict in his expression for a second, his lower lip pouting, and a wrinkled brow.
Seriously?
His eyes perked up as he decided on something, addressing the camera again. Alright, yeah, less video-journal updates, more world-saving.
This guy has some weird priorities. Was this really the dude that was gonna save him? And all of PVP civilization?
Alright–--see ya! He walked toward the camera, and with a determined smile, it shut off.
The screen was paused on that frame of Evbo. Huh.
He decided to continue going deeper.
Each video had a certain charm to it. A stupid, weird, alluring charm. To actually hear Evbo say how he felt, really, without having it just be an out-loud internal monologue, or a passing remark.
Some things Raymond had suspected about him were confirmed. Such as ‘Video Download #34.’
If the entirety of PVP civilization is counting on me to be their savoir… I don’t know if im good enough to do that. Well–at least not yet. Also, what happens if I let these people down? I mean, everyone here worships the chosen one. If I let them down, there's a very real chance they could turn on me, or–or something worse, I don't know.
Something worse did happen.
Once they got out of here, Raymond needed to understand how this guy’s mind worked. Maybe take him to PVP therapy or something, who knows?
Other videos had some things he had suspected, but did not want to hear. Example, ‘Video Download #15.’
Alright! We are back at level 2 of PVP civilization! I got a chestplate this time–so I’m already off to a better start! That is, physically–at least emotionally, I don't think I'm doing so good… I just found out that the love of my life isn't the love of my life. So, that's always hard to hear, but what can you do?
Blegh. This guy was sappy. And weird. Raymond already kind of knew that Evbo was into Tabi, but man, this was just sad. He didn’t really even seem to like her, just the idea of her. Although, she was the first person to ever give him any kind of maybe-half positive attention, so it makes sense.
He scrolled back even further. 'Video Download #2.'
Alright! So, crazy update in PVP civilization. Did he have to specify that everytime? I met this girl in the PVP marketplace, and… I think she might like me! Oh, god. I mean, she made eye contact with me for like at least two seconds.
Wow. It just gets worse. Wow. How did he agree to work with this dude? Were the tips all worth it?
But anyways, I figured out that she has three wins in PVP civilization, (Again, really?), which means she knows how to fight! So, that being said, I have a plan, and it might help me get a stone sword. So, after I eat all of this cooked chicken and get some more health so I won’t die in one hit; I am gonna try and talk to her and see if she can help me rank up. So, if anyone’s watching these video journals… wish me luck.
Raymond will not be wishing him luck. Eugh.
Still, he scrolled further.
Further, and further, until it wouldn’t let him push anymore. A video sat, all the way at the bottom of the screen, titled ‘Video Download #1.’
Raymond stared at it. There was a small thumbnail, a blurry little image of Evbo, barely recognizable by the few yellow and green pixels. He selected it, and the image was blown up.
The Evbo that appeared on his screen looked so very different than the one he had just seen a few hours ago. His eyes, his stance, his smile, everything seemed so much brighter. So much more innocent. He cleared his throat, fiddling with the lens, then took a breath.
Uhhhmm.. Hi everyone. This is day… something, of being in PVP civilization. And let's just say–my life has had some crazy changes. To start, I got my first win in PVP civilization! He looked so happy. With a toothy grin, he continued, I’d never thought I’d see another number that wasn’t a zero next to my name! His grin lessened for a second, a memory playing in his mind. Granted, it wasn’t actually a win, my opponent dropped his sword and said some ominous things before… Raymond saw him glance off-screen, down to his sword. Sacrificing himself.
Sacrifice himself? Jeez, was that what got Evbo started on this whole thing? No wonder he was so reckless.
Raymond also faintly recalled meeting a few players who seemed to fit Evbo’s vague description. The most recent one was a rugged middle-aged man, who the guard had heard whisper to himself from outside his door. When he’d knock for his PVP check, the man would open the door very quickly, eyes distant and cloudy. He’d dish out his mandatory swings, then seclude himself in his room once again, muttering and chomping about whatever else to the wall.
But… I mean a win is a win if you ask me! I don’t make the rules of PVP. So now I have 39 hits with my sword, which is insane. And I can’t help thinking that maybe this could be my chance to finally rank up to a stone sword. To find out what life was like behind that wall.
Behind that wall.
Evbo gave another quick goodbye, and the video cut.
Behind that wall was nothing but…
Nothing but…
Ugh.
Maybe he shouldn’t have watched any of these.
Raymond stood and clicked the video journal off. He wasn’t sure how many hours it had been. But his bones ached, and his eyelids were heavy, so it was probably late. If Evbo was formulating his escape plan for the guard, it must be taking a while. He should sleep. Yeah. Sleep would be nice.
His clothes were dry by now. He slugged his way over to his armor, and carried it over closer to the bed. Just in case.
The bed looked oh-so-comfortable. Green sheets and a fluffed pillow, Raymond practically collapsed into it. It was soft and smooth. And smelled like Evbo.
He barely even registered that thought. If he did, it would be hastily revoked, and promptly ignored. Instead, he flipped over to stare at the ceiling, letting it sink in. The room was still well-lit, and he couldn’t muster the energy to get back up again and blow out the torches. It didn’t matter. The world was getting dimmer anyway.
Tomorrow, or someday soon, hopefully, Raymond would be out of here. He hadn’t quite decided what that meant, or what he’d do, or who he’d do it with, but… it would be somewhere else.
Anywhere else but here.