The largest tomb.
Weed had almost reached level 259 when the decree of Mavaros gGld was announced. A day later than Weed anticipated.
The fee for hunting in the dungeon of Basra was raised 3 times. Third and fourth levels of the dungeon were reserved for members of Prosperity and Mavaros Guilds. All the rare and unique items acquired by players during the hunt were to be sold to Mavaros Guild at reasonable prices.
"What the heck?"
"Dirty bastards! Reasonable prices my ass! They're deciding what reasonable is by themselves."
Initially, the decree wasn't accepted very favorably; but as it always happens, in a couple days the unrest calmed down. On the continent of Bersa laws were set by whoever had the power. There were no guilds around Fort Odein stronger than Prosperity Guild and their allies. And as the latter ones played a significant role in defense of Odein, Prosperity Guild was overlooking some of their whims. And if you didn't want to be pushed around, you had to join them.
Right after the announcement, Mavaros Guild started recruiting new members at the entrance to dungeon of Basra. They were able to drag a lot of players to their ranks.
"We should raise our levels more sometime later."
"See you around, Weed!"
After he parted with Hwaryung and Zephyr, Weed left Basra and made his way to the mission of Order of Freya, located inside the fort.
"What brings you here?"
In response to Priest's question Weed showed his hand wearing the High Priest's ring.
"I have come to use the portal."
"Oh! The savior of our order! We hoped you would visit us one day."
Priest grabbed Weed's palm with both hands and started shaking it in a fit of joy. Paladins of the Order came out to see the hero as well. One priestess exclaimed:
"Savior Weed! Our resident priestesses wanted to see you too. Would that be ok with you?"
Weed nodded and was instantly surrounded by lovely priestesses. Freya valued beauty, thus all the priestesses of her church were beauties with slim bodies, big bright eyes and white skin.
The lovely priestesses, humbled by the opportunity to meet and talk to Weed, sprinkled him with holy water and scattered with cheers.
You got Freya's Blessing
Defence +26%
Health regeneration speed increased by 26%
You are protected from dark magic, until holy water on your clothes dries.
Your stamina has increased. Increase in stamina may be utilised in various activities. For example, if you're an adult, you and your loved one can spend a wonderful time having... (TN: an afternoon cup of tea obviously)
Weed closed the message window.
The goddess' blessing was a step ahead from an ordinary blessing for donation. But it didn't please Weed too much as it would expire before he might need it.
"Show me the road to the portal."
"Fine. This way..."
The Priest slowly headed deep into the temple. There were few players permitted to use Freya's portals, so Weed didn't have to wait for his turn.
The portal's attendant asked:
"What's your destination?"
"Rosenheim Kingdom. Citadel of Serabourg."
"I'm opening the portal now."
Weed got bathed by the light from the portal.
"Buying items!"
"Who wants to go for a hunt? Looking for mages!"
"Master tracker here! Will find you any monster you want with my sense of smell. Choose whom you fight with yourself!"
Weed was yet again standing by the fountain at the Central Square of the Citadel. It took him almost a month to travel across Barkan Mountains to the British Confederacy, but he returned in a matter of seconds.
Rosenheim Kingdom!
"It's been a long time since the last time I was here." - muttered Weed after taking a look around the square.
People’s clothing became more diverse and colourful; their weapons were all new and shiny. A lot of things had changed and Weed didn't feel like he returned home at all.
"Weed!"
Pale, Surka, Romune and Iren were running towards him with happy faces.
"It's been ages!" - exclaimed Surka and tightly embraced Weed.
Romune and Irene soon followed their friend and clung to Weed's sides.
Weed got deeply moved, though only until he heard the girl's next words:
"Irene and Romune are terrible cooks. Weed, I wanted to see you again so much!"
"Surka!"
"Your Cooking skill! Did you raise it? Quick, make us something tasty... pretty please!"
"..."
It turned out that girls were stuck to him only because of his great cooking. Surka couldn't forget the taste of his dishes and was impatiently counting days awaiting their next meeting.
Having grasped the situation, Weed wasn't disappointed much. It was his first time seeing Pale and girls since they parted in Lavias.
"They're so pure... It's worth living in a world where people like them, who don't chase money and accept me as I am, still exist..."
Weed gave his friends a heart-warming smile and pulled out cooking utensils.
"So, today I'll make you pork fried in batter."
"Yay!"
Weed did his best to cook a serving for each of the four hungry friends. In just a minute their plates were empty again. Once satisfied, they switched their attention to Weed himself. Even though they've been exchanging 'whispers', it was their first time meeting in person after a long time, so they were dying to know all the details of Weed's adventures.
Weed made everyone some more food and started to leisurely retell the story of his travels.
"Eh! The most beautiful girl got turned into stone? I wish I could see all of that myself."
Irene was a priest, so she was very sorry she wasn't able to participate in the liberation of province of Mora.
"It's a shame my level was too low at that time, but now you can rely on me, Weed! With my level 220 I'll be handy for you Weed, as I'm sure you'll go hunting soon."
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." - said Weed.
"Oh!" - exclaimed Pale after remembering something. - "We often talk to Mapan. He's helping my parents a lot with advices and supplies for their shop.He told you were hunting in dungeon of Basra with Hwaryung."
"Yeah. That's true."
"Then your current level..."
It was obvious that Pale's was worrying, he didn't even finish his sentence.
Weed looked straight at him and gave an honest answer:
"259.