Everwood (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure, page 1
Everwood
The Weight Of It All
A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
Book 3
J.J. Thorn
Everwood: The Weight of it all
Copyright @2021 by J. J. Thorn
All rights reserved.
This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this book are fictional.
This book is dedicated to my brother. Whether it was playing and learning new games together or depending on each other through tough times, I appreciate that you’ll always have my back. Love you.
A shout out to everyone who gave books 1 and 2 a chance also. The positivity I’ve received has helped me more than you know. I read your reviews and especially your messages. If I haven’t said it already, thank you. It means a lot.
Table of Contents
Prologue – Capital(ize)
Chapter 1 - Training
Chapter 2 – Weapons
Chapter 3 – Balance
Chapter 4 – Quena & Kio
Chapter 5 – Interlude – (G/P)ain
Chapter 6 - Goal
Chapter 7 – Projection Plates
Chapter 8 – Jen
Chapter 9 – Lenny
Chapter 10 – Interlude – Blood
Chapter 11 – Presents
Chapter 12 – Rats!
Chapter 13 – Next
Chapter 14 – Inside
Chapter 15 – Reaction
Chapter 16 – Reckless
Chapter 17 – Interlude – Payment
Chapter 18 – Outmatched
Chapter 19 – Acorns
Chapter 20 – Acorns Part 2
Chapter 21 – Distraction
Chapter 22 – Loot
Chapter 23 – Baby Steps
Chapter 24 – Jump
Chapter 25 – Interlude – Dreelon
Epilogue – Happy
Glossary of Characters
Thank you for reading
Prologue – Capital(ize)
A group of men stood around a table, silent, as they waited for the rest of their group to join.
A woman appeared and stepped into place.
Still, no one spoke.
One man stood away from the table, watching each of the council members, one by one, until all ten spots were filled.
"You’re not the only one with obligations, Stewart!" one man said as the last man appeared. His face was long and sagging from age.
Several members around the table sighed, unable to hold themselves back.
The last to arrive did not speak as he motioned to the man standing away from the table to begin.
Moments passed as the man used a Skill, and Energy started to surround the council members in a shimmering dome.
The dome was completed, and no sooner did the first man begin speaking.
"You know we can't take the risk of people hearing our discussions without the dome, you old fool! We've all agreed to the terms! If you can't follow those simple guidelines, I will be the first to petition for you to leave the council," a man wearing several layers hissed towards the old man.
"Don't address me, you filthy creature. When I see Alister next, I plan on asking him to improve these blasted plates. I don't want to have to look at your accursed faces," the old man replied.
"You humans think you're so glorious. Women of my race would gladly eat their firstborn child before attempting to mate with any of you," the covered man hissed back.
"Racial tensions can wait for another day. These projections take considerable funds to keep running. We've agreed to share the cost, but I am not here to waste money on your squabbling. Especially when part of that money goes to Alister," one of the women interjected.
"Ever the peacekeeper. No wonder your business has been lagging the last dozen or so years, Moira," another man scoffed.
"Some of us don't need to resort to trickery or thievery to do business. Rather, we build relationships and trust. It may not always lead to the highest profits, but I also don't have to worry about a knife in my back. What about you, Landis? I hope you have a station of guards at your back. You never know when I might send a present," Moira said, staring across the table at the other man.
A younger man laughed. "Moments into the conversation, and we're already at each other's throats. This is exactly why we need a war! Everyone's too on edge!"
"That is an odd way to think about it, but I agree with the boy. We have something to discuss. Let's stop wasting time," another man joined in.
"Agreed," Stewart Teller stated, causing the rest of the group to back down. There was no dispute; this was Stewart's council meeting.
"Okay, now that that's settled," another woman started. "We can confirm that the Dungeon in Newtown has successfully collapsed. The town has been forced to evacuate, and thousands have died. The prince has received the core and is expected to join a Prep soon."
"I take it the man who got us this information has been dealt with? We can't have this being placed on any of us. Some of us have enough to deal with already," Landis responded. His eyes darted to Moira momentarily.
"We can confirm that 'Clyde' no longer exists,” the woman continued. “His mission was invaluable to our cause, but we believe the king and his attendants know by now. You don't need to worry, though. 'Clyde' played his role perfectly, letting them know about the Dungeon and providing us valuable information."
"Those fools. This was way too easy!" The young man interjected again as he started to laugh.
Several members looked at Stewart to see his reaction, but he remained silent as he waited.
Eventually, the woman cleared her throat and started again.
"Continuing on, Moira, have you been able to speak with the Guild Master?"
"Yes, he has agreed to create the mandate that any registered Dungeoneers must participate in any military action that could impact the Kingdom. He required several financial incentives, but he understands that these are uncertain times, and it is in the best interest of the realm," Moira responded.
"Good, thank you. Simon, has Tandor made any moves?"
"Yes, of course.” Simon fought down a smirk. “Both kingdoms are posturing. It has always been this way. The last war was horrible—no one could make a decision! They won't be the first to attack but they’re preparing."
"And, Sly, what of the Azara? Will they side with Tandor this time?"
"Without a doubt," the covered man responded.
The woman turned to face Stewart. "Then, Stewart, I advise we move to the second part of the plan. Prost won't attack without provocation, and Tandor won't attack first."
The room stopped as they turned their attention to him as well.
No sound was heard as the dome blocked any outside noise from intruding on their conversation.
"It can't be the Capital," Stewart finally said. "That will cripple our trade routes and do us harm in the short term also. We'll move ahead with the plan in the agreed city. Sly, coordinate with Asher to procure men for the Dive. Expect increased security as each town prepares for the worst."
Sly nodded.
"I don't need to explain the significant profits we are expected to gain if this goes to plan. Our earnings have all decreased as both kingdoms repair what was lost in the last war. Weapons, food, equipment, and resources—They are all sold and distributed by the men and women around this table. We are the backbone of this continent." Stewart looked around at his group of gathered merchants.
He stopped talking as the rest of the council went through more housekeeping duties. Each member took charge of a part of the continent's goods distribution, with Stewart Teller leading them all.
Other merchants existed, but most answered to the men and women around the table.
Stewart Teller's council.
*****
Hours passed before the dome of Energy was removed and projections around the room started to disappear. Stewart stayed behind as he motioned for the young man at the table to stay back as well.
"Thank you, Rick. Your payment will be sent as normal. You may leave now, thank you," Stewart addressed the man who had created and preserved the dome throughout.
"Yes, sir." The man bowed his head and walked out of the room.
"Those blasted Azara. Must we keep that thing at the table, Dad? I feel unnerved every time it speaks," Asher Teller spoke from across the table.
"You will learn to tolerate and deal with their presence. The Azara are the reason we have been able to find so many cores, leading to the wealth we have today. A better mystery is why you continue to make a fool of yourself in these meetings? You speak out of turn often and refuse to provide anything of value. You are here to learn and listen, not to provide a comedy show for the others around the table," Stewart said, looking at his oldest son.
"It was just a bit of fun. I simply followed in the footsteps of that old man," Asher responded, straightening his back and laughing.
"That old man has been supplying goods to both kingdoms since before you were born two times over! He has earned the right to speak out of turn. You continue to act like a beast with no brains and you'll start to make me look like a fool for continuing to let you stay!" Stewart yelled.
Asher cowered. "I’m sorry! I meant no harm."
"How could there be any harm? They refuse to say anything because I am here! Without me, you would lose every one of them, and then you would have lost everything. They would steal our trade partners, ransack our warehouses, and flip anyone to their side at the slightest show of weakness. My presence is the only thing keeping them in check. Your brother understood this and how to deal with people. You, however, never learned."
"I have many gifts Zane never did! He was the ‘golden child’, given everything he ever needed."
"Your brother worked harder than any of you to earn that title. For all his faults, your brother was the best among you. If his Affinity had been different, you would have been stuck on the Southern Isles trading slaves. You are here because a twist of fate made you the second-best choice. That is the single reason you're here. Remember, I have two other children who make a fine third and fourth-best choice. I entrusted the main task to you and Sly, so do not fail. Prove to the rest that you can handle this responsibility once I am gone. Prove it to yourself. Prove it to me."
"I will, Father. I will! Still, must it be the Everwood?" Asher's face was red with anger as he listened to his father's words. He, however, chose to keep his thoughts silent.
"Yes, it must. It needs to be close enough to the Kingdom to feel like a real threat while also happening in a large enough city to cause mayhem. Once William hears the Azara took part, along with the discussions that are already happening with the Kingdom of Tandor, he won't hesitate to attack. William has been hoping for another war ever since the last one ended. He can't know we orchestrated this, but he'll be happy to follow along once everything falls into place."
"I'll get it done, Father. Who knows, maybe I'll even give little brother a visit," Asher laughed in derision.
"Focus on your task. Your last attempt to send half-baked bandits was mistake enough," Stewart said, causing a look of shock to appear on Asher's face.
"It didn't work, and I was forced to intervene to tie up loose ends for you. Don't cause unnecessary suspicion that could put everything I've worked for in jeopardy. Focus on the larger plan. Do well, and you'll cement yourself on the council. Earn the right to take over for the Teller family in the future. Prove that you are better than your brother without resorting to trickery. Be the son I know you can be and make me proud. I will deal with Zane on my own time."
Chapter 1 - Training
"WAKE UP!" someone yelled in my ear.
"What? What's wrong?!" I shot up from my sleeping position. The unexpected nature of it all wasn't appreciated as I looked at Zane. He had been the one to wake me up, obviously, but that didn't make it any better.
"Nothing's wrong, we just have our workout with the girls. I've been trying to wake you up nicely for five minutes. It was either let you miss it or yell in your ear. And I'm not going to lie to you, I made the right choice." He put on the last of his clothes. By the looks of it, he was ready to get going. He sported a slightly smug face as he started to get his bag ready for class afterwards.
"Ugh. Yeah, that. I shouldn't skip it, but my body is telling me that I don't need it." I groggily sat up again as I started to probe my body.
I had spent hours working with my Rank 2 Skill last night, and the constant Energy drain had taken a toll on me. My body was sore, and my head still had the remnants of a headache. Professor Valk and Wilks both said that there were consequences to Energy Burnout, and I felt the aftereffects of my decision for sure.
I had gone into Burnout countless times with my Rank 1 Skill, but my Energy was so low that it probably didn't have the same risk.
I'm okay though...I think.
"You know you'll regret it if you miss today. Just get up and push through. What time did you get back last night? I stayed up late reading and didn't even hear you come in."
"I checked coming in, and it was well past midnight. I just couldn't stop. I think I figured out my Rank 2 Skill a bit. It's still early days, but I finally used it without completely passing out."
"Good for you buddy, that explains why you were so out of it in Dungeoneering yesterday. We can talk about it on the way, but we've really got to go. Are you coming or not?" He smiled, happy for my achievement, but he was eager to head off.
We were all successful in our choice of classes. Well, for the most part.
Because of our choices, most of us ended up having several afternoon and evening classes throughout the week. In fact, aside from our regular General Magic class with Professor Valk on Mondays, most of us had every other morning off.
Cassie couldn't get out of her one other morning class on Wednesdays, but that still meant we all had Tuesday-Friday together.
With our plan working, we made a goal to workout every morning together. Jen and I would still find time to spar or train, but this time worked for everyone.
So now, as I regretted giving myself only a few hours of sleep, I decided that there was no way I could miss our first workout of the semester.
"Yes, give me a couple. I wouldn't miss it." I swung my legs around, stood up, and started to get dressed.
I didn't bother packing a bag. Zane had Monster Behaviour in the afternoon, but I had my first Weapons Training class. I would bring something to take some notes, but I didn't expect to need it much.
We grabbed what we needed and headed out of the dorms.
"Quick Exhaust before we reach the field?" Zane asked as we left the dorm. He was referring to our regular practice of trying to use our Rank 1 Skills as much as possible right at the beginning of the day.
"Nah, you go. I'll use my Skill, but not until we get there. I wanna try and use my Skill during the workout."
"How so?"
"I am glad you asked, my blonde-haired friend!" Zane sighed as I started to relay some of my discoveries from the previous evening. Zane hadn't been on board for my explanations initially, but he was keen to help me out by the end of it.
I told him everything, from my initial failures to my somewhat successes at the end. By the time I finished the story, we reached the field, and the girls were already there waiting.
"Hurry up!” Britta yelled. “Cassie almost ditched when she saw you guys weren't here."
"I just don't know why we have to do this today," Cassie said dejectedly.
"Oh, Cass, you'll be fine,” Jen said. “You promised to put in the work when we got back from the hunting trip. You have tomorrow morning off, so that means today is the day." She gave Cassie a side hug. She smiled and started to jostle her from side to side, which made her giggle slightly.
"Ha-ha. Oh, stop, you. You win. There's no need for that," Cassie laughed sarcastically, but still smiled from Jen's antics.
"So, who's leading today?” Zane asked. “We all took General Training, but one of us should lead the training. We can even switch daily."
"One of you take today,” I said. “I'll grab Friday. I need to get ready first, so you start, and I'll catch up." I sat down immediately and started trying to concentrate. I needed to relax and get into the same headspace I'd done yesterday—
"Ren, what are you doing?" Jen asked from above my head as she finally got my attention.
"Huh, what do you mean?" I asked as the rest of them all started to laugh.
"You did it again. You went into your head and just left. How about you tell us what you're planning to do first because right now it looks like you're just going to sit it out while the rest of us do laps..."
Darn, I did it again.
"Oh, yeah, sorry. I'm planning to use my Rank 2 Skill while I'm training, but it takes me some time to get it ready. I'll probably be behind all of you today, but I'll be participating, I promise!"
They all laughed a bit more before moving ahead with the training. Jen decided to lead for today and she pushed everyone to start doing laps.
I put myself back into a comfortable position and prepared myself mentally. It took longer than the previous night because of all the distractions. Still, I was able to feel my Energy flowing after what felt like ten minutes.
With that in place, I used my Rank 1 Skill.
‘View Weight’.
180 pounds!
Like last night, I used more Energy to make it last longer. I waited another ten minutes and then used my Rank 2 Skill.
‘Increase Weight’.
Today, my weight increased to 430 pounds before it eventually stopped. I was left with a bit more Energy as well since my Energy reserves had risen slightly.
