New Eden Live to Play, Play to Live

path, oh honorable mage. ” Astaroth answered, staying the most polite he could.

He knew from experience that mages could be fickle and that it was better to stay on their good side.

”Enter young man. I will aid you as best I can. ” The frail voice sounded as the door unlocked and opened itself.

Astaroth walked in slowly, taking in the surrounding sights. Books. Books everywhere.

The wall shelves, full to the brim. The floors, stacked to chest height. Tables and chairs full, with barely any room to move at all. Astaroth walked cautiously, making sure he didn step on any of these relics of knowledge.

No use in angering the mage at this point. He thought.

”In the backroom, young lad. Careful not to trip on anything, these books are precious. ” The frail voice sounded from a small door in the back of the room.

The door was open, with an old man leaning in on an old book, reading the page slowly and passionately. The old man barely raised his head from his lecture when Astaroth entered the room, going straight back to reading after a glance.

Astaroth patiently waited for the mage to finish his lecture before saying anything.

After a while, the old man finished his page and slowly closed his book.

”What is your moniker, young man? ” He asked, his sharp eyes now locked onto Astaroth.

”Pardon? ” Astaroth replied, a tad confused.

”Your name. What is it people call you? ” The mage reiterated, slightly annoyed.

”Ahh, excuse my lack of vocabulary, wise mage. My name is Astaroth. ” He replied, bowing slightly.

”And why do you wish guidance from this old mage, young Astaroth? ” The mage kept questioning him.

”I wish to embark on a great journey, but lack the knowledge and skills to do so. Would you be so kind as to guide me? ” Astaroth pleaded.

”Do you wish to embark on the path of magic, young adventurer? ” The mage questioned him.

”It is a possibility I can not rule out. ” Astaroth confidently said.

”Very well young man, but first, you will do something for me. ” The mage said, getting up.

”Yes, venerable sage. What is it you require me to do? ” Astaroth quickly replied.

”I ordered a new kettle from this darned blacksmith days ago, and have yet to receive it. Can you fetch it for me? Do so and I will teach you the ways of magic. ” The old man said, walking out of the backroom, towards his table.

The old man then grabbed a small pouch that clinked to the sound of coins and tossed it to Astaroth.

”Here, thats his payment. Give it to him and bring back my kettle. I haven had excellent tea in days, and its making me grouchy. ” The mage said, laughing softly.

As he finished his sentence, Astaroth got a system prompt.

*Quest received. Fetch the kettle for the old mage.*

*Rewards: opens up the magic skill tree, +5 reputation with the old mage.*

Astaroth grinned inwardly.

Yes, the first quest already. He thought.

”Yes, noble mage. I shall be on my way. ” Astaroth said, spinning around.

”Oh, and one last thing before you go. ” The old man added.

”Yes? ” Astaroth asked.

”Stop with the bootlicking. I ain no noble or venerable or whatever. Im just an old man with a knack for magic. No need to bootlick me. You
e only making me more grouchy. ” The mage said with a stern look.

”Yes, ven… err… what shall I call you then, sir? ” Astaroth awkwardly asked.

”Just call me sir, thatll do. ” The mage answered, waving his hand at him dismissively.

Astaroth quickly left the house after doing a curt bow. He took a quick pace to walk towards the forge.