Author’s note: First of all, I’ve made a blunder. Water step already became a skill in chapter 36, I fixed it.
Just in case you were confused.
This chapter presents you with a status of our little hero, one that hasn’t been shown for a long time.
I know update was supposed to be tomorrow, but I had some “inspiration” and boom, we have a chapter.
Hope none of you will complain about that 😛
Anyways, enough of the grumbling, enjoy the chapter.
Part three of the update, “Terms of Use and possible dangers.”
It’s time for the most important concern.
Health issues.
We’re receiving many complaints regarding users getting addicted, losing their sanity or shutting out.
Please don’t shift the blame on us.
Every single one of you, upon buying the product, was presented with a consent form, where these possible issues were listed.
Albatros Company is keeping these forms as records.
There are your signatures.
Unless it’s something completely unrelated to the terms presented in the form, we’re not going to compensate you in any way.
Please make sure that you’re taking care of your body and mental health properly.
Once again, while playing Loiterous, you can be affected by the following symptoms.
Addiction, causing insomnia or other sleep deprivation.
Mental suffering, mainly because of telepathy, which is unknown to us in our world.
New habits, as in looking for your sword’s hilt, checking your backpack or thinking of using inventory.
Shutting out due to stress, please take appropriate breaks to not crumble under pressure.
Lack of discern between two realities. Ensure yourself that what you’re doing is playing the game, not getting a second chance at life.
These are the main concerns you are listing when filing a complaint.
You can find a full list in the copy of a document you’ve signed.
Check the box down below if you’ve understood and still will to play the game.
…
Accepting all of these possible dangers to my life, I could finally log in.
Appearing in the staff room of the coliseum, I turned to look at my shoulder.
Familiar weight was there, sleeping.
Nudging the adorable little furball, I woke her up.
Nyu: Nyaa? What’s going o-
Icicle: My cute little familiar, I missed you!
Holding Nyu clsoe to my face with my right hand, I started rubbing against her soft white fur with my face.
Nyu: What are you doing you insolent human?!
*swoosh* *swoosh*
Painful red lines appeared on my face…
Nyu: You’re disappearing for almost two weeks without even giving me a chocolate stack to munch on! Hmph, impudent!
Icicle: Now, now, my adorable little furball, no need to get so upset. Here you go.
Withdrawing one of the chocolate bars, I broke a piece and handed it to Nyu.
Carret: Ekhm.
Hmm, is there someone else here?
Turning around I saw a female seated in an armchair.
Icicle: Are you… Saress’s attendant?
Carret: How impertinent, not even using honorifics! Tsk, tsk, plebeians… *sigh* That’s right, princess has ordered me to relay her message when you appear. Who would have thought that I would be stuck here for two whole weeks…
Plebeian, huh…
That’s new.
From a special kid to a commoner.
What a drop…
Icicle: So, Carret, what was the princess’s message? Anything importa-
Wait, what is this system message…?
Carret: Why are you stopping mid-sentence? You commoners really know no manners!
Icicle: Oh, I’m sorry, I just need to check something.
[System message]
We have forgotten to mention it in the update, but some of your stats have been reallocated due to inconsistencies in levels (you get some faster, and some other slower after changing the class). Most of you will see an increase in overall numbers. That’s all, enjoy the game, your favorite dev team ♥.
‘[Status]’
Name: Icicle Whitesnow
Health: 2340/2340 Mana: 38050/38050
Level: 45
Race: Human
Class: Water Manipulator
Subclass: Ice Lord, Enchanter
Alignment: House Whitesnow, Acquare
Titles: Lone Monster Hunter, Ancient Mage, Scion of Ice, Indomitable, Survivalist, Luck of the devil
Stats:
Strength: 95
Agility: 275
Dexterity: 90
Vitality: 234
Intelligence: 117
Wisdom: 725
Luck: 120
Charisma : 2511
Skills:
[Observe] Advanced lvl 4 19%
[Sense presence] Advanced lvl 3 23%
[One with water] Advanced lvl 1 15%
[Ice coating] Advanced lvl 1 35% [Unavailable]
[Mana manipulation] Advanced lvl 4 35% [Unavailable]
[Ice breath*] Master, mastery 3%
[Water whip] Advanced lvl 1 32% [Unavailable]
[Purified water] Advanced lvl 1 32% [Unavailable]
[Cure poison**] Master, mastery 1%
[Water prison] Beginner lvl 5 80% [Unavailable]
[Rain of healing] Intermediate level 1 41% [Unavailable]
[Frost barrier] Master, mastery 2% (Toggle)
[Realm of frost] (Passive)
[Bloodlust] (Passive)
[Willpower] (Passive)
[Ancient teachings]:
[Ice Spear] Beginner lvl 2 15% [Unavailable]
[Pillar of Ice] Beginner lvl 1 89% [Unavailable]
[Gliding step] Beginner lvl 3 20% [Unavailable]
[Ice Wall] Beginner lvl 1 12% [Unavailable]
[Entomb] Beginner lvl 1 23% [Unavailable]
[Ice storm] Beginner lvl 1 44% [Unavailable]
Self-invented spells:
[Aqua strangle]
[Fountain of youth]
[Water step]
[Gigantic Ice Hammer] [Combo]
[Three-staged shower] [Combo]
[Steam geyser] [Combo]
[Water domain]
Special effects:
[Charisma] – stat signifying your nobility and prestige. Increases influence on nobles, persuasion and leadership skills.
[Essence of Water] – Ice and Water magic does 200% damage and lasts twice as long. Support types of magic have their effects doubled.
[Frost Aura] – Increases ice magic’s damage by additional 10%.
[Enhanced Light’s baptism] – increases your body’s toughness, speed and strength, provides slight bonuses to wisdom and intelligence. Mana regeneration -80%, all bone fractures, bleedings and every other type of crippling becomes more severe.
…what the actual fuck?!
Sure, this enormous amount of mana, 50 per a point in wisdom and +1800 from Ice Lord title is super cool and all, but what the fuck are these “unavailable” skills?!
Some of them seem to have turned into other category, like [Ice breath], for example.
Why do I feel like this nerf is more than it should be…?!
This is irking me so much….!
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Carret: Princess wishes to see you. That’s basically what she said. Now that I’m done, I’m going home.
…
Carret: Oi, are you listening to me, plebeian?
*rumble* *rumble*
Ufufufufu, come here, little developers, come to DADDY, I’ll have WORDS with you!
Carret: C-Calm down, pl-please.
Nerfing early game?
You little shits, that’s totally destroying whatever progress I have made so far…!
My killing aura was rising and rising, seemingly without ever stopping.
*bang*
The door opened and hit the wall.
Frizz: What’s going on?
Kylt: Everyone okay here?
Frizz: What are you doing kid, stop making us worry… Mind repressing this killing aura of yours? Some people outside are terrified, okay?
I couldn’t even comprehend what they were saying.
My mind was focusing on a one single thing.
*crack* *snap*
My hands itch so much…!
First this ridiculous jail time, as if I’m some kind of convict, then it’s the fucking game ruining update…!
I’m so going to lose myself in a second…!
*swipe* *smack* *thud*
Nyu: What the hell are you pondering about, impudent, cheeky human?! Give me the next piece of my chocolate, I got hypoglycemia from those two weeks of sugar depravation!
The force behind the swipe that hit me was so powerful that my entire body made a hole in the floor.
[System message]
-2000 hp
Stunned for 3 seconds
…okay. That’s some nice biceps you have, Nyu…
All my raging momentum was gone, with it the vengeful thoughts dispersed.
I just couldn’t get mad at this adorable white furball.
Icicle: Here you go, say *ahhh*.
Looking around, I realized Frizz and Kylt were in the room.
Icicle: Hey guys, what are you doing here…?
Frizz: That’s what we would like to ask you, your killing aura was seeping through the walls man. I could even feel some tremors, just what in the world were you thinking about?
Icicle: Oh that…, I’m sorry, I had a rough patch lately. Somehow it got to me and had to be released. But it’s okay, my cute familiar calmed me down.
I couldn’t help rubbing my face against Nyu’s soft, white fur.
Kylt: We were talking with the Mercenaries and they’re on board.
At least this goes well for me…
Icicle: How about merchants, any news?
Frizz: That will take a little bit longer… if you had support from someone important that would be easier… you know how it is.
Icicle: Fine, I get it. Setting up a caravansary isn’t easy. I’ll talk with some people, maybe this will help.
Kylt: You’ve been gone for around two weeks, don’t disappear like that on us again. We kind of need you in this whole… investment.
These two are so… devious.
Perfect subordinates, fufufu.
Icicle: So far it has only been me who has been investing. All you did was waste some time, don’t grumble like that. I’ll set it up. At least I’ll try, pinky promise.
Frizz: Sounds good to me. Okay kid, we’ll get going, if you need us for anything, you know where to find us.
Yeah, it’s not like you leave the coliseum’s premises…
Icicle: Sure, Frizz, Kylt, take care.
Turning around, I saw trembling Carret.
What happened to her, did she see a ghost or something?
Icicle: Umm, are you okay?
Carret: I-I’m f-fine, sir.
That’s definitely weird, why is she suddenly so polite…?
Eshel: *What are you wondering about, kiddo? That girl is scared, isn’t it obvious?*
Haha, so it was my fit of rage that scared her…
Icicle: *Nice to see you too, Eshel. I kind of missed you recently buddy.*
Eshel: *Now, now, we’re not a couple. You’ve been gone for a long ass time. Not like it’s that bad, your body has absorbed some of the [Light’s baptism]. Enough of chit-chat, get to work.*
No wonder my stats seemed kind of higher.
Still, for that amount of suffering, I would rather earn it myself.
Icicle: *Sir, yes sir!*
Gesturing Carret to sit down, I took another chair and this time asked gently.
Icicle: Miss Carret, what did princess want from me?
Carret: Y-You really haven’t been listening…? *sigh* Why does it always have to be me… All the princess said is that she wants to meet with you immediately. It just so happened that you took almost two entire weeks…
*tremble* *shake*
Don’t look at me like that, it’s not my fault she’s quivering!
Is Carret worried about her job or something…?
Icicle: Umm, if you’re worried about your job or anything, I’ll talk with Saress, don’t be so scared, okay?
Carret: S-Saress?! How can you call the princess so casually…? Even after what you did to her…!
Covering your mouth now won’t make me “unhear” all of that…
Icicle: Princess told you about our little incident?
Carret: N-No, she didn’t… I-I…
Someone has been naughty.
Icicle: Well, I guess servants and maids have their way of acquiring information. I won’t judge you. I did what I thought was right at the moment. Was it really right? No, it wasn’t. However, as you can probably imagine, when your mind is clouded by rage, you’re not really thinking clearly. Do you mind waiting around 15 minutes? I’ll take you to the castle.
Carret: I can get there myself, no need.
Carret stood up and was about to walk out pompously.
*grab*
Carret: What are you grabbing my hand for, plebeian?
Whoops, she’s back to her usual self.
Icicle: Don’t be like that, I’m trying to apologize here, okay? I’m not going to hurt you, jeez…
Carret: Hmph, not like I have a choice…
Is she kinky or something? No wonder rape happens in this world, these people imagine it all the time…
Icicle: *How are you doing, big crow?*
Zetra: *Master, you’re alive!*
Pfffft!
I can’t believe he’s so happy…!
Icicle: *I need a professional flying taxi to get me to the princess’s castle. Can you come and pick me up? I’m in the coliseum.*
Zetra: *Of course master, right away!*
Icicle: Stop fidgeting like this and come outside. You’ll feel more secure there, won’t you?
Carret: …
Walking outside the coliseum, I waited around 10 minutes for Zetra.
This guy really has step up with his speed.
Zetra: I’m here Master!
Like the other time, all people were glancing at Zetra who was bowing to me with one wing, as if he was a gentleman…
That bowing, humble posture lasted around a second, then this overgrown crow proceeded to show off his wingspan to the public.
Ohhs and ahhhs, were uttered left and right.
A lot of people started to move towards our direction, visibly interested in what’s happening.
Patting Zetra’s head a little, I and Carret seated ourselves up on a Griffon.
Icicle: Enough of the show, Zetra, we can all see that you’ve gotten better at showing off, let’s go.
Zetra: Hehe, I’m glad you like it, Master.
What have I turned my bird into…
Icicle: Are you okay, Carret? Not going to fall?
Carret: Hmph, you’re holding me so tightly to yourself that even if I wanted to commit suicide, I couldn’t!
Icicle: Come on, that’s for your safety, princess would be really pissed if something happened to you…
Carret: Yeah, yeah, it has nothing to do with your sexual urges. Tell me more of these made-up stories!
I’m sure that if Zetra was human, I would be able to see a sheepish smile on his face.
Not that I can on his orange beak…
I didn’t know what to say and the atmosphere became quite… awkward, to say the least.
That’s when someone came to my rescue…
*jump*
Carret: Huh? What’s on my head?
Nyu leaped from my shoulder onto Carret’s head…
Is she trying to get a nest or something?
Carret: Look at you, such a cute, adorable white thing. Where did you come from?
Icicle: She’s my companion. Her name’s Nyu.
Carret: Your companion my ass, there’s no way you could have cute one like that.
I think Carret tried to tickle Nyu, but that’s when she strated grumbling.
Nyu: Human, give me chocolate, I’m still lacking sugar!
Carret: You heard the boss, give her sugar!
Why did she suddenly accept that fact so easily…?
I can’t keep up with women.
Icicle: Here, both of you get irritated so easily…
*munch* *munch*
Right after eating the chocolate, Nyu fell asleep.
Does she really have nothing to do?
Well, I know nothing about her, I should probably stay quiet until I learn more about this overpowered furball.
While Nyu was sleeping comfortably in Carret’s arms, we have reached our destination, Saress’s castle.
…
Princess Saress’s POV, inside the castle, princess’s bedroom.
How long do I have to wait for this twerp to show up?!
Hylzar is waiting as well, thinking that I’ve duped him!
*sigh* Even Carret is staying there, I can’t even use her services…
I’ll go crazy if this keeps up…
*knock* *knock*
Princess Saress: Come in.
*click*
Carret: Hello, princess. I’ve come bearing good news, your guest is here.
Princess Saress: Thank you Carret.
For some reason, I felt my face squeeze out a smile.
Icicle: Hello princess, how do you do?
I was about to answer, when he turned to Carret.
Icicle: Give me my companion back.
Carret: What…?! No, she’s staying with me now! Shoo, shoo!
Icicle: Give her back, please.
Carret: No, she’s mine now!
These two started quarreling about something…
*sigh* Not only did I have to wait for so long, but now I have to put up with this shit!
Princess Saress: Both of you, stop it. What are you arguing about? That ugl-
Icicle’s sudden movement surprised me.
Appearing behind me, his right hand landed on my mouth to suppress my voice.
When I started squirming, he whispered into my ear.
Icicle: *What are you saying, you idiot?! Do you want to get us all killed?!*
Huh? What is he talking about, how can some furball kil-
‘Hylzar: These beings were at least level 3000…’
Old man Hylzar indeed said something like that.
Glancing at Icicle, I shook my head, nodding, to signal that I’m calm.
Icicle: Now, give her back, Carret, I don’t have all day.
Carret: Hmph, in your dreams!
Icicle: I tried to be polite… *sigh* [Ice breath]
Cold air with shards of ice and snow enveloped Carret’s lower half.
Carret became an ice statue from her feet to her torso.
Even her arms were somewhat frozen.
Walking slowly, Icicle took the white furred thingy, released Carret from the ice and sat down on one of the luxurious chairs.
Icicle: So, princess, what did you want to talk about?
As impudent as ever…
Princess Saress: Carret, leave us two alone please.
Carret: Y-Yes, princess. I’ll get back at you, Icicle!
*click*
Princess Saress: What did you do to rile her up so much? Usually she’s calm and collected…
Icicle: I don’t know… First I was enraged, so some of my killing aura seeped through the walls, she was standing next to me trembling. When I came to, I tried to reassure her, but she was scared of you punishing her… At least that’s what I think it was.
Me? Punishing Carret? What for?
Princess Saress: Whatever… Carret has nothing to do with you being late, why would I punish her? Speaking of which, where the hell have you been?
Icicle: I’ve been busy. What did you need? I apologize for leaving you mid-sentence like that, but I didn’t have a choice. That’s all I can tell you. Please don’t ask what exactly have I been doing because I’m still sour about that whole… incident.
Incident? What on earth? That’s your excuse?!
Princess Saress: What could be so important that you’ve been gone for two weeks!
Icicle: To be exact, time in my world flows three times slower, so I’ve been gone only for 4 days… thus, making it around 12-13 days here. Instead of trying to be nosy, why don’t you tell me what have you summoned me here for? Is it about the papers?
… this guy is so clueless.
I’m about to flip here, strangle him with my bare hands, and Icicle’s like “Oh, what a bummer that I couldn’t come, how about you tell me now?” ughhhhhhhhhh!
*shake*
Princess Saress: You don’t even realize how much I want to smack you right now. Sock you right in the face…!
Icicle: Why don’t you do it then…? I’m sure a girl’s punch doesn’t even hurt that bad…
*swoosh* *swoosh*
Blood was spilling from Icicle’s mouth and nose.
Icicle: What the hell was that? Are you on steroids or something? That one-two hurt like hell!
That was so satisfying! Not only have I vented my frustration, but I could see that twerp so shocked, what a great day to be alive!
I sat down on my chair, relieved of all the accumulated stress.
Princess Saress: We should do that some other time. It felt great!
Icicle: I think I’ll pass.
Fufufu.
Princess Saress: Alright then, you little twerp, to the point now. I’ve summoned you because I wanted to talk with you. The papers were already done, they were about to be handed to you as well, but that’s not the case. Old man Hylzar, one of the greatest mages in our kingdom, would like to take you in as a personal disciple. I promised I would have some words with you regarding this issue. So, without stalling, what do you think? Would you like to enter old man Hylzar’s prestigious academy?
*silence*
Icicle: Mmm, that sounds great, Saress, it really does, but I can’t just stroll in there without consulting my current guildmaster first.
Huh?
Princess Saress: Your guildmaster? You do belong to a Mage Guild?
Icicle: Of course I do, how else could I become a mage?
Princess Saress: You could have just learned the trade and left, you know…
Icicle: Really? I didn’t know that. Anyways, I had no reason to leave, I’ve been granted with quite a lot, being an S rank or whatever helps out a lot.
S rank? So he beat a teacher while being just a student? What the heck!
Princess Saress: You’re… special. How much time do you need for these “consultations”?
Icicle: I should be done by tomorrow. Do you want to set up another meeting?
Princess Saress: Yes, I’ll call old man Hylzar too. Just get here on time, okay?
Icicle: Ceirtainly, princess.
Princess Saress: Don’t think I haven’t noticed that nonchalant “Saress” of yours.
Making a curtsey, Icicle proceeded with his improper talk.
Icicle: Fufufu, my apologies, your highness.
Princess Saress: And where are you going?
Icicle: I told you, I need to talk it out with my guildmaster firs-
Princess Saress: That’s not what I mean, you twerp, here, your ownership papers.
Icicle: Fufufu.
Princess Saress: What are you giggling for, hm?
Icicle: Nothing much, you’re just so charming, princess, that I even forgot to get the documents from you, hahaha.
*click*
Closing the door, troublemaker left me alone in my bedroom.
Just who the hell have I become friends with….
…
Icicle’s POV
With the papers in hand, I’ve become the sole owner of the lands in 10km radius of Zaryoux Temple.
There’s an annex to it, saying that I have to pay 1000 gold coins monthly, as a tribute to the great leader, Saress.
This girl knows how to evaluate herself.
No matter, with that covered, I flew towards the birth of a, now not so great, Icicle – Starting Area!
Rebirth Online World 