The first hub city.

As the world began to form around me, I found myself standing on a wide road. Greystone bricks were cut perfectly and placed into a tight pattern. The road had the slightest of curves, creating a round shape that allowed the rainwater to drain to the sides. About a meter from either side, a waist-high stone fence ran along the length, and beyond that, miles and miles of farmland.

On one side, a large field of wheat stretched out into the distance, flowing with the gentle curves of the land. Its golden colour shining in the warm sun. On the other side, orchards of every variety filled the landscape.

I closed my eyes and tested my new senses. After some concentrating, I began to notice the distinct smell of apples. But also of oranges and grapes. I stood there with my eyes closed, in the middle of the road, taking in these smells. Suddenly, a sharp sting to my rear made me jump with a cute yelp. I looked around to see who hit me and saw a large cart drive away from me. Getting up from his leaned down position, was a man in his mid-twenties. The grin on his face told me that he was the one who slapped me.

"Eyes on the road missy, someone might run into you."

Not one to let such a thing go unanswered, I took off after him. Luckily, the cart travelled at a leisurely pace, so I caught up with no trouble. When I reached the rear, I leapt up in an attempt to land on the cloth-covered cargo. My new cat-like agility made it look effortless, and grabbing the railing I landed with a graceful arc on the back. I walked to the front, making sure to strut a bit to show off as the man looked with both amusement and impression at my antics.

I plopped down next to him, close enough to be in arms reach, and leaned back against the backrest. All the while, the man had not taken his eyes off me, nor did his cocky grin leave his face.

"Eyes on the road mister, Someone might run into you."

The man laughed loudly when he heard his own words thrown back at him. He gave me a quick wink before he turned his gaze forward. While he drove, I had a good chance to really look at him.

He was in his mid-twenties, as I saw, and had a handsome build. His short hair was cut to accentuate his face, and his warm eyes and relaxed smile made it easy to let your guard down. On a hunch, I decided to inspect him, to see what I would find out.

Travelling merchant. (NPC)

Level: 10

Race: human.

Gender: male.

Class: merchant.

This merchant travels from town to town, selling his wares to whoever is interested.

"Well, that was straightforward." I thought to myself. "At least I know he is going to a town." My thoughts where cut-off when he spoke up.

"If you wanted to know more about me, you could have just asked. People might take offence when you do that."

I had the decency to look ashamed at being caught. But in my defence, that had never happened so far.

"Sorry. A **** of habit I picked up in other sessions."

He looked at me intently, the relaxed smile never leaving his face, but his eyes had an intensity that belied his easygoing appearance.

"Just make sure you are careful when you do that. Higher-level players and NPC's can detect it, and most don't take kindly to being spied upon."

I just nodded to show my understanding and continued to look at my surroundings instead. The countryside around me was a picturesque collection of outstretched farmlands and orchards. The merchant told me that it all served to feed the inhabitants of the large city he was travelling to, and it stretched out for miles and miles in every direction. After an hour of watching the nearly identical trees and fields roll by, I believed him. The sweet smell of various fruits and the warm sun shining down on me made me tired, and at some point, I must have dozed off. One second I was staring at the landscape, and the next I was lying curled into a ball with my head in the merchant's lap. I wondered how that happened, and the clock on my interface told me two hours had passed Before a message appeared.

You have awoken from a catnap.

Taking a short sleep in the warm afternoon sun has restored some of your health and energy.

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"Of course." I thought " I had already forgotten about that particular trait of my new race. I was too caught up in the heightened senses and improved reflexes, that I forgot about this part. My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a pleasant sensation under my chin. My head was still rested in the young merchant's lap, and he was using one of his hands to scratch me like you would a cat. And God did it feel nice.

"Welcome back kitty cat. You drifted off there for a while."

I was unable to respond at the moment, My new body clearly had the same weaknesses that normal cats had, and I was thoroughly enjoying them right now. The merchant raised his other hand and pointed towards something in front of him.

"It's good that you're awake though, you might not want to miss this part of the journey."

I, reluctantly, raised my head to look towards where he was pointing, and my jaw dropped as I took in the sight.

We were just cresting the top of a hill, and we had a nice view of what was in the valley below us. And what a view it was.

A huge city was sprawled across the land in front of us. It rose and fell as the many, many buildings followed the hills and valleys of the landscape.

Thousands, if not tens of thousands, buildings spread before my eyes. Suddenly, the seemingly endless fields of farmland didn't look so absurd. I was briefly reminded of my history lessons, and how in ancient times, the city of Rome had grown so large that food had to be imported from all over the republic.

Dotted throughout the countless houses stood a myriad collection of buildings, each imposing and grand in their own way.

Located in the middle of a large square was what could only be described as a cathedral. Elegant spires reached towards the sky, showing off the influence of every known deity in the game.

Elsewhere, a series of buildings stood together in a carefully maintained park. Each building was uniquely designed, and it was almost as if the architects competed to see who could create the most unique building, without it breaking the overall look of the complex.

And in the centre of the city, on a hill, stood an imposing building of white stone and gold details. It was large, it radiated power, and it was the unmistakeable seat of power.

All the way in the distance, I could see the setting sun reflect off the calm blue waters of a bay. Dozens of ships of all sizes were scattered over the surface, and the bay itself was lined by docks and piers, each servicing a ship in some way. On either side, flanking the bay, were two elegantly constructed lighthouses.

"Quite a sight huh?"

I had difficulty looking away from the spectacle to look at the merchant beside me. I could only nod, rendered speechless for the moment by what I saw.

"Yeah, most new players have that reaction when they first see it. You might want to set a day aside to explore it, there are lots to see, if you take the time to look for it."

We were approaching the outskirts of the city, and the merchant fell in line with the dozens of other carts carrying their wares into the city.

"So, while we wait for our turn to enter, let us talk about a small compensation for hitching a ride with me."

I turned away from looking at the various carts, my mind already going over potential things to steal, and looked at the young merchant next to me.

"Over in the harbour district, there is a warehouse belonging to a major trading company. I and my fellow small-time merchants would be very happy if something happened to it."

I raised an eyebrow, and one of my new cat ears twitched at the unsubtle double meaning behind his words.

"We don't care how or what. Just take a look, and see what sort of mess you can make. Obviously, anything you find along the way is yours for the taking. If you would be so kind as to do that, I consider the lift I gave you fully repaid."

I thought for a second about the offer. On one hand, it sounded like a simple job, and those big companies often had loads of stuff lying around. On the other, security could be high, VERY high, depending on how big a company we're talking about. And they rarely treat thieves with kindness. There was also another option, he was quite a handsome man, and I kept an eye on the time. I had to find someone to fuck to keep the Lechurous debuff away. I leaned closer to him, and in an act of boldness, placed my hand on his crotch.

"Are you sure that is the only way I can repay you? I'm sure we can find something else that would benefit us both."

To my surprise, he took my hand and pushed me away. That as not the kind of reaction I was going for.

"Maybe if you succeed in my little request. Prove that you can do this, and then we will have something to celebrate over."

He raised his other hand, and held it towards me, waiting for me to shake it. I looked at the outstretched hand for a few moments, as I weighed the pro's and cons in my mind before I took it, giving him a firm handshake.

"You have a deal mister. I'll see what I can do about that warehouse as soon as I found a place to stay."

The moment I finished speaking, the game froze, and a quest screen appeared. It was green, and the borders were decorated with stacks of coins and all kinds of valuables.

Minor quest from the alliance of traders. (Guild.)

Go to the warehouse in the harbour district, A marker has been placed on your map, and do what you can to disrupt its workings. The more chaos you create, the better.

Rewards: Dependent on the final result.

Penalty: Dependent on how you fail.

"Also, don't worry about finding a place to stay. If you are as good as I hope, you're going to stay in my room for the night. And possibly the next. I'll add a marker to your map."

I was about to point out that I had no map when the game intervened.

New feature unlocked: The map.

You have entered a location with multiple points of interest for the first time, the map has been unlocked to help navigate your surroundings. Your skills may influence what the map displays. Both positively, and negatively.

The merchant smirked as if he knew precisely what was going on, but perhaps he did. Who knows how often he had done this to other low-level players. It was at that time that our cart crossed the gatehouse, and we entered the city proper.