Yvvaros: The Clash of Worlds Read Free Page B

Arbiter turned away from the gates and toward him, pointing with the tip of his spear as if it was merely his finger and not a razor sharp implement of death.
    Silverstrike and Katrina watched silently. Luke settled his hand on the hilt of his sword.
    I have to play my cards very carefully. They’re high level and equipped with some of the best armor and weapons in the game.
    “Yes.” Luke looked the lead Arbiter in the eyes as he spoke. “If you have business here, you have business with me.”
    The Arbiters moved to encircle him. Luke heard Katrina shout something from the wall above, but Silverstrike pulled her back, keeping her silent.
    Just let me handle this. Please.
    “State your name.” said the Arbiter.
    Luke started to answer “Kato,” but a spear butt struck the sand at his feet, cutting him off.
    “Your real name,” said the Arbiter.
    I can’t let myself get angry. If they get into Dunidan’s Rest, they’ll take Tess.
    “Luke,” he said, after several long seconds. “Luke Smith.”
    The Arbiters stood unnaturally still, as though they were processing what he’d said.
    “Luke Smith,” said one of the Arbiters. “Alive. 18 years old. Male. Son of Chris Smith, senior developer at Gamesoft. Also known as Kato. Played an instrumental role in securing the city during the ‘Battle of Kantor’.”
    Luke felt a spear butt slam into his back and he fell to his knees. His health bar dropped considerably.
    “A property tax of 500 gold has been assessed for Zone 006, payable immediately.” The Arbiter’s stood still, apparently waiting for Luke to say something.
    “What?” He shook his head and dug his fingers into the sand. “That’s insane. Since when-”
    Another spear butt smashed into his shoulder. Luke felt pain flush through his body. His health bar dropped even further.
    “A property tax of 500 gold has been assessed for Zone 006, payable immediately.”
    They aren’t here for Tess. They’re here to shake us down for money.
    “What happens if I don’t pay?” Luke flinched back as the Arbiter nearest to him raised his spear, but the blow never came.
    “In the event that you choose not to pay, the zone will be repossessed and cleared of guild construction on the order of the Head Arbiter.”
    In other words, they take the zone and burn it to the ground.
    “Why are you doing this?” asked Luke. “It’s just a game. We’re all playing a game, for fun.”
    Even as the words left his mouth, they felt a bit hollow, and a bit fake. Yvvaros was more than a game. He had recognized that as a fact even before players had begun to go all in.
    Even before Tess gave up her physical body and committed herself to this world.
    “Yvvaros is currently under the control of the UNVP, United Nations Virtual Police.” The Arbiter in front of Luke impatiently turned his spear so the point was facing his head. “A property tax of 500 gold has been assessed for Zone 006, payable immediately.”
    We can’t fight against them. They’re too powerful. I… have too much to lose to even try.
    Luke slowly reached into his satchel and pulled out the gold. He could feel the eyes of his guild mates watching him from the wall.
    “Here,” he said, handing over the coins. “500 gold.”
    The Arbiter took it without a word. Another one stepped forward, and before Luke could move out of the way, swung a mace at him.
    “Wha-”
    His entire body locked up as soon as the weapon made contact. Luke fell backward and crashed into the sand. He was frozen in place with only a tiny sliver left in his health bar. The Arbiters turned and walked off  without saying another word.
    I’m no hero…
     

CHAPTER 3
     
    “Get him inside, quick!”
    Luke felt his body being lifted. The Arbiters had left him dazed and broken, and hanging onto life by only the thinnest thread.
    If I die now, my character is gone for good. I’ll never be able protect anyone if that happens.
    “You did the right thing, man.” Silverstrike was