The Gentleman

"Ding! Quest discovered: The Gentleman!

The Gentleman was too much! Every year, he played cruel tricks on the law enforcement officers of Lordaeron, leaving Janice furious and helpless! You were a gourmet, and Janice happened to be a pretty good cook! So you hit it off at once!"

Quest reward: "Gentleman's Formal Wear and 20 Points"

Gentleman's Formal Wear

Quality: Fine

Head

+20 Armor

+5 Stamina

+6 Intellect

Equip: Increases spell damage by 15.

Who knew why the Gentleman liked this thing!

Friendly reminder: Points can be used to buy some special (absolutely insane) little trinkets! If the system makes it, it's bound to be top quality!

"Accept quest!"

Taelan Fordring had accepted the quest to kill that detestable boar. Of course, it wasn't because he was a gourmet. Janice's cooking really was delicious!

Taelan said to Tirion Fordring, "Father, this Gentleman sounds so interesting! Why don't we go have a nice little talk with him?"

Tirion Fordring looked at his son as he held his hand and gave it a gentle shake. The boy's adorable little face was beaming. It would have been even better if he hadn't licked his lips.

Tirion Fordring smiled fondly. "All right, Taelan. Once we've finished eating, I'll go have a nice little talk with him!"

Taelan Fordring said, "Father, I want to come too!"

Tirion Fordring had fought in many great battles, and didn't think a boar could hurt his son while he was there to protect him. He thought it over, then said, "As long as your mother doesn't find out!"

Watching the father and son, Janice smiled and said, "Sir, that's too much trouble for you! Just be sure to stay safe and keep little Taelan from getting hurt!" Clearly, she didn't think a boar could hurt a powerful Paladin either. Still, she kindly reminded Taelan to be careful.

After telling Taelan to get back to the farm early and rest, Janice tempted them with more delicious food. John would be coming home that evening, and he would surely have a drink with Tirion.

The father and son asked around about the Gentleman. He often appeared north of Felstone Farm, near the mountains, and lived in a hidden cave.

The two followed a path through the farm toward the mountains. Tirion had already taken out his warhammer and begun explaining knightly combat techniques and the path of Holy Light to Taelan. Meanwhile, Taelan Fordring secretly opened his skill book and put a point into Aura of Might under Offensive Aura.

Might

When activated, increases your attack damage and that of your allies.

Current skill level: 8

Radius: 20 yards

Damage: +110%

After explaining how to call upon the Holy Light, Tirion began teaching his son Wilderness Survival: how to conceal his tracks, find water in the wild, and respond to an ambush. He also explained how to treat wounds and clean up blood. Once they got home, he said, he would teach Taelan how to make and use bandages.

"Ding! After receiving thorough instruction from the Paladin Tirion Fordring, you have learned a passive life skill:

Wilderness Survival (Beginner)

Your Perception increases by 3, and your resistance to disease improves.

With this, you can live a little longer than other people."

As they spoke, both father and son came to a stop. Taelan Fordring raised his shield and drew his short sword. Tirion also raised his massive warhammer.

A fierce gust struck from Taelan's left. A shadow shot out of the grass like lightning. It was a Lordaeron Wolf. In this world, not only were humans much stronger than people on Earth, but wild animals were also fiercer and stronger. These wolves would later fall victim to the Undead Plague and be known as Diseased Wolves. But for now, they weren't nearly that powerful. Taelan Fordring's instincts overcame his fear. He raised his shield and used Mortal Strike.

Mortal Strike: Strike an enemy with your shield, briefly stunning them.

Current skill level: 8

Damage: +120%

Stun duration: 2 seconds

Mana cost: 2

Taelan raised his shield. His form wasn't quite right, and his reaction was half a beat slow because this was his first time facing a ferocious beast and he was frightened. But this incredible skill looked like a shield attack, somewhat like a Warrior with a defensive specialization using Shield Slam. In reality, though, it was magic, and it came with a 100% hit rate. The hungry wolf had clearly dodged by turning its head, but the blow still struck it squarely on the nose! It was practically a critical hit.

Tirion Fordring had been ready to use the Holy Light to help his son. He hadn't expected Taelan to hit the wolf; after all, this was his first time facing a beast head-on! But the wolf took a vicious blow to the nose. The battle-hardened Fordring recognized it as a powerful combat skill—and one unique to its user. His son was so young and had already awakened a unique ability. Tirion was deeply gratified.

Taelan Fordring landed his Mortal Strike. Taking advantage of the wolf's brief stun, he raised his sword in his right hand and brought it down hard. To make sure he hit, Taelan didn't aim for the wolf's neck. Instead, he struck its left foreleg. The stunned wolf couldn't dodge, and the blade immediately cut into its leg, staining its glossy gray fur with blood. It quickly retreated. Its injured leg slowed it down, and its attempts to dodge became clumsy.

Seeing that his son had the upper hand and had wisely targeted the wolf's leg, Fordring stayed put, warhammer in hand, keeping watch. Taelan had scored a hit, and when he saw the wolf retreat, he hurriedly held his shield in front of him to protect his body, then pursued sideways and swung his sword again. From their last exchange, the wolf knew that this small opponent was no weaker than the burly farmers—and was especially sly. Its nose already hurt as though it had been broken. When it saw the little one's sword coming down, it dodged and counterattacked as fast as it could, lunging for Taelan's throat. After their first exchange, Taelan had gradually overcome his fear. The blood of a man had been roused in him, and he was getting excited! When he saw the wolf pounce, he used Mortal Strike again.

There was a loud thud. That guaranteed-hit effect really was unfair. The hungry wolf let out a howl of pain, gave up on its prey, and turned to flee. Tirion Fordring immediately raised his right hand. A ray of Holy Light flared, and a magical hammer slammed into the wolf's head: Hammer of Justice. While the wolf was stunned, Taelan raised his short sword and drove it into the wolf's throat, killing it.

Tirion Fordring patted Taelan Fordring on the head. "That's my boy! The way you used that shield was incredible! I'm sure now that you'll become a powerful and noble Paladin!"

"Child, you must be careful with your great power!"

Taelan Fordring suddenly chimed in, "My son, on the day you were born, the very forests of Lordaeron whispered the name... Arthas!"

The surroundings fell quiet for a moment, then father and son burst out laughing! Their joyful laughter carried far into the distance!

Tirion Fordring used a Skinning Knife to remove the wolf's pelt. Then he said to Taelan, "Son, this is your first kill. You can take it home as a memento!"

Taelan Fordring said, "Father, I want to ask Alton to make a wolfskin blanket for Mother. She never sleeps well on winter nights."

Thank you all for reading! Happy Little New Year, and may you all enjoy good health! Also, please vote for the story!