Zeal Legacy 2: A GameLit RPG Fantasy Read online

  ZEAL LEGACY 2:

  A GameLit RPG Fantasy

  (THE ZEAL LEGACY SERIES)

  By RIKER KANE

  PUBLISHED BY RIKER KANE, 2019

  Copyright © 2019 Riker Kane.

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  About Zeal Legacy 2

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  More by Riker Kane

  About Zeal Legacy 2

  Zeal Legacy 2 picks up right where the first left off, so it’s recommended you read that one first. It’s also a light-hearted portal fantasy adventure intended for mature readers. It contains the following just like its predecessor:

  ● Light LitRPG Elements

  ● Fantasy races, swords, and spells

  ● Fantasy action and violence

  ● Romance and harem elements with female characters

  ● Explicit sexual scenes and language

  If you’re easily offended, this probably isn’t the book for you.

  Prologue

  Clayton Brooks had everything he could want in his life. With a fortune large enough to retire on, he spent his days on his PC. His backlog of games turned into an endless stream of platinum achievement after platinum achievement.

  Everything changed one night when he was magically transported to the world of Xeylon. There he learned he was a Ferrum, one of the chosen few destined to wield the mythical Zeal Blade and drive away an evil blight known as the Maledict.

  Dealing with the Maledict proved to be tricky as he was forced to push himself to his physical and mental limits. But he found the strength to rise to his greatest challenge, vanquish the evil, and rescue the kingdom of Nalore. In the process, he gained the company of Rena, an intense but beautiful elf paladin, and Jalise, a charming sage who could cast mystical spells.

  With the Maledict now sealed away, Clayton is free to explore the rest of Xeylon. He sails the Great Sea with his companions, searching for levels, loot, and whatever else lies beyond the horizon…

  Clayton Brooks

  Essence Level 40

  Available Points 0

  Hit Points 500

  Stamina 100

  Strength 15

  Constitution 12

  Agility 13

  Dexterity 11

  Wisdom 13

  Chapter 1

  “What is it you hope to accomplish out there?”

  The horizon didn’t change. Wherever he looked, Clayton saw the blue water all around him, endless in every direction. The view inspired all kinds of feelings inside of him. Fear. Doubt. Excitement. Confusion. He pondered the question for a moment, his eyes on his compass to confirm the direction they were heading.

  “I want to see what’s out there. I know this world is larger than the island where Nalore is. I wanna see just how big it is. No matter the risks. No matter the threats. Even if there’s some freaky monster out there I can’t even begin to describe. I wanna see just what the hell I can do.”

  “There will be a lot of danger out there. The world won’t welcome you with open arms with the same enthusiasm you’re so willing to jump into it with.”

  Clayton eyed the young sage next to him. Jalise had been by his side for most of his journey. The fair-skinned blonde seemed even more attractive, he thought, glistening underneath the glow of the sun above them. Her golden locks shimmered with a kind of magic, fitting since she was the most capable spellcaster Clayton had met.

  Having lay with her before gave Clayton the confidence to know he could be completely honest with her.

  His attention turned back toward the view, he inhaled a deep breath and sighed. “There’s something about the water. The gentle rocking back and forth… The sea air when it fills my lungs… The breeze keeping me cool despite how warm the sun is getting. Maybe it’s a bad idea to head out there. I’ve already accomplished my task as a Ferrum and sealed away the Maledict. Exploring… I have to keep exploring. Why would I stop when I’ve got the open world at my fingertips?”

  Jalise smiled softly and nodded in approval.

  “How about you, Jalise? Is there anything out there you wanna find?”

  “I only want to know more. I’ve exhausted all of the texts the ancients left behind for us in Nalore. There is much more to read, much more to experience.”

  “Maybe you’ll learn a new spell or two.”

  “Perhaps… But the strength of the magic I wield will grow as I continue to use it.”

  “Then maybe we should look for combat. I’m sure there are some big ol’ monsters out there just waiting to be slain.”

  “Careful now. The Zeal Blade is powerful but its true strength lies in its ability to conquer the Maledict. Otherwise, it is as only as strong as the weapon it appears to be.”

  Clayton looked down at the sword on his belt. The hilt was mostly unremarkable, just steel fashioned into a hilt you’d find on any sword, but the pommel resonated with a power Clayton swore he could feel on his palm when he touched it.

  “It was only a few weeks ago when I had no idea how to hold a weapon,” he said. “Now I can wield the Zeal Blade with confidence. Maybe it’s just an ordinary sword now… I still wouldn’t wanna use anything else.”

  Zeal once resonated with awe-inspiring energy. Something out of a fable, Clayton thought when he saw it. Now it was just a sword.

  “Besides, my essence is still tied to it. I can feel the strength running through my veins. Hell, I can tell just by looking at me.” He flexed his bicep to show off the muscle he didn’t have back home. “I think that might be the sweetest part of leveling.”

  Jalise hid her giggle behind her hand. When Clayton turned around, he saw Rena sitting at the other end of the boat. He caught her just in time to see her rolling her eyes.

  “I should keep her some company,” Clayton said.

  “Rena never needs company but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind it. Perhaps I’ll take this time to bask in the sun.”

  “There isn’t much else to do out here.”

  The boat was a modest vessel. There was enough space for all three of them to lounge, sleep and enjoy the amenities the open sea provided them. Storage below was stocked with enough provisions to last longer tha
n was likely necessary.

  As Clayton approached Rena, she turned her head and looked out into the ocean. He took a moment to admire her physique for just a moment.

  A lifetime of training had hardened Rena’s body as well as her facade. Pink skin stretched over taut muscles always had Clayton reminding himself of how nice it was to be around her. He was grateful for the skimpy armor she preferred.

  Her tight, sinewy skin glistened with sweat. Her muscles always seemed flexed, even just sitting there.

  Clayton stared at her long enough to make her look back at him.

  “What is it?”

  He smiled, his hands on his hips. “You know, you can relax. The wind in our sails is doing all of the work.”

  “I am merely eager to get to our next destination.”

  “You have no idea where our destination is. We’re not heading in the same direction Iolas took us before.” He took a seat next to her. “Why don’t you just relax and take a real break? At least for a few minutes. You’ve got the rest of the day and night to brood over the view.”

  He raised his eyebrows at her. Clayton had already broken the elf but she insisted on maintaining her demeanor. Her lip twitched into the slightest smile before she sighed in resignation.

  “Fine. I will take a break.”

  “That’s the spirit! You know, I don’t know if you have ‘em in Xeylon, but back on Earth, we’ve got these things called luxury cruises. You get on a ship, lie underneath the sun and drink and eat while somebody caters to you.”

  “This is not some pleasure cruise. I am not on vacation nor am I here to relax.”

  “Why did you come along anyway?”

  Rena paused to consider it for a moment. “Someone needs to make sure you stay safe. You are the chosen Ferrum. It will be dangerous. This will be a challenge like no other.”

  “The only woman I know who finds relaxation in combat—”

  “Do you wish for me to cater to you, Brooks?”

  “No, no! That’s not what I’m saying. But you can learn to enjoy this a little bit. Look out into the water…” He not so subtly put a hand on her shoulder. She glanced at it for a moment before shifting her gaze to the sea. “Look at the waves as they ripple through the blue. Watch ‘em come toward us. The ship is moving to the same rhythm. It’s so calm… so relaxing… Isn’t that nice?”

  Clayton was eager to hear her say something. The elf remained quiet as she looked out into the water. “Perhaps,” she finally responded. “But I know this is simply a ploy for you to move close to me.”

  “Would that be so bad?”

  He raised his eyebrows at her, the most obnoxious grin he could make coming across his lips. You wouldn’t think a pink-skinned elf like Rena could blush but if she was red enough, you could see it. And she was obviously red enough at this point.

  “You know how I feel about you, Brooks. We share a bond that will never be broken. But if you wish for some entertainment, I suggest you spend some time alone with yourself. Do not worry. Jalise and I will not judge you. You can do it out in the open if you like. There is no one out here to see you.”

  “I’d bet you’d like to see that, wouldn’t you?”

  “I admire your confidence,” she scoffed. “Save it for combat.”

  “I’ve already made myself comfortable. Check me out.” He leaned back for a moment. Clayton had his armor off. In nothing but a pair of small linen bottoms and a thin tunic, he enjoyed the comforts like he was sitting in his bedroom in front of his PC. It was how he used to spend all of his late nights until he was called to Xeylon.

  “You still have your weapon.”

  Clayton patted the pommel of his sword. “I like having it on me. There’s a difference between a weapon and armor.”

  “I will take my armor off when it is necessary,” Rena said. “I’m accustomed to it. I find it more comfortable than anything else.”

  “I don’t believe that for a second!” Clayton was in such disbelief he jumped up to his feet. “You mean to tell me in that hot…”

  “It is not hot.”

  “…heavy…”

  “It is not heavy.”

  “…sticky…”

  “My armor has never been sticky.”

  “…metal pressing against your skin feels better than baring it all?”

  “That is what I said.”

  “Pfft! You know what I really think?”

  “I do not care what you think—”

  Clayton moved his face close to hers. “I think you’re so full of pride you’re ashamed of letting me see you naked. I’ve already seen it, Rena!”

  “And if you wish to see it again, I suggest you stop pestering me.”

  Clayton straightened up and smiled. “Maybe I will… You’ve got a great body. I don’t know which part of you I like most…”

  The grin on Clayton’s face grew and he didn’t try to hide it. In contrast, Rena clenched her jaw to avoid displaying any sort of emotion.

  “We’ve been out in the water for a few days now,” Clayton said. “Maybe tonight you and Jalise and I can… You know…”

  Rena didn’t protest but she didn’t easily concede either. “Perhaps,” she sighed through her nose. “But now is not the time.”

  “If now isn’t the time, when is? I don’t know if you noticed but we’re out in the middle of the sea. I can see for miles in front of us and there isn’t any land in any direction. The seagulls buzzing above us seem to be the only thing alive around here…”

  “If there are seagulls above us, there is land nearby.”

  “Then we should probably enjoy our time in the water while we still can—”

  A sudden thump against the boat’s hull rocked it enough to make Clayton stumble a few steps to the side. He quickly regained his footing and looked around.

  “What the hell was that?” He stared wide-eyed at Rena. The elf stared back just the same, her mouth half-open but no words coming out. “Rena?”

  He turned around and saw Jalise had rushed to the other side of the boat. The look of shock in her eyes made him more uneasy.

  “Listen, guys…” Clayton put his hands up, trying to calm them down but mostly to calm himself. “I’m not from around here but back home, the ocean is a pretty scary place. Maybe we should—”

  The boat quaked again, harder than the last time. Jalise stumbled to the ground. Rena had trouble getting to her feet.

  The small boat rocked again. Clayton tumbled to the side of the ship and quickly grabbed the railing to avoid falling over. That’s when he saw it.

  The water around him was no longer calm. The blue was replaced by a thrashing white. The waves circled in every direction, like an earthquake right underneath the surface of the water.

  “What the hell—”

  Clayton’s eyes narrowed as he looked into the water. He noticed something underneath the boat, as if the seafloor was rising up underneath them. The boat kept ascending until it was no longer resting on the water. They were high enough the sea was distant below them.

  Clayton followed the seafloor as it rose in every direction. His eyes trailed along the ground to where the water was most violent. A good distance ahead, the ground rose even faster, like a mountain. Clayton swallowed hard, his eyes unblinking. Rena and Jalise had joined him along the railing of the boat as they watched it emerge.

  “What is that?” he whispered the words even though he knew neither one of them had an answer. “A mountain? A volcano?”

  “No…” Jalise’s voice was filled with an unmistakable fear. “It’s… It’s…”

  “It’s what?” Clayton’s slight frustration was answered when he saw something appear in the mountain in front of him. “Is that… an eyeball?”

  The giant disc on the mountain was bigger than a building. A dark pupil stared back at Clayton, like looking into the abyss.

  “A kraken…” Jalise’s confirmation made Clayton more anxious than he’d ever admit.

  He looked aroun
d and watched as more of it rose in the air. It’s limbs, dark and scaly, like something that had been resting in the sea since ancient times. Just one of its tentacles was large enough to level an entire building.

  “Well… Crap…” Clayton looked at his companions.

  Rena remained steadfast, drawing her sword and dagger from her waist. “And you told me to take my armor off.”

  “I don’t think the armor is gonna help you with this…” Clayton said. “I think you should take it off, so we can enjoy these last few moments—”

  The boat rocked forward until it flipped. The three travelers fell over the edge of the boat, the kraken’s limb carrying the boat so high up their tumble lasted for several seconds. Clayton’s screams were lost by the thundering of the waves, until he landed into the water with a hard splash.

  Clayton swam to the surface as quickly as he could. When he raised his head up, he found his ship had already been turned into splinters.

  “Jalise! Rena!”

  His voice was drowned out by the growing fury of the waves around him. He was being whipped around in every direction. Upside down. Left. Right. His head was dizzy as he searched the debris and violent waters for any sign of them.

  “Jalise… Rena…” Thinking of them did nothing to will them into view. But something else appeared. Over the outstretched limb of the kraken, he swore he could see land.

  He dived into the water and searched the darkness for any sign of them but there were none. Again he tried but still nothing.

  The water grew more and more violent. Against his desires, Clayton knew he couldn’t take his chances.

  “I won’t be able to save them if I die…”

  He swam toward the shore, draining all of his stamina, slowly moving away from the storm in the middle of the sea.

  Chapter 2

  Everybody could appreciate a breath of the saltwater in the air but for Clayton, it was special. He’d spent most of his time locked away in his apartment, in front of his PC monitor for hours at a time. When he was outside, the smog of the city reminded him maybe spending time indoors was a better idea.

  Of course, he only enjoyed breathing the saltwater air.