CHAPTER 89 Interlude: Maxima and Trending Topics
The internet is buzzing with theories and speculations about Adam.
From his potential build to his wealth and mysterious achievements, Adam remains an enigma that the player community is eager to unravel. With every move he makes, it’s clear he’s a force to be reckoned with- and a player whose story is just beginning to unfold.
[World of Pangea Forums - Trending Discussions]
Topic: Who is Adam? The First 1st Class Auxiliary Player!
By: GameLoreWatch | 10,456 Likes
Since the announcement that Adam became the First 1st Class Auxiliary in the World of Pangea, everyone has been buzzing with curiosity and speculation. But who exactly is this player, and how did he achieve this prestigious rank?
According to the scarce details we have, Adam's promotion to 1st Class Auxiliary was due to the successful noble rescue mission. However, no videos or live streams of this event have been uploaded, adding to the mystery.
Why didn’t he stream such a significant achievement? Is he trying to hide his strategies, or is there another reason behind his silence?
Top Comment by Nightrunner37:
"It’s suspicious that there’s nothing on this rescue mission. Either he’s planning to release it later, or he’s hiding some kind of secret. Whatever it is, he’s got everyone hooked!"
***
Video: Adam’s Fighting Style Breakdown
By: PvP Enthusiast | 15,789 Views
This video analyzes Adam’s recent fights against Ryan Blake, Friedrich Klein, and Sarah’s Team. What stands out the most is the distinctiveness in his combat style across these battles:
Against Ryan Blake: Adam showed exceptional swordplay with minimal use of spells, relying on his dexterity and defensive skills. He dodged and deflected a barrage of attacks, showing an almost predictive sense of his opponent’s movements.
Against Friedrich Klein: He adapted a strategic use of both melee and pyromancy, revealing a mix of combat abilities. The use of Shatterfang Throwing Daggers demonstrated his tactical ingenuity and mastery over ranged weapons.
Against Sarah’s Team: Adam’s style was completely different- swift, aggressive, and decisive. In 20 seconds, he dispatched all five opponents with a mix of invisibility, speed, and fire spells. It was clear he didn’t feel the need to hold back, suggesting he was either annoyed or sending a message.
Top Comment by InfernoPyro:
“I’ve watched a lot of PvP battles, but Adam is something else. He shifts his style so drastically depending on the opponent. It’s like he’s three different players rolled into one.”
Reply by TwilightKnight:
“Makes you wonder how he distributes his stats. I bet he’s invested heavily in dexterity and pyromancy, especially given how fast his Fire Bullets and Flame Pillars were cast.”
***
Post: Analysis of Adam’s Stat Distribution and Skill Investments
By: GameTheoryCraft | 8,217 Likes
Based on Adam's performance, he likely has a high dexterity stat to complement his swift and precise swordplay. His speed in casting spells also suggests significant investment in magic-related stats.
Skill Focus Predictions:
Fire Bullet: Definitely maxed out; he was casting two per second!
Flame Pillar: Likely maxed or at least heavily invested in; he uses it effectively for area control and direct damage.
Swordsmanship: His melee skills are highly refined; it’s possible he’s a practitioner in real life, given his fluid movements and flawless technique. But he has not demonstrated any Swordsman-specific skill, so it is highly probable that he is not a Swordsman-class wielder.
Comment by SpellbinderMage:
“He’s definitely invested heavily in Fire Bullet and Flame Pillar. Those are his go-to moves when he needs to end things quickly.”
Reply by ElementalMage32:
“Yeah, and the way he switched between spells and melee was seamless. I’d bet his dexterity is maxed out, with just enough points in strength to wield that longsword effortlessly.”
***
Topic: Adam Books the Elite Alchemy Lab for 24 Hours - How Rich is He?!
By: PangeaWatch | 12,112 Likes
Adam recently booked the Elite Alchemy Lab at Fort Vindolanda for a full 24 hours, paying a whopping 2400 gold upfront! For those unaware, this facility is incredibly exclusive and expensive- 100 gold per hour. Most players can’t even afford a single hour, let alone a full day.
The implications? Adam isn’t just skilled in combat; he’s loaded with gold. But what really caught everyone's attention is the fact that he spent such a vast sum on an alchemy lab, suggesting he might have a crafting class as well.
Comment by TheCraftyMerchant:
“2400 gold? Either he’s got a rich sponsor, or he’s figured out some insane farming technique. Also, why spend so much unless you have a crafting class?”
Reply by AlchemyAddict:
“Definitely a Pyromancer/Alchemist combo build. His swordsmanship must be mostly skill-based, probably from real-life practice. And that invisibility trick is likely an alchemical concoction, not a stealth skill.”
***
New Post: Adam’s Dual Potion Announcements - What Does This Mean?
By: AlchemyAcademia | 14,989 Likes
Earlier today, Adam's name appeared twice in a matter of hours for crafting two new Exquisite-Grade potions. For those unfamiliar with the World of Pangea, crafter only gets a worldwide notification if they create a brand-new potion entirely on their own, without copying an existing recipe.
Very few alchemists have the honor of receiving even a single announcement like this, and certainly, no one has ever had two consecutive announcements in just a few hours.
Comment by HerbMaster99:
“No way! Two in one day? This guy’s not just a fighter; he’s a crafting genius! And if he’s using the lab for 24 hours, who knows what else he’ll create?”
Reply by ArcaneEnchanter:
“This confirms it: Adam is most likely an Alchemist with some unique build. His abilities in crafting seem unparalleled. And if he’s making new potions already, he might be advancing even faster than anyone anticipated.”
Comment by PotionMasterK:
“I wonder if the invisibility effect is actually a result of an alchemical concoction rather than a skill. Given what we know, that seems very likely!”
***
Follow-Up Post: Adam - A One-Man Alchemy Factory?
By: JenniferTheAlchemist | 6,852 Likes and climbing
I wanted to add a bit more about my experience with Adam at the Elite Alchemy Lab. While I was working on my trial, I couldn’t help but notice him crafting batches upon batches of potions. Honestly, it was like watching a human alchemy factory in action!
He was so efficient, producing potion after potion at such a high quality. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m still amazed by how seamlessly he moved between ingredients, processes, and different concoctions. It was clear that he had a mastery over alchemy that was just unparalleled.
Comment by PotionMasterK:
“Did you see what potions he crafted that got him those world announcements? I’m dying to know! 😮”
Reply by JenniferTheAlchemist:
“I actually don’t know what those potions were, and even if I did, it would be improper for me to reveal it. Those are Adam’s secrets, and I hope you all understand. 😊”
Comment by AlchemyFanatic:
“Totally understandable, Jennifer! We get it—thanks for sharing what you could! And congrats again on becoming an Expert-Ranked Alchemist!”
Reply by CuriousCrafter:
“Yeah, we appreciate you respecting his privacy. But now I’m even more curious! What kind of potions could they be? 🤔”
Comment by MidnightBrew:
“I bet one was something to do with Fire—maybe a Fire Resistance Potion or some kind of elemental enhancer.”
Reply by ElementalistGuru:
“That’s possible, but with his versatility, it could literally be anything. I’m thinking more about something unique, given he got two announcements back to back.”
Jennifer’s posts continued to gain traction, drawing in more players eager to learn more about Adam’s skills and his mysterious achievements. While many respected her decision not to divulge specifics, the intrigue surrounding Adam only deepened, fueling speculation and discussions across the community.
One thing is certain: Adam’s reputation as both a formidable combatant and an exceptional alchemist was solidifying further.
***
Like most large guilds and powerful independent teams, the Maxima Guild opted not to bring legionnaires along. While legionnaires could be beneficial, they represented a double-edged sword. All groups aimed to earn contribution points for the Sanctus Lux Fortress, but the stakes involved were high.
While completing missions for the fortress helped them accumulate points and rise in Auxiliary rank and benefits, it also carried significant risks. Any group could lose points- and even their rank- by causing harm to the fortress. One of the greatest demerits came from losing valuable assets, such as its legionnaires. For this reason, only less powerful guilds or those lacking resources would opt to team up with legionnaires to form a capable force for traversing the dangers of either the Dreadshade Swamp or the Ruined Temple.
In a dimly lit private room at an inn within Fort Vindolanda, the core members of the Maxima Guild sat in a tight circle. With them were two groups of three: one representing Maxima’s Alchemy Team and the other an independent team renowned for their expertise in exploring undead territory. Tyler Evergreen, the guild master, stood at the center, addressing the room somberly. “Due to recent developments,” he began, his voice steady but heavy, “we can’t stick to our original plan to go through Dreadshade Swamp. We have to take the Ruined Temple instead.”
A murmur of discontent rippled through the room. The core team members exchanged uneasy glances, their displeasure barely concealed.
Tyler's younger brother, Max Evergreen, spoke up first. "The Ruined Temple? That place is crawling with undead. We’re not prepared for that kind of encounter. This feels like a suicide mission."
Aaron Reed, the team's sorcerer, crossed his arms and added, "The whole point of going through the Dreadshade Swamp was to avoid the Ruined Temple. What’s the point in changing course now?"
Lakeisha Williams, the ranger, shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Undead aren’t the only threat in that temple. There are ghosts, curses, and other afflictions that we can’t easily heal from... It’s too dangerous."
Elena Evans, the healer, frowned. "And what about the traps? The temple is notorious for its lethal traps. I don't like this change of plans."
Darren Frost, the assassin, chimed in with irritation, "We spent a lot of resources planning for the swamp route. All our strategies are based on that. Now you're telling us to throw it all away?"
Matthew Stone, the Elemental Mage, leaned forward with a grimace. "The temple is a deathtrap. How are we supposed to protect everyone if we don’t even know what’s waiting for us in there?"
Tyler raised his hand, calling for silence in the room. "I don’t like this either," he said, his tone growing more serious. "However, our Alchemy Team has failed to craft enough antidote to make an expedition through the Dreadshade Swamp viable. The toxic fumes and creatures make it impossible without a proper supply."
The room fell silent, the air thick with tension as all eyes turned to the Alchemy Team, their discomfort palpable.
Tyler continued, "And before you ask, we cannot simply buy antidotes from other sources. The quality and quantity we'd need aren’t available. And rival guilds certainly wouldn’t sell them to us even if they were. Heading east to the Orcish Territory isn’t a viable option either. Every adventurer who’s tried going that way hasn’t made it back or wasn't allowed entry. It’s not worth the time and effort."
Tyler’s gaze swept across the room, meeting each of his core team members' eyes. "So that leaves us with the swamp or the temple. And without enough antidote, the swamp is out. The Ruined Temple is our only real choice now."
The atmosphere in the room remained tense as the members of the Maxima Guild processed Tyler’s decision. The murmur of discontent lingered until one of the Alchemy Team members cleared their throat and spoke up.
"We deeply apologize for failing to meet the antidote quota," said the head alchemist, Jasper Thorne. He looked down, visibly uncomfortable. "We could not craft the necessary type and amount because the elite crafting room was booked for 24 hours… by Adam, the 1st Class Auxiliary."
A stunned silence followed his words. The core team exchanged glances.
"You should have told us sooner if you couldn’t craft the antidote!" Elena snapped, frustration clear in her voice.
Jasper fidgeted nervously. "It… it all happened so fast. It was too late when we realized we couldn’t meet the demand. The elite crafting room has specialized equipment we needed and without it…"
Lakeisha interrupted, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Oh, I heard what happened. Word around the fort is that the Alchemy Team tried to bully some random player. Then, someone else bullied you back, and now you’re here whining about it."
The other members of the Alchemy Team visibly tensed at her words, their faces turning red with embarrassment.
"Lakeisha," Tyler said, his voice sharp, "that’s enough."
Lakeisha shrugged but didn’t push further.
Tyler crossed his arms, his expression stern. "Pointing fingers won’t do us any good right now. What’s done is done. We need to focus on how we will handle the Ruined Temple. That’s the reality we’re dealing with."
The room fell silent again, and the team was displeased but resigned.
Tyler sighed, breaking the heavy silence. "Look, it wasn’t entirely Jasper’s fault," he said, his voice a mix of frustration and understanding. "But next time, Jasper, if you don’t know who you’re dealing with, maybe try being a little less arrogant. Besides, we don't want to paint Maxima Guild as the kind who bullies small-time players."
Jasper looked like he wanted to protest but thought better of it. He simply nodded, accepting the rebuke.
Tyler leaned forward, his gaze sweeping the room. "We can’t afford more mistakes like this. Adam’s interference has complicated matters, but we’re not here to dwell on the past. We need to focus on our next move. The Ruined Temple is dangerous, but it’s our best option."
The team remained silent, the weight of the decision settling in. It was clear no one liked the idea, but they understood the logic behind it.
Finally, Max broke the silence. "Fine," he muttered, "but we’d better be prepared for what’s waiting in that temple."
The rest of the team reluctantly nodded in agreement, realizing they had no other option but to follow Tyler’s lead.
Tyler gestured to the three individuals who had remained quiet throughout the meeting. "I’m sure you all recognize these three," he said, his tone sharpening with intent. "Their uploads and live streams exploring that high-level mountain dungeon a few months back made them a famous and successful team."
A murmur spread through the room as soon as he mentioned the dungeon. The Maxima Guild members nodded, their expressions shifting to recognition. The memory of the team's exploits flashed in their minds- an entire dungeon teeming with undead enemies, cleared by these three. More than that, they remembered their envy for the unique class and armor set the independent team had secured during that venture.
Tyler continued, "Do you all remember how that place crawled with undead and various traps?"
The team members nodded again, the recollection vivid. For a time, many guilds wanted to explore that same place in hopes of securing its loot, but the independent team remained silent about its location, and they ended up harvesting all the loot and Essence the place had to offer.
Tyler smiled as he introduced the team formally. "This is the independent team led by Rebecca Rivers, her sister Jessica, and their support, Dexter."
The three stepped forward, Rebecca giving a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Tyler glanced around the room, watching the core members of Maxima take in the presence of Rebecca and her team. He confidently said, " If anyone can help us immensely in a place like the Ruined Temple, it’s Rebecca’s Team."
Rebecca stood confidently, exuding calm and composure. Beside her, Jessica and Dexter mirrored her poise, their expressions equally collected. Although the Maxima Guild members felt uneasy about the shift in plans, they couldn’t deny the formidable reputation of Rebecca’s team.
"With their experience dealing with high-level undead, they’re exactly what we need for this mission," Tyler continued. "The Ruined Temple might be dangerous, but with Rebecca’s team on board, we’ll have a much better chance of making it through."
After the introductions, he turned to face the group, his expression shifting from acknowledgment to determination. "Now that we have Rebecca and her team on board, we must outline a new plan to traverse the Ruined Temple."
The room grew quieter, the core team processing the weight of Tyler’s words, recognizing that this could be their best option in facing the dangers of the Ruined Temple.
After the meeting concluded, Max and Aaron approached Tyler, their expressions serious and weighed down with urgency. They waited until the last member of the team had left, the door clicking shut behind them, before relaying what they had witnessed earlier.
“Tyler, you won’t believe what we saw,” Max began, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Adam... he took on five players in a duel. A five-on-one. And he won. Easily.”
Aaron nodded vigorously, reinforcing Max's words. “It wasn’t even close. He barely broke a sweat. Sure, they were rookies, but five against one? He demolished them.”
Tyler's brow furrowed, a storm brewing behind his eyes. He had heard talk of Adam's prowess in the recent duels, there are countless trending topics of his triumphs in all three fights.
While the victory itself was impressive, it was Adam's financial prowess that truly astonished Tyler. The fact that Adam had 20,000 gold on hand was nothing short of extraordinary. Even as the guild master of one of the top guilds on the Lorikan server, Tyler didn’t have access to that kind of gold.
Beyond being a skilled fighter and a wealthy player, Adam was also rumored to be a highly proficient alchemist.
Recalling Jasper’s mention of Adam blocking their access to the alchemy lab, Tyler's frustration deepened. This was no coincidence; Adam was fast becoming a significant threat to their plans.
The recent system notifications only heightened his concerns. Adam had easily secured two new mixtures considered Exquisite-Grade by the system, an achievement few crafters could boast.
“The more I hear about this guy, the less I like him,” Tyler muttered, shaking his head.
A memory surged to the forefront of his mind. Months ago, when the game had just begun, an alchemist named Adam had outperformed every top contributor from all the professional guilds and independent players. His name had faded into obscurity as the quests of the Sanctus Lux Fortress surged in popularity.
But what if this was the same person?
Tyler recalled losing lucrative contract offers and advertising deals because the top contributor, Adam, had a striking skillset similar to his back then. The trend at that time had overshadowed his own fame. He had even hired a dark guild to hunt the player down in retaliation, but nothing had come of it. It was as if Adam the Alchemist had entirely vanished from the player base.
Now, with the announcement of emergency quests, a player named Adam- a swordsman, pyromancer, and alchemist- had emerged, rescuing nobles and becoming the first ever to achieve 1st Class Auxiliary. Could it possibly be the same individual?
For now, however, Tyler pushed those thoughts aside. Even if he was, hunting the trolls and navigating the Ruined Temple was the most pressing task at hand. The urgency of this quest was compounded by the fierce competition of players racing to claim the trolls first. He couldn’t afford to be sidetracked right now.