Bryan laid on his bed, thinking.
Ok, well she has managed to get to Level 30 and I’m 40 now.
I don’t want to hurt her confidence, so I should avoid telling her how this is possible.
Either way, we should be ready now… quest time.
Bryan sat up. He got dressed and packed his bag.
He went downstairs and met Tali in the main room for breakfast.
“Hey. So, is it more training today?” she asked between mouthfuls of food fangs biting into it softly.
“I think we’re ready to go take a decent quest now.”
“Yay! This should be awesome.” She beamed ears swaying sided to side.
Ah. She looks cute happy.
Bryan said it would be, then started eating his food.
They finished up and made their way out onto the street, heading toward the guild.
Think I’ll need to dry out some garlic - I miss tasting it in all my food.
Walking down the street, they could see the large city walls in the distance and the ornate castle on the hill at the back of the city.
The street’s busy as usual. Many people shopped and traveled.
Hmm. Almost all the people here are human… odd.
While observing the crowd, Bryan noticed a knight in full plate armour walking down the street.
Jeez. He’s so shiny it practically screams self-importance.
They opened the guild doors and stepped inside. The hall buzzed with the sound of adventurers talking.
Walking over to the board, they skimmed the various quests.
Hmm. Still can’t read everything - but enough to get the gist.
Two stood out to Bryan:
Thunder Lizard Extermination(Steel/Silver Rank)
Urgent Request - A juvenile Thunder Lizard has been spotted along the eastern trade route. Several merchants and travelers have already fallen victim.
Recommended: Party of 4 or more.
Reward: 6 gold (with proof of kill).
Noble Dispute
A personal request. Seeking a skilled adventurer (or party) to assist in settling a matter of honour.
Ask reception for full details upon acceptance.
Reward: 4-8 gold.
“Well, I like the look of those two - a Thunder Lizard and noble dispute,” Bryan said, looking toward Tali.
“Oh. Should we try the Lizard one?” she asked, unsure.
“Both. One is good combat experience, the other could be amusing and easy money.”
I mean, the noble could definitely be fun.
“Oh. Ok. Well, you know what you’re doing.” She smiled at him tail swaying gently.
They walked to the receptionist and informed her they were taking both quests.
“You do realize this is for a bigger party? Also, I’ll need her to place her hand on the stone.”
Tina looked annoyed by the request.
Pretty sure being moody is part of the job description.
Tali placed her hand on the stone. Her status appeared.
“Level 30, Job: Warrior. How exactly have you gotten so far so quickly?” Tina asked, confused.
“Bryan has been training me using the trainer skill. He’s pretty awesome.” She smiled brightly fangs glinting as she said it.
“Erm… ok.” Tina still looked puzzled as she handed over the quest information.
“If you die, though, it’s on you.” She immediately turned and started helping the next person.
They walked toward the exit.
“Well, I’m glad that worked and you got a job. Seems I was right,” he said with a smug grin.
Tali tilted her head, ears tilting forward. “I’m lost. What were you right about?”
“Oh, I’d assumed that by doing enough of the right kind of actions and gaining skills, you’d get a job linked to it.”
He stroked his chin while he talked.
“Oh. Well, that makes sense, I guess.” She still looked unsure.
“Glad it panned out,” he said, beaming.
They made their way down the street and out through the city gates.
Walking down the eastern trade route, they passed various merchants.
They followed the directions until they got close to the designated area.
“We’ll need to be careful from this point on - but should be easy enough.”
Tali nodded, and they both drew their swords.
“What job do you have?” she asked, glancing around.
“I earned the Elemental Trickster. Seems to be a warrior/mage hybrid.”
“Oh - with how you fight, that makes sense. Not heard of it before though.” A light smile as they kept walking.
Bless. She is a curious one.
He said 'indeed' and pointed ahead as they heard screams in the distance.
Picking up speed, they headed for the noise.
Once there, a large yellow-scaled lizard was munching on the horse still attached to a caravan. Bodies lay scattered nearby, some still smoking.
Looks like the guards didn’t make it.
In the distance, another caravan had stopped.
“I’ll draw its attention. You cover me.”
They nodded and began charging toward the creature.
Bryan fired a few Fire Bolts - despite the explosions, it barely flinched.
It turned to face them. Tali broke right while Bryan stared it down.
Ok, so fire did nothing. Perhaps rock.
He fired several Rock Shots, but they deflected off the scales as it charged, its claws tearing into the ground with each stride.
It lunged at him. Bryan dove backward with Evade.
He swung his sword with all his might - it landed with a solid thunk.
Oh crap. This thing is tough.
It closed in, rising up on its hind legs before swinging a claw down. Bryan raised his sword in defense but was still knocked onto his back, a shallow graze streaking across his chest.
Before he could recover, its other claw came down from above. He braced for impact-
Tali slammed into the creature’s side, shield first. A loud crash echoed out as she followed through with a thrust, managing to pierce its flank.
That was a bit too close.
The creature stumbled, dragging her with it. As it struggled, Bryan got to his feet.
After focusing for a second, he shouted, “Quick! Get away - I have an idea.”
Hearing this, she let go of her sword and dove away with all her strength the creature gouging her shield as she dove.
The Thunder Lizard reared back, arcs of electricity crackling across its scales. Just as it prepared to unleash the attack-
Water Bolt
A large funnel of water shot from Bryan’s hands, aimed directly at the open wound. The creature shook violently.
After a moment, it collapsed, smoking from the ragged gash in its side.
Level up
Level up
Both of them panted.
“How did that work?” she asked.
“Well, thanks to you. Without the wound you made, it wouldn’t have worked,” he said, starting to catch his breath.
“It looked like it was electrocuted, though. Shouldn’t that be impossible?” she asked, visibly confused.
“Well, on the outside, It is likely immune, But I figured it wouldn’t be on the inside.
Science lessons really paying off in this world.
A smile spread across his face.
“Oh. You’re really smart. Did I do well?” she asked, glancing at the gouge in her shield.
“Yes, you did great.” Still smiling, he looked into her mesmerizing green eyes briefly.
She really is pretty.
*...internal cough
Ermm…
Bryan collected himself. “We should grab our stuff and proof and get going.”
Nodding, they retrieved her sword. After a few messy swings, they managed to sever the Thunder Lizard’s head and dropped it into Bryan’s bag.
The distant caravan approached. The merchant and guards were cheering.
“Thank you! That was an epic display - and it means I won’t be late today. Or end up lunch,” the man added with a wry chuckle.
“You’re welcome” Bryan said with a nod to him.
Tali took a potion out of her bag and offered it to Bryan.
Looking a little sad, she checked his chest being eye level with it “Your shirt is ruined again. And that gouge in your chest looks painful.”
Yeah. Monsters really hate my wardrobe, huh.
Her concerned expression led Bryan to accept the potion sincerely. He drank it as they began heading back to the city.
The wound knitted itself closed as the potion took effect.
“We’re lucky your wounds weren’t too deep or a potion wouldn’t have done much.”
Suppose a healer might make sense.
“Yeah. We should probably find a healer for the party.”
They made their way back into the guild.
Approaching Tina, she looked them up and down.
“Ah. Looks like it was too much for you then?” Tina said, looking smug.
See how you like this.
Bryan didn't respond. He turned his bag upside down and out dropped the giant lizard head onto the counter. Blood spilled out and spread.
Looking both shocked and annoyed, Tina responds.
“Ok, wow. I’m impressed you two managed that.”
Bryan looked smug, and Tali smiled while Tina rummaged behind the counter.
“Ok, here’s your reward - 5 gold and 80 silver.” She handed him a pouch.
Bryan looked puzzled at Tali, who shrugged. He turned back to Tina.
“But the reward was 6 gold?”
Tina smiled. “Yes. A cleaning fee was deducted since this mess now needs cleaning. Next.”
So not cool, but fine I guess.
Bryan sighed, and he and Tali walked to the middle of the room while he read the noble request.
The chatter in the background slipped through as he read.
“Think they really killed that?”
“Should we invite them to our party?”
“The Ashen Blade Master and the Nekari warrior… That’s cool.”
Oh I regret that name. Didn’t think it would stick.
Tali shifting awkwardly in place “They’re talking about us, aren’t they?”
“Don’t worry. It’s good stuff. We are pretty cool,” he said, smiling at her.
“Just wait until they build a heroic statue of us,” he chuckled.
Yes. Me standing hands on hips, looking wistfully into the distance.
Because that’s not embarrassing at all.
“Oh, really?”
“Well, given time, I’m sure,” he said before putting the letter away.
“Ok - seems we’re going to the main market courtyard.”
Bryan gestured to the door and began walking. Tali quickly followed.
They pushed the doors open onto the street.
“So what are we doing?”
“Seems it’s some squabble between two nobles, and they’re both hiring muscle to settle it.”
She glanced up at him, nervous. “Is this not dangerous then?”
So she’s more confident in fighting, but still concerned. That’s cute.
Bryan, in a reassuring tone: “No, don’t worry. The letter clearly said because it’s in city limits, it’s non-lethal only.”
“Oh, ok. I trust you.” She smiled at him as they walked.
They approached the market, weaving through the crowds of people.
“We’re looking for someone called Sedric Torinburg the Third.”
Pretentious names seem common for nobles.
They both looked around and spotted two groups facing each other at the fountain.
Both groups looked angry and mid-argument.
“Wanna bet that’s them?”
She nodded, and they approached. Two men standing in the center of each group, wearing much fancier clothes than the others, adorned with rings and gold trim.
“Look, Sedric - you slept with my betrothed. You owe me for this!” shouted the man on the right.
“It’s not my fault I have more to offer a lady than you, Gregor,” Sedric replied, laughing.
“You’re a scumbag. You hire sub-humans… you’re an embarrassment to all of us nobles!” Gregor screamed, face red.
Jeez. Best deal with this quickly. They both suck.
Bryan walked up to Sedric. “We’re here from the guild to join you.”
Sedric smiled and chuckled more. “Gregor, now that I have my own steel ranks - let us settle this.”
Gregor, breathing heavily, replied between gritted teeth:
“Fine. Let them fight it out.”
Bryan and Tali drew their blades, as did the three adventurers on their side and the seven on the other.
Sedric loudly proclaimed, “On my count of three, we’ll begin!”
Bryan turned to Tali. “I’ve got my Blink skill to rank three, so I’ll take out as many as I can quickly… just watch yourself.”
With a slight smile, she nodded and focused on the others.
“Three… two… one.”
Water Bolt
Fire Bolt
Blink
The water hit the ground, followed quickly by fire bolts. A large cloud of steam erupted, blocking everyone’s view.
While the others covered their eyes, Bryan used Blink to appear behind four of the opposing adventurers shocking them with Lightning Bolt.
Hehe. Easy.
He rushed through them, landing a few well-aimed punches to the solar plexus and throat. The rest fell quickly.
As the steam cleared, Bryan is stood behind Gregor. Everyone looked shocked.
Oh god. I burnt my eyes. Must pretend it doesn’t hurt…
Bryan’s eyes are red and teary, but he stood tall.
After a moment of silence, Gregor dropped to his knees. “What the hell just happened?! That is not how people fight!”
Sedric collected himself, putting on a confident smile.
“This is why you don’t mess with me. Now that I’ve won - you’ll leave me alone.”
A distraught expression washed over Gregor. Without another word, he got up and walked away.
Not sure I feel great about this, but money is money.
Sedric thanked the adventurers and turned to Bryan and Tali.
“Look - you clearly won this for me. I’ll do you the honor of not asking how you did that.”
He handed Bryan a bag of gold.
“But a friendly piece of advice: whatever you did there - that’s not normal.”
A mild look of concern crossed his face before he bowed lightly and rushed off.
Light chatter floated in from the remaining adventurers.
“I’m confused… how did he do that?”
“Shut it. We can’t deal with that - let’s go.”
After they’ve all left, Bryan turned to Tali.
“Have you got another potion?”
She ruffled through her bag and handed him one.
“Why? What’s up - did you get hurt?” her quickly looking him up and down.
He chugged it quickly and closed his eyes.
Oh sweet relief. That was pretty dumb.
“Don’t worry. I’m all good now,” he said with a smile.
Tali looked at him with concern and her ears flattened but doesn’t say any more.
They headed back to the guild.
After finding a seat at a table, they got a few drinks and relaxed.
Ah, I’ve slowly grown accustomed to honey mead.
Bryan sipped his drink. “Sorry I went a bit overboard. I just really didn’t want that to drag out.”
Tali, sitting opposite, looked up at him. “It’s ok. You dealt with it very efficiently,” she said cheerfully.
By the time they’re on their second drink, Tali spoke up again, looking serious.
“You know that noble who seemed disgusted by me?” she said in a somber tone.
Bryan looked up, meeting her gaze.
“No. Can’t say I know much about cat people or nobles.”
She gave Bryan a slight scowl before continuing.
Huh. Wonder what that look was for…
“Well, I’m unusually clumsy for my race. The Nekari are generally very agile.”
Bryan stopped sipping and listened more intently.
“This is why I thought I couldn’t be an adventurer. I wasn’t allowed to be a warrior in my village for two reasons.”
Voices from nearby: “Hey girlie, join us!”
Still - she’s trained and made real progress.
“That I was clumsy… and I was a Demi.” She looked down at the table.
“A Demi? What do you mean?” he said sincerely.
“You know how humans call us Sub-human or Demi-Human?”
“Heard one noble say it, yeah.”
She sighed lightly.
“It’s worse in our country. Those with more humanlike traits like me - we’re seen as less than. So they call us Demis.”
Voices from nearby cut through the noise again.
“Come on, you know you want to!”
Girl’s voice: “I told you - go away!”
She looked visibly sad, swishing a finger in her drink.
That’s just dumb. But I guess everyone hates something…
She gave a small smile, eyes meeting his.
“But I wanted to thank you. You seem to accept me more than anyone I’ve met. It means a lot.”
Bryan looked a little distracted by the commotion across the room.
Pretty sure that girl’s being harassed.
“Of course I accept you - you’re awesome. Think I should go help that lady, One moment.”
Tali blushed a little. She went to speak again but stopped herself.
Bryan got up and walked over to the scene where four large male adventurers are crowding a woman with bright red hair, an oversized staff and white flowing robes.
“Look, I’ve already told you - no. I won’t be your girl or join your party. Leave me alone,” the girl said firmly.
One guy put an arm in front of her slender frame to stop her leaving.
“Come on. Don’t be like that. We’re the strongest around. You know you want to join us.”
The others chuckle loudly.
Ok. Should definitely put a stop to this.
Bryan walked up and squared off with the one who was talking.
“Weren’t you asked to piss off?” Bryan stated confidently, looking him dead in the eye.
“What does that mean? And who even are you?”
The guy went to put a hand on his sword - but his friend whispers something into his ear too quietly for Bryan to hear.
What is he saying?
After hearing it, the man took a step back, quickly bowing, and said, “Sorry, Mr. Ashen.”
They quickly walked away.
What the hell? I didn’t even do anything.
The girl looked at him, a bit confused.
“Thank you. They wouldn’t listen to me. I’m Mirelle - a healer.”
“You’re welcome, though I’m not sure why they left so easily,” he said raising an eyebrow.
“Either way, thank you. I’ll go to my room now.”
She bowed her head slightly and left.
Hmm. Ok then.
Bryan sat back down with Tali.
“Well, that was odd. Oh well - shall we drink one more before we head back to the inn?”
Tali nodded, and they continued drinking and relaxing.
Bryan glanced down at his torn shirt and sighed.
Should I just start fighting topless? …Nah. Better go shopping tomorrow.
He swirled the mead in his mug.
Still, I keep getting injured. Wonder if that Mirelle would join us.