Well, we’ve had two weeks of tryout quests.
Only decent one was Mirelle so far…
He sat up on his bed, putting out his hand.
Level 54. Not too bad - and Tali’s 47…
He got up and stretched as his door opened and Tali walked in.
She squealed a bit. “Oh my, you’re actually naked!” Her face flushed red; eyes wide, she slamed the door shut.
I did warn her.
He blinked, unfazed.
From the other side of the door he heard her say she would wait downstairs.
Bryan started getting his clothes on.
We best put another notice up.
Probably a good time for some shopping too.
Once ready, he made his way down to the main hall.
Mirelle pushed through the morning bustle, a stern look on her face.
“What did you do to that poor girl Tali? She came down flustered and went straight to the bar and downed a mug of ale,” she said, nodding toward the bar where Tali nursed an empty mug.
Bryan shrugged. “I said I sleep naked. Not my fault she didn’t believe me.”
Didn’t bother me… not like I’m stopping it.
Mirelle looked a bit taken aback. “Oh. Well, try to avoid scaring the girl. What’s your plan for today?”
“Yeah. Just putting up a notice and doing a bit of shopping. Should be a relaxed day,” he said, walking to the bar.
Bryan ordered food and found a seat at a corner table.
“Ok, mind if I join? You both seem capable, but I need to see if we get along,” she said, sitting down next to him.
Sure, just join anyway… need a healer, though.
“Yeah, why not.”
His food arrived and he immediately dug in.
Tali appeared from across the bar and joined him at the table with her own food.
Between bites, he waved - and she waved back. Mirelle raised an eyebrow.
“You two are very talkative, aren’t you?”
Bryan grumbled while eating. “Shh. Food time.”
Tali chuckled lightly but tried to hide it from Mirelle.
Mirelle huffed but waited patiently.
Once done eating, they collected their things and walked toward the door, hearing various whispers and catching stares as they go.
Tali looks embarrassed. “They keep staring and whispering… it’s making me uncomfortable.”
“Don’t worry. They’re just jealous we’re awesome,” he said with a grin, and they exit the tavern.
Bryan left the others outside while he popped into the guild.
Weaving through the crowd, he approached the board. He took down the old notice and replaced it with a new one, level 50 minimum.
One nearby notice caught his eye.
Hmm. More demon sightings. Wonder why they’re increasing.
He stepped back outside and rejoined the others.
Together, they headed toward the market courtyard.
Tali bounced a little as they walked.
“Hey Bryan, I’ve been looking forward to this. Can we check all the shops?” she beamed.
“Don’t think we’ll have time for all of them, but we’ll see a few at least.” He smiled back.
Well, Mirelle doesn’t look excited. Guess it’s not all girls.
Looking around at the rows of stalls and shops, he asked, “Which one first?”
Tali pointed to a shop across the road.
They crossed and stepped inside. The store is cluttered with oddities and enchanted trinkets.
So… décor shop? Maybe?
Bryan picked up an ornate hairbrush and appraised it.
________________________________________
Appraisal: Hair Brush of Silkiness
Item Type: Hair Brush
Material: Wood
Traits: • Intricate design on flat of brush
Description: The brush has the effect of making hair slightly more silky with each use.
________________________________________
Someone actually went through the trouble of enchanting this?
He frowned and sat it back down.
An older man hobbled toward him - mismatched fancy clothes, walking stick, way too much enthusiasm.
“Good eye, sir! That brush is one of many amazing enchanted items I carry,” he said with flair.
“Like my walking stick here - enchanted to ease leg pain! All one-of-a-kind pieces!”
Kinda cool. But who’s out here enchanting combs and canes?
The man continued, gesturing grandly. “Or this mirror! It shows how you’d look with different hairstyles. Just fifteen gold! Maybe the ladies would love that?”
Mirelle shook her head while Tali lit up, rushing over.
“Really? How does it work?”
“You just channel a little mana into it while imagining the style. Quite simple!”
She cycled through styles with quiet squeals of joy.
Oh crap. I have to get it now, don’t I…
He sighed. “How about ten gold for it?”
The man raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I couldn’t part with it for less than thirteen.”
Haggling… right. How’s this go again?
“Twelve. Final offer,” Bryan said, arms crossed.
The man smiled, nodded, and wrapped the mirror.
He’s too happy. Yep, definitely got fleeced.
Bryan noticed Mirelle quietly watching nearby.
“Not getting anything?” he asked.
“Nothing here is useful to me,” she replied flatly, lightly tapping the bottom of her large staff on the ground.
Tali, meanwhile, was fully absorbed in trying enchanted combs and jewelry.
Once they’re done, the shopkeeper asked, “Shall I have the mirror delivered?”
“Nah, I’ve got it,” Bryan said, slipping it into his bag.
The man’s jaw dropped. “Would you… consider selling that fascinating bag?” he asks, poking at it.
Bryan shifted uncomfortably. “No thanks. I kinda need it.”
They stepped back into the square. Bryan turned to the others.
“That’s the second person interested in my bag. Why?”
Tali shrugged. “I’ve never seen one like it before.”
Mirelle crossed her arms. “You do realize items with Item Box enchantments are rare, right?”
“No. Why would they be?” Bryan tilted his head.
They paused near a shaded wall as people walked past.
“Only a few noble families know the enchantment. That means items like yours are very rare - and expensive.”
Still not sure why exactly.
She narrowed her eyes at the bag, suspicion flickering across her face.
“And usually they enchant ornate containers, not… whatever that is.”
Bryan shrugged. “Made it myself. Wasn’t that hard.”
Mirelle went quiet, clearly processing. She studied his face carefully. Then she sighed.
“For my sanity, I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that. Just… don’t go bragging about it around nobles. That kind of knowledge is hoarded - and dangerous.”
She shook her head and started walking again.
So nobles hoard spells to keep power? Douchy.
The three of them entered the smithy.
Mirelle stood near the entrance, arms crossed, while Bryan and Tali looked for the proprietor.
About time I got a chest plate.
He scanned the wall of weapons, appraising a few as he went. ________________________________________
Appraisal: Legendary sword of Legendaryness.
Item Type: Sword
Material: Steel
Traits: A very ornate-looking steel sword.
Description: The sword makes the user feel a sense of euphoria while swinging it, leading to a sense of being legendary.
________________________________________
What the actual fuck… it’s 40 gold for a scam sword? That’s insane.
The blacksmith is already walking Tali through armour choices.
Bryan put the sword back and shook his head as he moved over to the armour.
Well, the black steel-looking one looks cool…
He walked over to the blacksmith and enquired about the black chest plate and the things Tali wanted, then purchased them.
While leaving, Tali had a big smile, fangs glinting as she looked up at him.
“Are you sure about all this? You’re spending a lot of money on me.”
Surprised she’s still this timid.
“You earned the money with me on quests. It’s only logical,” he said with a head tilt.
Tali smiled again and said thank you, resting her head on his arm as they walked.
Too cute.
Mirelle followed them out of the shop and the three made their way to the market centre.
Tali skipped in front, looking back toward Bryan.
“Where to next?”
“Probably time to get some food, eh Mirelle?”
He gestured toward her, and she said sure.
Mirelle, such a cheerful person…
Tali is not even looking where she's going.
Before he could speak, Tali tripped over a barrel and fell onto a table, knocking over several potions.
Of course.
Bryan rushed over to help Tali back to her feet, claws gently grazed his palms as he helped her.
A small crowd gathered, muttering among themselves.
“I thought demi-humans were meant to be balanced, at least?” one of them commented.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, bowing toward the shopkeeper, ears drooping as she does.
Still clumsy. I’ll handle this civilly…
Turning to the shopkeeper, Bryan smiled as he offered a handshake. He slipped the man a pouch of gold as they shook.
“This should cover the damaged goods.”
The stall owner looked between the mess and them, then nodded. “It’ll do.” He started picking up the items.
The three of them walked toward the fountain, Tali with her tail low and ears drooped, staring at the ground.
I’ll go and cheer her up shortly.
It was an accident.
Mirelle walked beside him. “I’m surprised you handled that well. Not how I’ve seen you handle other things,” she said with a raised eyebrow.
Must think I’m a savage.
“Well, you can’t punch every problem.” He shrugged.
Bryan sped up to catch up with Tali, resting a hand on her shoulder.
“Look, it was just some potions. It isn’t that serious.” He cracked a big smile and lightly squeezed her cheeks.
She pouted but smiled soon after.
Glad she isn’t too upset.
“Can we get lunch now?” Her ears perked up as she spoke.
Bryan rolled his eyes a little. The three of them grabbed some wrap-looking food from a stall and sat near the fountain.
Bryan and Tali dug into their food as Mirelle tentatively nibbled, her foot tapping against the ground.
I think she may want to chat… fine.
“So, since I haven’t asked yet, what are your long-term goals?”
Tali replied cheerfully between bites,
“For me I just want to be a proper adventurer really.” She coughed a little from talking while eating.
“Sorry about that,” she says, patting her chest.
chuckles internally Oh this girl…
Bryan wiped a hand down his face as he sighed. “Well, that’s a fine goal - but seriously, don’t forget to chew,” he said with a small laugh.
A brief smile passed between him and Tali as he turned to Mirelle.
The sounds of the market - chatter, merchants trading - hummed softly around them.
Setting her blue calculating eyes on him before speaking, she said, “Well, I’m not divulging my life story,” curt in her tone.
“No one wants that.” He smiled, but she just stared back blankly.
Hmm. Am I not actually funny?
She sighed a little. “Well, healing is my passion, but I want to make an impact. So I intend to open a clinic, and to do so I need money.”
They ignore the faint sound of a business dispute somewhere in the market.
“Fair enough, that’s very practical.” Bryan nodded.
“I’m surprised you’re not inquiring about my past. Usually, people do.” She taps her staff lightly on the ground.
The background noise swelled slightly - shouts and footsteps rising behind their conversation.
“Don’t see why I’d care. What you do now is what matters.” He shrugged, stuffing more food into his mouth.
She hummed in quiet approval and returned to her meal.
A scream pierced the idle chatter, and Bryan’s head snapped around to find the source.
Fuck was that?
He stood quickly as people started running in all directions from five cloaked figures, one holding a long red sword dripping blood onto a body beneath.
Before Bryan could react, three guards rushed at them, only to be cut down by the cloaked men, who lowered their hoods.
I’m confused, bandits in town?
With their hoods down, the men’s red-hued skin and large black horns were clearly visible.
One of them loudly shouted, “The Demon Lord has had enough of your kingdoms insolence!”
His long red sword nearly scraped the ground.
“This small attack will serve as our declaration of war!”
Tali and Mirelle now stood ready as the men began firing bolts of fire into buildings and stabbing any civilians within reach.
I should have seen this coming…
Bryan darted toward them as fast as his feet would carry him.
He launched what’s left of his wrap at the closest demon’s head, stunning him for a moment.
Had to do it.
He drew his sword in an upward swing, slicing the still-reeling demon across the chest.
Tali and Mirelle caught up, and the groups squared off.
The one who spoke before sneered. “Adventurers really think they can stop us?”
Bryan responded with a casual, “Yep,” then blinked behind the first demon and drove his sword clean through his back.
Oh shit - I think it’s stuck in his armour…
With a guttural roar, the largest demon charged towards Mirelle, and Tali, Two others towards Bryan.
Bryan shouted, “Defend Mirelle!” With a nod, Tali plants herself between the demons and Mirelle.
Two demons swing short swords at him just as he yanked his blade free from the corpse.
He defended, but their rapid strikes forced him to keep stepping back.
Really need to get the upper hand here…
The large sword demon continued blasting nearby buildings like they’re irrelevant.
Deflecting a swing, Bryan fired a Rock Shot at the shorter demon, knocking him down.
Another swing came fast, glancing off his new plate and cutting his arm.
Bryan dove back.
Too close.
Tali blocked strike after strike of the axe demon’s attacks with solid footing and quick counters.
Bryan quickly chains Air Bolt, dashing forward and plunging his sword into one demon.
As the other charges, he raised his free hand - Lightning Bolt… A loud crack echoed as lightning bursts from his hand, engulfing the demon.
It spasmed, then dropped. Bryan panted, catching his breath.
Level Up
Level Up
“Well, you’re not useless at least.” The main demon stepped forward, long red blade gleaming in the firelight.
Holding both hands out, Bryan fired a Rock Shot and Lightning Bolt one after the other.
The demon raised a hand and both spells stop against an invisible barrier.
“Try harder. Can’t keep using the same tricks,” he mocked with a laugh.
Well that’s new - screw it.
Bryan dashed toward him, both of them moving so fast their blades blur in a storm of swings and parries.
The demon’s bright red eyes lock on him as they fought.
He’s so fast - this isn’t good… Blink.
Bryan appeared behind him, only to be punched so hard in the chest that he slid across the ground toward Tali and Mirelle.
Tali lifted her shield with enough force to unsteady the axe demon, then stabbed upward under its armour.
“I did warn you - repeating things won’t help,” the main demon said with a laugh.
Coughing and catching his breath, Bryan struggled upright.
Tali, having killed her demon, helped him to his feet.
She stood firm, shield raised, as Mirelle chants - a wave of warmth engulfs him and strength flooded back into his limbs.
The demon is on them again, swinging furiously.
Both Bryan and Tali parry blow after blow.
Arms getting heavy…
Ok, Tali won’t like this, but I need to try something new.
While defending, he concentrated.
Oxygen… Light… Fire… explosion.
The swings came faster, and they were barely keeping up as Bryan’s hand glowed.
He closed his eyes, and a blinding flash erupts.
Light Blast Unlocked
Taking advantage, he punched the demon with all his force, knocking him back several feet.
Both the demon and Tali covered their eyes, dazed.
Before Bryan could rush in, the demon snarled, “Enough. This was fun, but we’ll be back.”
As Bryan swung, the demon vanished in a flare of magic.
Dammit, I would’ve got him…
Looking back, Tali is being healed by Mirelle, her face serious.
He saw half the buildings in the square burning, and the bodies of thirty townspeople lying scattered across the ground.
This was a mess.
Bryan walked over to the others, the sound of metal clanging on stone echoing in the distance.
Seeing him, Tali brightens slightly. “I’m happy I got one, but so many people died.” Her ears flattened against her head.
Mirelle checked the bodies for survivors.
“Look, I don’t think we could’ve handled it any better,” Bryan said, placing a hand on Tali’s shoulder.
It’s not like the guards managed to help.
“We saved as many as we could by stopping them.” Tali smiled faintly but still looked down.
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
The distant clanging grows clearer - marching men.
Tali and Bryan helped Mirelle check the wounded; she managed to save two severely injured townspeople.
We definitely did all we could… I’m sure.
Into the square marched close to fifty men, clad in plate and chain armour.
Swords drawn, they surround the trio as a richly dressed man steps forward.
“We had scattered reports of a demon attack.”
Not going to have to fight these guys too, right…
He eyed the three of them, then spotted their guild badges.
With a gesture, his men lower their weapons.
They begun hauling water to douse fires and checking bodies for life.
sighs internally Thank god…
Bryan spoke up. “Look, we managed to fight them off, but the attack came out of nowhere.”
“I’ll be honest, had you not stepped in, there’s no telling how many would’ve died. Thank you.” The man bowed, then turned to give orders to his soldiers.
Ok, well - logically, back to the guild.
He turned to Mirelle and Tali, and the three made their way back toward the guild in silence, the streets eerily empty.
They approached the guild doors, already hearing loud chatter inside.
Opening the doors, they found adventurers gathered in tense groups, swords drawn, discussing the city’s attack.
“Probably best we tell the receptionist, then.”
They pushed through the crowd toward the desk, where a flustered-looking Tina was sorting papers.
Tali and Mirelle sat near the desk, looking exhausted.
“I have a report to make,” Bryan announced loudly.
Without looking up, Tina responded. “Look, we’re really busy. We’re on standby to help if the attack escalates.”
Bryan placed a hand on the counter to get her attention.
“That’s why we’re here. The attack’s over - we fought the demons until they fled.” She stopped, staring at him, mouth agape.
“The guards are now containing the fires. Mirelle healed who she could, but it’s a mess.”
The nearby adventurers went quiet and began staring.
“Wait… you killed demons? But you’re Steel rank.”
I do not see the relevance?
“Yeah, we dealt with it,” he reiterated.
Tina looked sceptical. She called over an adventurer in light gear and told him to run to the square to confirm the situation.
“You just sit down, and we’ll find out shortly,” she said, eyeing him suspiciously.
He shrugged and took a seat next to the girls.
Tali spoke up. “Why don’t they believe us?”
“Well, it is a bit of an outrageous claim. They just need to confirm,” Mirelle responded calmly.
Tali nodded in response.
They sat for a while as the guild quiets, people fidgeting awkwardly.
Overhearing some quiet talk:
“Do you think it was Len who took out the demons from afar?”
“No, I bet it was that Mad Mage. Seems more like something she’d do.”
Well, they sound interesting at least.
After a short while, the doors burst open, catching everyone’s attention.
The man ran up to the desk, visibly out of breath. “The guard captain confirmed a tall man, a demi-human, and a woman in white robes dealt with the demons.”
Well, we did say that but… hey ho.
The adventurers now stared toward them, whispering between themselves.
Tina gestured them over to the desk with a wave of her hand.
“Not sure how you managed that - it’s a feat beyond your rank.”
Bryan shrugged. “Only one of them was tough, to be honest.”
Tina’s calculating face cracked for a moment.
“We have a guild provision for situations like this, each of you, hand over your badges.”
Are we being punished or something?
Bryan looked confused. “Okay, why?”
Looking impatient, she held out a hand without responding.
They each handed over their badges, and after some stamping and paperwork, she gave them back.
“Under guild provision twelve: emergency promotion for extraordinary feats. We are promoting the three of you to silver rank.”
“You did something impressive, but don’t let it go to your head.”
She showed a faint smile, then turned back to her paperwork.
Overhearing more talk:
“I can’t believe they beat demons.”
“Should we ask to join them?”
Turning to Tali and Mirelle, Bryan suggested they return to the inn.
“They’re whispering about us again,” Tali says, looking uncomfortable and holding onto his arm as they left.
A few adventurers followed them out toward the inn.
Bit rude, but I guess a symptom of fame.
They arrived at the inn with its usual busy evening climate.
A man puts an arm out in front of Bryan, stopping him. “I’d be careful - that Mad Mage is here. Set up shop in the dining hall.”
Adding another mage to our group sounds good.
Bryan looked him up and down - scruffy long blonde hair, pointed ears sticking through, and a generally shaggy look.
Internal sigh.
“Thanks, whoever you are, but I’ll decide who to avoid,” Bryan said, waving a hand dismissively.
The people who followed them talk audibly.
“Come on, you do it - we have to join the demon killers.”
The man smirked. “Name’s Len - and you’re sassy, a demon killer now?”
“Sure.” Bryan sighed audibly. “Mind if I join you guys? Could be good for us both - you could use an archer.”
Len waved his hands dramatically.
Yeah, no charity today.
“Erm, not today,” Bryan said curtly, then simply added “no” to those behind him.
He sidestepped Len and made his way into the dining hall.
Tali led Mirelle to a table while Bryan looks around, noticing a woman surrounded by books.
He walked over. Horns poked out from her long black hair as she read. He stopped in front of her.
“Are you the Mad Mage?”
She sighed loudly. “My name is Zarethia - that name is so reductive.”
“Ah. Would you be interested in joining our group, Zarethia?” he asked, smiling.
Still reading, she said, “Look, I’m sure you’re a lovely gentleman, but I doubt you’d interest me.”
But I’m an interesting guy - how rude.
“How can I prove you wrong?”
She sighed again. “Fine. A quiz on magic will determine it.”
Smiling, Bryan said, “That’s fine by me.”
Zarethia barely looked up from her book. “What determines the strength of a fire spell?”
That’s easy…
“Amount of oxygen supplied and mana,” he said confidently.
“Oxygen? Fascinating…” She looked up from her book, brow furrowing.
“Why does it take a long time for most mages to learn new spells?” tapping her long black claws on the table.
“Odd choice, but I’d guess they struggle to understand the effect they’re trying to achieve.”
Personally, it’s not too hard.
She grined slightly, revealing a mouthful of fangs.
“Why is lightning magic a difficult one for most to grasp?” Bryan paced as he thought.
“I dunno - most likely because they can’t grasp that lightning is just electricity, a form of energy.”
“Electricity… not heard that one before.”
Crap, that was a mistake…
Her hand rested on her chin, stroking slowly as her bright red eyes locked on him.
“Last one: what’s the difference between creation and transmutation?”
“Creation makes something from nothing. Transmutation just convinces what’s already there to change its mind,” he said, smirking.
Zarethia paused thoughtfully. “You think strangely… but your logic seems valid.”
“So, willing to join us now?” he asked proudly.
Squinting at him with intrigue, she said, “Fine, I’ll join you. I’ll meet you here in the morning for breakfast.”
Boom - new mage acquired.
He thanked her and walked back to Tali and Mirelle.
He sat down and took a drink of the ale Tali got him.
Mirelle eyed him. “Look I know she’s a registered adventurer and not associated with the Demon Lord.”
She paused for emphasis.
“But do you think it’s smart having a demon join us after what just happened?”
“Look, she has a good reputation, and it’s not her fault other demons are douches,” he said dismissively.
“You take things far too casually. Despite that, I’ll join you.”
“But I don’t think she’s a good idea,” Mirelle said with a stern look.
God, she needs to chill.
“Look, it’s fine. I’m going to bed - Tali, just to warn you, I’ll be the same as this morning.”
He chuckled as Tali got red-cheeked, avoiding eye contact.
Mirelle glared. “Now that was mean.”
Still chuckling, Bryan waved and made his way up to his room.
Resting on his bed, he sighed loudly, thinking to himself.
Based on what everyone said, we did pretty awesome today… good day’s work.
While relaxing, he heard a scratch at his door.
Looking over, he saw a letter slide under it.
Walking over, he picked it up and inspected the intricate seal.
A summons to the palace in a week’s time… interesting