– Day 10 –

Preparations – Part 2

We head out of the store and across the road towards the armourer–

“Are you certain you want to keep spending the magistrate's money like this?”

Risk chirps. He’s not wrong, and Graham’s already warned me once.

“It can’t really be helped. I don’t have the funds myself, and I have three weeks to pull this off. I’m not going to skimp; I’ll purchase what I have to and fight my case for every purchase–”

“Including the lads?”

“All except them..”

I trail off as we head into the store. A burly, young woman is sat at the corner of the room behind a counter. In contrast to the weapon-smith, this place is spotless, and many vibrantly glossed armour pieces are dotted around for display.

“What can I do for yers?”

She bellows tirelessly without expectation.

“A couple of things actually but first I thought I’d try my luck and see if you had a tower shield–”

Did she just roll her eyes at me?!

“Try across the street.”

“I did, I purchased the best he had for training purposes. I need one fit for combat.”

She looks me in the eye and then proceeds to scan me up and down–

[Analysis Acquired]

Holy shit! Finally! I’ve been after this skill since day 1! I could kiss you! Oops; I may have expressed that on my face, she looks about ready to punch me. *Ahem* I’ll come back to this–

“You hardly look capable of wielding a tower shield with those puny arms. A round shield or buckler would be more your speed child–”

“I know right, but he’s actually quite skilled with one…despite his looks.”

Thanks, Risk…Thanks.

“You…I know you don’t I?”

“Your late husband was my friends weapon-smith, so we visited frequently back in the day for repairs and such. You’ve probably seen us together.”

She seems to frown at his answer before shaking her head.

“I have something out back, but I reserve the right not to sell it to yer if I choose.”

She wanders off…Do we follow or?

“Come on!”

That answers that then.

She leads us through the shop and out the other end into a small backyard. It looks to be a courtyard, and various people can be seen working around the place.

“Wait here.”

So we do. She’s straight like an arrow…

She returns after a few minutes with a tower shield that immediately sets of [Appraisers Eye] …and holding a greatsword too?

She hands me the shield.

[SEALED]Demonic Tower of Draining

Rarity: [Unknown]

Manufactured by: [Unknown]

Cost to produce: [Unknown]

Materials: [Unknown due to lack of craft knowledge]

Special:

Continually drains the wielders HP into the Dark Dimension at 1HP per second

Cost to buy: Who would buy this!?

…I agree with you [Appraisal], who the hell would buy this!

“Apologises, *cough* erm I’m Aburi, I didn’t catch your name?”

“What does it matter?”

“Well…I guess it doesn’t, but erm, this here shield… correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t a shield meant to protect one's life? This one seems to be actively trying to take mine!”

“Aye, that it is.”

Why does she look to be preparing to–

*SWOOSH CLANT*

What the hell is wrong with this woman!

*CLANT CLANT*

Screw this!

[Shield Bash]

HP: 300 / 330 MP: 670 / 670 ST: 460/560

“ARH- B”

[SKILL FAILURE]

Wha?!

*THUD THUD*

Risk suddenly fly kicks the woman away from me.

“You okay?”

“No, what the hell is wrong with that woman!? Was she dropped on her head as a child!?”

“We should leave Aburi.”

“Aye, you should”

She chimes.

The woman drops her sword, tip first, and returns to a regular stance. The sword immediately begins to sink deep into the hard compacted ground.

Her strength is insane to be able to swing that thing with one hand! Is she half dwarf? Bella’s strength is one thing, but this right here is something else!

Wait, what’s this odd feeling?

“One second Risk. I think I know why she attacked me–”

I see. So that’s it.

“–I can’t quite describe it, but there’s a distinct aura inside the shield… Two of them in fact?”

Seems I’m onto something based on the woman’s expression alone.

I being to focus the flow of my mana like I did prior to breaking down [Blood Syphon] into minor spells and push my mana towards the two energies inside the shield. One of them feels hot like fire and is hard to get a fixture on as it keeps moving all over the place. The other is cold like ice. It’s hard to explain, but I reach out with my mind to try and touch them.

Suddenly the cold one seems to start pulling me into it. I feel the very fabric of my being, the essence of me being torn apart and then rebuilt like some voxel based life-form. The sharp stabbing and tearing pain is incredible and intense. I try with all my might to cut my flow of mana and let go, but I have lost all control of the flow. I feel myself screaming in agony as I’m pulled deeper into its realm, trying all the while to let go but I can’t…and then, just as suddenly as it began, it was over…

“It’s chosen then.”

Demonic Tower of Ice

Rarity: 1 of a kind

Manufactured by: Skaoi

Cost to produce: [Unknown]

Materials: [Unknown due to lack of craft knowledge]

Special:

[Passive][Reverb], Attackers will be compelled to drop their weapons (Small Chance)

[Field of Winter], While wearing, in a (π*STR^2) area around the user, organic life the wielder considers to be hostile will be affected with [Chilled]. A hostile lifeform that does not leave the field will eventually be [Frozen], MATK+WIS vs MDEF+STA for resistance calculation

[Howl], Targets inside [Field of Winter] will be compelled to attack this user

[Passive], STR, STA, WIS increased by +24 while holding

Cost to buy: Priceless

More like I woke it up…I don’t feel so good..

“Seems so… how much is this shield?”

“I can’t charge for something that was never mine.”

…I guess you mean because it’s not the same shield any more? Whatever, I am exhausted.

“Thank you…I also came for armour…chain mail, fitted to this”

I point to the tailored jacket I’m wearing….oo, forget exhausted, I think I might pass out… I think I’ll just sit here for a moment.

“Aburi, you don’t look okay.”

“I’m good…that.. just took a lot out of me.”

*blink*

“I just need a minute…I feel like I’ve done 20 sessions with Bella…”

He laughs.

“Surely you’d be dead.”

The woman gestures for my jacket, so I take it off and hand it to her…I think I’ll lay down instead you know…

…

…

“Abbbburrriiii *poke*”

Without realising it, I must have dosed off as I open my eyes to find Risk amid a backdrop of a nights sky and burly madam looking down on me. I rush to sit up.

“How, how long was I out?”

“Few hours, here.”

Burly hands me my coat back; the weight nearly takes my arm off.

Custom Chained Long Jacket

Rarity: 1 of a kind

Manufactured by: Ashley Goddart

Cost to produce: 30 Gold

Materials: [Unknown due to lack of craft knowledge]

Special:

[Passive], STA increased by four while wearing

Cost to buy: 45 to 60 Gold

“Thank you Ashley.”

“Hmm, 55 Gold… please”

*blink*

She’s not all bad I guess. I hand her the money, and she offers me a hand up, which I graciously accept.

She nods towards the door. I get it; I get it.

“Ready?”

“…just do–”

*Zip*

HP: 300 / 330 MP: 510 / 670 ST: 560/560

Hunger: 45% Thirst: 60%

Blood State: Low

“it–”

And we’re home. Yum, something smells good!–

*groan*

“Welcome back Aburi.”

Oh, Katharine’s here…She’s here a lot, not that I’m complaining, just an observation.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there. I smell Millie’s glorious cooking, would you like to stay for Dinner?”

“That sounds wonderful. Are you sure I won’t be imposing?”

“Don’t be silly, besides; we have something to discuss.”

We head into the dinning room to see Emily teaching Hannah and Kate to read. It seems Millie is back and forth between learning and checking on the food while Sybil is quietly observing.

I help Millie out by laying the table. Kate tries to object, but I insist she continues with Emily’s important lesson. Katharine jumps in and offers to help me, so Kate sits back down reluctantly. It gives me and Katharine chance to catch up as well. I also notice Emily’s distinct inability to look at me or talk to me. She must remember last night as well then.

Anyhow, it turns out Katharine was here earlier today as well. She spotted the vandals handy work and had someone come and clean it off after reporting it to her Father who apparently already heard from Graham anyway. Alex, trying to respect my wishes, wanted to leave the matter to me but eventually caved to Katharine’s pressure and conceded to have it cleaned for me and nothing else. Which is good because troops stationed outside would have only proved to spoil my overall plans. I like that she cares for us and thank her for the concern. I try to assure her I have plans in motion and that she needs to trust me as attacks like this will likely happen again, and I may meekly let them but only because of a bigger games afoot. Risk backs me up, so she nods and promises to leave future events to us.

With the table ready, we sit and talk about plans for tomorrow. Primarily, the excursion to the Catacombs for our initial trial run as a party. I was planning on taking Risk, Sybil, Katharine and myself while Bella teaches Emily the basics of archery. After all, the more I thought about it, the more I realised Bella is right. Emily isn’t the kind of girl you’d find at the front lines, not that she couldn’t in time, but I think she’d be more comfortable in a central position, attacking from range.

While discussing this, I realise a problem. When Bella and Risk come with me to the catacombs…who looks after the girls and the house? …Argh, I’m a real air head sometimes. I guess I’ll make a quick trip to Edwards again tomorrow and hire another mercenary for that… If this keeps up, I may end up with my own personal army.

With the plan set and the food eaten, I’m suddenly reminded of Sarah and her gold.

“Oh, has an elderly woman about so tall been by the house at all looking for me?”

“No one other than Lady Katharine came by while you were out Master.”

“Okay good. Her name is Sarah, and I have her chest with me.”

*blink*

“Can you store this in the basement and if she comes looking for it, show her it’s location.”

“Understood Master”

“Ah, it’s heavy Kate, you might–”

“I’ll carry it for you.”

Bella picks it up with on hand and disappears off with Kate…Even I can’t lift it with one hand…

Hannah begins to clear the table, and as usual, I get abuse for trying to help…I sit back down and notice Katharine is in a fit of laughter over it. I smile at her with a confused look?

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just nice to watch you all. You’re all so close with each other, like you’ve been together for years. It’s lovely…and a little funny..”

Hmm, I guess she’s right. I guess I sort of treat everyone here like I would like my own family, and that’s why. I wonder how my real family are doing? …I hope they don’t mourn me too much. I’m happy here after all… I hope they’re happy too.

*Slap*

I slap my cheeks and take a deep breathe as I felt myself starting to get emotional there. Katharine looks; actually, everyone looks puzzled.

“Sorry, I was thinking about something and needed to stop. Plan’s for this evening?”

Katharine’s the first to speak up.

“Some light sparring with Father and an early night.”

“Good plan, Risk, shall we spar for a bit as well? Bella said you were taking over that role.”

“Sure, I need to punish your wickedness after all.”

Well, I can’t say I wasn’t expecting reappraisals.

“T-then I’ll warp Katharine home and meet you out back.”

He nods, and I look to Katharine.

“I’ll take a carriage if that’s okay. I did see when Risk returned with you…”

I laugh and concede. It would be a shame to have wasted Millie’s cooking and effort–

“I’ll go arrange the carriage for her Master.”

Hannah offers but I shake my head. I would prefer it if she not out there alone after last night.

“Thank you, Hannah, but I will go. It’s dark out, and we have to be wary of the vandals.”

She nods meekly and sits back down. I head off, and Katharine follows. I guess it does make more sense she comes with me than waits for it at the house.

We step out into the cold night air, illuminated by the silver half-moons and begin to make our way towards the carriage station when I notice it.. A white cloth hanging from the taverns second-floor window? I only hired them today, what could they possibly need to discuss already? I’ll head over after Katharine’s on the carriage home–

“It’s rather cold tonight isn’t it.”

Oh, small talk.

“Indeed. We’ll have to be careful not to catch a cold…”

Smooth…

“..Aburi–”

She stops for a moment, so I turn to face her. As usual, she’s the picture of beauty, but under the silver moonlight, her delicate features are accentuated to breathtaking heights. The way her eyes glisten and twinkle…I would die happy just to hold her in this very moment.

“I wanted to say that I had a wonderful time last night..um and! t-to thank you for coming; I do seem to be thanking you an awful lot since our first meeting ha..”

She trails off towards the end and looks to her feet.

“No, no; I should be thanking you for inviting us. I don’t remember the last time I had that much fun, especially at a formal event like that”

She smiles, looking back up at me, tilting her head slightly… Wait, this is so the time to go in for the kill. Argh Kiss her already! …sigh, I can’t. *pine* I have no idea who’s watching us..

“We…We should head on. We’ll catch our deaths just standing here like this”

She nods gently and walks up beside me as we continue on. I’m a failure of a man, aren’t I…

After I leave Katharine on the carriage, I walk back to the tavern and head inside. As usual, things are in full swing with loud drunk people chatting to each other and a few singing along to a song. I don’t see any of the men about, so I sit at the bar to order a drink and start chatting with the person beside me, I need to blend in after all.

By my 3rd drink, I finally notice one the hired men looking at me. He’s at a table drinking with some other guys laughing and getting along well, but as soon as our eyes meet, he looks to the stairs. That’s my queue I guess. I make my excuses to the men I was chatting with and head upstairs.

Warp is extremely handy, but it does have its drawbacks. For example, I can only teleport to a location I’ve been to in the last 72 hours. I’m not exactly sure why 72 hours but. If I was to guess, it’s most likely due to the planets rotation and magnetic polling. As to why I think that…it would take to long to explain.

Upstairs, I notice someone enter a room at the far end of the hallway. They leave the door ajar, and light can be seen emanating through.

This must be where they want to meet.

I enter the room to find Torrent and one other sitting around a small table. There are four beds in the room, and four chests at the end of each bed. The small table sits in the centre of the room with a small crystal sitting in the middle. It seems the dim light is coming from it.

“You wanted to meet?”

“Aye. We think we understand why you’re making us do this”

I can’t help but laugh.

“Oh?”

“You’ve got quite the following. We’ve found six people actively watching your little house.”

The other guy states nonchalantly.

“We followed them, as you wanted. They all went into the Church, met with some priest and then left…So we changed to following the priest.”

They stop speaking and look to each other…

“And?”

“William Trove, you heard of him?”

…well, that I didn’t see coming.

“The priest met with him and left sometime later with a chest. He then returned to the church. Apah found an opportunity to ‘ascertain’ its contents; around 250 Gold Kings. Torrent stayed on Trove.”

“This is where it gets interesting. See, Trove only heads off and meets with General Victor bleeding Syvian himself at the old ruins just outside the city. They chat for a bit, shoot the shit so to speak, but I couldn’t get close enough to find out more than that.”

Well, shit. I am literally lost for words.

“We thought you’d defo wanna know, so we followed procedure.”

“Indeed I did…To have results from day one, I’m impressed, well done…”

They give an exaggerated laugh for my benefit.

“How do you want us to proceed.”

That’s a good question…

“For now, continue monitoring William Trove and the priest while also monitoring the house. Make a list of the contacts you feel are suspicious and if possible, their activities–”

*blink*

“Use this to however you like but primarily for gathering intel.”

I hand Torrent another ten gold

“Right”

*Zip*

HP: 300 / 330 MP: 666 / 670 ST: 560/560