Lucas awoke to a light flashing in front of his closed eyes. As he opened his eyes, he realized that it was his wake-up call. Rose was using a status box to wake him up.

“I’m awake. I’m awake. Stop Rose!” said Lucas as he slipped in his Comlink

Good. I was wondering what exactly it would take to wake you up. You are a fairly heavy sleeper, and you took your earbud out.

“How exactly did you flash a status screen all the way over here? I didn’t think you had this sort of range.”

I don’t. I built a minion and sent the minion to you. I sent a few dungeon nanobots along with him to repair him if required. Lucas, meet Alarm Clock Bot.

“Nice to meet you Alarm Clock Bot. Thanks for waking me up.”

There is a bright light that flashed in response.

Alarm clock bot can’t talk. After repairs, we didn’t have enough free materials to give him a mouth. I plundered material and a bulb from one of the flashlights to cobble him together. I want to recycle as few items as possible from that storage room, because even with the Nanoforge we may never be able to make some of those items again. In other news, check your notifications.

“Ok…,” replied Lucas, a bit confused.

Major Quest Complete!

Save Rose

Rose

The power that Rose requires to survive is failing. Find a method to begin power generation and restore the power reserves for the base to a length of 2 years.

1) Clear the Giant Rats (40/40) and seal their entrance. (1/1)

2) Scavenge materials. Attempt to repair a Solar Panel. (Complete)

3) Clear the Goblins from the Nanoforge. (Complete)

4) Secure a source of water. (1/1)

5) Restore Power to the base 244MW/244 MW

6) Bring one automated repair drone online or build a new one (Complete)

Rewards:

Access to additional Historical Information

+2 Attribute points

Control of Military base and production facility

"Oh hey!" said Lucas, scratching his head. "You hit the Power requirement while I was sleeping… How did you hit the power requirement while I was sleeping? Where do you think I should spend the attribute points?”

Eh, The solar panels have all been repaired by my Nanobots at this point. In fact, the repairs were done long before you went to sleep. And since we’ve had sunlight this morning already, it tipped me over the edge.

“That’s great!” replied Lucas. “But how? Even with a fully functional 4 MW array, it would take days to build up that kind of power reserves.”

Huffing, Rose replied, I cheated OK. Technically I do not have 244 MW/hr of power, but with a fully restored solar array, I was able to tell the system you achieved that portion of the goal.

“Oh my goodness, Rose. That is too funny,” laughed Lucas.

The trees are NOT cleared yet. I’m waiting for you to get here with the folks you are inviting to join us before we do that. I had to use the metal from the shelving units to perform all the repairs.

“You just don’t want to say the folks that I purchased to join us.”

Yup. Won’t say it. Can’t make me.

Also, hopefully, one of them is a carpenter because we’re probably going to want to use the wood to build replacement shelves.

“Well, when they are through the portal, I will politely ask if anyone is a carpenter or wants to be a carpenter.”

That works. As far as the attribute points, one point in Intellect at the very least is my suggestion. It will give you more mana. Then you can put your other point in either Agility, Charisma or Luck. Or I guess into Intellect if you wanted to put two points there. I don’t think Strength is going to be your primary stat based on your fighting style so far.

“I think I’m going to go with Agility. Speed has been pretty important to me so far.”

Agreed. On to new business, the contract should be fine. There is nothing that is a problem on my end. Overall, there are very few enforceable provisions outside of protecting Esfield when it is under attack. If you fail to show up when you are in the village, they will jail you after the attack is beaten back. You are obligated to report dungeons you discover after you join the guild to the guild. Since you ‘discovered’ me before you joined, you’ll be fine here. The system will automatically tax you 5% of your coin drops on behalf of the guild. I don’t think this is a significant loss because of the benefits it brings. Finally, like Io said, you are obligated to submit new spells that you have learned, prior to joining the guild, to the guild for distribution to members of an appropriate rank. Since the whole, not attacking allies thing hasn’t been discovered, you will need to submit to the guild how to accomplish that. I suggest submitting only the flames spell with it attached.

“I still can’t believe nobody has thought to tack on a statement saying it doesn’t impact their allies.”

Yes, well, you need to know how the Physical world works to be able to deviate from the base spell. That’s likely why Io said only specialists could modify spells. These folks probably don’t even have a basic education. Whereas the specialists probably have a library full of books from our time. If they can understand 10% of them, I will be surprised.

I’d also suggest teaching Io the Cleanse spell you have if she can learn it. If Io has an ounce of water affinity, she can keep her guild lounge in tip-top shape quickly once the repairs are made one time. I’m guessing that spell is not a basic spell, so she doesn’t know it and can’t use it for keeping things clean.

“That’s probably a good idea. I know it’s early still, and Io’s probably not in the office yet, but can you send in Dungeon Nanobots to help her out? I feel kind of bad because it is obvious that she cares, and nobody else seems to really care about them here.”

No can do. Alarm Bot has like 4 Dungeon Nanobots. Do you have any idea how long it would take to do the repair and clean with 4 Nanobots?

“Absolutely no idea,” replied Lucas.

Years. It would take years.

“OK. I guess that’s not really feasible.

How much gold do you have left?

“196 gold, a few silver, and well over 500 copper.”

If you really want to help, on your way in this morning, stop and see the carpenter and the tailor. The Carpenter can probably do most of the repairs, and the Tailor can repair any fabric related issues. It will be easier than if I try and get Dungeon Nanobots over there. I’d say no more than 50 gold to have it repaired to like new conditions. Alternatively, you can hand Io 50 gold, and let her spend it on the guild wherever it needs to be spent. If I were you, I would tip her 50g and let her figure it out herself.

“Duly noted. Anything else you...” before Lucas could finish his sentence there was a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” asked Lucas.

“It’s Sarah! I’ve brought your breakfast,” replied Sarah through the door.

“Just a moment” replied Lucas to Sarah, and then quietly turning to Rose, Lucas said, “We will continue this conversation later.”

Walking to the door, Lucas opened the door to find Sarah outfitted in a yellow dress with a tray of food that she had brought up from the kitchen. “As promised, I have delivered breakfast. I’m headed to Church from here, do you want me to wait for you to eat and I can show you around? I know you were talking about joining the Hero’s Guild last night, so I am guessing you are at least sort of sticking around,” said Sarah.

“I’ve got things to do this morning, unfortunately. I’ve got to sign the contract with the Hero’s Guild and pick up a delivery from Joe. But I wouldn’t mind some company while I ate.” Looking at the Tray, Lucas continues, “You are welcome to join me if you’d like. There is absolutely no way I am going to eat half of this food.”

“Well, I wanted to make sure you got your money’s worth,” replied Sarah with a shy grin. “And I want to make sure you choose me to take care of any further needs you’ve got while you are in the inn.”

Lucas laughed. “I didn’t realize my tip would get me service quite this good.”

“Well, when you tip me roughly ten day’s wages, you should probably expect it,” replied Sarah.

Thinking to himself, that means that she makes roughly the same as a day laborer. “I killed around 65 monsters and got a large pocketful of coins because of it. I simply want to spread the joy around. I can tip you less next time if that’s your preference. But I think I’d like to continue spreading this coin around. It’s not like I have anyplace else to spend it.”

“How did you get so much gold from so few enemies?”

“I’m not actually sure. I wasn’t aware that I had a coin purse until after I got into the city. I probably got most of it while I was soloing a dungeon,” replied Lucas nonchalantly.

“Soloing a Dungeon!” exclaimed Sarah. “I’m sorry for bothering you, Sir Lucas. Please excuse me.”

“Wait. Why are you leaving?” Sarah paused as Lucas spoke, clearing considering the statement to ‘wait’ an order.

“Having cleared a dungeon solo, you would be considered for elevation to the Nobility in this kingdom. The first of a young noble’s children to clear a dungeon solo is the one who gets to inherit the title. The King has plenty of lands that he can grant to individuals who achieve this feat. Even if they are not from the nobility, and as such, even as a foreigner, you would be a candidate for elevation so he could tie you to his Kingdom.”

“You are the only one that knows, and I don’t plan on telling anybody else. So sit. I’m not from here, and I need to understand the culture. If I don’t, I may cause myself more problems. Like I just did by telling you about the Dungeon,” replied Lucas. “I don’t want to be a Noble, so you are not going to tell anyone I told you that. I would like you to treat me exactly as you did before.

“If you insist, sir,” replied Sarah.

“Jiminy Cricket!” exclaimed Lucas. “Where I am from, nobody is considered better than anyone else. Everyone is equal. I am not a Nobleman. I am just a poor sod who came from a middle-class family.” Thinking of a plausible like with just enough truth to ring true, “I’m wandering this nation to find my Uncle, and I’d ask that you not share my secrets. But I’d also ask that you help me.”

“I believe that is fair. Yes, I can provide you with assistance. But if you are looking for cultural assistance to fit in better in Brown, and you have as much money as you do, I’d suggest hiring a servant to help you,” suggested Sarah.

“I have 12 slaves coming in from the capital this morning, but that isn’t actually a bad idea.” Clearly speaking to Rose based on the context, “Do you concur?”

I do. I’d suggest you hire Sarah. It will provide us with someone familiar with the nearby village and someone we can learn about the culture from. I don’t have any idea who else we would hire since no one else we know in Esfield would want to leave.

“Alright. You’re hired. I will pay you four silver a day until either my coin runs out or I have no need of you anymore. Is that acceptable to you?” asked Lucas.

“I didn't mean me, Lucas. I mean, I’d be honored, but isn’t there someone better qualified you’d prefer to hire?” replied Sarah.

“Do you see anyone else who has taken the time to get to know me a bit in this town? The only other two people I’d consider acquaintances even is Joe the Trader and Io from the Hero’s guild. No. You are my best option. If you don’t want to do it...”

Sarah quickly responded, “No, no, you misunderstand Sir Lucas. I would love to do it, But I do not believe I am qualified. I am a lowly tavern waitress.”

“And? I have almost zero knowledge about your current culture. A bum off the street knows more than me. If we come to a point where you do not feel you can teach me anymore, I can bring you back here. And you can have earned several days’ worth of pay for each day you worked.”

“But when I am done, where will I work?”

“Look, go ask Jerry if Lucas can pay him ten gold to hold your job for two weeks. I need to borrow you for hmm, let's just say a project. If he says no, you stay here and go on your merry way, but if he says yes, you agree to help me understand the culture of Brown.”

“I will submit to your will. I will agree to come to teach you about the culture of Brown. But that is the only reason I will accompany you. I may be a commoner, and you might someone who qualifies as nobility, but I am not coming along as a wench for you to play with.”

“Sarah, if you think I want you to come along as a wench, you don’t know me very well yet. Second, when we get where we are going, I believe that someone would be very, very irate with me if I brought you home as a wench,” said Lucas. “She’s already mad enough already that I am going to bring home slaves. If I brought home a wench, I bet she’d try and kill me.”

Darn Tooting! interjected Rose.

“I’m sorry, Sir Lucas. I did not realize you were married,” replied Sarah quickly.

“I’m not, but it’s… complicated,” replied Lucas. “Just know that you are coming along almost as much to help her as you are coming along to help me. Does that help clear your mind?”

“Yes. Under those conditions, I would accept provided Jerry holds my job. How far will we be traveling?”

“Not far. We are going to a clearing on the other side of the woods where I’ve set up my base of operations,” said Lucas. “Go ask Jerry. I’m going to front you the money in case he says yes. If he says no, you may keep it anyway, provided I can ask you any questions I have while I am in town.”

“I will be right back, sir!” replied Sarah.

After she left, Lucas said to Rose, “Well, that could have gone better, but it wasn’t a disaster.”

It could have. But it didn’t go that badly. It would have been WAY more fun if you had told her you were married to me. It would have caused her all sorts of confusion, joked Rose.

“It would have, but I didn’t want to make that joke in case you took it poorly.”

Honestly, Lucas, you are the only person I have talked to in years. I would have been OK with whatever you did here.

“Thanks, Rose,” said Lucas.

Lucas sat in silence for a few minutes deep in thought as he finished his breakfast. As he was finishing, Sarah bound up the stairs and into his room.

Out of breath, Sarah gasped out, “Jerry will hold my job for a month for the ten gold you gave him! I told him he didn’t have to pay me while I was gone, and he was fine with it.”

“Great!” said Lucas. “ I will meet you back here after I am done signing the contact with the Hero’s guild and picking up my order. I’m going to guesstimate 2-3 hours. If you need longer, that’s fine. I can wait. I’m going to need to feed my people before we head out anyway.”

“I’ll arrange the back room with Jerry for you to eat in with 14 plates. Do you need anything else?”

“Can you pick up an assortment of clothing for the folks. I am assuming they won’t come across with much.”

“Yup, I can do that. I can even modify to size if needed, my sister works with the Tailor, so I have a little bit of pull at that shop.”

“Alright, Sarah, See you later. Off to Church with you!” teased Lucas.

With that, Sarah turned and bounced out the door.

Alright, Rose, I’m on my way to meet with Io.

Roger Lucas. I’ll go quiet until you are out of town.

“Talk to you later!”

Walking out of his room and down the back stairs, Lucas quickly headed across the park to the Hero’s Guild. Lucas saw very few people out and about. However, it appeared as he passed by the front of the church that most people were either already at church or headed there. Lucas felt a little bad about causing Io and Joe to miss services, and he hoped that they weren’t terribly devout.

Walking into the Hero’s Guild, it appeared the same as it had the night before. Turning Lucas noticed that Io was sleeping on a couch in the corner with a stack of papers and a couple of books next to her.

Whispering to Rose, “The guild doesn’t even make enough money for her to have anyone to help her here. Io is running this entire guild by herself.”

Turning and exiting quietly, Lucas ran over to the market inside of the Traders’ Hall and purchased a few fruits for a half dozen coppers and brought them back to the Guild. Making a point to enter noisily, Io was sitting up and waiting for him by the time he entered.

“Good morning, Lucas,” said Io.

“Good morning, Io. I brought you breakfast. A grapefruit and an Apple. I also brought a few other fruits as a gift since I was going to be here so early.”

“Thank you, Lucas, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I have your paperwork ready as well as the items that the Guild provides to new heroes. I confirmed your story with one of the guards from the River Bridge yesterday, so we can proceed straight to the signing. The only thing I need from you is any spells you wish to submit so I can register them to you straight away as well as your signature. We can do this in whatever order you wish.”

“I’m going to start with the spell then. I cannot remember my exact words, but the words I am about to recite should work just fine. ‘A burst of flames will erupt from my hand and continue erupting until I will it to stop. This fire will not damage me or my allies, only my enemies or those who mean me harm. Flames!”

“That’s it? That little addition of not damaging you or your allies makes your flames spell not damage others?” queried Io. “You don’t need anything more detailed to get your spell to work? Like a detailed sheet of paper with lines upon lines of… well, I don’t even know written on it.”

“That’s correct. It seems obvious to me, and I think in hindsight it is going to be obvious to everyone else too,” replied Lucas, missing the end of Io’s question because he had bitten into one of the fruit he brought to the Guild.

“Well, with it being that simple, it can probably be applied to other spells. This is going to be worth a LOT of contribution points to the guild. It might even bump you high enough to request a copy of the intermediate or advanced spell books be sent here.”

“Is that good? I really don’t have a frame of reference here,” asked Lucas.

“Well, if you get the intermediate spellbook, you will be the first person in Esfield to do so. If you get the advanced spellbook, you will be the first person within the Kingdom of Brown to do so. I would humbly ask you allow me to review them for any spells that I can use,” requested Io.

“Why wouldn’t I let you look through the spell books? The stronger I make you, the better off I will be. I am not in competition with you.”

“You kind of are. Esfield has been without a noble and under the direct control of the King for many years. The last line died out trying to solo the dungeon to the Northwest. The first person from this area, no matter what village, to solo it can become the new noble. If I can get powerful enough, I’m going to try for it.”

“I wish you luck. But I still say we aren’t in a competition. I have no interest in being a noble,” replied Lucas.

“Why not? If you are a noble, your needs are taken care of, and you can ensure that things within your realm of control run smoothly.”

“I don’t need to be a noble to make sure things run smoothly where I live. I also do not need to be a noble to be able to take care of myself. Speaking of taking care of myself, am I allowed to donate to the guild?”

“You may donate if you wish. It doesn’t get you any bonuses but does get you a few contribution points depending on the amount.”

Opening the trading window, Lucas hands Io 50 gold. “Well, here’s my contribution. And hopefully, proof that I don’t need to be a noble to take care of myself.”

“Lucas! This is half a year’s wages! You can’t donate that much!”

“I can, and I will,” Lucas replied forcefully. “I still have several years wages left after that. Please use the money to improve the guild. I don’t want to walk in and see you sleeping next time. Hire somebody. I will be hunting in the general area, so hopefully, the tax will keep up with your needs.”

Shamed, Io bowed her head and replied, “It’s been a lot worse here then I have let on. Without your donation, we would have had to close our doors soon. Thank you for your kindness.”

“Chin up, it can only get better from here then.” Io handed Lucas his books, then Lucas continued “Order whichever spell book my contribution points give me access to. I will be back in a few days. I will likely spend some of that time training and some of it hunting, possibly clearing a mine out. When I come back, I will need to check with the Gate guild and possibly look into some travel, so however, I get my discount will need to be in place by then.”

Io replied, “Yup, not an issue. I will get everything set for five days from today. But if takes longer than that, it’s not an issue.”

Walking out of the Hero’s Guild, Lucas hurried over to Joe’s Shop.