Chapter 25 I Become an Orator

Illia had leveled up again after we killed the Red Wolf that had been to the south. She was happy about it but was also a bit disappointed we wouldn't be able to celebrate. We'd have to put off our party for another day or two.

Henry and Polly had already made it to town. So when we got to the gate the guards had already sent out the word. There were more guards at the gate than normal and they were warning people leaving the town. They were starting damage control. If people wouldn't leave the town they wouldn't get attacked.

Adventurers, who may not have heard the news, were told about the wolves and that they were to make them a priority if they chose to go hunt. Word hadn't reached the guards about the increased monetary amount the Guild was willing to pay, but most adventurers knew that if they were being told something was a priority they could expect a bonus.

After getting some information from the guards, we each separated to do our assigned tasks. I was to go to the Guild and inform Dunbar about the unknown monster and that Crue and I were going to go check it out. He probably already knew about the wolves at this point, but we had to keep him in the loop so that he could send adventurers to the right places.

I opened the door to the Guild to find a sight greeting me. Mildred was standing on a table in the middle of the room surrounded by a crowd of people. Her goat legs at everyone's eye level. She was in the middle of giving an announcement, but she paused when I walked in.

“ERI!” She bleated. Then she pointed to the corner of the room where Dunbar had been holding a staff conference. He looked up when she said my name.

He spotted me at the door and yelled, “News?”

“Yes, um,” I wasn't used to shouting across large rooms.

*Skill Gain- Public Speaking~

“Well, boy, what is it?” Dunbar asked as he pushed past the crowd and headed in my direction.

“Here?” I asked as he drew closer.

“Yes,” he nodded, “unless you think it will incite any more panic,” he said in an undertone.

“Well, probably not,” I told him.

“Good then,” he grabbed my forearm and pulled me into the crowd. “Up you go,” he said pointing to Mildred who was standing on the table in front of me.

Wait, he wanted me to stand on the table in front of all these people? I started to get really nervous as he pushed me up on the table. Soon, I was standing beside Mildred. I had thought this would be a simple one on one talk then I could leave. Now he wanted me making announcements.

“What do I say?” I hissed at him.

“CAN'T HEAR YOU!” someone yelled from the back. A few sniggers echoed through the room.

“Tell them how many, where they are, and what other news you have,” he said.

Alright then, if he said so. I made sure to activate my new Public Speaking skill. Hopefully, I wasn't going to make an ass out of myself. Plus, if this announcement thing was normal for Surveyors then I had to practice at some point.

“As you've probably heard, there are a large number of Red Wolves near town,” I began but was interrupted again by someone in the Crowd.

“WHO ARE YOU?” They shouted from the back.

“I'm Eri, I'm training under Crue to be the new Surveyor,” I answered.

The crowd murmured a bit at that. It seemed to be a good murmur as there wasn't any more heckling.

“There is an alarming number of Red Wolves around the town,” I said again. “There are even more heading in this direction. They are coming from the north-west, but at this point, they are roaming all around the area.” I glanced at Dunbar. He nodded for me to continue.

“There are estimated forty-plus wolves heading this way. They will all be here by later tonight, tomorrow at the latest. We think they are being driven south.”

“BY WHAT?” another person yelled.

“We need to figure that part out. As of now, we don't know. Whatever is pushing them south it's up in the area between where the cave systems start and the lake. So avoid that area at all costs until we know. Crue and I will be heading out soon to check the situation. This means we probably won't be able to help much with the incoming wolves. Our priority is finding out what the cause is.”

Dunbar was nodding in affirmation while I gave that part of my little speech. Did I have anything to add? Nope. I moved to step down from the table.

“What scares Red Wolves?” Someone closer in the crowd asked. I paused from hopping down off the table and answered the tall woman who had asked the question.

“We really don't know. So far it seems like only Red Wolves are being driven south. We aren't seeing any other monster activity heading this way. At this point, we can't even speculate.” We did have a rough idea of the weakest the creature could be. It had to be at least as strong as a Cave Bear, but the possibility of it being stronger existed. I didn't bring that up though. It's not something they needed to know.

“WILL YOU COME BACK AND FORM A PARTY?” another voice from the crowd shouted.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“He meaans, do you plaaan on taaaking the monster out yourselves or aaare you returning to form aaa paaarty to kill it?” Mildred offered.

“The plan is to check it out, assess the situation, determine a course of action, then execute the action. If there is a possibility that we can take out this new threat while we are already up there, we will. However, if we determine that we can't do it without an established party we will return and gather volunteers.” I figured that sounded good. Go me.

“If it should come to that, you can be assured the Guild will compensate you for your efforts,” Dunbar added. He didn't have to stand on the table. It wasn't right. “Until then we are issuing an emergency quest. Any Red Wolf brought in within the next three days will be worth seven silvers instead of three.” While he was talking, I took the opportunity to jump down from the table.

“Starting now?” I asked him as I stood up from my jump.

“Starting now,” he confirmed.

I didn't know at what point we'd make it back. It might take that long to track down the monster and make it back. I didn't want to miss out on the bonus because we'd taken too long out in the woods.

“Ok, good,” I pushed my way through the crowd as Mildred began her talk about logistics and the safety of being in a team of three.

I detoured to the dismantler. He was standing in the back listening to the news. I got his attention by waving.

“I've got nine Red Wolves to turn in, will you be able to give me the slip for them now. I'm in a hurry and I don't want to miss out on the bonus because I'm out scouting.”

“Sure mate, let's take a look at them real quick out the back,” he took me outside and confirmed the 9 kills. He then wrote up my slip before he even started the dismantling.

“Thanks,” I said waving the green piece of paper at him.

“No problem,” he smiled and waved me off so he could get started on his work.

The price for the 9 wolves was 6 gold, 5 silver, and 70 copper with the dismantling fee subtracted. I'd split it three ways with Illia and Crue when I met up with them. That would be just over 2 gold each. It wasn't bad for a few hours work. It'd been scary as hell, but at least we got paid for it.

Dunbar met me on the way out.

“Do you need horses?” he asked.

“Crue said no, that with the wolves in the area the horses would just attract them to us. We don't want to get bogged down protecting the animals.”

“That is logical, but you would have been able to make better time on horseback.”

“Not if we have to keep fighting off the wolves, there are too many heading in our direction to risk getting mobbed by them because of the horses.”

“Alright, but remember that you can borrow one of the beasts free of charge whenever you have need of them.”

“Thank you, I'll keep it in mind,” I waved as I left the building.

I was to meet Crue at the temple, that way I could store all the equipment he'd gathered in my inventory. It really was handy for lugging things around. Normally, we'd have to pack up bulky backpacks with our supplies. These were heavy and slowed you down. I had most of my own personal camping supplies already in the inventory, but we still needed Crue's stuff and the tent we would share.

I jogged to the temple hoping I hadn't taken too long at the Guild. I hadn't been expecting the announcement and since I was the one responsible for the wolves I felt like I needed to get the most money from them while I could.

As I expected, Crue was standing in the foyer of the temple, but he was with 3 other people. I wasn't surprised to see Illia there, she knew the plan after all. I was surprised to find Sturgis and Lotte there as well. Even more surprising was that they all had bags at their feet.

“What is going on?” I asked walking up to the group.

“We're coming with you,” Lotte said.

“Sturgis and Lotte both have the Scouting skill, they sometimes help the Guild out with the Surveyor work when they have time,” Crue explained. Ok, but that didn't explain Illia and why they were here.

“I went to the guard offices and I explained things to Captain Sturgis...” Illia began.

“Just Sturgis is fine,” he interrupted.

“Sturgis,” she continued. “He thinks that just the two of you heading north through a forest filled with Red Wolves is too dangerous, but you need people skilled in tracking in order to help on your mission.”

“So, that means me and Lotte are volunteering to go with you as representatives of the town guard. Commander Tagert has already approved this plan so we are free to go.”

“It's nice having more people with us to watch our backs,” I commented. Then I glanced at Crue and Illia. Surely, they saw the problem?

“They won't ask questions. They already know you have a Blessing, but not the extent of it. They are fine with you keeping that to yourself. However, they probably will be able to guess so I figure you should just tell them,” Crue commented.

“That's right, I promise we won't tell anyone about it,” Lotte added.

Sturgis nodded agreement, “as long as it's not something that will be harmful to the citizenry I don't see why we have to tell anyone about it.”

“We, Crue and I, already explained why we want to keep it quiet,” Illia said.

“Our family has a not so good relationship with the kingdom. We have a healthy paranoia about attracting too much attention from the people in charge,” Sturgis grumbled. He was obviously remembering some past history. Their family history had been brought up before. Just how bad was it?

“I have my own reasons for not disclosing everything,” Lotte announced. That probably had something to do with her having a noble last name while working as a peon for the guard in an out-of-the-way border town.

“One of the Blessings I got from Amoris is a mental map,” I began hesitatingly. “From this map, I'm able to track monsters. I can see where they are. That's the basics of the Blessing.” I rushed to get out the rest. On my first day in town, I probably would have gladly told them everything about my Blessing. Now, Illia and Crue had systematically cautioned me against that, so it felt odd telling them just that bit. I had a sick feeling in my gut.

“So that's why you are so certain there is something up north driving the wolves south. Logically, you could guess there was a cause to the migration, but for Illia and Crue to be so certain...” he trailed off his thought.

“Handy skill, no wonder Dunbar snatched you up as soon as you walked into town,” Lotte mused her arms crossing.

“Let's get going then,” Illia said picking up a bag at her feet and handing it to me. Wait, what?

“You're going too?” I asked.

“Yup, I just leveled up and while I was at the guard offices they let me use the services of the Aequitas' priest to activate my tracking skill. While they were talking with the Commander, I ran home and grabbed my bag. I don't have much for camping, but Lotte said I can share her tent.”

“Well, if three experienced people think you are ok to come then that's fine with me, but what about the library?”

“I sent a message to Mary, she'll open in the morning and start looking for part-time help.”

I didn't have any further arguments. I took Illia's bag and added it to my inventory. I also gathered everyone else's' bags, including a very large bag of food that Tuck packed. I'd never get to use the camping food I'd bought with Crue as long as Tuck was around to pack us meals.

Illia kept her staff. Everyone else decided to hang on to their weapons as well. Crue, Lotte, and Sturgis all had their bows out. Crue and Sturgis both handed me two extra quivers of arrows.

“Just in case,” they both explained. Well, since I didn't yet have my own arrows, besides the godly ones, they'd be useful.

Everyone carried a utility knife at their belt. Crue, Lotte, Sturgis, and I also had our swords. Though Sturgis' was double the size of our normal average sized swords. It was the same soldier type that Lotte carried but on a bigger scale. I guess big guys could swing around big swords.

Lotte and Sturgis wore what was basically the same armor. They had both put a spider silk bodysuit under their uniforms, and both of them wore heavy metal chest pieces that covered their entire chest and back. Matching bracers and greaves were on their arms and legs. Sturgis' greaves went all the way up his thighs. I couldn't tell if Lotte's did the same because of her skirt. Their bracers did cover both their forearms and upper arms, so if all their armor matched in that way, I would guess that she did have on thigh armor.

They were far more covered than Crue, Illia, or I. We just had simple hard leather chest pieces and some coverage on our forearms and calves. Perhaps, getting some coverage for my thighs and upper arms could be added to my gear without compromising movement? It was something to consider. I had followed Crue's advice on it because it's what he used, but there could be other options I didn't know was available.

“I know we don't have it,” Sturgis waved at Lotte, Crue, and himself, “but do either of you have the skill Nightseer?”

“No,” we both answered.

“Then we have to take extra caution going into the forest near dusk. I know a place to camp, but we won't get there until after nightfall. With the wolves this can be extra dangerous. I'll be counting on you to let us know if anything is incoming, understood?”

“Yes,” I answered Sturgis. Wait, when did he take charge of the situation? I thought Crue was heading up this little shindig.

“I'll take point, followed by Eri, Illia, Lotte, then Crue. Crue and Lotte will watch our backs. Illia and Eri to the sides.” He directed. Ok, so why wasn't Crue in the lead?

“Everyone understand their role?” We all nodded.

“Good, let's go,” he lead us out the door.

Name- Eri Veritas

HP 2776/2800

MP 43/85

Level- 12

Age- 18

Race/Species- (Human) Unknown

Gender- (Male) Unknown

Occupation- Surveyor of Adventurers Guild

Exp- 3133

Physical Power- 229

Stamina- 288

Defense- 364

Agility- 501

Intelligence- 103

Magic Power- 8

Metal Rain Lv 1

Lightning Magic Lv 1

Healing Hands Lv 2

Paralysis Resistance Lv 3

Mind Magic Resistance Lv 1

Skills

Staff Fighting Lv 2

Basic Sword Lv 4

Skull Bashing Lv 3

Martial Arts Lv 3

Stance Lv 2

Smooth Movement Lv 2

Archery Lv 1

Spear Lv 1

Stalking Lv 1

Scouting Lv 1

Jumping Lv 1

Running Lv 2

Pain Tolerance Lv 3

Deception Lv 2

Intimidation Lv 1

Poker Face Lv 1

Etiquette Lv 3

Public Speaking Lv 1

Dismantling Lv 1

Appraisal Lv 1

Cooking Lv 1

Leather Work Lv 1

Metal Work Lv 1

Replication Lv 1 (Lv 10 for Succuba Star only)

Rock Throwing

Slicing

Piercing

Dancing

Singing

Harvesting

Empathy

Telekinesis

Small Talk

Discretion

Party Tricks

Restraint

Alcohol Tolerance

Monster Biology

Entomology

Zoology

Botany

Special Skills

Abyss Walker

Racial Ability-

Hidden Among the Masses- 20

Stealth- 95

Party- 10

Items Equip

Inventory Bracelet

Succuba Star

Gold- 1g 4s 09c (1409c) (6570c yet to be divided.)

Blessing 1- All Map Exploration

Blessing 2- Exp Points Required by Level Up / Current Level

Blessing 3-Exp Increase X Current Level

Blessing 4- Item- Gamer Glasses

Titles- Emissary of Amoris

Devotee of Amoris

Devotee of Edomael

Oracle of Amoris

Oracle of Edomael

Prince of Dreams

Grateful Petitioner

Lover of Leaves

Enemy of Apes