Chapter Four – Something Slumbers

The morning breached over the eastern plains, the sun rising upwards over the fields of grass, and wheat; touching on houses and homes and business the dawn seeping through windows and dancing upon Burlo’s walls; the world cast in burning gold.

It hurt; his arms, his legs, his legs his head he ached soul deep. Orrit let out a soft groan his hands strafing downwards towards the part that hurt most of all. She’d kicked him, he hadn’t done anything wrong and she’d kicked him, right in the vitals. Orrit rocked upwards his hair falling forwards to cover his face the young man sweeping it back a stray sunbeam striking him in the side of the face the young man wincing before slamming his shutters closed blinking his eyes hard and fast. He let out a sigh slumping back in his bed his back resting against the wall, it really was strange, he’d noticed that ever since he’d started working at the adventurer’s guild he’d started finding it easier to get to sleep despite the fact that he was relegated to using one of the most uncomfortable mattresses in human history. He sighed glancing at the old sack stuffed to bursting with hay wood shavings and who knew what else.

Well he supposed it did make sense; he’d never done an honest day’s work in his life before joining the guild and now he was being put through hell.

He’d had the choice, if he’d begged and pleaded, if he’d begged with all of his might than maybe his father would have let him become an assistant at the family forge, he could have trained as a blacksmith. His brother was already set to inherit the place but he could have at the very least learnt the trade keeping a roof over his head and food in his belly all the while. And true that wasn’t much of a life, but if he’d gotten work as a farm hand during the harvest then he could have earned some money and eventually he would have been able to move to the Cardana of Greitner one of the coastal cities; they were always in need of more skilled craftsmen. Not that fantasizing over could have-beens was going to help him now.

Orrit yawned throwing his legs over the side of the bed, a dull pain shooting upwards ricocheting about his rib cage before striking him hard in the small of his back. Hopefully today wouldn’t be so bad; everyone was going to be busy dealing with the newcomers, well at least everyone who was left in the guild.

The young man rose stumbling forwards in the direction of his cupboard giving the doors a quick yank a stiff creak sounding out as Orrit changed from one set of old worn out clothes to another. Currently his plan was to raise his rank to C and save up enough coin to move to Greitner the capital of Geinmeir. The Kingdom itself was fairly small and the same went for its’ cities and towns, the capital the only exception nearly half of Geinmeir’s population stuffed into its’ walls a city built on sea trade. So fittingly enough there were quests for adventurers coming in from across the world, of course that was for the higher level adventurers rank-A and above. Although lots of merchant ships were in need of rank-C mercenaries willing to defend their vessels; and the pay wasn’t too bad either. Well at least that was what he’d heard from the guild master.

Orrit smoothed down his clothes before pulling his gambeson over the top of his head, the gigantic padded shirt hitting him like a lead weight. He let out a sigh rustling about in the bottom of his cupboard pulling out piece after piece of gear and slowly securing the complicated tangle of straps before dropping his helmet down onto his head and grabbing his short-sword and slipping it into his sheath. The new adventurers would be taking the exam soon, which was probably going to be a spectacle. Going by their gear he was going to assume they were most rank-C and rank-B adventurers although you could never tell, they might just be a bunch of rank-Ds who raided some old armoury or something. Although if they’d managed to cross the Ausor mountain range he doubted that. Orrit could still remember when he’d taken the test; really it hadn’t been anything special he was asked to prick his finger and let a drop of blood fall onto a large glass prism which somehow printed off all of his stats onto a long sheet of paper alongside a list of all his skills and abilities of which he’d had none. He’d been given the rank D and been ordered to start a training regime in order to improve; the same training regime that saw him handed off to that rude, overbearing sadistic drunkard. He had no clue whose idea it was but whoever had paired him up with Hillard was either incredibly cruel or incredibly stupid.

Orrit shook his head grumbling slightly beneath his breath stepping forwards out of his room and onto the landing. Orrit sighed, a cool breeze wafting in, the summer finally drawing to a close and taking with it the oppressive heat. Orrit glanced upwards a small smirk turning up the corners of his lips, he wasn’t sure exactly why or how someone had blasted a gigantic hole in the roof but he was certain it was going to be an interesting story.

That aside he needed to get down the breakfast before rationing relegated all late comers to soup and bread or on harsher occasion’s plain old hardtack.

Orrit made it down as quickly as he could; most of the other adventurers were out on a large extermination quest with the guild master or sleeping in. Although in Hillard’s case he was just plain old drunk. That meant Orrit was practically certain to land himself a nice warm meal. He laughed leaping down the last few stairs and turning hard making a light jog in the direction of the kitchen; grinding to a halt the smell of warm bread and butter filling his nose as he peered into the open kitchen Ameline already hard at work in front of the Cauldron. “What is it today?” Orrit questioned pulling up a stool at the kitchen counter the young cook jumping at the sound of his voice swivelling around to shoot him a glare.

“I told you not to surprise me when I’m cooking, do it again and you’ll get a scolding; and not from me from the soup!” Orrit laughed as the woman snorted before shooting him a smile, “but you’re in luck; the last good meal of the day, today it’s scrambled egg and roast potato.” Ameline chuckled grabbing a plate from the side and dropping it down in front of him, a wisp of steam rising up to meet him. Orrit was so glad Ameline was on the morning shift; she shared the job of guild cook with her father who always prepared dinner and it wasn’t like Orrit hated the man; it was just, his daughter was a lot easier to talk to.

“What do you mean the last good meal; did the others already get up?” He questioned before stuffing a roast potato into his mouth looking up at the woman, scratching at the scattering of freckles covering her cheeks.

“It’s their fault.” Orrit paused a familiar voice speaking out a dark chill rising up his spine as Kaena dropped down into a stool next to him. “Amy, give me something to drink and then revoke Hillard’s drinking privileges.” Orrit paused looking to the woman her cheeks somewhat sunken, deep circles ringing beneath her eyes as she leaned forwards slumping over the counter a weary groan leaving her lips. Orrit glanced back finally picking up on the inordinate noise being blasted out of the corner of the room.

The adventurer’s guild was often rowdy at the best of times, but this was something else. Eight people had commandeered a single long table. Orrit was able to pick out the strangers from last night camped there buried in deep discussion and a lot of shouting but it seemed like a trio of new personages had also entered the fray, silent for the most part interjecting here and there just as loud as the others Orrit’s gaze lingering for a moment on a young woman with red long red hair tied behind her in a pony tail her shirt practically filled to bursting.

“There are more of them” Orrit muttered glancing back in Kaena’s direction the vice guild master glaring back a violent anger rising up within her gaze; she didn’t look all that well right now. It was probably safer to leave her alone.

“They also blew a hole in roof” She added Ameline dropping a bottle of wind and a small glass next her.

“So that was them” Orrit muttered thinking back to the gigantic whole blasting through two solid wood floors and a slate roof, “they must be strong then.”

“Strong!” Kaena let loose a quavering laugh before pouring herself a drink and downing it in the next instant. “Oh they’re strong sure enough. The woman who kicked you in the balls yester day was a rank-C scout and that giant in the armour is a Rank-C Soldier” she grumbled before pouring herself another drink. “But that old man is rank-A and a samurai to boot, same goes for the red-head although she’s a brawler. And then we get to those oddballs!

“The little girl with the magic floating skull is a rank-S necromancer while the man in creepy suit of armour with the glowing yellow eyes is a rank-S Executioner, leaving the last of them; the beastling girl rank-SSS living artillery. A rank-SSS equipped with a unique class to boot well man power won’t be a problem for us anymore.” Kaena laughed dropping an arm about Orrit’s shoulder, the young man shrinking back. “And the worse is yet to come! Their leader; the short fat one with the back pack, he’s rank-F. And those three new-comers, each and every one of them; they’re level one. They’re useless; god’s damned useless. Who in the blue hell thinks of that; a useless rank-S party, Is this some kind of joke!” Okay that made sense, Kaena had finally gone mad.

Orrit didn’t understand; an adventurer’s rank decided the quests they were able to take which in turn changed how much they were able to earn. It was related directly to their abilities, while their level correlated to their skill and experience. Most ordinary people rested in rank-D while those who were frailer; scholars, craftsmen and most nobles were ranked at E. while anyone with military training and some concentrated effort could reach rank-C. Most veteran adventurers usually settled for rank-B professionals able to make a decent living without the risk of near constant death.

Rank-A heroes were powerhouses on the battle field often taking difficult quests, individuals born with skill, trained from an early age and raised to fight or blessed with luck and magic. After that were the ranks-S through to SSS; the S ranks were heights most people could never achieve, and if they did it was only through rigorous mind numbing training, or an act of god. They were born with rare skills and abilities, or had come into contact with magical items, maybe even been given personal blessings by a god. Their power ranged from that of a small siege engine to an unmitigated natural disaster; they were kept on a tight leash by most nations lured in by promises of wealth and luxury or through threat and violence. They were brought out only when the country was threatened with war or under attack by similarly ranked monsters. It was cruel there was no denying that but it was done for a reason; often times the S ranks were monsters themselves. For someone to contain that kind of power, it warped you and broke you and turned you into something not entirely human. And as for anything past rank-S well they belong in legends.

So why was a potential country-wide hazard being led about by rank-F adventurer. How could someone who would be barely able to survive everyday life be able to manage a horde of living-weapons? Either Kaena had finally snapped under her workload or the anthrometer; the device used to measure their ranks and levels, had broken down again.

“Maybe you should go lie down.” Ameline suggested leaning out of the kitchen window and glancing at the new band of adventurers who had just barged their way into the guild.

“I’m not making this up, I checked the numbers; and the anthrometer is still working before you ask. We’ll have to wait until Urlone gets back, the Guild master can deal with this mess. I don’t know.” Kaena groaned a heavy red hue slowly settling itself within her cheeks. “Maybe we should just kick them out, not accept them into the guild at all. But we need more people, the mountains are getting more dangerous, we lose good men every year out there, and these idiots seem like they could be useful if we trained them up a little. The issue is Ward if we do accept into the guild it would be under a provisional licence until he was able to raise his rank to D. That means he’ll be in the same boat as you...” Kaena frowned taking a gentle sip of her win glancing up in Orrit’s direction, a cold chill passing up the young man’s spine as he seized his plate slowly stepping away from the counter Kaena copying his action move for move

“Please just let me finish my breakfast.” Orrit laughed the maid giving him a brazen smile

“You can eat while we walk.”

“Sorry Orrit, my condolences” Ameline sighed sending him a sad smile before turning away with a soft shake of her head. Orrit turned to run a firm hand grasping at his collar and jerking him back

“Okay let’s get going; I just had an idea and I need someone to do the heavy lifting!”

“Someone please help me!” The young man pled in vain; his cries falling upon deaf ears.

“Are you an idiot!” Eila yelled her palm slamming down upon the shaking the water jug as she rose her chair teetering backwards the scout jabbing a finger in Ward’s direction the young man turning up with dull eyes proceeding to pop a roast potato into his open mouth.

“Last time I checked no.” The young man grumbled rubbing at his face and the dark circles resting beneath his eyes Eila biting her lip folding her and shooting him a glare

“Well check again, what in the hell were you thinking last night; ‘Ugh, I’m stupid and everyone’s left me alone. Ooh I know I’ll burn some magical runes into the floor boards and blow up the roof in the process yay!’ Oh and you didn’t stop there, you summoned a bunch of random strangers into your room and what? You let them join our party?” Ward paused at her question pinching his chin slowly bobbing his head in thought before giving him a smile.

“I think that about covers it yes.” The scout felt her guts twist beneath her a low grinding scraping out from her teeth as slammed her arms down into the table again leaning in on Ward.

“Please just tell me what on earth you’re thinking.”

“I was just kind of surprised you know; I hadn’t realised I was so hungry – I didn’t even notice I skipped dinner last night.”

Eila let out a sweet sigh leaning back and falling into chair sending wards a smile, an internal scream ricocheting about her head. How the hell was he this infuriating; sure he’d always been annoying but this was on another level. Ever since they left the village he’d been like this and getting worse, just one smart aleck comment after another... Still she supposed it was an improvement on how he’d been before.

“Do you want some of mine?” Dala questioned from her seat besides ward lifting up her plate in his direction the young man turning around with a wide grin

“I’d love to-” Eila swung her foot kicking out beneath the table planting the tip of her boot into Ward’s shin. The strategist grimaced slowly shaking his head “I’d love to but, I’d rather avoid grievous bodily harm this morning.” Ward laughed glaring back in Eila’s direction as she sent him a sweet smile Aran letting out a mild chuckle from beside her.

“You should eat up you need to grow.” Eila commented Dala turning in her direction slowly lowering her plate “Ward’s done all the growing he can at this point in his life; most of it sideways.” Eila smirked turning the tables on their young leader Ward letting loose a scowl followed by the same three words

“I’m not fat!”

“I’ve had enough of this crap!” A heavy metallic voice cut in cleaving through the conversation and leaving the table in silence all eyes turning to the armoured man who was currently encamped at the far end of the table.

Since last night Feur had refused to remove his gear or put down his weapon; his sword currently propped up against the side of the table. Feur glared outwards with a dull heat bright yellow eyes burning within his darkened helmed, his fist impacting on the table, causing the wood itself to splinter as he rose. “I’ve had enough of this damn game!” The man yelled grabbing his sword and unsheathing the blade jabbing it forwards aiming its blunted point towards Ward the young man pausing mid bite to glance up at his aggressor. “Pig-Mage I demand you return to me my levels and take me back to the field Alkeran otherwise you and you’re worthless entourage of weaklings and sycophants will die; here; today!” The man roared railing against the table a note desperation holding with a voice ringing out with a faint quaver. Iana rose from her seat beside the man before taking hold of him by the waist and pulling him back;

“Feur stop this, this isn’t going to help!” the Red-head cried her chest pressing against the large man’s armour Eila snorting in their direction fingering the hilt of one of her knives beneath the table.

“He can’t send us back, he said so himself.” The woman pleaded Feur giving the woman a momentary pause out of shock before redoubling his efforts eyes fixed ahead.

“Do you really expect me to believe this swine-”

“No! But going back now won’t help will it?” Iana screamed Feur beginning to weaken his assault, “You just like the rest of us were summoned just moments before your death; you’re alive right now because he summoned you. Your’ levels are a reasonable exchange in return for that right?” Iana pushed the tension slowly beginning to ease up. “Besides your battle probably finished a long time ago right? There’s no point in rushing back now, just wait, in time you can build your’ levels up once again and then you can cross the Ausor mountains and return home. Threatening Ereward isn’t going to change anything, besides I think you’d have a hard time getting past his guard.” Iana sighed pulling away dropping back into her seat gesturing towards Ward who had turned away from their little dispute Garte leaning over from besides him shovelling her supply of eggs onto his plate the beastling having traded her ragged hemp tunic for a red shirt and white pencil-skirt which Ward had been carrying in his bag for whatever reason. Ward grinned in Eila’s direction before taking a big bite and stroking the beastling girl atop the head. Was she missing something here? No one liked Ward right off the bat, he was grumpy aloof and infuriating, Eila sighed; they’d gotten sort of off track there for a moment.

“Come on Ward, this is proof enough isn’t it?” Eila sighed gesturing towards the large armoured man as he settled back down uneasily into his chair. “We have no reason to trust these people so why: why are you letting them into our team?” Ward let out a sigh giving Eila a noncommittal shrug.

“So? Maybe I don’t have a reason to trust them but the same applies to everyone else at this table: there’s no real reason for me to trust any of you but I still do. Call it an act of good will.” Ward took another bite Eila frowning turning a glare in Aran’s direction, the large man pausing at her gaze spoon protruding from his mouth.

“Well what do you say?” The Soldier swallowed hard before looking about the table before giving Eila a weak smile

“We came all this way to find adventure didn’t we and isn’t part of an adventure meeting new people?” Right that was the kind of thing he’d say. Eila grumbled to herself turning her gaze to Dala the young girl looking up at her with wide eyes; the floating skull that was always following her around resting on her lap like an old cat. Eila had a bad feeling about what was going to happen next resolving herself to push on regardless.

“And you?” Dala tilted her head at the question.

“It’s nice to have more girls around; I like Garte: Garte is nice. I like her skeleton especially her skull, her bones are nice and strong and their shape is so smooth – she’s so beautiful. Garte when you die can I have your’ corpse?” And with that the room descended into an eerie silence, half of the room drowned in complete confusion and the other in exasperation.

“What’s wrong with her?” Iana cried recoiling from the little girl sat opposite her in horror.

“She’s a fourteen-year-old necromancer,” Ward sighed pouring himself a drink from the water jug, “Didn’t you think there was going to be a story behind that?” Iana paused falling into silence before giving a slight nod of her head.

“Okay.” Garte muttered her voice small and weak giving the young girl a smile Eila feeling a chill creep its’ way down her spine. Those two fit together a little too well for comfort in her opinion.

Well there was no choice anymore, Eila turned towards the final member of their party Dossan looking up to her with a small smirk. She regretted what she was about to do not that there were any alternatives if she wanted to stop this going forwards. At least she could rely of Dossan being a bastard. “Okay then old man; what do you have to say about this whole situation.” The Samurai finished rubbing down his blade a moment later slipping it down into its’ sheath giving all assembled a smile.

“First of all I’m not old and second we’re increasing our combat potential that is something to be praised!” What the hell! Couldn’t the old man be a bastard to someone else for a change; she knew she was his favourite target but come on. “However there is something I’d like to point out.”

Dossan rose to his feet slipping his scabbard to a loop on his belt raising a time worn hand directing an accusatory finger towards the executioner sitting at the other end of the table. “Feur you have gone too far; you not only insulted and threatened Master Ward’s life as well as those of his companions but if I’m not mistaken you made a grave error indeed.” The old man laughed his eyes taking on a near hellish glow, filled with fire and blood; “But you also called me weak! I challenge you to a duel”

“Brilliant!” A Sharp voice drew attention away from Dossan’s declaration a moment later all eyes turning towards the Guild’s entrance Kaena standing proud within the doorway hands placed firmly on her hips the former signs of her exhaustion vanished. “I have the perfect place set up follow me.”

“Are you sure you want to do this old man?” Feur laughed the question bellowing out from within his helm, flames spilling out from the joints of his armour, eyes opened wide to regard his opponent; stood still upon the other side of the field. “You can’t beat me old man...” And at his word’s Dossan smiled. The old Samurai bowed his head drawing his sword from its sheath and pointing the blade downwards its’ point trailing within the dirt.

“That has yet to be seen” Dossan looked up, towards his opponent, pushing forwards a hand Feur glaring down at the offering.

“Very well” Feur muttered reaching forwards and gripping Dossan’s hand the old man giving it a firm shake. “I don’t know why you follow the pig-mage, but from one warrior to another I wish you the best; try not to die.” The man spoke his tone dull as the duo marched forwards in the direction of their arena, Orrit slowly jogging up the hill in the direction of the assembled party; Eila watching the scene in silence from the bank.

They had gathered on a small grassy bank just outside Burlo’s south western wall; the guilds unofficial training area a patch of ground beaten down, devoid of grass of life just a long patch of dirt and dust upon which a rough rectangle had been drawn split down the centre with two small circles resting at the far ends of each half. “So what are we all doing here?” Eila questioned glancing up to Kaena as the vice-guild master dropped down to sit just next to her the woman staring out at the field in front of them.

“I actually wanted to make an announcement, but that can wait until our officiator arrives.” Kaena shrugged Eila casting a glare in the woman’s direction; something about this maid just got under her skin.

“What do you mean officiator?” Aran questioned from behind them Dala resting peacefully atop the man’s shoulders watching the two combatants take their place upon the field below.

“You come from a little village in the Ausor Mountain range correct?” Kaena questioned gesturing to their party the large man returning a brief nod. “Then I guess it isn’t too surprising you haven’t heard of Officiators before. Basically an officiator is someone who has been given the authority to preside over formal duels; record their events and turn them in to a court. That means if someone wagers their possessions or personal right on a duel then if they lose their possessions will be the legal property of the victor. Usually the guild-master acts as officiator for things like this but he’s away with most of the other guild members at the moment so we’re going with our back up option.” Kaena said gesturing towards the towns entrance a small figure slowly sauntering forwards.

“Who is it?” Orrit sighed taking a deep breath finally settling down within the grass.

“What the hell are you calling me out for Kae?” Hillard yelled the drunkard shambling over the distant figure becoming clear, Eila letting loose a snort as he came barrelling in. He was even uglier in direct sunlight.

“Use my full name Hillard; we’re having an official duel; you’ll be presiding in your formal capacity so drop the bottle and sober up already – I thought I told Ameline not to give you anymore ale last night.”

“And that you did.” The old man laughed lifting up his bottle, “and so I did, I sobered up just long enough to remember where I’d hidden my personal stash of cider and here I am.” Kaena let out a sigh rubbing her forehead, “So there’s going to be a fight huh? Let’s hope this is interesting.”

“There’s another reason as well; I’d like you to say hello to your new apprentice.” Kaena chuckled jabbing a finger in Ward’s, the young man sitting to Eila’s right, direction the young man looking up startled turning first towards Hillard and then to Kaena the vice guild master ignoring him entirely.

“How much more am I going to be paid?”

“How much were you thinking?”

“Double the apprentices double the pay.”

“Hardly, I think forty is reasonable.”

“Eighty sounds better.”

“Call it sixty and you’ve got a deal.”

“Fine ya cheapskate.”

“What?” Eila questioned looking between the two of them, the two combatants looking back in the direction of the grass bank. Kaena turned in their direction giving them a half-hearted smile;

“Ward is just too weak to join the guild. Most Villagers around here are ranked at D or maybe E, while Ward is-”

“I’m rank-F” Ward stated the young man letting out a weary sigh, “and I don’t have a proper class either so they can’t accept Me.”

“I’m afraid so; but seeing as you don’t have anywhere else to go the guild is willing to provide you with training until you reach rank D which is the minimum requirement for joining us as an official member.” Kaena offered Eila glaring at the woman from the corner of her eye; she’d decided she didn’t like her. With a smile Ward letting out a sigh before a small smile perked up the corners of his lips.

“Very well, I’ll accept your training; I will become an adventurer.” Eila paused looking between the two of them; once again she felt like she was missing something here.

“Hey can we start yet!” Dossan cried waving them down with his sword Kaena gesturing for Hillard to approach. The old man snorted un-slinging his rifle from his back and stepping forwards pointing the muzzle upwards towards the sky

“Okay then, let’s get this sorted out.” Hillard groaned walking slowly forwards stopping just a few paces from the arena. “For those of you dumbasses who don’t know what to do; first the challenger states why he’s pickin’ a fight and then the challenged says why they’re accepting the fight. Oh yeah and after you’ve had your go make sure to place a bet, this isn’t any fun unless something’s on the line, oh and make sure to bow the bowing’s important for some reason. We’ll begin when I fire this thing.” Hillard stated patting his rifle before taking a swig and retreating up the hill sitting besides Kaena planting his bottle in the ground.

“I never would have guessed you’d know combat etiquette” Orrit murmured a heavy swipe striking the back of the young man’s head knocking Orrit forward Hillard letting out a snort.

“Knowing and doing are two completely different things greenhorn. Now let’s talk about wagers!” Hillard laughed turning to Kaena the vice-guild master giving the man a hard glare.

“Feur will win and as kindly as possible: Dossan doesn’t stand a chance” Kaena muttered pulling out a roll of papers from her pocket. Pulling two from the pile and handing them to Hillard Eila straining to catch a glimpse. Oh; it was their stats then. After the mess the previous night and the installation of the guilds new sky light kaena had dragged them into the guild masters office; a large room containing nothing more than a desk loaded with knick-knacks and two dozen crates bags and chests piled up around the room. Following that they had been forced to smear a drop of blood onto a small crystal embedded in a glass globe the size of a baby’s head. The crystal proceeded to fire a magical beam of some kind which proceeded to write their level rank and stats on a piece of paper placed on a tray connected to the globe. Modern magic truly was a sight to behold; their stats on the other hand were not, well with the exception of Dala and Garte; Dala being rank-S with forty levels under her belt and Garte being rank-SSS which more than compensated the level deficiency. Everyone had had a brief window of opportunity to view their stats before kaena had collected the sheets of paper back in and left to collapse on a bed somewhere from the stress. Eila could understand it had been a stressful day for them all.

“Hmm, eh; no point betting on this fight, do you think it’ll be interesting though?” Hillard questioned looking to Kaena the woman shrugging.

“I’d assume so, how often do you get to see a rank-A and rank-S duel?”

“What are you one about?” Ward questioned rising up and passing behind Eila to join in the conversation.

“Going by their stats it doesn’t seem like Dossan stands much of a chance here; after all you should know how hard it is to close a gap in ranking being a strategist and all.” Kaena sighed smiling up to Ward the young man letting a broad grin split his face as he looked up the direction of the field.

“I wouldn’t be so sure; what statuses do you use to measure someone’s rank here?” Ward questioned leaning in to look at the Dossan and Feur’s status sheets.

“We use strength, speed, agility, dexterity, intelligence and endurance same as everywhere else.” Ward’s grin grew wider as he let out a low laugh rising to his meagre full height hands pressed firmly against his hips. Eila let out a sigh as her ‘leader’ jabbed a finger at the two combatants.

“Dossan will win this fight in four turns... so let’s call that one-minute and twenty seconds give or take one or two; do not doubt my ability as a strategist; I may be utterly useless at everything else but at this I excel!” Eila bowed her head; why did he always have to be such a complete and ass? “Oh it looks like they’re about to begin!”

The pair of combatants gave each other a firm nod Dossan rolling his shoulders before letting out a rough cough “I Dossan Aryu Challenge Feur Dolmessa on grounds of insulting my master and demeaning my skill as a swordsman, my wager if; I lose I shall aid Feur Dolmessa in his return to his homeland and leave my current master.” Dossan cried Eila freezing at his words; that idiot was getting in over his head again and this time he was wagering himself upon his victory. Well not that it mattered much anyway. Feur stepped forwards raising his sword and taking a battle-ready stance.

“I Feur Dolmessa accept Dossan Aryu’s challenge for the honour of the Dolmessa household. I wager my servitude to the pig-mage until I reach the rank of SS or until he releases me from his service whichever comes first.” Feur declared raising his sword, all eyes turning to the field.

“Are you sure about this, shouldn’t you stop your friend from betting on a match he cannot win?” Kaena muttered glancing back to ward, “your prediction aside I can assure you he won’t win; the odds are astronomical.”

“Dossan will win; that is a certainty.” Ward replied folding his arms standing stoic in defiance.

“He’s probably right.” Aran muttered the soldier stroking back his hair; “After a while you learn to stop questioning his predictions the consequences can be dire.” Eila nodded in agreement Hillard raising his rifle upwards into the air and firing off a shot stamping their conversation closed and turning all eyes towards the field where the two opposing forces stood prepared to clash.

And for a brief moment following the blast all was silent; just a moment, a single second of calm before all who stood in waiting bore witness to hell on earth... Well hell on Errot.

“[War Howl]!” Feur screamed stamping forwards slamming his sword down into the dirt and releasing a hellish roar, a sudden tingling passing through Eila’s skin leaving her transfixed as she stared ahead eyes wide.

“Opening with a stun debuff, isn’t that a little cheap?” Kaena muttered shaking her head Hillard following after, the effects of the buff beginning to wear off.

“That didn’t last long.” Aran muttered clearing his head Ward letting out a snort.

“That’s because the attack was directed forwards, it covered nearly... Eight meters forwards in a line three meters wide, and since we’re outside of that range no more than a minor stun.” Eila ignored him keeping her gaze on the field Feur rushing forwards at a run Dossan remaining stone still, his body frozen sword clutched tight with a white knuckle grip. “Sorry about this,” Feur muttered stepping his charge crossing the line dividing their halves sword raised up behind his shoulder; “[Judgement Candle]!” Feur disappeared a moment later his body engulfed in flames his sword bearing down upon his the old man, a wave of flame following the arc of the slash; expanding and growing until it had become a beam of fire Dossan unmoved before the target disappearing within the flames.

Ward whistled nodding his head behind Eila the scout backing her elbow into his shin eliciting a shriek. “No more commentaries just watch the fight!” She hissed back at him turning her attention to the field. It wasn’t even noon yet and she’d had enough of Ward’s nonsense.

Before long the flame burnt low, Dossan nowhere in sight; Feur casting his gaze about the field the last remnants of his flames dying leaving the earth barren and scorched fires still clinging to the ground far off within the distance. Feur let out a sigh shoulders stopping before a horrendous ringing filled the arena Dossan stepping out of the shadows almost as if he had materialised from thin air, swinging his sword in wide arcs striking Across the armoured man’s back several blows in quick succession before Feur could turn and block straining to manoeuvre within his gear. “Don’t look away for a moment” Dossan screamed a wild smile suddenly bursting out onto Dossan’s the man’s eyes bursting with a savage red glow, “Otherwise you die!” Eila could practically hear the old man’s teeth gnashing together as he spoke his words followed by a rattling laugh. Feur stepping back eyes wide, before raising his sword once more. “[Condemnation of the Fool]!” Feur returned swinging his blade down driving the point deep into the already blackened soil, a cherry red light rising from the ground Dossan leaping back the earth itself turning into a sea of flames.

“That was fun!” Dossan laughed leaping forwards body pressed low against the dirt slashing outwards launching his sword forwards through the air Feur turning his sword knocking the blade upwards Dossan streaking beneath his stroke before leaping forwards planting a knee on the executioners chest and pushing down. The armoured giant tumbled to the ground Dossan pulling his wakizashi, the short-sword he kept below his katana, from his hip the blade resting just within the slit in his opponent’s helm, the blade stopped mere milliseconds from impact.

“Sixty-nine seconds.” Ward reported from the sidelines; “I underestimated him... Well my point still stands.” Oh god, he was going to do that next wasn’t he?

“It was hard to follow exactly what was happening during that last fight, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it; the play is definitely more dynamic. That means I’ll have to improve my reflexes and reaction times in order to adapt to this new style of fighting; well I haven’t been playing games my whole life for nothing. Not only that I’ll have to learn to control this interface better, I can open windows and look at characteristics now sure but I’ll need to learn to look at enemy characteristics as well if I want to strategise properly. Still that was rather impressive, the pixelated images don’t hold a candle to the real thing. I could feel the heat!” Ward let out a laugh folding his arms and nodding his head, his lips moving faster and faster by the second as he sank them all ever deeper in a sea of endless diatribe. “First I’ll need to run some tests, see how the different stats function in this world and how the games old stats relate to this worlds new ones; this is going to take a lot of work but I suppose that’s what makes it fun. Hey Eila can you do me a favour and run in a circle for a while-“ Eila rose suddenly facing their captain before swiftly, and with furious intent, driving her foot upwards between ward’s leg’s eliciting a shrill squeak from the man as he tumbled down into the grass.

“Eila! Dossan yelled jogging up the hill pointing his sword, the blade still drawn, in her direction.

“He was starting to ramble again; I just put him out of misery.” Eila sighed looking back at the old man as he drew to a halt before giving her a brief nod and sheathing his weapon.

“Just glad you stopped him before he got any weird ideas into his head.” Aran muttered shaking his head while Dala nodded in agreement from above while everyone else in proximity sat stunned at the sight Hillard slowly breaking out into a bout of laughter.

Eila felt a shiver run along her spine, the young scout turning around Ward lunging forwards his face red propelled by all the force his body could muster the young man clutched a scrap of paper in hand. Eila stepped aside avoiding the incoming attack and snatching the paper from Ward’s grip, casting a brief glance down at the weathered scrap of paper smeared in arcing lines of ink before slamming it home on the young man’s back Ward tumbling forwards rolling down the hill to rest at its’ base his body lying still amidst the singed grass.

“What just happened?” Iana questioned the woman rising to her feet, Garte shooting Eila a glare before wandering off in Ward’s direction, Feur marching back in their direction head hung low in defeat barely sparing a glance for his new master.

“After a battle goes particularly well Ward can get... overzealous.” Aran muttered rubbing the back of his head looking to Eila.

“At which point he arranges extensive training to raise our levels, and by extensive I mean plain old brutal.” Eila nodded looking at the gathering crowd, “but you have to admit it’s effective, when we our village we were only level one, now Aran’s level twenty-five, Dossan’s level twenty-three and I’m level twenty-one. Over twenty levels in six months; it’s nothing to sneeze although maybe it’s not that impressive when you consider he had us fighting opponent’s ten levels above us or more. Still we have a perfect record; nine dungeons entered nine dungeons cleared. Actually I suppose it’s ten dungeons now, although we didn’t win this latest battle; Ward got hit with the confusion debuff so we had to retreat when he started screaming and crying.” Eila shook her head letting out a laugh. Kaena looked between Eila and Ward for a few moments, mouth half open forehead scrunched and creased, before finally finding the words she meant to say.

“You’re saying you’ve cleared nine-dungeons; your party has, alone, cleared a total of nine dungeons.” Eila nodded Kaena contemplating that for a brief moment looking down to Ward “is he alright?”

“He’ll be fine; I think it was just a sleep talisman he pulled from his bag. I swear that idiot has an entire armoury packed up within that bag.” Eila laughed rubbing at her forehead, a dull pain rocking about within her skull, the last few days they had just been too much. “I mean you saw what he did to all those items he summoned last night, he just shovelled them in there without a pause as if it were completely natural. That goes beyond simple magic; it should be impossible, but there it is; that bag probably holds enough treasure to build a castle or buy an army and what does he do with it he hoards it away like some damn packrat; you should see him after battle rummaging through chest and crates it’s almost funny. I suppose that’s the reason we follow him.” Eila muttered a weak smile touching her cheeks, her face filling with a slight ruddy glow, “not because he has a magic bag; but because he can make the impossible possible.”

Eila took a deep breath clapping her hands against her cheeks and driving some feeling back into her face; there was something that needed to be said. Eila turned standing straight on facing Kaena down unsure of exactly what she would say but knowing full well the words would come. “You’ve probably already judged Ward as a fat, lazy, irresponsible, weakling who’s of absolutely no use to your guild or yourself; and you’re right. He’s rude, and crass, an incorrigible know it all who can never do anything right, he’s a waste of a human being, he’s short and fat and he’s the most obnoxious person I have ever know but I would follow him to hell. Because he’s stubborn and from the right angle his stupidity his brave; he can be callous and cruel and brilliant all at the same time; he takes the smallest of chances, the most insignificant of possibilities and makes them into certainties. He talks in nonsense and riddles and acts as if he can see and understand things we mere mortals could never hope to grasp but there is no one among us who would not follow this man to the grave and beyond!” Eila yelled Kaena returning her gaze in calm silence a tinge of steel within her gaze Eila turning around abruptly facing her back to the woman and pointing the accusatory finger towards Iana and Feur, and by extension Garte. “So until you can tell me, honestly, that if he asked you to; you would give up whatever it is that you hold most dear within this world without hesitation I will not consider you a part of this party!” Eila finished out of breath Dossan letting out a laugh the old man giving Eila a brief round of applause.

“Always so snide and stubborn, but you’re the most loyal fool of all...”

“Shut it old man” Eila muttered gritting her teeth straining to hold back tears, “now someone get me a pot of ink and a brush; Ward’s gonna pay for making me say that crap.”