Since Gunnar was already at the western gates, he exited the city. This entrance was the least used in Thailen, with only one main trading road branching out from it. Near the city walls, there were many large stables and one tavern, but once Gunnar had gone a half mile down the road, there was no one else in sight.

According to his MiniNav, the secret entrance to the crypt was another half mile into the forest. The Crypt Keeper had chosen her location well.

Gunnar was about to venture into the cover of the trees, when he spotted a dark shadow descending swiftly toward him from the sky.

A quick Scan revealed who it was, so Gunnar waited patiently until the strange flying reptile landed in front of him.

Azmar’s yellow eyes glowed in the darkness.

“You’re losing your touch,” Gunnar said. “You didn’t even try to startle me that time.”

“Maybe I’m pooling my resources for one really damn good scare.”

“And wisely telling me about it beforehand.”

“Look, we don’t have time for your inane attempts at banter,” Azmar said. “I’m here because—”

“I know why you’re here, Azmar. You serve Nymoria. Though I gotta be honest, you might be taking on a new ward soon enough.”

“Oh gods, if only that were true.”

“I dunno, Azmar.”

The dark creature scowled. “The only reason that would happen would be if she let you go, but considering you are currently her champion—as hard as that is to believe—I don’t expect that will be happening.”

“She came to see me in person,” Gunnar said, letting the words out slow so Azmar could savor them.

“She did not,” Azmar said.

“Did.”

“If she went to see you, I would know.”

“Maybe you’re just not in the loop.”

“I doubt that. When?”

“When she made me her champion.”

He neglected the part about all this happening outside the game, but then, he was pretty sure a character like Azmar did not exist IRL.

Azmar seethed quietly for a moment. “Well, it doesn’t matter. I am not about to become obsolete anytime soon.”

“Yeah? Why’s that?” Gunnar asked.

“That is the reason I’m here. Nymoria wishes me to keep a closer eye on you during this upcoming mission.”

Now, it was Gunnar’s turn to scowl. “Why?”

“Probably because she thinks you’re an inept idiot who might fail without help.”

“Yeah, that’s not it. What’s the real reason?”

“It is the will of your goddess. You are on your current path because Nymoria wishes you to be on your current path.”

“Seems like most things have been a domino effect.”

“A what?”

“One decision triggers another opportunity which triggers another one, and so on.”

“Within parameters,” Azmar said. “You are still the ward of a goddess with certain aims and ambitions of her own.”

“She wanted me to get into the Nighthawks.”

“Nymoria wished that any one of her wards might get into the Nighthawks. She was not pining for you specifically.”

“But I was the only one to get the job done.”

“You haven’t catastrophically failed. Yet.”

Gunnar grinned, soaking it in as the hideous creature tried so damn hard not to acknowledge his accomplishments. “So in other words…”

“Nymoria really wants you to succeed in this mission and prove yourself to the Nighthawks.”

“Does she care about the mission itself?”

“I am not at liberty to say.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Do whatever you want. This mission will earn her Glory. And if you’ve been too stupid to figure it out yet, gods in this world really like Glory.”

“So… you’re setting sail with me and the rest of the Nighthawks? I don’t know if they’re going to be okay with that.”

“I’ll be close, and I’ll be checking in regularly. But I won’t be with you, exactly.”

Gunnar didn’t say anything for a moment. He was not sure this was a good thing. Azmar was her servant, but this felt a bit like having an in-game babysitter.

“Nymoria is… still pleased with me, though, right?”

“Oh, yes,” Azmar said. “I almost forgot to mention. Nymoria wishes me to tell you that you did okay today.”

“What’d she actually say?”

Azmar groaned. “Do you really need it verbatim?”

“Considering you’re the messenger? Yes, I’d like to know exactly what she says.”

“That’s what verbatim means.”

“I know what it means. And let’s just assume that for all intents and purposes—for all time—I’d like every message from Nymoria delivered verbatim.”

“Gods, all right, enough. Nymoria was very pleased with your performance today. Your battle tactics were impressive for your level and class, and your new faction is shaping up quite nicely. She even likes your faction name, as a matter of fact.”

Gunnar chuckled. “Cryptids is a great name! The Crypt Keeper can suck it!”

“I don’t actually need an update on the sexual relationships you have with any of your allies,” Azmar said.

“It’s a saying.”

“Particularly, when those relations are with elderly women,” Azmar added obstinately.

“You’re impossible.”

“I am perfectly within the realm of possibilities in this world.”

“God, I can’t wait to travel with you,” Gunnar said. “That’s sarcasm, in case you don’t understand that either.”

“Well, then, I too cannot wait to make this journey with you. We make such a fine pair.”

“I thought you had other duties. Other wards or whatever.”

“I’ve been promoted,” Azmar said with little enthusiasm. “Thanks to my fine mentorship of our most successful ward.”

“You’re welcome, then.”

“Yes, now, rather than running around correcting the imbecilic whims of a dozen idiots, I get to concentrate all my faculties on one idiot. I grovel at your feet in gratitude.”

“I can try to be less successful in the future,” Gunnar said.

“That’s not funny.”

“Any suggestions, then, for this mission? Or did you just come so we could both bitch about our work situation?”

Azmar heaved with something akin to a chuckle. “Right. It is my understanding that you’re interested in going dual class in the future. This a good idea. But don’t get carried away. You’re a Rogue because your affinities lend themselves best to this class. However, you do have potential with magic, and it could provide some complementary skills.”

“I’ve picked up a couple spells,” Gunnar said. “But I’d really like to learn dark magic.”

“Nymoria approves of this path. But you cannot lock in a second class until you’ve reached Level 20 in Glory. So familiarize yourself with some spells, but concentrate the majority of your training on your current class for the time being. I’d especially work on your Stealth. Your first assassination may have been in the middle of a party, but the Nighthawks will surely be looking for more conventional approaches this go around.”

“How exactly should I practice Stealth?”

“By Stealthing,” Azmar said with a sly grin.

Gunnar crossed his arms and waited.

“You’ve got attribute points,” Azmar said. “Use them wisely. If the opportunity arises for a side quest, take advantage of the ones that will give you experience in this area. Keep this in mind with your spell selections as well.”

“That’s actually really helpful.”

“I’m here to serve. Too bad you’ve accomplished too little to get an Invisibility Cloak. That’d be real useful.”

“That’d cost me a couple weeks worth of coin,” Gunnar said.

Azmar shrugged. “Maybe. Your new side-faction will help you out with that. They can be contributing to your stockpile, even while you’re away.”

“Hmm, good point. Anything else?”

“An unfriendly reminder that I am only here because I have to be. I don’t like you.”

Gunnar shook his head. “Thanks for the pep talk.”

“You don’t have much time left in Thailen for awhile. Use it well. But don’t forget to sleep. You look like shit.”

Gunnar actually chuckled at this. “I’ll see you around, then.”

Azmar took flight, leaving Gunnar alone on the side of the road. Gunnar crept through the forest, following the marker set on his MiniNav. It was slow going, and his Stamina was really holding him back. He considered using a potion, but decided he’d just crash as best he could back at the crypt.

The cave entrance was located in a small hollow with vines shrouding the open space. It was one of those spots you’d have to know was there in order to find. He had to stoop to fit through the entrance, which was more like a hole in the ground than the sort of cave he pictured in his head.

After following a narrow tunnel for about ten yards, the cave opened up into a small room where he found a thick wooden door.

Once the crypt had identified him, the door opened, and he slipped into the main chamber.

The Cryptids were all passed out on the floor, most huddled around a small cauldron fire.

Gunnar had been hoping for a chance to examine his stats, but by the time he found a blanket and settled down on the floor, he could barely keep his eyes open. And his magic lesson with Sheira would be here before he knew it.

[Would you like to rest? Yes/No]

Gunnar was barely able to manage an assent and instantly fell asleep.