Valorian’s POV

The past month had been one of frustration. Sure, I had gotten much better at controlling this body, and my skills had drastically improved, but that was a poor highlight. Sten was getting pushier by the day, fighting back against my orders. Granted, I was sending him away most of the time, but still.

“T’skaen, the Rogue will see you now.” The Magistrate said, smiling at me. At least that had gone well. After pulling off what was rapidly becoming a legendary heist, my stock in the guild was rising swiftly. While I still wasn’t in the upper echelons of power, that was fine. If I climbed any higher, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill my primary mission. I followed the Magistrate back to the Rogue’s chambers, dropping my weapons off at the door as was protocol. Instead of suspicion, this time I was greeted with a slight nod from the guards.

“T’skaen, welcome.” The Rogue said as I entered. “Are you going to grace us with as lovely of a gift as last time?”

“Apologies, but this is more of a personal request rather than turning in something the guild would need to know about.” I replied. The Rogue made a go on motion, so I continued, “This past month has been wonderful for my skill growth, and doubly so for my coin purse as well. Alas, I seem to be hitting a barrier that I can’t seem to get through.”

“I see.” The Rogue nodded. “It is understandable. Most of the nobility are rather, dull, with their defenses. Once you manage to get past two or three manors you have basically free run of most cities. Am I to assume you have a possible solution?”

“Merely an idea, presented for your approval of course.” I said with a slight nod of my head. “You are indeed correct that the noble houses of this city provide me no more challenge. In fact, the last week I have taken it upon myself to break in and stalk through each room in the mansions and escape without triggering any alarms. Even that wasn’t enough to boost my skills to the next level. And so I came up with an idea. If the nobles here aren’t enough to boost my skills, perhaps in another city I could find the challenge needed.”

“I see. So you are requesting a transfer to another city? Any preference?”

“Snowtop.” I immediately replied. “It is the second largest city, and I fear that transferring to the capital wouldn’t be prudent without testing myself against all of the major cities.”

The Rogue sat there for a while, drawing out the silence. The only movement was his finger tapping against his chin. “Pity.” He eventually said. “With your rise in skill, I was hoping to have one of my lieutenants groom you for possible promotion. But, we are an organization that encourages independent growth, and you definitely have that. Very well, I shall write an introduction to the Rogue of Snowtop and send you off there to hone your skills. May the Trickster’s Loaded Dice roll in your favor.”

“Thank you.” I said with a bow.

“Bah, you have done well at making your own luck.” He waved me off. “Not many would be able to recover as you have. There is a caravan leaving at ten in the morning tomorrow from the North Gate. Tell the captain that you have been sent to detect bandit traps, and he will let you join.”

I breathed a sigh of relief, and a few minutes later had a sealed missive from the Rogue. I made small talk with the Magistrate as we headed back to the main room, but my brain wasn’t in it. I was already plotting through my confrontation with Sten. Ten minutes later, and I was back in the hovel we had called home for the last month.

“Bout time you got back.” Sten grumbled, and I felt an immediate mental pressure come off him. Little did he know, but I had bought a small trinket that allowed me to detect mental intrusions, and I was slowly building a resistant to his methods.

“Sorry about that. Had a meeting with the Rogue.”

“Oh?” He asked, suddenly interested. “And what were you doing with the head honcho?”

“Asking a favor.” I said, holding a hand up to stop his interruption before it started. “Look, I’ve been through each and every major and minor noble house in this city. We have mapped the sewers, and scanned below with earth and shadow magics. It is beyond obvious now that this city isn’t the home of the device and that they have no knowledge of it.”

“So what’s the plan?” He asked, a lot calmer than he was two weeks ago.

“I have a letter of introduction to the Rogue in Snowtop, and guaranteed passage on a caravan that leaves at ten in the morning.” I said, holding up the letter before putting it back in my storage ring. “We are heading there under the guise of improving my skills.”

“I see.” He said, rubbing his chin in thought. “Ok. I think this could work very well. We could spend another month there before using the same excuse to move on to the capital.”

“Those were my thoughts as well.” I said, fighting through the compulsion though I agreed with it in the end. Anything else would likely alert Sten. “Though it might take a bit longer than a month. I won’t have a bodies knowledge of the layout of certain things.”

“I could-“

“No.” I interrupted. “Each time we change bodies we send up a flare that the gods can sense. I would rather not give the general area we are in if we can help it. We can do this the old fashioned way.”

“Very well.” He grumped, and I started to get worried. Sten had guided the previous champion, and was always harping on the dangers of using too much blood magic. Perhaps he was starting to feel the mental deterioration that always occurred after enough body changes. As he went through our place and started packing what few things we had away, I made a mental note to keep an eye on him. The last thing I needed was him giving us away.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sean’s POV

“Unnngggg” I groaned, trying to take stock of my body. My mouth was parched, tongue hanging out and touching a pillow. No wonder, it had wicked away what little moisture I had. I shifted, trying to lift myself up, but my right arm wasn’t working. Damnit, it was completely numb. I must have slept on it wrong, and cut off circulation. Using my left arm, and a bit of momentum, I managed to swing my body onto my left side, dead arm hanging limply across my stomach.

“That is absolutely pathetic.” Snarked Elendria from across the room.

“Not so loud.” I winced, her voice exacerbating my throbbing head. “Could you please get me a glass of water?” I asked as I used one arm to move the other around in an attempt to get blood circulating again.

“Nope.” She replied, just as loudly as before. “I think it would be a lot funnier to watch you do it with that limp arm of yours.”

I stared at her for a second, taking in her posture. She was slouched in a chair, idly fingering the pommel of a dagger with a pitcher next to her. Just before I could speak, pain shot through my arm. The nerves burned as a thousand ants marched through my veins, muscles tingling with restored bloodflow. “HNNNGGGHHHHH!” I grunted, rolling back and forth in agony. I tried everything to speed things up. Opening and clenching my fist, bicep curling motions, even moving my arm in circles. Nothing was working, and I eventually noticed a frantic Elendria holding my other shoulder.

“Sean! What’s wrong damnit!” She practically screamed, shaking me.

“Ah, ah. Easy!” I begged. “Sorry, just bloodflow getting back to my arm.” I explained as the pain started to subside from girl at a boyband concert intensity to parents at the same Christmas Pageant intensity. “God, that sucks every time.”

“Bastard.” She growled, heading back to her chair. I kept moving my arm, and headed over to the table. I poured myself a half glass of water, and drained it in a few swallows.

“Gah.” I smacked my lips before setting the cup down. “Hey.” I said, dropping down to a knee in front of her. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” She asked, giving me a glare.

“Everything.” I replied. “I took Carrigan’s death hard, and realized a few things about myself that I wasn’t too happy to find. Instead of facing it and trying to fix it, I took it out on you and pushed you away. I was an asshole, and I hurt you at a time where you needed me to help you.” I explained, though it didn’t do anything to soften her glare. “Brian set me straight last night, though I am just now realizing that I didn’t tell you where I was.”

“Oh, now he realizes it.” She snarled. “Last I knew, you were in the dungeon. I get home, and nobody has seen you. Do you know what that usually means?” She asked as tears started forming in the corner of her eyes. “And what do I get? Here I am, paranoid that I lost another person I love, the only other person in this entire fucking city that I am comfortable around, when who should appear? The very same asshole stumbles in with the guildmaster, both drunk off their asses! I swear that bastard took one look at me before his eyes flashed purple and he fled like a street mutt facing off against a Cerberus. You stumbled to the bed and flopped onto it, not even bothering to take off your boots. Luckily for me, Annette saw you stumble in and set this pitcher out and let me have one of the open rooms, free of charge.” I winced at her explanation of what happened last night.

“I’m sor-“

*CRACK*

“GAH!” I fell on my butt as she slapped me across the face.

“You are not sorry yet.” She growled, kicking me flat on my back and straddling my chest, arms pinned beneath her knees. “I can understand a day or two of being distant, everyone grieves in their own way.” She hissed, raising my chin so I had to look at her. “But you took your anger out on me.” She said. “Just like my old masters used to. NO MORE!” She said, slapping me again. “I refuse to be treated like that. I love you, but you will not abuse me!” She was back to snarling again. “To top it all off, you were utterly dismissive of me. When I wanted to push you to move on so that you can finally get a better evolution, what did you do? Ignore me so that you could beat up some wolves with magical weapons. You didn’t even use a damned spell!”

“How?” I started to ask, but was interrupted with another slap.

“NO! You don’t get to ask questions here, you are to sit and listen!” She hissed and narrowed her eyes, and I saw her other hand fingering her dagger. “So you have wasted a week. You broke my trust in you, and let me see that when your luck is down you are just like all the other men out there. I love you, but when you need help you dismiss me. And what finally breaks through? The guildmaster and a bottle of booze!” She was sobbing at this point, fist gently hitting my chest. “Don’t you get it? After everything I have done for you, and all that we have gone through together, you just toss me away? How could you do that?” She sobbed, her hair falling down around us. I could do nothing but lay there as her tears fell on my cheek. Impotent, as I couldn’t move my arms to hug her and my brain hurt far too much to use any magic. “You’re a bastard.”

“I know.” I agreed, feeling my heart wrench. The saddest part was that I was just now realizing everything that I had put her through. We stayed like that for a good ten minutes, and I didn’t complain no matter how uncomfortable it was. “So. What do we do from here?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” She whispered, and I sighed.

“Can I ask your opinion on some things?” I asked softly.

“Sure, I guess.” She shrugged. “Though you probably aren’t going to listen to me anyway.”

“I need to get stronger. Within a week, I want to have beaten this dungeon.” I said. “After that, I’ll evolve. After that, I’ll need to level up, but I don’t know how any of that will go after evolution. I was hoping you would know and be able to guide me, and when you think we are both strong enough we could head south to check on your brothers.”

“My brothers?” She asked, looking at me.

“Didn’t I promise you a long time ago that I would help you free them if I could?” I asked with a bit of a grin.

“You remembered that?” She asked in a soft voice.

“Of course.” I said.

“Do you really think I’ll trust you again so easily?” She asked.

“Not at all.” I shrugged, and she moved off my arms. I ignored the slight tingling. “But you can use your soul vision on me whenever you want to check me if it makes you feel better. I am being honest. I need you Elendria.”

“Damnit.” She growled. “No begging.”

“Fine.”

“A week?”

“Yep.”

“Fine. After you evolve, we head north for some monster hunting. I want to go far enough that we can find some resistant to ice so that I can hone some of my skills.”

“Perfect.” I said. “And after?”

“We’ll see. You do realize that leveling will slow way down after your evolution?”

“I didn’t, but it makes sense. If I am more powerful, I should get less experience.”

“SEAN! YOU HAVE VISITORS!” Annette’s voice accompanied by a pounding on the door interrupted us. I stared at Elendria for a second, as if asking her what o do.

“We’ll be down in a bit.” She called out. “Tomorrow you will defeat the yeti chief. That gives you six days to get through the volcano portion.” She ordered while getting off of me.

“Yes ma’am.” I said, rolling over and sitting up. I took another glass of water, sipping on it as we headed downstairs. I reached to put an arm around her only to find a block of ice in my way.

“Don’t think I have forgiven nor forgotten yet.” She said over her shoulder. “I’ll ask Annette about keeping that individual room for a while, you go see that group of crafters that seem to have some presents for you.” She said. Disappointed, I headed over to where they were sitting.

“Hello everyone.” I said, sitting down. “Nice to see you again.”

“And you as well.” Lothian said. “I’m here to see the final set come together, but I have to admit that I don’t have anything else to add to it.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Robert said. “You still have to fit the diadem to my surprise.”

“Surprise?” I asked, only to be interrupted by the dwarf.

“Relax, we have something special for you. Here’s my bit.” He said, pulling out a beautiful shield. Perfectly round, it’s diameter was just short of my forearm. “This should help ya a bit. While you inspect it, hand Lothian that diadem of his.”

“Sure.” I said, handing it over. The shield was deceptively light, weighing only about five pounds. It was beautiful, swirls of blue, red, brown and green throughout the entire thing.

Channeler’s shield

Superb rank (blue)

Crafted from the shell of a monster steeped in elemental energies by Lothian, it retains much of the functionality it had in life.

Effects:

Shield spells that utilize earth, air, fire or water cost 50% less mana

35% of mana impacting the shield is absorbed and transferred to the user

“Sorry I couldn’t quite get it up to gold, but I figured that keeping it small would be better than getting it oversized with better effects.”

“No, no, it’s perfect.” I said, slipping it on to my arm. I moved it around a bit. “I barely feel it.”

“Good. Just don’t forget it’s there!” He chuckled. “Now, I think Robert has the rest of it, and I think you’ll really like that.”

“I should hope he does.” Robert chuckled. “It’s some of my best work! Now, first things first. I know you didn’t want a helmet, but I had a bit leftover and you’ll want to take a look before you turn it down. Here’s all of it.” He moved aside, and I saw an entire suit laid out. The diadem was inlaid into a leather helmet that left the entire face open, maximizing my view while still providing protection. The chest armor had a bit of a turtleneck feel to it, with a built in gorget. The chest had two large pieces of armor with six smaller slats underneath, making it look like I had a perfect set of abs. My right forearm would be wrapped almost completely in a shell, while both upper arms had curved plates that would sit out the outer portions of my biceps. The legs had large pads on the front and outsides of the thighs, as well as a smaller one on the backside. The lower legs were left clear, but they slipped into the boots that came up to mid-calf. A solid strip of metal on the back would prevent someone taking out my Achilles tendon, and I could see the outline of some metal on the toes to protect them. The rest was several layers of thick leather. The gloves had a simple plate on the back of each hand, and all the leather was a mottled brown with bits of deep greens hidden in it.

“Whoah.” I whispered in awe.

“Don’t just stand there, identify it.” Robert urged.

Stargazer’s Helm

Imperial rank (gold)

A combination of a diadem crafted by Lothian, it has been enhanced by the leather crafted by Robert. While the defense mainly physical, it is still an exquisite helm.

Effects:

Mana cost for celestial spells reduced by 15%

Maximum number of celestial spells cast at one time increased by 1

Greatly reduces strain from holding celestial spells for extended periods

Vitaebound body armor

Imperial rank (gold)

A true masterpiece of armorsmithing, this armor has no equal. It still retains the essence of the creature that the leather was crafted from, and certain vital areas have been reinforced with mithril to increase its physical protection.

Effects:

Mana regeneration increased by 10%

Earth, air, fire and water resist increased by 15%

When combined with the entire suit, enveloped in a mana field that absorbs 100 hp of damage. Can be increased by user’s mana pool.

Celestial hands

Superb rank (blue)

Robert has managed to reverse the unique attributes of the creature used to create these gloves, allowing them to benefit casters instead of hampering them. A bit of strategic reinforcement increases their physical protection without hampering it’s magical effects.

Effects:

Spells are 35% more powerful

Casting speed increased by 10%

Everlasting legs

Superb rank (blue)

These pants have been reinforced with metal plating to increase their defensive capabilities. In addition, they have been enchanted to assist the wearer over long distances.

Effects:

Stamina drains 15% slower

Mana can be consumed instead of stamina

Nightwalker boots

Superb rank (blue)

These boots walk the fine line between stealth and defense.

Effects:

Mana can be spent to silence movement noises

Front and rear mana blades can be activated at the users will.

“Wow. Just, wow.” I said, looking everything over. “These are absolutely amazing!”

“We had some fine starting materials.” Lothian said.

“That mana shield should fuse nicely with your mana armor.” Robert said.

“What about these mana blades?” I asked.

“Ah, a favorite of mine. See, nobody expects a mage to get physical. Imagine getting kicked in the nuts by a mana blade followed up by a steel toe?” We all cringed at the thought of the devastation that would cause. “The ones on the back are in case someone has you bound from behind.”

“Very nice.” I said. “Do I have to have the shield on for the full mana shield effect?”

“Nope.” Lucien said. “Though I would have liked to have worked it in, that shield is completely separate. Some things just aren’t practical all the time.”

“Well, I honestly think you guys have outdone yourselves.” I said. “I know you won’t want to accept payment because of the waves, but surely you wouldn’t mind a small feast?”

“Aye, we could do that.” Lucien agreed, slapping me on the back. “Go put that stuff away, and I’ll get us started!” I rushed off to secure everything, and enjoyed the night. I made sure to avoid alcohol this time, filling everyone in on the what Brian had me drinking last night. We ate our fills for several hours, though I begged off eventually. I promised to send them a report of the equipment’s performance tomorrow, telling them that I was going to defeat the yeti chieftan.