Chapter 7 - Long Way From Home

Dexterity increased by 1!

A week has passed since we departed from Grokon, Mila and I have mostly kept to ourselves, and I've focused on cultivation to catch up on the last few weeks. Apart from that nothing of note has happened as of late, while walking with the caravan, Mila was currently yapping on, “...thought that I was some nobody, when I told her my father was Yusef, the look on her face was priceless!”

I sneak a few glances at that tall adventurer, I can’t seem to help myself lately, wait is he approaching? The handsome adventurer walks over to us with steady steps, seeing my face transform in surprise he good-naturedly smirks, “You ladies don’t seem from around here, but you don’t seem like travellers either. Now I’m not asking you to explain yourselves but forgive my curiosity.”

I now get a closer look at him, his face looks perfectly sculpted with a cute butt chin and thick eyebrows that look artistically painted on with a pronounced arc, and while he’s tall, he’s not lanky, but built with wide shoulders and strong arms, because I’m still gawking at him in silence, it elicits Mila to explain, “We came from Vuta, because of um, reasons.”

His face sparks in realisation, saying, “Oh, we’ve recently got news that a coup occurred a month ago, overthrowing the local baron. The ensuing devastation did indeed cause some to seek refuge elsewhere, or so I’ve heard.”

We both enthusiastically nod in agreement, it’s basically true while a little misleading. Not wanting the conversation to end, I suddenly ask, “So what’s your business here, a quest?”

He chuckles, “I’m not actually an adventurer.”

I twist my head towards him and tilt it, confused I point out, “But weren’t you looking at quests in the guild?”

He shakes his head, explaining, “No, we were actually just performing a survey as we passed through, it’s been recently queried as to the purpose of a guild in Grokon, as you may have noticed it was rather empty. The count doesn’t want to uselessly fund such guilds in his demesne.”

“So, you’re a soldier? You don't seem dressed as one,” I remark as I look him up and down.

“No, I’m a knight,” he states.

Astounded, I yelp, “A knight! I’ll be honest, I expected different apparel, fully shiny armour perhaps. Well, I suppose you have the demeanour of one at least.”

He laughs, “Haha, yes, well we do have my armour packed away, I’ve just decided not to wear it.”

I can’t help but stare at him, bewildered, “Isn’t that rather foolish? What happens if an enemy shows up?”

He looks at me queerly, “Foolish? I don’t believe so, we’re currently in safe territory, there’s no need to wear it and it’s much too uncomfortable, you will see me in all my glory once we enter monster territory.”

I gravely state, “I don’t mean to assume, but I’m quite certain that you’re escorting a person of importance, what happens if someone with evil motives hires an assassin, from my perspective you’re likely the first person they’ll strike, and I can assure you they’ll have a much easier time when you’re not wearing you armour.”

He grows thoughtful, then says with a slow nod, “I suppose your statement has merit, do you speak from experience? You seem to have a bearing that suggests so.”

“Experience? Yes, in a way, and bearing, what bearing?”

He laughs jovially, “Why your confidence of course, I assumed you come from a noble house.”

I huff, “Confidence? Well, I suppose, but I certainly do not come from a noble house, I’m an orphan!”

“Oh is that so…?” Suddenly his faces falls, he then slaps his forehead, “Uh, I can’t believe how rude I’ve been! I am Knight Bennett, to who do I make their acquaintance?”

As I’m about to speak, Mila cuts in, “I’m Mila! And this here is Fera.”

Smiling, he says, “Well, I’m going to go don my armour, thank you for your advice, Fera, have a pleasant day ladies.”

He nods his head and walks off, once he’s out of earshot Mila gushes, “A knight! A real knight! Exactly as I imagined, tall, handsome, brave. And he talked to us! Do you think he’s interested, I feel that he’s been glancing over at me for the past week… Yes, yes, I’m sure of it.”

A while later he emerges from a carriage and he’s now wearing the armour appropriate of a knight and indeed, full steel plate with a peculiar sheen, maybe not steel, regardless, it only enhances his presence.

Agility increased by 1!

Perception increased by 1!

After another couple weeks, I begin to see the outline of a mountain, furthermore the troops seem to have become more solemn and tense, not too long later I see why.

E-grade territory

Proceed with caution

I walk over to Bennett to make a request, “Do you have any light armour I could borrow, or at least some form fitting clothes?”

His eyebrows raise in surprise, he says, “I admit miss Fera, I didn’t expect you to be a fighter.”

“Hm, why’s that, I would think it’s rather obvious.”

“Why it’s the dress if I’m to be honest,” He states as he gestures to my clothing, he continues, “As for light armour, we may have a pair your size, let me go check.”

Finding a set of brown leather armour, he allows me to use a free carriage to get changed, I’ve never worn proper armour before, so it’s a bit of a struggle to figure out all the straps, but once it’s on I can’t help but feel bigger than myself. The chest piece puffs out slightly but is still sleek, thin shoulder pads run off the side of the chest piece, the shin and wrist guards fit closely on my form with fluffs of fur poking out, the guards are held on by tight straps. Naturally I was given a plain shirt and shorts to wear under my armour. When I step out from the carriage Mila eyes me, remarking, “Ooooo, strapping.”

While she only said it offhandedly, I still can’t help proudly smiling.

After a few days I note that we haven’t come across any monsters, different to the previous monster zone I entered where we encountered one pretty much immediately, clearly these supposed zones are inaccurate.

As the caravan descends deeper into the E-grade territory we come across our first monster, just a single worm like creature that stupidly nears our party, one of the soldiers shout, “Poison wormling!”

Poison wormling level 8

Three soldiers approach it, one in front to distract it, two swing around, and slowly trod forward, once close enough they both cut it down.

Such scenarios play out repetitiously for the next few days, however the further we advance, the more wormlings we come across, until they eventually start grouping up, increasing the difficulty substantially. The soldiers still manage it easily and I take note of their strength, they’re all individually at about the strength of the head guardsman I killed, so I could defeat one of them in single combat. I see an opportunity to assist as one of the wormlings skirts around the fight to attack one of the soldiers from the side, I perform [Hashashin’s dodge], sprinting across the field, approaching from the side of the wormling I stride over the monster, twisting my body mid-air to slice across the top of the creature, it cuts through easily creating a wide gnash that spurts putrid green blood. Surprisingly that one attack dealt massive damage as it currently squirms around in pain, I reengage, easily finishing it off. Running back to the caravan to get out of the way, Bennett walks over, commenting, “Impressive display, very fast particularly at your level, although I can’t seem to recognise the combat technique.”

I nod, sadly saying, “My teacher was a former Hashashin, he taught me all I know…”

Noting my moodiness, he says, “Ah, sorry for intruding.”

Feeling a little ticked off I can’t help but scowl, “Hah, it’s not like you could know, no need to say sorry, I hate people who are overly apologetic.”

He just nods awkwardly and remains silent, feeling uncomfortable in the silence I shuffle a little, then saying, “So I assume you’re escorting someone, who is it?”

Agreeing, “Indeed we are, as to who we’re escorting, why it’s Lady Miranda of house Verin, as should be made apparent by the Verin family crest on her private carriage.”

I look over to the luxurious carriage, indeed it has a crest not like I knew what it was or even cared, nodding I say half-heartedly, “Ah of course, I’m such a fool sometimes, well why bring along two strangers that could potentially threaten her?”

He laughs heartedly, remarking, “Oh goodness me, as the one in charge of this mission I’m at the liberty to do whatever I wish, I saw too young ladies request help, how could I turn them down, do you think me a boar? It is a knight’s duty to obey the code of chivalry, one such duty is ‘to protect the weak and defenceless’.”

Ah, so he’s a romantic, I suppose that ticks another box off the knight list, I then mockingly say, “But I’m not ‘weak and defenceless’ am I?”

He agrees weakly, “Yes, I suppose not, you are certainly much stronger than I expected of a level 4, but forgive me for being frank, I feel no threat from you, and certainly no nefarious intentions.”

Hm, fine, I’m weakling, doesn’t mean he has to rub it in my face, looking back over at the carriage, a question that’s been on my mind since we set off bubbles to the tip of my tongue, I say, “I can’t help but notice that uhhh, Lady Miranda Verin has not left the carriage since we left, why’s that? She must be awfully uncomfortable.”

He tries to stifle a chuckle, but a small grin still forms, “Yes I suppose she must be, however something I am not at liberty to do, is to question my Lady’s intent.”

The caravan continues around the mountain, encountering small flocks of monsters, I dip in every now and then to get a few kills earning some recognition from the soldiers, after all not many expect much from a 9 year old. Tonight, as I attempt magical cultivation, I feel that slight tingle again, intently focusing on it, I strain my mind to keep that fleeting feeling from fading, alas tonight was not the night as that feeling snuffs out like a dim candle and I lean forward huffing, surprised at the state of exhaustion I found myself in. In an attempt to dull my regret from the failure I try to get some sleep.

[Dagger Mastery] lvl 5 -> [Dagger Mastery] lvl 6

[Dagger Mastery] lvl 6 – Improves proficiency with a dagger or knife and attacks are 6% faster.

3 weeks later our travel party leaves the monster territory, I’m awarded with improved dagger mastery. Our road meet withs a paved stone tile road the comes from our right, except it turns to its right facing our forward, two arrowed signs point towards the direction we came from and to the direction we’re going.

Far reach mountain, south

Varenfell, north

Not too long after the signs we come across a rather lively town, Varenfell, more than that, quite a few of the people walking around are clearly adventurers, in their armoured outfits, carrying intimidating weaponry, moreover, all their levels are above what I can identify, so at least level 16. I notice that a lot of people are staring Lady Miranda Verin’s carriage while quietly murmuring some undistinguishable words. Our caravan stops in front of an inn, sleeping on a bed is something I can get behind, I walk over to Bennett asking, “Are we staying at the inn? We seem to have far too many people.”

Looking over at me, he laughs, “Haha indeed, the soldiers will be sleeping outside the town, I am merely reserving a room for Lady Miranda Verin, and one for myself.”

“Ah of course, well I’ll be getting my own room with Mila for the night if you have no trouble with that.”

Nodding his head, “Of course it will be no trouble.”

As we’re talking the main carriage door flings open, I can see the vague silhouette of a girl in a frilly dress, Bennett abruptly runs over, presenting his hand to the noble form. She grabs Bennett’s hand and hesitantly steps out, she is rather pretty, but how much of that can be attributed to the makeup she is wearing is up for debate, her skin is deathly pale, and her long light brown hair contrasts to the usual full black hair in these parts, she has a small button nose, and dainty hands, her age is difficult to discern, she holds herself as a mature adult, but she looks quite young. While I assess her, she likewise assesses me and walks over, not sure what to do I quickly bow, causing her to chuckle as she remarks, “A noble who cares for such ceremonies would be offended by your poor performance.”

My face heats up and I break my bow, feeling embarrassed and honestly rather nervous I just awkwardly stand there. Amused at my dumb face, she lightly laughs, covering her mouth, “Oh goodness me, I’m not scary am I? I like to consider myself rather sociable you know.”

Her down to earth response snaps me out of my stupor, I look at her, saying, “Hah, sorry, I don’t know what came over me, you’re the first noble I’ve met, and yes, you’re not scary.”

She nods approvingly and says, “Good, I would like to have a private conversation inside if you wouldn’t mind, the weather out here is absolutely sweltering.”

She than grabs my arm, a strong waft of perfume assaults my nostrils, she makes for the doorway, the door already opened by Bennett. We approach a table, Bennett runs past us, pushing a chair back for Miranda, she comfortably seats herself, as I do the same, she then looks to Bennett, saying, “Bennett darling, if you would give us a moment to chat.”

Bennett bows and robotically says, “Of course my lady.”

Bennett skitters off while Miranda twists back to me, smiling she says, “Let me introduce myself, I’m Miranda of house Viran, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

I curtly reply, “Fera, the pleasure is all mine.”

She seems to imperceivably nod to herself then see leans forward saying, “excellent, so tell me about yourself Fera.”

Bewildered I pause for a moment, then bluntly ask, “Why would you want to know about me? I’m not exactly an interesting topic of conversation.”

She raises her hand to her mouth and chuckles politely, “Why would I want to know about you? Let me put it like this, as someone in my position, I am always on the lookout for talents. So why would I not be interested in a kid who fights better than some soldiers and has the bearing of an adult, you think you are on this tour by chance? Not at all, Bennett took note of you and decided to relay that to me, and now that I have seen you personally, I see what Bennett saw in you.”

Giddy at the praise and also sensing an opportunity, I relent, “Ugh very well, I’m an orphan miss, I came from a poor orphanage in the slums of Vuta, being recognised for my talent, I was hired by the local gang leader Yusef, who trained me as an assassin then used me until his ‘kingdom’ collapsed under the weight of his own ambition, now Mila and myself had to flee for our lives, ending up here… That’s my life story.”

She does her polite chuckle again, mirthfully saying, “I doubt that is your entire life story Fera, but I will not inquire deeper than need be. Moreover, you seem to think the events in your life are not even worth mentioning, but you have really had quite a remarkable life up to this point, and it may be remarkable still.”

“Remarkable still, how so?”

She smiles mysteriously as she raises from table, “You shall see once we return to Belra, until then, enjoy the trip.”

As she walks off, I lower my head and grow thoughtful, of course Mila pops into my vision, and looks at me with a face begging for answers, asking carefully, “So, what’d you guys talk about?”

I sigh then truthfully say, “I mentioned my past, but apart from that, we talked a whole lot of nothing.”

She pouts looking disappointed, I just ignore her, and suggest, “Why don’t we order some food? Let’s see what’s on the menu.”

Our trip proceeds on for another month, the scenery becoming monotonous and boring, it’s at times like this that I prefer to be in monster infested woods. My practice has continued unabated, most emphasise being placed on my attempted magical cultivation, after all [Hashashin’s cultivation] is rather unsubstantial without physical training and the skill Shadow gave me has had slow progress. While sitting atop one of the transport carriages, I suddenly feel that obscure tingle, my body tenses as I concentrate with my full attention on that little tingle. The tingles seems to reverberate in accordance with my breathing, without notice the world transforms.

Skill [Mana sense] gained!

[Mana sense] – Open your mind’s eye, feel mana.

The world transformed, a small layer seemed to encompass everything in my direct surroundings, what was most odd is that I couldn’t actually see anything, only feel it, sense it. According to the book ‘Pre-fundamentals of Magic, A Sense for Magic’ my speed at detecting mana makes me average in terms of magical affinity however I don’t know what that entails. Excited I practically attempt magical cultivation, I try to exert my will over the mana as I pull inwards from my body like I do with [Hashashin’s cultivation, I sense the mana enter my body, but it doesn’t stay in and eventually bounces out. I try many more times but the same thing keeps happening, my body absorbs fine, except my will isn’t able to manipulate the mana yet so the mana doesn’t do anything when it enters my body. After attempting and failing a few more times, I decide to start small, only using my will on the mana, I feel it swish lightly, only reacting to my will, not directly following it. I continue this process for the next few hours, making menial improvements, well looks like I can only keep trying.

After another couple of weeks, I’m once again atop the carriage, I hear a loud holler from down below, ceasing my training I curiously look over to Bennett who had shouted, I dash to him and land smoothly with one step before the other, I ask, “What’s going on?”

“Bandits,” he directly states.

“Bandits?” I ask as I scout out the road, spotting nothing.

“You won’t be able to see them, but see that ridge over there?” He points over to a ridge with a few trees littered across it, continuing, “I can see their little head poking out, they won’t engage us when they see how heavily armed we are, but it’s still our duty to clear them out, Lady Miranda told me of your previous profession, I assume you want to join us?”

I nod eagerly, smirking as I say, “With pleasure.”

“Good, we will be acting as if we don’t see them, when we’re near the ridge I’ll give a signal, and we’ll strike, we’ll be in formation, you are allowed to act as you see fit.” Bennett seriously explains as he overlooks the men as they get into formation. I prep myself by doing a few stretches and switching my mentality, the mentality of a murderer, the only thing I’m missing is my Hashashin’s outfit…

We approach the ridge with Bennett at the forefront, I hang around the back following what everyone else is doing for now, when we’re close, I see Bennett hand make a form behind his back as he starts running along with the rest of the group in formation. Nothing seems to happen for some time, until arrows start flying from the trees, I start getting a little nervous, my perception isn’t high enough to dodge them even if my body can. My worries are unfounded however as the soldier are already at the ridge, armoured brigands spring from the trees directly engage the soldiers in mortal combat. I activate [Hashashin’s dodge] many times consecutively, my body twists into a vague cloud as I make my way around the ridge unnoticeably. When I stop, I see the backs of the bandits fighting the soldiers, I realise arrows are still be fired, so I decide to take care of such unpredictable variables.

Rogue level 15

Spotting one of the bandit archers intently focused on firing at my allies, I perform [Hashashin’s dodge] appearing behind him, my approach so silent he doesn’t even notice me as I eloquently land on the branch, easily slitting his throat, I don’t wait as I instantly dash to the next tree, performing the same action. The last archer seemed to have noticed his fallen friends, as he whips out his dagger and bolts toward me to catch me off guard, I slip around my branch like a snake, catching the archer awkwardly in the foot. He yelps as he continues flying and slams into another tree, his body collapsing to the floor like a ragdoll. I dash to where he landed, he desperately lunges at me from is one uninjured foot, his attack flimsy so I easily sidestep it then stab into his throat, he coughs violently as he chokes on his own blood.

Level up!

Class unlock available!

Oooo, my class unlock, that could be interesting, but that waits for later, I check the battlefield, it seems to be over as quickly as it started. Bennett clearly put the work in as I can see 6 bodies dead around him, and he isn’t even breathing unevenly. As the battle concludes I decide to return to the carriages, not interested in cleaning up the bodies but very much interested in my new class, sitting in a carriage, I mentally press the class unlock option.

Class unlocks (max 4):

Hashashin Initiate (uncommon) - Learned [Hashashin Cultivation], agility at least 20, dexterity at least 15, perception at least 15

Class enhancements: [Nimble hands] [Hashashin Initiate’s body] [Hashashin Initiate’s sight]

Intelligence increased by 2!

Agility increased by 7!

Perception increased by 3!

Dexterity increased by 3!

[Nimble hands] – Dexterity based attacks are 10% faster.

[Hashashin Initiate’s body] – Body decreases in size, increases agility by a passive 10%, agility based movements are 10% more effective and require 10% less stamina, reduces presence (can be turned off).

[Hashashin Initiate’s sight] – Passive 10% increase in perception, eyes see better in the dark, enhances [Hashashin’s eyes]

Dagger user (common) – Learned [Dagger Mastery], agility at least 10, dexterity at least 14

Class enhancements: [Fast hands] [Deft body] [Better eyes]

Dexterity increased by 10!

Agility increased by 5!

[Fast hands] - Dexterity based attacks are 5% faster.

[Deft body] – Increases dexterity by a passive 5%, dexterity based attacks are 5% faster and cost 5% less stamina.

[Better eyes] – Passive 5% increase in perception

Thief (uncommon) - [Dagger Mastery] at least level 5, perception at least 15, dexterity at least 20

Class enhancements: [Nimble hands] [Thief’s body] [Thief’s sight]

Dexterity increased by 8!

Perception increased by 5!

Intelligence increase by 2!

[Nimble hands] – Dexterity based attacks are 10% faster.

[Thief’s body] – Increases dexterity by a passive 10%, dexterity based attacks are 10% faster and cost 10% less stamina.

[Thief’s sight] – Passive 10% increase in perception, can sense wealth.

Mystic Scoundrel (rare) – Dodge based skill at least level 3, Learned [Mana sense], intelligence at least 20, agility at least 20, dexterity at least 15, perception at least 15

Class enhancements: [Delicate hands] [Lesser mystic scoundrel’s body] [lesser mystic sight]

Intelligence increased by 6!

Agility increased by 5!

Perception increased by 2!

Dexterity increased by 2!

[Nimble hands] – Dexterity based attacks are 10% faster.

[Lesser mystic scoundrel’s body] – Increases agility by a passive 10%, increases magic pool by a passive 10%, agility based movements are 10% more effective and require 10% less stamina, magic based skills are 10% more effective and require 10% less mana.

[lesser mystic sight] - Passive 15% increase in perception, enhances pure magic sight skills

Wow! Those are more options than I expected. The first choice is a heavy contender as it was the class Shadow used, it also increases the stats that my training has been based around, notably it increases intelligence, which most classes seem to do, intelligence is supposed to be ridiculously hard to raise, so that’s something to keep in mind. The class enhancements also focus on my greatest stat, agility, moreover it will boost my [Hashashin’s dodge] quite substantially, but so will mystic scoundrel.

Dagger user is an instant no! Firstly, it focuses on dexterity rather than agility, which is fine but my greatest strength at the moment is [Hashashin’s dodge] which relies on agility. Secondly the class enhancements are far weaker, the boosts seem to only increase 5% across the board, finally it doesn’t increase intelligence, which I assume is one of the greatest benefits from classes

The thief class has the same main problem as dagger user, in that it focuses more on dexterity, it isn’t too bad, and its class enhancements are quite good, especially [Thief’s sight], the ability seems rather unique to be able to sense wealth. Anyway, the class enhancements simply focus on the wrong stat which doesn’t coincide with my current skill usage.

Mystic Scoundrel seems to be the one I’m going to go for, it seems to enforce using magic, yet I haven’t learned any at all, that may make the class seem unappealing initially. However, when you consider [Lesser mystic scoundrel’s body] and its main stat boosts, it is literally as good as [Hashashin Initiate’s body], sure if you consider the reduce presence aspect, it may seem worse, however the magical alternative will make getting into magic viable later on, and I clearly have some talent for it as I learnt mana sense. Another aspect of mystic scoundrel is the drastic intelligence boost, I have no idea how else to get increased intelligence except from classes it seems, so I may as well take what I can get. Finally [lesser mystic sight] increases perception by a greater percentage, except it won’t enhance my [Hashashin’s eyes] immediately, except if I get a magic based sight skill, it will nullify the downside.

Deciding after considering my options, I mentally press mystic scoundrel

Class Mystic Scoundrel (rare) gained!

Intelligence increased by 6!

Agility increased by 5!

Perception increased by 2!

Dexterity increased by 2!

Class Enhancement [Delicate hands] gained!

Class Enhancement [Lesser mystic scoundrel’s body] gained!

Class Enhancement [lesser mystic sight] gained!

My body falls into a trance as my mana flows rapidly through my body, a foreign will seems to enter my body, encouraging me to flow my mana in a certain way, I couldn’t disobey the will even if I tried, I forcefully cultivate while compelled for an unknown amount of time. When I come to, I feel a sudden boost in power, my body feels nimbler, my vision more exact, but even more notable yet also obscure is my mind, it feels entirely different yet exactly the same, it feels almost as if something was added to what I see, but I don’t know what it is, this is higher intelligence I’m guessing. My eyes dart up noticing Bennett standing near me, looking around vigilantly, seeing that I’ve awoken he jokingly chastises, “You could’ve at least warned us you were unlocking your class, you held up the whole caravan for a day.”

My face drops, then burns red in embarrassment, I apologise, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know that gaining a class was such an… Affair.”

He laughs, “What? Did you think you’d suddenly gain powers out of nowhere?”

My face while deadpanned, answers, “I did expect that actually, I was rather surprised when someone entered my body unannounced and took control.”

His eyebrows shoot up like arrows, surprised, he asks, “You’re not aware of how class unlocks and evolutions work?”

I nod, confused at what he’s getting, he then continues, “Well I won’t get into it too deeply but there are 8 gods in the officially recognized religion of the empire, the church of the Okta, one of the gods is Lada, goddess of knowledge and magic, she is the one who enters one’s body during a class unlock or evolution, and will gift the person knowledge to evolve to a higher state of being, she’s known as the most benevolent god as she will gift classes regardless of a person’s faith.”

Race: Human

Class: Mystic Scoundrel (rare)

Level: 5

Health: 70/70

Mana: 0/0

Stamina: 130/130

Strength: 12

Endurance: 13

Vitality: 7

Dexterity: 26

Agility: 36 (3)

Perception: 20 (2)

Charisma: 10

Intelligence: 31

Wisdom: 10

Magic: 0

Skills: [Hashashin Cultivation] [Dagger Mastery] lvl 6 [Hashashin dodge] lvl 4 [Hashashin’s eyes] lvl 1 [Mana sense]

Class Enhancements: [Delicate hands] [Lesser mystic scoundrel’s body] [lesser mystic sight]

Our adventure goes forward after the little setback from my negligence, it’s after only one more month of ceaseless movement that we seem to be nearing a place of note. The traffic picks up greatly, people move to and from what I imagine is the county capital, Belra. Farmland seems to appear endlessly in our current area, as we haven’t come across any monster territories recently, I imagine this land has been completely cleared long ago to create area for farms to feed the local populations. Not too much longer I see a silhouette of a large city in the distance, as we approach, I begin to notice the absurd proportions of the city, no, fortress! The high dark stone walls emanate a foreboding presence that seems to tell a story of an age far gone. The cracks, seams and vague amendments, tell of an endless onslaught of creatures that wandered this land, that battered against the walls as the middling spark of humanity struggled to survive. But the tall pristine towers inside the walls represent humanity and the power they can reach should they strive for the pinnacle, the urban sprawl that appears to spill out beyond the walls of the city isn’t mere sprawl, but humanity and their dominance over monster and evil, what use are walls when all your enemies are dead?

The outer sprawl seems to begin as a slum of sorts, a few shady people looking at our caravan from shadows, and malnourished children playing near the main road. As we near the city gates the buildings become proper housing, the people look far more respectable and are going about their lives, taking little note of us. We reach the gates, the large entrance eats into the wall, casting long shadows that consume us, we pass the long line of merchants, travelers and farmers. Some muttering, many gawking and a few swearing, Bennett walks over to the guard and shows him a token that seems to contain a crest, we are immediately let in. As we enter the world seems to transform, a cacophony of people as they relish in a patriotic spirit I haven’t seen anywhere else. Noble crests adorn the high walls of most buildings, the pristine towers have royal purple imperial regalia over them, elevated beyond the noble adornments. A crier shouting “Imperial princess Yom Nemor to be engaged with Duke William Val’Hal’s son, Harry Val’Hal”

Another one yelling, “The house of Cerel intends on reallowing elves a residency in the dukedom, how will this effect human jobs?”

Yet another, “Stories of war from the south beyond the empire, The Balken kingdom having expansionist ambitions, what will this war mean for the eastern counties!”

“S-rank adventurer Toldgen returns from the foreboding range out west, commenting, ‘an enemy greater than humanity has ever faced’, how will the kingdom of the reaches respond to such foreboding news?”

We pass through a plaza of sorts, people running around, constantly in a rush, the energy here far more palpable when compared to Vuta. We progress deeper into the city, the further we go the less populated the city becomes, eventually we enter what I assume is the merchant’s district, however the buildings here a far more luxurious than whatever was in Vuta, the people wearing pristine clothes and calmly going about their business. I see a robed figure come out of an odd-looking building called, ‘Felroy’s magical trickets’, wow! I identify the robed figure.

Mage level ?

He looks up at me, I feel my body freeze and begin to sweat, he smirks then walk off, the pressure gone with the wind. My first mage encounter, and he could detect my [Hashashin’s eyes], not to mention I felt unprecedented power from him, more than I’ve ever seen, I feel, excited? Excited at the opportunities being presented to me, the world that is now opening up, I can barely wait, I start feeling rowdy and constantly shift around. We eventually meet an inner wall, a checkpoint awaiting, once again Bennett presents the token, and we’re allow through without hassle. We enter a sparse district, as in that there were hardly any buildings, a dark foreboding castle sat in the middle of this district far off in the distance, we start turning from the center, move towards some side estate. Once we reach it, Miranda steps out of her carriage with the help of Bennett, she gestures for me to follow, the soldiers leave us be as only Bennett, Miranda, Mila and myself walk towards the entrance. The estate seems rather tasteful, with beautiful stone walls that build up to coned rooves and join together with a main slanted roof, moreover its size isn’t excessive, but acceptably large. We enter and a butler comes over to us and bows, “Welcome home milady.”

She smiles happily, “Ah good evening Bernard, prepare some tea for my guest and I.”

He bows again then trots off, she brings me along to a nice living room with couches we can lounge on, se gestures me to sit as she plops herself down, elegantly of course. She then begins, “I hope your trip was pleasurable.”

I curtly nod, “Yes, well about as pleasurable as such a trip could be, the rare bath the one thing that could take the edge off.”

Her fake smile falls a bit at that last comment, but returns just as quickly, “Indeed, well I would like to commend you on your performance yet again, Bennett took note of your actions during the bandit raid, not to mention you have obtained your first class, an exciting prospect.”

I agree, trying to play myself up, “Yes, I can see my combat potential increasing greatly in the near future.”

She smiles knowingly, saying, “Excellent, well I would like to make a proposal then, your combat abilities seem to fulfill a certain gap in my current… repertoire, you see your skillset may be able to accomplish tasks that would be impossible for others, even at your lower level.”

I bluntly ask, “You wish to hire me as an assassin?”

She laughs passionately, a clear distinction to her previous wooden laughs, suddenly she stops herself, she says, “Your honesty caught me of guard, apologies, the was unbecoming of me, but yes that is one such task you may be required, espionage and certain political intrigue, naturally all that too, do you accept?”

“Of course, however on one condition,” I smile cheekily.

Bewildered, Miranda asks, “And that is?”

“Only if you hire Mila as a maid.”