Connor trudged along in silence. It was a lot to take in, everything that he had just learned. Occupations, ranks, dark and light, so many things to think about. Where in all of this did he lie? His view of cultivators had been of powerful warriors, forging their own destiny against all the odds. Fighting mighty beasts and obtaining unimaginable treasures, using spectacular skills and going beyond the limits of humanity.

He hadn’t thought about what he wanted to do as a cultivator. Should he become a death knight or a necromancer, corpse crafter or spirit caller, plague doctor or even an occultist. Where did morality fit in such a brutal world, was it right to lower himself to the standard of the infernal powers. What would he be willing to give up in the pursuit of power and safety? Did he value his life more than the morals instilled in him by his father?

He just didn’t have the answers, and he knew there was nobody who could tell him. As much as he was a part of the Undertaker’s Guild now, he was alone. There was nobody to look after him anymore, nobody to comfort him, nobody to tell him right from wrong. From that point forward there would only be people to tell him what to do and when to do it.

Connor sighed, the only way for him to go now was forward. “What’s wrong, did you catch Heinrich’s sulking? I swear to the divines, I can only handle so many dark and gloomy types before it gets old.” Karl said from the driver's seat of the cart. “You’re a bad influence Heinrich.”

“Says the blood art practitioner.” Heinrich quipped.

Karl put his hand to his chest. “Low blow Heinrich, low blow.” He grinned. “I’ve taught you well.”

“Yeah, yeah thank you very much Undertaker Karl.” Heinrich said sarcastically.

“You’re very welcome Acolyte Heinrich.” Karl responded, ignoring Heinrich’s sarcasm.

Connor grinned and couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at Karl and Heinrich’s antics.

“See, that’s much better than sulking.” Karl said smiling at Connor. “We still have plenty of time until we get to the Swamp, you don’t have to worry about things so soon. Hell, you don’t even have to worry about things when we get there.” He pointed at himself and said with pride. “I don’t.”

“Alright, that’s enough of that. You were giving genuinely good advice up until that point.” Heinrich said waving away Karl. “Karl’s a fool, a wise fool I’ll give him that, but still a fool.”

“Hey, I’m right here you know.” Karl interrupted Heinrich indignantly.

“I know.” Heinrich deadpanned. Connor let out a laugh.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Thanks Karl, I’ll remember that.” Connor replied with mirth.

“You’re very welcome Connor, it’s good to finally be appreciated around here.” Karl said with a smile.

Silence returned to the group but it was a very comfortable silence. Nothing needed to be said and all were left to their thoughts. Connor particularly was in a better place mentally, not plagued by worry and doubt simply enjoying his first foray outside of his home town of Eastlodge.

Eastlodge was a fairly remote village surrounded by forest, usually this would lead to the destruction of the village at the hands or claws more aptly, of beasts but due to the extremely low density of Qi the area was nearly devoid of said beasts. Only beasts of the mundane variety made their home in the forests surrounding Eastlodge and her 3 sister villages.

A day of travel passed peacefully, occasionally a conversation would be started but for the most part the group of Guild members walked in silence through the peaceful forests that surrounded Eastlodge. Eventually the sun started to set so the group had to look for a place to spend the night.

“I think that clearing ahead will be a perfect place to set up camp.” Heinrich said pointing ahead of the group.

“Finally, my back’s killing me. I really need to stand up and stretch.” Karl said with relief.

“I wouldn’t mind driving the cart if it hurts your back so much.” Heinrich said nonchalantly.

“Oh, there’s no need for that. I wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer such a horrible fate.” Karl replied quickly. “Honestly, I’m doing the group a service by taking on such a hard role.” Karl puffed out his chest in confidence. “In fact, I don’t get enough credit for all the hard work I put in. You should all be more grateful for what I do for the group.”

“Did you bring a bedroll to sleep on?” Heinrich turned and asked Connor.

“Hey.” Karl tried to interrupt Heinrich.

“No, we didn’t have one at home so I only brought a blanket.” Connor replied rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

“Don’t ignore me.” Karl said with indignance.

“Did you hear something?” Heinrich asked Connor.

“I don’t think I did.” Connor replied with a smile.

“Oh well, must’ve been the wind.” Heinrich shrugged. “A blanket’s just fine but sleeping on the ground will take some getting used to.”

Karl deflated and returned to driving the cart.

“I probably wasn’t going to sleep much anyways so it’s fine.” Connor said as the group entered the small clearing they had seen earlier.

“Just for reference, what supplies did you bring?” Heinrich asked.

Connor set down his pack as Karl drove the cart of the road. Opening the sack he said, “I have some hardtack, some jerky, a flint and steel, a skinning knife and” taking a drink from his water skin “a half filled waterskin.” Wiping away the water that had run off he turned back to Heinrich.

“You’re basically set, besides for a cloak for the rain but you should be fine. We’re pretty far off from the rainy season.” Heinrich nodded with approval.

Karl jumped down from the cart and walked over to the duo. “Normal procedure, Manfred’s got first watch, I’ll take second, you and Connor can take the final watch.” Karl said to Heinrich.

Heinrich nodded. “I’ll go start the fire.” With that the Karl walked away.

“We’ll eat after the fire’s started but setting one up before night fall is priority.” Heinrich said to Connor as he made his way towards the center of the clearing.

“There’s nothing too dangerous around these parts, you wouldn’t need to worry at least.” Connor said following him.

“Even so I’d much rather have one before night fall than not. If not for anything else but convenience.” Heinrich responded, stopping in a place he had deemed suitable for immolation.

Connor shrugged, “ok.”

“I’m going to go into the forest to get wood, you should go collect some stones for the border of the fire. Don’t want to set the whole damn clearing on fire.” Heinrich shuddered. “Never again.” He whispered to himself. “Don’t wander off too far though, you’re only so useful to us dead.”

“Yes sir, wait..” Connor paused at his last statement but before he could ask Heinrich about it he was gone. “Alright, step one don’t die.”