As I gazed into the bowl of water on the table, my reflection wavering in the tiny ripples, I couldn't help but feel a sense of introspection on the one-month anniversary of the System. The changes that had unfolded over the past four weeks seemed staggering, even if I didn't physically appear much different, except for the wear and tear of the challenges we had faced.
I turned to Emily, who was alone with me for a moment at our group’s table in the taproom, and shared my thoughts. "Can you believe how much has changed in such a short time? I feel like I've aged a hundred years."
She let out a playful chuckle, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Oh, Cade, you've always been an old soul. That's what I love about you!"
Her teasing tone brought a smile to my face, lightening the weight of my reflections. I couldn't help but play along. "An old soul, huh? Does that mean I should start grumbling about 'the good old days' and complain about the kids on the grass?"
Emily laughed, her laughter echoing through the taproom. "Well, maybe you can skip the grumbling, but there's something endearing about your wisdom and perspective. It's like you've been around the block a few times."
I couldn't help but join in her laughter, feeling a warmth spreading through me. "Well, I guess I should embrace my inner old soul then. Maybe I'll start wearing a robe and carrying a walking stick."
After breakfast we headed out to the training field, which is on the east end of the village. Wesley was already there, deep in conversation with Mr. Lowe. People were arriving from their homes or in a few cases, like me and Emily, from the inn. This was a momentous morning. Today, we’d arranged to have the first joint training exercise between the four villages of our little economic and military defense league.
As we assembled I took stock of our own group. Steve Jr., though not yet formally accepted as a member, stood by Wesley's side, ready to fulfill the role of a backup tank. The presence of Emily as an official member, serving as another DPS class, filled me with a sense of anticipation, maybe it was because of the way she made me feel when she was near.
Amidst the training field, the largest grouping was under the command of Sergeant-at-Arms Lowe, with his group of villagers who had selected the guard class. It was in their ranks that I noticed Penny Urbane, Mark Wilson's former lover, her gaze filled with bitter resentment directed at me. I harbored no surprise that she still blamed me for her lover’s death.
The remaining groups mirrored our composition, consisting of healers, tanks, and various DPS classes. Together, we formed a formidable force of fifty fighters from our village. Wesley address the assembly and then, leaving our guards to keep our village safe during the day’s planned training exercises, we marched forward, passing through the gatehouse.
The day was early enough that the mid-summer heat wasn’t oppressive yet. Still, I felt sweat trickle down my neck as I placed one foot in front of the other. Where we were going wasn’t far, not more than an hour’s walk at a steady pace.
We stopped long enough at the half-way point to welcome the six-member group from Doe Run. Although I’m sure they would have been safe on the way to the meet-up, we had an ulterior motive in welcoming them into our formation. Doe Run was failing. It would only be a matter of time before the villagers there decided to vote with their feet. Wesley wanted them to join with us in Columbia instead of either of the other villages. If we wanted to grow, we needed more people.
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As we reached the field just outside of Lake Village, the crumbling asphalt gave way to a dirt road, proof of the village's resourcefulness in making the best use of a diminishing resource.
Before us stood a diverse gathering of nearly a hundred fighters, each donning a unique assortment of armor and wielding an array of weapons. Some displayed enchanted armor that shimmered with faint traces of magic, while others wore scavenged gear from defeated adversaries.
As we neared the assembled adventurers, what could only be an experienced soldier’s commanding voice cut through the commotion of the training field. I recognized the man shouting orders; I had seen him in Fort Point during my first visit. He stood in front of the line of inexperienced fighters, shouting instructions with authority and precision. The atmosphere brimmed with intensity as his voice echoed across the field.
"Form up, shoulders to shoulders! Keep your shields steady, no gaps! Remember, this shield wall is your first line of defense. It must be impenetrable!" he bellowed, his voice carrying the weight of experience.
A score of trainees, visibly nervous but determined, did their best to follow his instructions. They adjusted their positions, attempting to align their shields and close any gaps. The clatter of armor and nervous shuffling filled the air as they struggled to maintain formation.
"Steady now! Hold your ground!" the veteran’s voice rose above the noise, urging them to remain focused amidst the chaos. "Don't let fear cloud your judgment. Trust in your training and the strength of your comrades. Together, you are an unbreakable wall!"
As he shouted further instructions, the trainees strained to meet his expectations, sweat trickling down their brows. Their expressions showed a mix of concentration and uncertainty as they grappled with the unfamiliar orders given to them.
"Stay vigilant! Watch each other's backs! Defense is your priority, protect one another!" his voice carried a sense of urgency, pushing them to rise above their own limitations. "This is where you forge resilience, where you become the guardians your villages need!"
Amidst the intense training, the old soldier’s guidance continued to fuel their determination. He offered a balance of encouragement and tough love, pushing them to their limits while instilling a sense of discipline and camaraderie.
After what seemed forever, but had only been ten or fifteen minutes, the soldier dismissed the trainees. He shifted his gaze to us. At first I thought he was going to start shouting at us like some kind of demented drill sergeant. Instead, his eyes lit on Wesley and he came over and offered his hand, “John Thompson of Fort Point.”
Wesley took the offered hand, “Good to meet you, sir. Wesley Parsons. These are the fighters from Columbia and Doe Run. Most of them, anyway. Can’t leave the villages unprotected.”
Thompson agreed. Then the man with short gray hair waved toward the other fighters already assembled on the field, “But enough of that. With less than eight hours there’s a lot I’d like to do before we run out of time.”
Once he beckoned for everyone in the field to gather around, John Thompson stood at the center of the training field, surrounded by nearly one-hundred and fifty fighters. His weathered face exuded confidence and authority as he prepared to impart his knowledge on the intricacies of fighting in a large group. The trainees gathered around, their eyes fixed on him, ready to absorb his every word.
"Listen up, everyone!" John's voice boomed, commanding their attention. "In a large-scale battle, coordination and specialization are key. Each role plays a vital part in securing victory. Let me break it down for you."
He gestured towards the warriors standing at the forefront, shields at the ready. "Warriors with shields, your role is to form the frontline defense. Hold your ground, shield your comrades, and absorb the brunt of the enemy's attacks. Your job is to maintain the integrity of the shield wall, ensuring that it remains impenetrable."
Turning his attention to the melee DPS classes, such as rogues and blade dancers, he continued, "You agile fighters, your skills lie in close-quarters combat. Use your speed and precision to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defenses. For now, you’ll defend our formation’s flanks. Your goal is to strike swiftly and decisively, focusing on taking out high-priority targets or disrupting the enemy formation."
His gaze shifted to the ranged classes, including archers and mages and me. "Ranged classes, your abilities grant you an advantage at a distance. Make use of your precision and firepower to provide cover and support for the frontline fighters. Target enemy spellcasters or snipe key targets from afar. Your role is to control the battlefield and keep the enemy at bay."
John emphasized the importance of healers, the casters responsible for keeping the group alive. "Healers, your role is critical. Your spells and abilities are the lifeline of the group. Prioritize healing and providing support to your comrades. Keep an eye on the frontlines, ready to mend wounds and bolster their resilience. Also, keep an eye on your mana pool. Without you, the group's survival is compromised."
For the next hour, the training field became a whirlwind of activity. John's commanding presence dominated the scene as he orchestrated a symphony of drills and exercises, trying to mold us into a cohesive fighting unit.
"Shields up! Hold the line!" John's voice boomed, cutting through the clamor of clashing weapons and the shuffling of feet. Our warriors adjusted their stances, locking shields and forming an unyielding wall of defense. The weight of the shields pressed against their arms, serving as a physical reminder of their shared purpose.
With untiring precision, John guided us through a series of intricate movements. "Advance! Step in unison! Maintain formation!" His voice reverberated with authority, driving us forward. Each step resonated with determination as we synchronized our movements, the sound of our collective footfalls echoing across the training field.
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Our movements were far from perfect, but we were trying and that had to count for something. The melee DPF fighters responded to a command to attack imaginary foes. They sprang into action. My eyes fell on Emily and my breath caught in my throat as with real grace, she danced and weaved through a host of pretend enemies. Her steps were fluid and calculated. Each action was a study in efficiency of movement.
Then he ordered the ranged fighters to target a section of the field with missile weapons. I went through the motions of firing my rifle, while the archers actually fired several volleys at the targets area. Arrows whistled through the air, landing amid the tall grass. Mages practiced sending an assortment of offensive spells against a sheet of Systemized metal that had been set up as a target. Fireballs, Ice bolts, arcane bolts and at least one mana projectile I didn’t recognize crashed into the target. Before long, the fireballs won out and the metal turned into a pile of slag.
Throughout the drills, John's voice echoed with constant guidance and encouragement. "Maintain focus! Watch your spacing! Anticipate the enemy's movements!" His watchful eyes scanned our formation, calling us out when we screwed up, which seemed like all the time. As we continued the rigorous training, sweat dripped from our brows, mingling with the dust kicked up from our swift movements. Fatigue gnawed at our muscles, but our determination remained resolute. John pushed us to our limits, demanding our absolute best. One thing I could say about John Thompson, there was no room for complacency in his rigorous training regimen.
John's voice, now softened, conveyed his satisfaction. "You've done well this morning. Remember these drills. Take them back to your villages and do them as often as possible for they will serve you in the battles to come.” A resounding cheer erupted from all of us.
Until John added, “Alright. Let’s break for lunch. After that, we’ll run through these drills again.”
The cheers turned to good natured jeers as we dispersed to eat lunch.
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After an intense training session that took us into the late afternoon, my body dripped with sweat, and my muscles ached. I longed for a moment of respite when Zachary Connolly, a member of the Fort Point village council, approached me, his guitar slung on his back. He looked remarkably fresh compared to my exhausted state.
"Hey, Cade! Quite a workout, huh?" Zachary greeted me with a friendly smile.
I managed a tired nod, struggling to catch my breath. "Yeah, it was intense. I could use a break."
Zachary chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, how about taking a break at my place? Helen, my wife, has been pestering me for days to invite you over. She seems to have caught on to your little secret."
I raised an eyebrow, curious about Helen's observations. "Oh? What secret is that?"
Zachary smirked, enjoying the game. "Let's just say she's intrigued by your skills. She's been dying to talk to you about it. So, what do you say? How about spending the next couple of days with us? We'd love to have you."
I glanced at Wesley, seeking his opinion. He shrugged, indicating that the decision was mine to make. Emily, always quick-witted, chimed in with a mischievous smile. "Well, Cade, if you're going, mind if I join? I've been meaning to brush up on my wit and charm. And who better to learn from than the esteemed Mrs. Connolly?"
Zachary burst into laughter at Emily's clever remark. "Ah, Emily, of course, you're more than welcome to join us. It'll be a pleasure to have you both."
I couldn't help but chuckle at their banter, appreciating Emily's subtle wit. It seemed she had found a clever way to secure an invitation without explicitly asking for it.
"Alright, Mr. Connolly. Count us in," I finally replied, a genuine smile forming on my face. "We could use a break, and it'll be great to spend time with your family."
Zachary clapped me on the shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie. "Fantastic! You won't regret it. We'll have a blast, I promise. And call me Zach. That’s what my friends call me."
As we made our way toward Zachary's home, the weariness in my body was momentarily forgotten, replaced by a sense of anticipation and the promise of spending some more time with Emily.
When we arrived at Fort Point, my eyes were drawn to the towering wooden gatehouse that served as the entrance to the village. It stood as a formidable structure, a symbol of defense. Guards clad in sturdy armor stood watch atop the wall. The village took their security seriously
"Wow," I whispered in awe, craning my neck to take in the sight. "Look at that gatehouse, Emily. It's massive!"
Emily's eyes followed mine, a smile playing on her lips. "Impressive, isn't it? Fort Point certainly lives up to its name."
I nodded. "Yeah. Those guards mean business."
After passing through the impressive gatehouse, Zachary Connolly led us towards his cabin. As we approached, I couldn't help but be struck by its size and the rustic charm it exuded. It stood tall, a two-story wooden structure that seemed to blend well with the village’s tall wooden walls.
"Welcome to our humble abode," Zachary said with a smile, gesturing towards the cabin. "Make yourselves at home."
Emily and I exchanged a glance, a mixture of curiosity and excitement in our eyes. We followed Zachary inside, stepping into a spacious first floor that housed the living room, kitchen, and dining area. The open layout created a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the crackling fire in the hearth added a cozy touch.
"Wow, this place is amazing," Emily exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Zachary grinned proudly. "Glad you think so. We used pretty much all the resources we received when the System repurposed our house when we founded the village."
As Helen led us to our respective rooms, I couldn't help but notice her warm and gracious demeanor. She exuded a sense of genuine hospitality, making us feel instantly at ease.
Upstairs, Helen opened a door to a cozy room, "Ladies first, Emily. Make yourself comfortable.” The bedroom was simple bedroom but warmly lit by an oil lamp.
Helen pointed toward the end of the hall, “There’s a bathroom there. You may want to clean up. There will be other guests for dinner.”
Then she showed me another bedroom. It was the equal of the one shown to Emily. “Here you go, Cade," she said. "This will be your home for the next couple of nights. Make yourself comfortable."
I stepped inside, taking in the inviting atmosphere. It was a simple space, but it felt like a refuge from the outside world. "Thank you, Helen," I replied with a grateful smile. "It looks great."
When I went to get cleaned up, Emily was already in the bathroom and I waited in the hall, figuring she would be as quick as me. Silly me. I had dozed, standing and leaning against the wall when the bathroom door opened. My eyes shot open as Emily came out. She said, “Your turn, Cade,” her voice carried a hint of teasing. Then I looked at the rest of her and my eyes just about popped out of my head. Emily had wrapped a large towel around her, covering her from her breasts to a few inches above her knees.
Words failed me. Her playful grin widened as she approached. “Close your mouth, Cade, honey. Your jaw is going to hit the floor.”
I snapped my mouth closed just as she leaned in and kissed my cheek. Before my mind started working, she was gone, the door to her bedroom closed.
I was in a fog as I showered and freshened up. As hot water sluiced over my body, I briefly wondered how they managed the hot water. But it was only briefly. My cheek tingled from where Emily’s lips had touched me. I’d never been kissed before and I was still working through the riot of emotions and hormones as I finished up in the bathroom.
After that much-needed shower, I returned to my room. I felt disappointed and guilty that Emily wasn’t waiting for me. Still, once I was changed into my clothes, I pushed aside those thoughts aside. The anticipation of the evening's dinner, coupled with the sexual tension between Emily and me, filled the air with an electric buzz.
When I stepped out of my room, ready to go downstairs, Emily was waiting for me. She gave me a playful smile as she put her hand on my arm and guided me downstairs. the aroma of a delicious meal wafted through the cabin, tantalizing my senses. The other guests had arrived; I could hear the voices of their voices mingling with those of Zachary and Helen. When we made our way downstairs, I was surprised to find John Thompson and a woman of middle years seated next to him.
When dinner was served, the large open area exuded an enchanting ambiance as we gathered around the table. Mana globes chased away the shadows. The clinking of cutlery and the tantalizing aroma of the meal filled the air, setting the stage for a pleasant evening. Helen, the gracious host, took her place at the head of the table, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"So, Cade," Helen began, a gentle curiosity lacing her words. "Can you imagine my surprise when I saw that mana infused ammunition was showing up on the auction house from your village? And then, much to my surprise, Zachary told me about a young sharpshooter who used mana infused bullets. And here we are, sharing dinner.”
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks as all eyes turned to me. "Well, I guess it wouldn’t stay a secret forever. This ability is tied a class I got when I hit level three. It’s the hexslinger class. It lets me infuse mana into my ammo.”
I took a sip of water, trying to ease my nerves as all eyes remained fixed on me. Helen's genuine interest and friendly demeanor put me at ease, but the spotlight was still a bit overwhelming.
Helen nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Fascinating! So, how did you come across this unique class? It must have been quite the discovery."
"Actually, it was a bit of an accident. When I hit level three, the system gave me the option of selecting another level of sharpshooting or to pick a second class. I was curious about my options, I declined the offer. Surprisingly, the system presented me with a selection of additional classes, and the hexslinger caught my eye. It seemed like a class that would use magic, so I took it and discovered the mana infusion spell.”
Zachary, seizing the opportunity to steer the conversation towards business matters, chimed in. "Cade, we've been discussing the alliance between our villages. I'm curious, how do you envision Columbia's role in this collaboration? Are there any specific resources or expertise you believe we can bring together?"
I pondered Zachary's question for a moment, considering the potential benefits of the alliance. "Well, sir, we want people to be happy doing what they’re good at. So, if someone is a farmer, we try to support them with the stuff they need to succeed, like a system farm. Or a supplying a smithy for a blacksmith. That kind of stuff.”
Before Zachary could ask more questions, John leaned in attentively. "Cade, I'm particularly interested in the military aspect of this alliance. I realize Columbia looks to Wesley as your leader, but you are part of your village’s council, what are your thoughts on reaching out to other villages; expanding our defensive alliance to other villages, like Sun Valley?”
"Well, Mr. Thompson, I think expanding our alliance to other villages could be a great idea," I said, as I tried to sound mature; I felt a bit out of my element talking military strategy with a man old enough to be my grandfather. "I mean, the more villages we have on our side, the stronger we become. We can watch each other's backs and face any threats together."
Emily's eyes sparkled with excitement as she chimed in, her voice laced with determination. "And think about it. The more villages we connect with, the more resources and knowledge we can share. It's like having a bigger toolbox with different tools for different challenges."
John gave an expansive smile, “That’s the kind of thinking I like to hear.”
By the end of the dinner, I felt like I’d been put the social ringer. I learned from Helen that she also had mana infusion as a spell, but she couldn’t use it to infuse weapons. It was a utility spell. I realized how Zachary had become wealthy. Men like him live and breathe for the game of business. My respect for John had gone up, too. The old soldier lived and breathed security.
John’s voice trailed off as a pounding on the door interrupted our conversation. We all turned towards the entrance, surprised by the unexpected disturbance. Helen hurried to answer it, her brows furrowing with concern.
A guard stood on the threshold, his expression grave. "Sorry for the interruption, but there's been a raid on the road to Lake Village. It's bad, really bad," the guard blurted out, his words rushed and laden with distress. "We were attacked, and some monsters have taken two women. We need to do something, and fast."