Veronica stood there for a moment looking around at everything inside the cave. She took in a deep breath taking in all the smells around her. Her ears twitched a bit the water behind her struck the floor echoing in cave. The area inside was much wider feeling the cool water brush against her feet as it moved down into the lower part of the cave. Taking in another deep breath Veronica decided she would ask Alexandria to make this her own area.
She followed the cave for a bit just listening. Water bubbled all around her leaking from the walls and slowing dripping from the ceiling. Her shoulders rolled up as a cool drop tapped the top of her head. Even though her body didn't feel pain the same that sensation rippled down her spine. Shaking off the sensation she looked forward a small flat area which looked similar to a sparing ring caught her eye.
Light cascaded down from small openings in the ceiling bathing the stone in warmth. A smile crept across her face as she moved forward stopping just short of the stone slab. Veronica knelt down placing her hand flat against the stone. A warmth radiated from the stone causing her to release a comforting sigh. She knew the temperature was dulled from her armored skin however the affect it had on her was more about relaxation than pure warmth. There was also the fact that nothing was growing on the stone not even moss which meant it was most likely a mixture of different minerals. She was going to take a piece of it back with her so that they could figure out its composition.
Of course, for right now it was the perfect place to practice her fighting forms along with her internal protection ability. That was the one ability that required meditation and quiet. Veronica knew that nature sounds had no effect on her concentration or meditation. However, from all her time in the facility she was never able to grow her abilities since the researchers were always so damn loud. Her fists clenched up just thinking about those damn murders. This was the reason she decided to join Alexandria and destroy all those accursed places along with those walled city fools. Veronica bit her bottom lip shaking her head to quell the rage bubbling up inside her.
She stepped up onto the stone taking in a deep breath trying to recenter herself. There was no reason to get all worked up over something that would be avenged in time. Veronica's feet slid against the stone kicking up sand that glittered in the cascading sunlight. A smile crept across her face as she began throwing punches using the light all around her as targets. She wanted to get a feel for the environment and see just how far she could push herself. This was going to be fun and there was still so much to explore within the cave.
Veronica sidestepped the light every other punch. Her chest rose and fell as a spray of water rushed inside the cave. A thunderous sound echoed inside the cave from another wave rocking against the outside wall of the cave. She wiped her face jumping up and down a bit in place littering the stone with sweat and water. A faint sizzle entered her ears with each drop of water hitting the sun kissed stone. Even though it wasn't a lot of sunlight the direct beams from the holes in ceiling and wall did make certain areas of the stone warm enough.
She decided it was time to take a small breather and practice some meditation. This would be a fine time to do it since it would be harder to concentrate. If she wanted to strengthen her ability to help shield her internal organs better control in less-than-ideal situations was essential to development. Her place in the vanguard was in jeopardy if she couldn't master this ability and be able to fight alongside Isa and Valentina.
The strength of the sunlight pouring in was starting to grow weak. Veronica could feel the difference in temperature changing around her. It was most likely best if she stopped the physical training and focused on the meditation. She was the strongest physical by far so training her mental game would make her well rounded. Taking in a deep breath she remembered the mushrooms around her and made a note to take some on her way back after the sun had finally gone down.
Eve was hoping this incentive was enough to get one of them to make a move. This was starting to remind her that raw potential didn't mean success in this field. Of course, it wasn't an easy choice and even if she did decide which one to leave behind it wasn't a sure bet that her choice would be correct. This was also an important lesson to show both of them they're doing this meant making tough decisions with little to no time to think.
The smaller of the two raised her hand into the air. Eve raised an eyebrow looking down at the girl. “Is there a reason you're raising your hand?” She had to stifle a laugh. Why the hell did she think raising her hand was the way to go about this?
“I just thought it was the easiest way to volunteer. What would be the point of speaking? Isn't the point of this mission to blend in and make it to where we are not a threat to anyone around us?” The girl let out a small sigh looking around them scanning the crowd for threats.
Eve was impressed even though in terms of physical appearance she was the weaker of her two students; this one seemed to possess greater courage and intelligence. She looked over at her other student shaking her head in disapproval. “Well since she volunteered to stay here, you're the one that is going to remain behind and gather information. It will be easier for you to complete this task.”
Her other students' eyes widened, and she was about to take a step forward to protest. However, she could see the look in Eve's eyes and knew any attempt to defy her master would end in pain. She hung her head for a moment, taking in a deep breath squaring her shoulders and lifting her head high. “Very well I will do as you ask.”
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Now that we have settled the division of labor we will move to the nearest Inn and set you up with a place to stay. After that we will go to the entrance to the larger islands and see exactly what the price is going to be for just you to enter. We will need the information that is available on the larger islands, and I don't have time to stay here and gather it with you.” She realized how quickly everything was moving forward and it meant that soon she would be making her way to a walled city with somebody who she had yet to see perform in combat.
The three of them moved forward making their way to the nearest Inn. This was essential since once Eve and her first choice left the island her second student needed to have a solid foundation underneath her in order to operate effectively. The only thing Eve was worried about at the moment was the price that needed to be paid. She walked up to the Innkeeper giving them her best smile.
“How much for just her to stay here for an extended period of time?” Eve pointed to the taller of her two students. She looked closer at The Innkeeper to see if there was anything about them, she might be able to exploit for a cheaper price.
The Innkeeper glanced at Eve and then looked back at the woman she had pointed to. Only a few moments passed as the Innkeeper looked back at Eve. “I would say ten pieces of gold and she can stay here as long as she likes.”
Eve raised an eyebrow looking the Innkeeper up and down trying to figure out what their game was. “That sounds like a fair deal.” she reached into her coat pocket pulling out the ten pieces and setting them on the table sliding them over to the Innkeeper.
The Innkeeper moved their hand forward to grab the pieces as Eve brought a dagger down right between their fingertips. “I'm assuming this not only covers room and board but also meals and any other amenities they might need?”
A sly smile crossed Eve's face as she made eye contact with the Innkeeper. There was no way in hell Eve was about to allow anyone to mess with her or her students. Of course, she hadn't known them long but there was no way she was going to leave one of them at the mercy of anyone else since that honor was for her and no one else.
“Yes, that covers all the essentials. I have no reason to try and cheat someone as clever as you miss Eve.” The Innkeeper returned Eve's sly smile glancing down at the dagger and then back up at Eve.
Eve let out a playful giggle pulling the dagger free and sheathing it. “It is good to know that you understand not to fuck with me.”
The Innkeeper nodded, pulling the coins towards them, picking them up off the table and bringing them back to the back. They returned a few moments later with the key in one hand and some small scraps of paper in the other. “Here is the key to her room and these slips are good for meals and other amenities inside our establishment. Anything else outside the establishment she must obtain herself.”
Eve nodded in agreement looking back at her student who also nodded. She took the key and the scraps of paper walking over to her student and handed them to her. “We need to hurry to the large island gate. After we negotiate the price the two of us will be leaving and you will be staying here.”
She took the key and the scraps of paper nodding in agreement. She placed the key on a chain and put it around her neck as the three of them walked out of the end and made their way towards the large island gate.
There was a bit of uncertainty running through Eve's mind. Her tribute wasn't anything too crazy even though it meant she must come back to the free market every year to entertain the pirate captains. It was a small price to pay for information along with her freedom. She knew most of the current captains in charge of the free market however there was no way she was going to use that to get what was needed. That would be too easy not to mention she would insult the captains she owed for saving her life. Eve shook her head as they neared the gate to the larger island area.
The guards stood at attention barring the way with their spears as the one on the right recognized Eve almost immediately. "Has it really been a year already miss Eve?"
Eve let out an exasperated sigh. "Would you please stop calling me miss Eve. You know I hate hearing that. No, I'm here on another matter namely one of my students. I want to see what it will take for just them to gain entrance to the larger island area."
Standing at attention the guards looked at each other than down at Eve. The same guard who spoke before addressed them again. "Your student's worth is not known to anyone as of right now so we can't give you a solid answer. However, she can be granted temporary access to the larger island area if you're willing to purchase one item without seeing what it is beforehand."
An exasperated sigh escaped Eve's lips there wasn't anything worse in her eyes than purchasing something of high value without knowing its purpose. They could pay a fortune for a useless trinket that one of the captains believed was interesting. "How long will this temporary access last and would the access be restricted in any way?" This would all depend on how much information her student could obtain in a set amount of time. There might be too many unknowns for Eve to agree to such a request.
"You must first decide on whether or not to purchase the item. We're not allowed to give any more information until after you have agreed." The same guard continued to relay information while the other just stood there silently.
She wasn't sure what to do at the moment. There was no way in hell a blind lottery was the best way to go. However, this could be a good learning experience for both of her students. Now it was her turn to decide what to do next. Hopefully she made the right choice since there wasn't much time left to waste on anything else.