[Skill Chosen: Upon My Word as a Gentleman]
And just like that, Justin’s decision was sealed. It was the right decision. He knew it. But it was hard not to mourn the loss of Grace Under Pressure.
He almost jumped when the System's voice returned.
[You have one Attribute Point to distribute.]
Damn. He'd almost forgotten that. He willed it into Charisma.
[Your Charisma is now 24. With every decision, you shape yourself closer to the person you are meant to be...]
With that, the Voice of Veyrith departed, leaving Justin alone with his thoughts.
He smiled. Well, with this level-up, his base Charisma was now 24, netting him +1 in all other Attributes. It was a big win.
Justin steeled himself before getting up and going over to Lila. She stirred as he approached and knelt beside her.
When she noticed his expression, she raised an eyebrow. “You look as if you've seen a ghost.”
He forced a smile. “It wasn't an easy choice."
"Tell me."
So, he explained everything about the skill he had chosen. From her frown, her reaction was as he had expected.
"I don't understand," she said. "I understand it's Mythic, but how is it supposed to help us with the drake? What other options did you have?"
He sighed. "You're going to kill me. But I have my reasons."
She listened as he explained the options and why he ended up choosing Upon My World as a Gentleman.
Once he finished, she thought about it for at least a minute before responding. "Honestly, I see your point. The skill has the best long-term application. But it means nothing if we can't survive Vorthyrn. If we're the only two left in this Vault, we're completely screwed. Grace Under Pressure could have been what we needed to pull this off."
Justin's face fell. "I know. But either way, we need to hold the Baron to his word. I'm not sure what that looks like in practice. But this new skill gives us a chance to do that."
"What if the Baron refuses to make a deal?"
"We have to hope we have enough to convince him."
"Like what? He won't care about any of that loot we found. He can kill us and take it if he wants after the Vault is over. We need something big to hold over his head. Some form of leverage."
Justin already had the beginnings of an idea, but he didn't dare voice it. Not at that moment.
“Trust me,” Justin said, trying to sound confident. "It's the right call."
Lila shook her head. “If we don’t make it through the fight with that drake, I’m haunting you.”
Justin, on a lark, reached out for Eldrin with Elea's Whisper. And to his surprise, there was a connection.
Eldrin. Are you there?
Lad! It's good to hear your voice, but this way of speaking is...strange. Where are you? Is Lila okay?
Close to the entrance of the magma chamber. We're both fine. You?
We're all fine, though it was close. We went looking for you in the city but found nothing. We ended up turning back.
Justin paused his conversation to update Lila. "It's Eldrin. They're all fine."
Lila's eyes closed for a moment in relief. "Where are they?"
"Heading back here. Let me keep talking to him."
Justin resumed his conversation. So, you're in the magma chamber now?
No. We are in a tunnel that seems to connect the main part of the cavern to the city outside. The entrance is close to where you ran off after Lila. We're about an hour away from the barrier. If you're by the magma chamber, you're about the same distance.
Justin figured it was the same tunnel Alden led them through, a way to bypass the magma chamber. No casualties among the Baron's men?
Fortunately. Or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it. Did you manage to clear two checkpoints on your own? We didn't get to the Tower. The bridge was down.
We must have missed each other. Look, we can talk about this while we're both walking there. I've unlocked a new skill that might help out with him. We need to make a plan for how to use it.
I'm listening.
I'll reach out again in a few minutes. Take care of yourself. Is Kargan all right?
I've been keeping an eye on him, but the Baron has been trying to sink his claws in. Don't worry about Kargan, he's got a good head on his shoulders. Watch yourself on the way. Those elementals like to hide behind the rock formations and come out of nowhere.
I'll keep that in mind. Talk to you in a few minutes.
Justin turned to Lila. "They're heading for the barrier. They should be there in an hour, and we're about the same distance."
"And I suppose you'll be updating him on everything?"
"Yes. Once I'm done telling him everything, I'll work out what he can tell the Baron. Obviously, he's going to need to keep the important stuff back."
"Like your new skill."
"That and several other things."
"Eldrin is nothing if not careful. We should head out."
Justin hefted his pack. It felt lighter on his shoulders than he remembered, possibly a result of the new level-up and an extra +1 to his Power. Or maybe it was the good news lifting his spirits.
With luck, they might get out of this one alive.
----------------------------------------
A little over an hour later, Justin and Lila found the rest of the group waiting in front of the barrier. The tension in the air was palpable. Eldrin, Kargan, and Ryak greeted them with a mix of relief and curiosity. The Baron's men, however, wore expressions tinged with suspicion. Dirt-streaked faces and frayed clothing spoke of the group's struggles over the last couple of days. But the guarded looks suggested deeper fractures within their camp.
The Baron stepped forward first, his lips curving into a faintly amused smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Welcome back, Mr. Talemaker. Eldrin has given us a colorful summary of your exploits, but I’d prefer to hear the story from the man himself. How exactly did you manage to clear two checkpoints while the rest of us were fumbling about in the dark? And a Level 32 ice drake,” he added, his voice dropping in mock reverence. “Not exactly a foe for the faint of heart.”
Justin took a steadying breath, his gaze flicking to Eldrin. The Ranger gave him the barest of nods, a silent reminder of their earlier plan, hashed out over Elea’s Whisper and agreed to by Lila.
He had to control the narrative, leverage the key crystal, and hold firm.
Stepping forward, Justin met the Baron’s gaze evenly. “It wasn’t easy. We had to think on our feet, work together, and make use of every advantage we had. But let’s not dwell on the past. What matters now is how we’re going to deal with Vorthyrn. That fight will be even tougher, and if we don’t work together, none of us is getting out of here alive.”
The Baron’s eyes gleamed with interest, the faintest flicker of approval crossing his face. “I couldn’t agree more. In all my travels, I’ve yet to face a drake in combat. My expertise with such creatures is, regrettably, confined to book learning. However,” he added, gesturing to Rothian nearby, “we do have the talents of Mr. Nightflame. Fire, as you know, is a drake’s natural weakness.”
Rothian inclined his bald head, though his thin smile lacked warmth. His dark eyes glinted with something unreadable, like smoldering coals that could ignite at any moment.
“Fire is a good start,” Justin agreed, his tone measured. He took in the Pyromancer. “Can you cast Wall of Flames?”
Rothian snorted, the sound filled with amusement and derision. “Wall of Flames? Child’s play. I could summon it in my sleep.”
“A simple yes would have sufficed,” Justin said, “but your point is understood.”
The Baron chuckled. “Casting fire magic at the beast is obvious, of course. But drakes of Vorthyrn’s caliber have a powerful ice shield that renders them invulnerable to most damage. Even Rothian’s flames won’t be enough to break it. Vaults like this, however, often provide tools to balance the scales. It's my suspicion that you have such a tool in your possession, or else you would not have been able to defeat this Rimefang. Am I right in that?"
Instead of answering, Justin reached into his satchel. He pulled out the glowing key crystal, its faint blue light dancing across the barrier's surface, as if in response to its magic. He held it up, letting the crystalline glow catch the Baron’s gaze.
A small smirk tugged at Justin's lips. “This is the only way to get through the barrier. As for Vorthyrn, yes, we have a way—a strategy, if you will—to defeat it. It’s simpler than you might think.”
“Out with it,” Gareth said, his voice a low, impatient hiss. “The Baron doesn’t have time for games!”
“On that,” Justin said, “I disagree. He’ll make the time if he wants to leave this Vault alive.”
The Baron’s polite façade sharpened, his tone growing more pointed. “So you’re implying you won’t share your strategy unless I grant you certain...considerations?"
“Precisely,” Justin replied. “I want guarantees. Once this Vault is cleared, I want my people and me to leave safely—no pursuit, no ambushes, and no claims on our lives. More than that, you and those under your employ must not cause us harm for the rest of your days." Then, as an afterthought, he remembered Ryak's village, not fifty miles away. "And I want immunity for all sapient beings within a hundred-mile radius.”
“A strange condition,” the Baron mused, tilting his head. “But not unreasonable, depending on the guarantees you offer in return.”
"This isn’t just about guarantees.”
The Baron raised a brow, his curiosity piqued. “Oh?”
Justin allowed himself a small smile. “I’m proposing something more. A contract.”
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“A contract?” Valdrik let out a soft laugh. “I don’t suppose you brought along a quill and parchment, Mr. Talemaker?”
“No,” Justin said. “I’ve got something better.”
The Baron’s eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion. "Well?"
“I've earned a new skill,” Justin replied, his voice steady. “It's called Upon My Word as a Gentleman. It allows us to make an agreement, but more than that, it binds both parties to their word. Terms agreed upon here will be enforced under the auspices of the Creator Himself."
The Baron's face was neutral. But Justin's Insightful Gaze saw a brief crack in his composure, a flash of fury, quickly masked. “I’ve never heard of such a skill."
“It’s Mythic-tier,” Justin said casually, shrugging. “I wouldn’t expect you to know about it.”
That drew a reaction. Wolfram muttered a curse under his breath, while Rothian’s normally tan complexion grew lighter. Even Gareth shifted uneasily.
“And what happens if the contract is broken?” Valdrik asked.
“The terms are ours to decide,” Justin said. “Break them, and the penalty will be executed immediately."
“Interesting,” the Baron said, regaining some of his composure. “Let’s hear your exact terms.”
Justin nodded. “Nothing too complicated. We work together to defeat Vorthyrn. Once we’re out of the Vault, you leave us alone. No pursuit, no ambushes, no attacks either direct or indirect And no interference with any sapient creature within a hundred miles of here. Nor will anyone in your employ, directly or indirectly, cause harm to any of us by physical, spiritual, reputational, or any other means."
Valdrik’s eyes narrowed. “And what about your side? What guarantees do I have? Or does it all favor you?"
"I also have to hold to my end of the deal. If you agree, then none of us will speak a word of your...exploits in Silverton. Nor will we say anything derogatory about you in relation to what we learned there. Not in conversation, not in writing, not in any form of communication.” He paused. “And yes, that includes coded messages, whispers in the night, or hidden notes. You name it.”
The Baron’s expression darkened. “I remain skeptical that this is a real skill. If it isn't, then it's quite the bluff."
Justin shrugged. "You're welcome to try your luck. For all the power of Morvath or the Old Gods, they don't hold a candle to the Creator."
Valdrik grunted. "And this is truly binding?"
Justin smiled faintly. “It’s not a belief. It’s a fact. This skill ensures both parties honor the agreement—or face the consequences.”
Valdrik’s men exchanged uneasy glances, but the Baron’s composure didn’t waver. “How convenient for you. A skill that forces the mighty Baron Valdrik to swear off his dastardly plans. Tell me, Mr. Talemaker, because this is the main hitch. What happens if I refuse to make an agreement in the first place?”
“Then you have to fight Vorthyrn without us,” Justin said simply. “And I will do everything to keep the key crystal out of your hands. As long as we're in a party together, you cannot attack me directly. What's more, you're on a clock. This key crystal will soon lose its charge, given the strength of the enchantment. We've already been carrying it for a few days. Who knows when it will lose power?"
A long silence passed. Despite the System's prohibitions, Justin wondered whether Valdrik might try to attack in some way.
Finally, Valdrik laughed—a cold, humorless sound that sent a shiver down Justin’s spine. “You’re asking me to gamble everything on your word that this so-called skill will do what you claim. And to think that a Level 13 would gain access to such a powerful ability so early. I've never heard of anything like it. But...I’ll play along, if only because this amuses me. Would you rather starve to death in this Vault than work together to defeat Vorthyrn?"
Justin shrugged, keeping his tone casual though his heart raced. “There’s no point in going forward when our fate is already determined. For all our resources, Baron, we can’t stand against you. This agreement is the only thing that ensures a chance for survival—yours included.”
Valdrik’s eyes narrowed as he studied Justin. “What, then, do you propose as the consequences for breaking the agreement?”
“That’s up to us,” Justin said. “We can agree on the punishment as part of the terms. If either side breaks the deal, the punishment is magically enforced.”
Valdrik scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. “Let me guess. Death?”
“Yes,” Justin said, locking eyes with him. “The stakes are already life or death. A lesser punishment wouldn’t suffice. But rest assured: if you make this deal, we’ll both have to honor it. The magic will see to it.”
Wolfram Gravesong stepped forward, his grizzled face twisted in scorn. “My lord, they’re lying to you—”
“Silence,” Valdrik snapped, his voice sharp as a blade. He turned back to Justin, his gaze cutting. “And what of the fight itself? Do you truly have a plan to bring down Vorthyrn, or is this all just talk?”
“We do,” Justin said. “The key is breaking the ice veil. We’ve already done it once, and we can do it again. We won't share that with you unless you make the agreement.”
Valdrik’s lips pressed into a thin line, his expression hardening. "Well, I detect no lies in your words. I have my doubts, but let’s see if we can work something out.”
The debate dragged on for hours. Valdrik’s party and Justin’s group volleyed suggestions back and forth, each side digging in on key points. The main sticking issue was whether the contract should have a time limit—and if so, what that limit should be.
Rothian suggested two weeks, his tone smug, as if daring Justin to argue. Justin, however, demanded a deal in perpetuity. Eldrin proposed a compromise at one year, something Justin saw as acceptable. Valdrik finally allowed a one-month limit, though his patience was clearly wearing thin. Justin considered accepting—Ryak assured them they could reach Mont Elea in just under a month.
But Eldrin wasn’t convinced. “One month isn’t enough with the onset of winter. Besides, there’s nothing stopping the Baron from following us and stalling just long enough to corner us again.”
Justin agreed, and they built in safeguards to address Eldrin’s concerns, plus adding another month to the contract's length.
Still, Valdrik was growing visibly agitated, pacing like a caged predator. “This is absurd,” he snarled, throwing up his hands. “You’re asking me to cripple myself with a contract that could backfire in ways you can’t even comprehend. And I have my doubts that this skill of yours is even real. Even if it is, magical agreements are notoriously fickle. They always have unintended consequences—and one that lasts in perpetuity, as you wish, is the worst kind of contract!”
Justin rubbed his temples, exhaustion creeping into his voice. “I’ve already come down to two months before the contract dissolves. After that, any of us is fair game.”
Gareth sneered. “And what’s to stop you from camping just outside Mont Elea the day before the contract ends?”
“That’s already been addressed,” Lila cut in wearily. “We’ve agreed not to go within a hundred miles of Mont Elea until the contract dissolves.”
"Five hundred miles," Gareth said coldly.
"That blocks out half of Aranthia," Eldrin said. "One hundred. As agreed."
“And,” Justin added, “the contract can be dissolved early by mutual consent. Once we’re on more equal terms, Valdrik, we can renegotiate. But without this deal, we have no reason to help you or hand over the crystal. I can't speak the rest of my party, but I fully intend to wash myself of this situation. The fact you even want a time limit tells me your intentions are ill.”
"Ill?" Valdrik nearly spat. "The last thing I want to is to subject to any contract of such a nature. No one can say what the consequences will be, or what loopholes might be exploited." Finally, he shook his head, before giving a victorious smile. “You know what? I don't need to make a deal with you. Perhaps I cannot use violence against you, but I have...other means...of getting what I want."
Before Justin could react, Valdrik uttered a quick incantation in Vranthillis. The air shimmered as an unseen force yanked Justin’s pack from his shoulders.
“Hey!" Justin snapped. "Give that back!
Valdrik rummaged through it with practiced ease. He found the glowing key crystal. the Deathkiss Dagger, and the Cryoshade Core.
Valdrik smirked, holding up the dagger to inspect it. “A fine piece. Suited perfectly for someone like me. Quite convenient that no one has cored it yet.” He sheathed it on his belt with a casual flourish before turning his attention to the summoning core. “My, you have been busy!"
"Don't tell me you can use that thing."
Valdrik's smile only widened. "That's the beauty of Vranthillis, Justin. It gives a little bit of everything."
The bluish purple core brightened and seemed to melt into the Baron's arm, lines of light tracing toward his sternum before they faded.
Justin watched in barely suppressed rage.
Valdrik gave an irritating smile. "My compliments." He straightened his coat. "Well, as you said earlier, the clock is ticking. I will not have this crystal lose power while we argue the day away."
With a nod toward his companions, he walked toward the barrier, key crystal in hand.
“You’re really going to fight Vorthyrn without us?” Justin asked, his voice sharp with disbelief. "You have nothing to shatter the veil!"
“I’ll have to try,” Valdrik said. “Unlike you, I don’t rely on theatrics.”
Kargan and Ryak exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, Ryak stepped forward. "I’ll help. My ice magic may be limited against the drake, but I can cast shields to protect the party. I can't stand by while this drake terrorizes my tribe."
Justin’s heart sank, though he couldn’t blame Ryak. The man was doing what he thought was best for his tribe and was prepared to die for it.
Kargan, meanwhile, looked torn. His gaze flicked between Valdrik and Justin, his internal struggle written on his face.
“Kargan,” Valdrik said, his voice almost gentle. “You need not throw your life away. My offer still stands. The magic of Morvath and Nyriss both depends on the Nether. With my knowledge of Chaos Magic, I could teach you things no one else can. You’d have a place at my side for as long as you wish. More than that, a community. Out there,” he gestured vaguely, “you’ll find only rejection.”
Justin stepped forward, his voice firm. “Kargan, you don’t need him. You have us. Whatever the world thinks, we’ve always had your back, and we always will. You don’t need Valdrik’s approval or anyone else’s.”
Kargan’s shoulders slumped, his entire frame radiating uncertainty. Valdrik’s expression grew more predatory, sensing that victory was within reach.
“Kargan,” the Baron said, his voice oozing false warmth, “don’t throw this chance away. You’ve always been alone in this world. Why keep fighting that? Do you think these so-called friends of yours will stand by you when it matters? You know how this ends.”
Justin frowned, stepping forward. “What is he talking about, Kargan? What’s he trying to twist here?”
Kargan let out a heavy, pained sigh, the sound of it hitting Justin like a blow. He felt the weight Kargan carried—a burden no one, let alone someone so young, should bear.
Before Kargan could respond, Justin spoke up, his voice resolute. “I don’t care what happens, Kargan. I’ve got your back. Valdrik is bad news. That much should be obvious to anyone. Do you want to end up like that guy?” He jabbed a finger in Rothian’s direction.
“Hey!” Rothian snapped, his thin veneer of superiority cracking for a moment.
Kargan gave a weak chuckle, shaking his head. His amber eyes glimmered with unshed tears as he turned back to Valdrik. “I’m staying with them, Baron,” he said. “They’re my people. Come what may.”
Valdrik’s smile faltered, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes before he regained his composure. His lips curved into a cold, calculated smirk. “So be it. But don’t expect mercy when the time comes."
Without another word, Valdrik raised the glowing key crystal high. With a pulse of light, the magic barrier shimmered and dissolved, revealing a frozen passage carved into the heart of the glacier. Jagged icicles hung from the ceiling.
Valdrik turned back, his expression unreadable. “Last chance, Talemaker. Join me, and perhaps we all live to get out of this Vault. Or stay here, wallowing in your stubbornness, and wait for the inevitable.”
Justin hesitated, his gaze flicking toward Eldrin. To his surprise, the Ranger offered no guidance, his brow furrowed in thought. For the first time, Justin realized they were equals now, at least in level. The realization was startling, a reminder that their survival no longer hinged on Eldrin’s wisdom alone.
Lila, standing to Justin’s left, didn’t speak. Her sharp green eyes were locked on Valdrik, her expression cold. Kargan, meanwhile, stood with his head hung low, battling his own inner turmoil.
Justin straightened, his voice steady. “All right. One month. All other terms the same."
Valdrik flashed a sharp smile. "It's too late for that, Justin. We'll kill the drake, with or without your help. If you choose to help us? Well, I may be more merciful than you think."
Justin met Valdrik’s gaze, his tone hardening. “Sorry. Not good enough. You’re on your own.”
The Baron scoffed. “So be it."
Gareth glowered beside his master. Wolfram had already begun scouting the icy path ahead, his sharp eyes scanning for threats. Rothian waddled after Valdrik with an air of reluctant loyalty, using his metal staff as a walking stick. Ryak hesitated for the briefest moment. He glanced back at Justin’s group before giving a solemn nod and following the Baron.
“Traitor,” Lila spat under her breath, venom dripping from the word. Her eyes narrowed on Ryak’s retreating back before turning to Justin. “Now what?”
Justin exhaled, forcing himself to focus. “Plan B, I guess.”
“And Plan B is...?”
"Plan B? Do the impossible, like always."
"Justin...you know that's not good enough."
Eldrin stepped beside him, staring at the party ahead, who was now disappearing around a corner. "There always options for those who have eyes to see them."
Kargan shook his head. "What if ends up killing the drake? They'll get all the rewards while we get nothing. Not to mention that we're as good as dead after." He looked at Justin. "The Baron's got us, he knows it."
"He doesn't," Justin said. He remembered then that Kargan didn't know as much as the rest of them. He explained how they defeated Rimefang, and how it would be impossible without Starlance.
Kargan frowned as he considered this. "So, he's bluffing."
"I don't think he's willing to die," Justin said. "And if he is, then maybe he'll weaken the drake enough for us to finish it off."
"What's our next move then?" Lila asked. "That tunnel is the only way forward. At some point, the Baron must know we're going to follow him."
"I don't doubt that," Eldrin said. "The key lies in doing something that even the Baron can't predict."
"Like what?" Lila asked.
"After hearing how you took care of Rimefang, I've been wondering. Maybe we can try something...similar."
"Oh, no," Lila said. "You really think Justin can charm another drake? We don't have Alden's Heroic Aura anymore."
"Maybe not," Eldrin said. "But one thing is for sure. If this works, the Baron will never see it coming."
As Eldrin explained his idea, Justin's eyes widened. It was either suicidal or a stroke of genius.
Whatever it was, it was better than sitting still and dying.
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Name: Justin Talemaker
Class: Socialite (Gentleman Focus)
Level: 13
Experience to Level 13: 827/4,600
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Attributes:
Power: 17 (10 + 7)
Coordination: 15 (10 + 5)
Endurance: 16 (10 + 6)
Intellect: 14 (10 + 4)
Perception: 14 (10 + 4)
Charisma: 31 (24+ 7)
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Stat-boosting Equipment:
(Weapon) The Cane of the Drake: +6 Charisma, +2 Power
(Chest Piece) The Coat of Highcliff’s Elegance: +1 Endurance, +1 Coordination.
(Arm Piece) Squire’s Armlet: +1 to Power.
(Foot Piece) Invari Ambassador Boots: +1 to Endurance.
(Accessory) The Amulet of Equilibrium: Divides your highest base Attribute by six, then applies the result to all other Attributes. Attribute cap lifted. Highest base Attribute: Charisma (Base 24): +4 to Power, Coordination, Endurance, Intellect, and Perception.
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Stat-boosting Skills:
Stately Presence: +1 Charisma