Chapter 7
[Cling!]
“HNNNG!”
[sshhwip]
“WAAA-argghh!!”
“Don't yield!” Someone screamed.
It was a horrible scene to be hold. A blindfolded demi-wolf woman stood holding up a giant ceiling pushing the weight down on her shaking arms. If she let her strength go she would probably be crushed underneath the massive boulder like ceiling. She was wet all over, drops had formed on her exposed fur and her clothes were drenched in it. Everything had a glistening shine to it, a deep crimson had penetrated the clothes which was the blood from her wounds. Numerous arrows were stuck in the woman's body and she started to look like one of those practice dummies archers practised with.
Further away stood the man who had shot the arrows, in his hands an ordinary bow and a new arrow. It was long from over. If the man heard a scream he would shoot an arrow almost immediately with the same amount of power. If he heard a low grunt and saw his arrow being deflected he shot with stronger force than before. There were as many arrows embedded in the young woman's body as there were lying broken on the ground.
Standing there covered in blood, sweat and tears was Ru-Lan. She was taking the last test presented to her by the Warrior guilds guildmaster. Ru-Lan didn't know why the guildmaster took such an interest in her when he hardly associated with new recruits. What she didn't know was that the guildmaster was a huge sadist. He loved to watch new recruits scream from frustration and regret. That was why he made all who wanted to join the heavy weapon faction swing an axe every day chopping wood.
He had been extra excited when he saw Ru-Lan being overly proud the first day she join, he wanted to break her mentally so he could see her cry and run away. But after the first couple days she had shown no signs of stopping, yes she complained aloud and the look on her face told she wanted nothing more than to quit. Still she didn't give up. To further increase her misery the guildmaster had commanded the instructor to change to type of wood she was chopping. Now he waited patiently to see how she would struggle with the new denser material.
The same process repeated itself for almost 20 days, every couple days he would order her to chop a denser wood until she was making firewood from the densest wood he could get his hands on. Then he just made her further cut the logs into smaller pieces. Eight days ago the guildmaster got bored with watching her chop wood and after waiting what seemed like forever she suddenly showed up and he told her she would start a new training. This training was to prepare her for today, though he never told her what the final test would be like. Now at last he was enjoying himself. It was all worth it, spending almost a month of failed mental torture he could finally relish in her screams and tears.
***
Henkel had wanted to ask Sanova about the inn with the bird theme but he saw how annoyed he started to become spending a tiny bit of time not flirting with the ladies he was with. Same could be said about the women. Women like them could hold some real grudges and if luck would have it they could be working as clerks and waitresses which could give Henkel a hard time if he visited them. Henkel figured he could always see him another time, this time during the day.
Instead of spending time searching through all the Magician guilds it was better to go ask the Information broker. It wouldn't have been easy looking through them all as there was a magician guild for every element: Fire element guild, Water element guild, Earth element guild and Dark element guild. Then there were the Enchanters, Shaman, Summoners and the elusive Witches and Wizards. Henkel knew the general location of the Magician guilds from his walks around town but the more obscure ones were another mystery to be solved.
If you lack information, visit the Intelligence Bureau and that was precisely Henkel's next move. As he thought about these various things he had already made it to the front door of the Bureau and he was ready to ask his questions. But inside he could hear loud shouting and he hesitated to go inside.
“-that is how we do things!”
“You'll feel the wrath of the CRIMSON SWORD!”
“Ha! Who do you think you are messing with!! Mess with me and YOU'RE the ones who'll be sorry.”
There was the familiar voice of the Information broker and it didn't seem as if was being intimidated by whoever was screaming at him.
[CRASH! SMASH!]
The door flung open and three Warriors stormed out with roaring fire in their eyes. They didn't even notice Henkel in the dark and after they left he cautiously went inside.
Inside there was a large diagonal crack on a table from an axe probably and there were papers all over the floor which the broker was picking up.
“Good evening Mr. Broker, it is I Henkel.”
“Oh, hello. Did you hear what just happened?”
“Yes. Those were some rude punks.”
“Just riffraff, I sometimes get those kind of people here. Normally it's just a dissatisfied customer seeking a hidden class.”
“Were they also of that sort?”
“Nah, those good-for-nothings were from a new guild.”
It was the first time Henkel had seen people from a guild starting trouble with the towns-folk. Guilds were dependent on fame in their starting period and doing things like that was a sure-fire way towards hardship. The Broker continued speaking.
“Though they won't be a new guild after today. Tomorrow they'll be a useless guild, I'll see to it. Nobody angers the Broker and gets away with it.”
He wasn't an Information broker for nothing. As one dealing with sensitive information he had powerful friends in the nobility and everybody knows that being on the bad side of a noble means the end of your adventure where the nobles powers reach. Forget getting great quests and even if you earn fame you'll gain less than others for being on the bad side of a noble.
“I come to update you on my quest. And to ask for directions.”
Henkel explained about the bird inn and other things.
“Keep up the good work.”
“I took it upon myself to help Daniel and I might have found the remedy but I need some help with it since I'm not well versed in magic.”
Henkel showed the magic circle briefly and questioned him where it would be best to get help.
“If it's magic circles then you should visit the Enchanters and Summoners. The Black magic guild might also help you. The Summoner and Black magic guilds are located in the magic district half an hour to the west and the Enchanters share space with the Identification guild just five houses to the right.”
“Thank you friend. Then I'll be on my way then.”
“Take care! Come back when you get some clues about the expedition.”
After leaving the broker Henkel quickly found the correct door and went inside. It was a house with 2 floors and wooden interior and with an open plan on the first floor, above the stairs leading up to the second floor was a sign. On it there was written: Identifying higher level items, you judge if we are needed. Quite the irony telling people to judge an item's worth themselves at the Identification guild. Along the long wall there were booths with people of various race sitting behind, there were some players mixed in with the people.
In the corner there was one booth that stood from all the others. It was quite colourful with purple, white and gold painting. In contrast with the lively décor, the person who was handling the booth did not look happy. It was quite obvious he was the sole enchanter in a building of Identifiers. Henkel made some cautious steps in his direction all while listening in on the conversations around him. It was one of his bad habits that had formed after playing RR for a while since there were no radio or television around to waste time on.
Henkel stood in front of the enchanter waiting to be welcomed as a customer, though it was like he hadn't even noticed Henkel standing there.
“Ahem.”
“...”
“Ahem! Excuse me.”
The man was obviously startled by Henkel because he jumped up from his seat accidentally hitting his forehead with his flailing hand.
“Ow. Yes, sorry. I wasn't paying attention. Please. I mean, do you have a job for an enchanter? Do you want me to dis-spell an item or buy a ward? Who am I kidding... are you maybe looking for help with identifying something then try one of the booths to my left.”
“You are the person I am searching for, I can guarantee you that.”
“Really! You're serious? Oh joy.”
“I don't want to bu-...”
“Bu-?”
Henkel was in deep thought. If he outright told him he didn't come for the enchanters services he might get dispirited and close shop. It might be better to feign interest in his worries to make him more likely to help.
“I don't want to butt in, but is there something worrying you lad?”
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“You really want to know?”
“Well of course young man. I can't help ignore a youngsters sad face.”
“All right. As you have noticed I am the only Enchanter in a building full of Identifiers and if my situation won't improve I'm going to be kicked out. I can't pay my rent.”
“Are your services not wanted or are you just not popular in town?”
“Anyone who fights monsters would appreciate what I offer: I can permanently enchant your weapon with a specific attribute and I offer wards for temporary change just mentioning a few. I'm also sell miscellaneous magical tools. It's really not expensive, only a few gold per ward!”
“GOLD!?”
“What, what?”
“How often do you interact with the world?”
“I sit here all day and at night I sleep. I sometimes speak to one of the identifiers but I'm not well liked.”
“You do know that the average wallet size is less than 1 gold? Counting all my earnings I've never had more than 50 silver!”
“You can't be serious? Are you yanking my chain?”
“I'm pretty sure no foreigner is stronger than the honourable knights stationed in town.”
“Eh? Are you telling me my primary source of income can't kill a Snapping Tiger?”
“I'm not sure but you're probably right.”
The young Enchanter covered his face with both hands and groaned quietly. Henkel didn't know but a Snapping Tiger was a monster in the 90 level range in the form of a small but slower tiger with incredibly strong jaws. The jaws were a desirable drop as it could be made into sturdy weapons. Senior knights often hunted them as they were too slow to escape being entrapped by the knights.
“I guess there's no way but close shop and wait until people get stronger. Maybe I'll go back home to my parents.”
“Stop there boy! You're doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“Taking your clientele for granted. Don't think us foreigners play by this world's rules. Some of us have a lot of free time! Even I will start adventuring and when I do I might need your services.”
“But you said it's too expensive.”
“Then create things that go for a lower sum! Have you no business sense son?”
“Sorry.”
“It's no time to say sorry. Now is the time for action and the first step towards a successful future is to help your customer. Me.”
“Well if you say so gramps.”
“I'll let that comment slide if you lower the price for me when I buy something here. Son.”
Henkel asked for advice on what tools he would need to create a magic circle and how to use them. The Enchanter told of the ways to use the tools such as painting symbols with a special brush that uses the painter's mana and of inscribing spells. Henkel listened closely and decided to buy a knife and brush, the enchanter felt a certain degree of respect and intimidation towards Henkel and adding in Henkel's Charisma he lowered the price by an absurd amount. Henkel only paid 1 silver each for the tools and even he knew this was a one time deal as it obviously hurt the Enchanter to sell it so cheaply.
Henkel bought both tools in case he needed them and even though he might not need them he will be able to sell them for a large sum. Feeling he was finished he left towards the magic district with brisk steps. He thought of what he would be able to do with the tools he had and the magic circle he had to create. Henkel had no idea what would happen if he used it other than Sanova's word that it would help Daniel.
“Please give me a spell book, any would do. I just started and have no money.”
“I need 1 silver, please!”
“Fire or Ice magic, which is better?”
“Looking for a magician or two to hunt wolves!”
“Guild looking to recruit high level magicians!”
Henkel was stunned. The magic district was the complete opposite from the quiet academy area. This place was filled with players and they were all busy running around. For a while Henkel was impressed by the atmosphere but soon missed the polite academy students who greeted him if they met. Here was like a bustling metropolis where everyone was a no-one. It was one of the reasons Henkel lived far outside the the city in the real world and why he enjoyed spending time at relaxed places like the café.
Right now it was a waste of time looking at the crowds and Henkel left toward the Black magic guild. It was maybe a bit too obvious the way the building was decorated. It was painted in all black with a western abandoned mansion look. As it was one of the pillar magic guilds it towered above all other buildings in it's vicinity and if you looked up from the ground you'd be able to make out five other tall buildings. Henkel walked with some people inside the Black magic guild and was greeted by black robed female attendants with short skirts.
It wasn't just Henkel that was confused many beginners just stood on the floor ogling the women and other players came specifically just to see them. It was a job proposed by the guildmaster though his quest didn't state how the participants were supposed to attract new recruits and so players took the liberty to alter their official beginner robes as their pay increased for each new recruit.
A young girl with pale complexion came up to Henkel trying to make him join the guild.
“Please join mister...”
“No.”
“Join us sir.”
“No thank you.”
“I won't show you my panties...pervert.”
“What! When did I ask you to do that?”
“Your eyes were fixated on my skirt.”
“I was wondering if your parents knew you dressed like this for everyone to see?”
“Talking to a high-school girl will cost you 1 silver.”
“Wha- No ju-just what are you talking about? I only came here to ask for advice with a magic circle.”
“I don't know. Go upstairs for help.”
“Ehm...ok. Thank you.”
The girl held the same expression on her face during the whole conversation and just went up to another player with the same comment after talking to Henkel. Weird and peculiar, was the impression she left on Henkel. Still confused he followed the young girls advice and went upstairs. The layout here was different than down there, there were plenty of tables and chairs with people sitting reading books and parchments. A study room would definitely have someone knowledgeable about magic circles. The girl did know what she was talking about.
Henkel approached a table and read a note stuck to it. Please sit down and we will come to you. He did what it said and sat down, then he waited. It didn't take long even though it was late evening already. A normally dressed man clad in black of the same or older age as Henkel sat down in front of Henkel. He had a stern face filled and large black bags under his eyes he didn't speak but grunted once a while.
“Speak. Hmpf.”
“Good evening. I come for help to the knowledgeable Black magicians.”
[Grunt]
“I'm not sure of the effect of this here magic circle I found and I was hoping someone here could help me.”
Henkel showed the man the magic circle and the man's stern face turned into one that looked as if he was constipated but he still didn't speak. The man was an enigma to Henkel. He couldn't read his facial expressions and so had a hard time figuring out if the man would help him. Henkel's satiety had fallen and he took out the chicken skewers he had previously bought and poured himself a cup of tea he had brewed in the café. He didn't forget his manners and poured a cup for the man in front of him as well and showed with his hand he was giving it to him.
The old man took the cup and drank a sip. His face then relaxed and he emptied the cup immediately.
“This was delicious, would it be all right if I could have another one? I haven't had a proper brake since breakfast and I am just so tired.”
“There is no problem, I'll be more than happy to share the tea I brewed.”
“Oh, this isn't store bought? So you can make wonderful tea like this by yourself, I'm impressed. Let me explain the magic circle for you.”
The elder man explained all he knew of it. He said it resembled a curse that had been used further west, somewhere in the mountainous desolate regions. He had travelled there before in his youth and spoken to the villagers who spent their lives in the mountains. The curse wasn't of the deadly kind but it was especially annoying and if untreated could turn the sufferer insane. The villagers to the west used to put that curse on all people visiting as a prank.
The man continued telling stories of his youth and he soon got off track all the while he was pouring himself a new cup till he had drank it all. Then he finished speaking and went silent. Henkel seeing that took out another bottle of tea he had brewed before-hand but it wasn't the same tea. This one was made to cheer up the person who drank it as it contained special herbs with much caffeine. As he poured another cup to both of them the elderly man took a sip and started talking again.