The group gathered outside after breakfast with the mule and small cart. “We need to register at the guild first then we can head out.” Victor told them.
“Yeah it’s just down the road. Let’s go.” They started walking. All around the town the repairs and clattering of hammers could be heard almost like ants rebuilding their hill after an elephant stomped on it.
Cawthorn landed on his shoulder. “HELLO STARS OF VERDAN!”
“Wait he talks now!?” Jenora asked confused.
“He’s loud too.” Emilie groaned.
“YOU HAVE THE GREATEST MAGE TO EVER LIVE AND THE GREATEST BIRD ALIVE AT YOUR SIDE!” Cawthorn shouted.
“Is this going to be a running thing? Is he going to keep talking?” Emilie sighed.
“Caw Caw Hah, only while I still breathe.” Cawthorn hopped to her shoulder.
“If you don’t get off my shoulder that won’t be much longer.” Emilie raised her fist.
Cawthorn hopped back to Victor’s shoulder. “MY MAGE WE WILL WIN THE DAY WITH YOUR AGGRESSIVE CLERIC!”
“Thank you.” Jenora smiled.
“THE OTHER CLERIC!” Cawthorn correct himself. “Wait you’re a cleric too? MY MAGE IS THE GREATEST MAGE OF ALL TIME! HE RECRUITED TWO CLERICS!”
“Why did you teach this creature common? I could have gone my entire life without hearing him.” Emilie groaned.
“A TRULY TRAGIC FATE! I COULDN’T ROB YOU OF MY VOICE!” Cawthorn added.
“I COULD ROB YOU OF YOUR VOICE! SILENCE!” Emilie tapped Cawthorn with a finger. Cawthorn opened his beak to squawk at her only to have no sound come out. “There he’ll be quiet until I run out of mana shortly.” Cawthorn again squawked with no sound coming out.
Victor laughed. “Oh this is so funny.”
Cawthorn turned to Victor almost as if to say ‘MY MAGE HELP!’ They walked in to get their cards and quickly came out.
Emilie sat down in the cart panting. “Hopefully you’ve learned your lesson.”
“I MUST NOT ANGER THE SHORT CLERIC!” Cawthorn crowed.
“If I could leap up and grab you I’d silence you for the entire trip I would.” Emilie flopped back in the cart. “You drive Jenora I’m too irritated.”
They loaded in the cart and began their journey to the dungeon they had discussed. “Is there a church of the Golden Goddess in that town that can pay for an artifact? If we do end up clearing out the dungeon I mean.”
“Yeah the church has a ton of money.” Emilie Noted. “The church is great. Most worshipers are genuinely good people. A few people focus on the golden part too much since earning gold directly improves your standing in the church.”
“Do you think artifact hunting would raise your status in the church?” Victor asked.
“Well adventurers often go artifact hunting and vice versa the artifact hunters make more money but it tends to be either very high difficulty or require an underground connection to actually find one. Dedicated artifact hunters tend to be far more judicious than simply clearing out a dungeon. They research for a long time and adventurers seek out payment for guild quests. The payment for clearing this dungeon is 200 gold. Each country funds its own adventurer’s guild as a form of mercenary guild that solves monster problems so the military can protect from external threats.” Emilie shrugged. “It would raise my status if I had a group capable of doing it. We aren’t.”
“WE AREN’T YET!” Cawthorn Cawed. “MY MAGE WILL FIND POWERFUL ARTIFACTS AND BECOME THE WEALTHIEST MAGE TO EVER LIVE!”
“I’m not healing the bird.” She glared.
“I AM THE FASTEST BIRD TO EVER LIVE I WILL NEVER TAKE DAMAGE!” Cawthorn proclaimed.
Victor practically burst out laughing. Serena shrugged “If he is honest he’ll never need it.”
“I’LL NEVER NEED HEALING!” Cawthorn claimed again.
“I’m going to watch that bird bleed.” Emilie smiled.
“Come now Emilie, don’t be cruel to the poor creature. He’s probably too arrogant because he has never encountered a real challenge. At least let him beg you for healing when the time comes.” Jenora shrugged holding the reigns.
Emilie laughed. “I’ll heal him if he proclaims me the greatest priestess of all time and crawls to my feet.”
Cawthorn stopped talking for a few moments looking to Victor who had no desire to help before responding in a normal tone. “Very well golden priestess.” This elicited an eyebrow escalation from Victor.
Jenora cut in. “When we get there you will all follow my instruction. First among them try not to destroy the skeletons head. We will kill it, gain experience and then let them reform.”
“Why, wouldn’t that just be more dangerous?” Victor asked.
“Yes, but it doubles the number of skeletons you can get experience from. If you are in danger from the skeletons reforming you shouldn’t be here. You only get experience from the first reform because it’s supposed to be a surprise. It isn’t because by now every adventurer knows it before they set out on to kill them but once upon a time no one knew it.” Jenora explained. “Many undead have the ability. Evaluate if you can beat an undead twice if you can always do it. I expect to encounter basic skeletons and four armed skeletons mainly. We aren’t headed to a graveyard so zombies are unlikely. If we encounter a skeletal mage we try to leave. If we encounter a lich or vampire I’ll abandon both of you pick up Emilie and leave.” Jenora explained.
“Your confidence is overwhelming.” Victor sarcastically added.
“She should be confident! She’s got me.” Emilie added.
“I’ll lead searching for traps.” Serena nodded to Emilie.
“I have Spell Modification Rank 2 it lets me cast regeneration as a sustained spell. It takes slightly more mana than I regenerate but when you are looking for traps I will make sure it is on you. If you take damage you’ll heal 2 health per second. It will take 3 seconds for your bleeding to stop. I can cast it normally for more mana to heal 10 health per second but it will only last 4 seconds if I do. My incredibly high mana regeneration means we don’t need much time between rooms but my mana doesn’t regenerate instantly. Spend the time gathering weapons and armor off the creatures.” Emilie noted.
“We will be barricading doors before we open any and opening only one at a time is a must. These creatures are largely weak but the close quarters can prove dangerous so let me lead. My shield is sturdy and I can easily take a few hits before being in any danger. Emilie will cast regenerate at the same second I open the door.” Jenora explained.
“You two are really well prepared.” Victor noted.
“They’ve been adventuring a long time. All of this is pretty stock standard except barricading the doors first.” Serena added.
“We’re just walking you through step by step what we are going to do.” Jenora nodded. “It is rather normal to explain tactics when you are first grouping up with someone.”
“Understandable, I’m fairly new to such things.” Victor explained.
“Ah a mage tower mage.” Jenora nodded. “That does make sense. You see a fair number of those below level 20.”
“I bet he got that book from his instructor.” Emilie sat up and slapped his back. “It’ll be fine out here. You just need some field practice!” Serena looked at Victor with a grim angry look.
“MY MAGE WILL BECOME THE GREATEST MAGE BECAUSE OF THE GREATEST PRIEST!” Cawthorn crowed.
Emilie laughed. “Perhaps I misjudged you crow. You will not need to beg at my feet for heeling simply praising me will be sufficient.”
“THE STARS OF VERDAN HAVE THE GREATEST PRIEST ALIVE!” Cawthorn proclaimed to further laughter from Emilie.
“Your familiar is rather boisterous.” Jenora turned back.
Cawthorn hopped up on top of Jenora’s armored plate shoulder to whisper. “I can be much more reserved for those who desire it.” His voice lowered even further whispering something in her ear not audible to anyone in the back. Jenora’s eyes widened and she began breathing heavily. Her eyes cut to the corner of her eye slowly as a snail crawling to the end of a road. The intensity of her silence as Cawthorn hopped back to Victor somehow infected everyone else in the cart. “MY PARTY WILL BE THE GREATEST PARTY OF ALL TIME!” Cawthorn cawed.
Emilie’s attitude seemed to shift even farther on Cawthorn. “Your familiar was annoying but I’m starting to enjoy him. Tell me Cawthorn what do you think our future holds?”
“GREATNESS! WE SHALL BECOME THE GREATEST PARTY! MY MAGE WILL BECOME A KING! SERENA WILL SURPASS GODS! JENORA WILL TRANSCEND DEATH! YOU’LL LIVE FOREVER!” Cawthorn proclaimed.
Emilie laughed. “Living forever sounds fun! As long as Jenora is around I’d be happy with it.”
“I’ll be with you for as long as you live.” Jenora glared at Cawthorn. They continued talking for a while before relaxing for an hour with Serena and Victor going over their abilities before Jenora spoke again. “We’re approaching the cave. It’s a bit off the road so we’ll need to walk for a few minutes.” Jenora pulled the cart to the side of the road tying the mule to a tree. “From here on out no banter, no nonsense, and no loud noises that means you too Cawthorn.”
“I’m more than capable of controlling myself in dangerous situations. I will only announce enemies which are hiding.” Cawthorn remained calm.
“Focus up, and I will try not to finish enemies today where possible. Target their chest and arms if possible to allow for reformation, we can get more experience that way. Alright ladies and gent we’re going in.” The in the shadow of the mountain they strode through the forest from a grassy dirt path to the rocky base of the mountain. As they walked over the rocks to a massive cave entrance at least 20 feet tall and twice as wide. Jenora paused holding up her sword to stop them all.
She crouched down. “Four skeletons all have spears.”
Cawthorn spoke quietly. “Six skeletons all have spears. Two are clinging to the roof of the cave.”
Jenora nodded. “Thanks, I will draw 4 out. Victor, Serena, target the two above I will block the lunges of those on the ground. Kill them at your leisure.”
The group stood up walking forward from the tree line with confidence. Jenora stepped forward with the four skeletons seeming to stand behind rocks. Victor aimed at one on the ceiling and Serena drew her bow aiming at the other one. Serena shouted at the top of her lungs with a deeper voice than she had when speaking to them. The near roar caused four skeletons on the ground to charge at her. As the skeletons mid air approached Victor cast “Jolt” and Serena let loose her arrow. The lightning crackled through the air hitting the center of the skeleton which fell to the ground breaking to pierces. Serena hit its head instantly killing it.
The first spear lunging toward Jenora broke immediately on her shield. Her fist easily knocked the skeleton back cracking its chest. The second skeleton couldn’t keep hold of its spear and her fist cracked its jaw knocking it down immediately after. She parried the third with great ease causing it to fall to the ground she pressed down on its spine holding it down. The last one she disarmed, literally with a single swing of her mace knocking both arms holding the spear off with a single swing.
Victor did not waste a second of time casting rapid “Jolt, jolt, jolt” Connecting with the center of each skeleton save the one at her feet. Serena dashed decapitating the last one in the blink of an eye.
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 4.2%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 4.1%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 4.0%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 4.1%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 0.2%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 0.1%
Current Exp to level 86.0%
Serena stood up. “Sorry about the head of the one on the ceiling.”
“It is fine. You’ll never be able to keep all of them in one piece.” Jenora explained. “Grab their spears quickly. Given their strength it should be less than 10 minutes.” They all quickly moved to grab the weapons and piled the spears far away from the skeletons. “Victor you are closer to level 10. You should try and kill as many of them as possible to reach level 10 today.”
Victor’s mana regenerated in the 10 minutes they waited and right on time the skeletons began to stand up. “Speed boost!” Emilie tapped on Victor’s back.
Victor tried to boost himself as well “Speed boost” The next 8 jolts fired off in rapid succession finishing each skeleton before it could stand up. “Wow that was incredibly easy. I already leveled up.” Jenora crushed the skulls of those that weren’t destroyed with her boot.
“Well you got nearly all the kills so that makes sense. You said you can level up with the book. We are going to back away from the cave entrance and then you can level up.” She began backing away watching the cave mouth with her shield up. Emilie and Serena backed away like cautious animals from a predator despite Victor simply turning around and walking away. After walking for about 10 minutes they sat down.
Victor pulled out Swordie. “Status Sheet”
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 2.9%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 3.1%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 3.1%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 2.8%
Skeleton 4: Experience Increase 2.9%
Current Exp to level 10 100.0%
Level 10 Reached!
Specialization Available
Spellsword – Your fighter level counts as your level -10 for the purposes of skills, your Rogue level counts as your level -10 for rogue skills. Reduces the speed at which sustained spells consume mana by half. Speechless Casting - Casting spells on yourself do not require chants. Improves proficiency with 1 weapon class.
Stats - +12 Strength, +12 Speed, +12 Prowess
Stats per level – +2 Strength, +2 Speed, +2 Prowess
Stolen story; please report.
Contemplative Caster – Your mage level counts as 10 higher for the purposes of skills. Your magic circles are created faster. You gain access to rune magic. Gain access to unique circle based skills.
Stats - +18 Willpower, +18 Prowess, +18 Flow
Stats per level - +6 Willpower, +3 Prowess, +3 Flow
Deep Mage – Your mage level counts as 20 higher for the purposes of skills. Gain access to the Spell Modification Skill. Gain access to the Spell Enhancement Skill. Slightly improve spell damage multipliers. Prowess boost skill provides twice the stat value.
Stats- +24 Prowess
Stats per level - +12 Prowess
Current Exp to level 11 1.0%
Victor selected Spellsword and rapier class weapons already sure of what he wanted to do. He used his stat points to increase his endurance by 6 from the achievement he hadn’t assigned and the points he received from leveling up. He noticed his luck increase significantly relative to last time but felt in a rush to keep leveling.
Skill
Speechless Spellcasting Rank 1
Requirements: Must be received via specialization. Cannot be purchased.
Passive Skill
Spells cast on yourself do not require incantation.
Improved Buffs Rank 1
Requirements: Must be received via specialization. Cannot be purchased.
Passive Skill
Sustained spells targeting yourself consume mana cost half as often. Example: 1 mana per second becomes one mana per 2 seconds.
Rogue Skills Rank 1
Requirements: Must be received via specialization. Cannot be purchased.
Passive Skill
You count as your level -10 for rogue skills.
Fighter Skills Rank 1
Requirements: Must be received via specialization. Cannot be purchased.
Passive Skill
You count as your level -10 for fighter skills.
Race Human: Victor Vance Vogal
Class, Specialization : Mage 9, Spellsword 1
Level : 10
Base Health : 90
Stamina : 15
Mana : 15
Vitality : 9
Speed : 18
Strength : 17
Prowess : 29
Endurance : 11
Rigor : 2
Willpower : 17
Flow : 47 (+50%)
Luck : -48
Resistance : None
Skills: Speed Reading Rank 2, Academic Rank 2, Familiar Rank 1, Speechless Spellcasting Rank 1, Improved Buffs Rank 1, Rogue Skills Rank 1, Fighter Skills Rank 1
Hidden Skills: Memory Retention , Luzuzal’s Delusion Rank 3 , Luzuzal’s Devout Rank 2, Luzuzal’s Promise Rank 7,
Spells: Barrier shield Rank 1, Jolt Rank 1, Speed Boost Rank 1, Magic Writing Rank 1, Vitality Boost Rank 1
Current Exp to Level 11 1.0 %
Emilie seemed shocked. “You already knew what specialization you wanted? You definitely came from a mage tower. You even have the Academic skill!”
Serena noted. “It’s impossible to me you’re more impressed by that than the book he has.”
“I mean the book is expensive sure but unless you are typically away from a town for months at a time the value of such a tome is not anywhere near the cost. If it wasn’t alive then I’d have recommended selling it.” Emilie pointed out as Serena realized she’d perhaps been off about the importance of having such an item.
“We can talk about it later. Let’s not waste daylight.” Victor quickly shut Swordie. He stood up feeling lighter and practically took off without meaning to. It almost felt like speed boost was active with just how much faster he felt. Cawthorn lost his grip flying over to him quickly with a look of confusion tilting his head back and forth. “Sorry speed boost usually only lasts a couple of seconds for me. This feels incredible.”
“I felt the same way when I hit level 10.” Jenora nodded. “It’s you don’t meet trustworthy party members every day and it’s not a lot of time to gain a single level with a competent party. We are going to take the spears to the cart and drop them off before we go back.” The group returned to the cart and dropped off the spears. “Take lunch now it is around mid day and I don’t know if we will have to go deep into the cave first or not. A quick bit of rations only, daylight is fading. Under no circumstances are we going in at night. Undead are more active at night.”
Emilie sat down eating from some trail mix. “You’re an academic? Where did you graduate from or does that curse prevent you from saying?”
“Unfortunately everything about my past prior to meeting her is impossible to discuss because of the curse.” Victor nodded.
“THE CURSE IS ABSOLUTE! IT CANNOT BE BROKEN!” Cawthorn proclaimed choking down a piece of jerky.
“I can try my remove curse spell. It’s only rank 2 so I doubt it will work. It’s a ritual that takes 10 minutes if you think it would work I can try.” She offered.
“I’m confident based on the being that cursed me a rank 2 remove curse spell would fail, and might even curse you.” Victor shook his head.
Serena looked at him eating her food very slowly. “I don’t think you should pry into his curse. It has strange effects. If you don’t bother the curse it seems harmless.”
Jenora put a hand on Emilie. “It’s alright Emilie. Not all secrets are evil, and curses can be harmful to all those around them. Don’t worry about it. Victor seems like the type who would tell us if it would involve more than just him.”
“Uhg. That’s not fair. If you were keeping a secret from me I’d want to know.” Emilie groaned. “Fine I will not pry any further.”
“What happened to your aim?” Serena asked.
“What do you mean? I kept hitting them.” Victor asked.
“Well you basically hit every monster with a headshot before. Now you mostly hit chest shots.” She pointed out.
“Not sure. My luck got closer to 0 recently so I guess that could change my accuracy.” Victor noted.
“For Jolt, the spell you cast, luck doesn’t decide if you hit that’s your aim but where you hit is modified by your luck. If you were only nailing things in the head you must have been the luckiest man alive.” Emilie chomped down crunching her trail mix.
‘Well my luck was effectively 100 before.’ Victor thought to himself. “I have to be lucky to be as stupid as I’ve been before. It’s become readily obvious to me I’m foolish and this way of improving seems safer.”
“About half of adventurers die or retire before they hit level 20. The field winnows faster and faster as levels increase. Those whose level exceeds 50 are terrifying.” Jenora shook her head. “They are faster, stronger, and more lethal than other people by such a large margin I can’t even envision blocking a hit from them. I’d raise my shield and they’d slice through me like magma through butter.”
“Well it’s relative right? If you were level 50 you’d be able to block them easily.” Victor noted.
“I can’t even envision myself reaching level 50. Years and years from now as I watch over Emilie in her last moments holding her hand I’d be satisfied if I hit level 30.” Jenora looked toward the sun through the trees. “May the Golden Goddess will it.”
“May the Golden Goddess will it.” Emilie smiled. “Although Cawthorn say’s I’ll live forever.”
“SHE WILL LIVE FOREVER AND JENORA WILL REACH LEVEL 100!” Cawthorn crows at the two of them.
Jenora almost angrily argued. “Humans don’t live forever!”
“YOU WILL BOTH LIVE FOREVER TOGETHER IN MY MAGE’S KINGDOM!” Cawthorn declared increasing Jenora’s fuming rage.
“It’s got to mean I will be blessed by the Golden Goddess.” She reached out to grab Jenora’s hand and smiled. “Besides if you’re going to reach level 100 I’ll have to live forever.”
“I guess it’s a nice dream.” Jenora answered sullenly.
“There is another question I had. Does working out increase strength?” Victor asked.
“What? You mean like lifting weights or running long distances?” Jenora’ mood quickly changed as the topic changed as she asked to be answered by Victor’s nod. “They do but running effects speed more than strength, why wouldn’t they?”
“I’m a sheltered guy. I didn’t know.” Victor noted. “It’s not a mage thing.”
“Since you are a Spellsword now exercising every day will make you stronger. There is a limit around 100 strength and 100 speed where it slows to a crawl and most people stop. That said there is a huge amount of strength and speed available if you dedicate enough time each day to doing it. Most people are lazy and those who aren’t, are rarely are low enough level to take advantage of those achievements.” Jenora pointed out
Victor pulled out Swordie. “Could you show me the achievements for daily exercise?”
Achievements
Achievements, for those who aren’t lazy.
Achievement Daily: Short Run: Run 5 miles. Gain 1 speed maximum 100. If not done every day begins decaying at the rate of 1 per day.
Achievement Daily: Long Run: Run 10 miles. Gain 1 speed maximum 100.
Achievement Daily: Moderately active: Be physically active for at least 5 hours. Gain 1 endurance maximum 100. If you have performed this activity two days in a row reduce endurance cost for movement and abilities slightly. If not done every day begins decaying at the rate of 1 per day.
Achievement Daily: Highly active: Be physically active for at least 10 hours. Gain 1 endurance maximum 100. If you have performed this activity two days in a row reduce endurance cost for movement and abilities slightly.
Achievement Moderate Lifting: Lift half your body weight for 30 minutes divided how you choose during the day. Gain 1 strength maximum 100. Gain 1 luck. (First time only) If not done every day begins decaying at the rate of 1 per day.
Achievement Heavy Lifting: Lift half your body weight for 60 minutes divided how you choose during the day. Gain 1 strength maximum 100.
Cawthorn peered over his shoulder. “NOTHING COULD STOP MY MAGE FROM COLLECTING FREE STATS!”
“Time could, I can’t do both of these easily during a normal adventuring day.” Victor noted.
“DO BOTH! SAME TIME!” Cawthorn corrected him.
“There’s no way I’m currently strong enough or fast enough to do that.” Victor noted.
“TAKE STRENGTH BOOST! IT WILL LET YOU DO BOTH!” Cawthorn instructed.
Swordie added. “Taking both strength boost and rigor boost will allow you to be less lazy and finally employ your potential despite slacking since the start.”
“How was it slacking? I didn’t even know it affected your stats!” Victor protested.
“You didn’t know muscles came from working out?” Swordie drew a picture of him and a hand gently patting his head. “Over estimating you is my greatest flaw.”
“MY MAGE NEVER SLACKS! HE WILL BE THE STRONGEST MAGE TO EVER LIVE!” Cawthorn proclaimed.
Serena laughed. “I don’t run every day but from the look of it if I hit level 10 I won’t be able to gain any stats from it anyway so it doesn’t seem like a big deal for me. Lifting you for four days did seem to improve my strength though. I should continue that.” Serena picked up Victor still holding his book and began lifting him up and down.
Victor turned red adding. “I think I weigh significantly more than half your body weight.”
“Do you think it won’t work?” She asked.
“It’ll work, just not at all what I had in mind.” Victor added.
“IT WILL WORK! MY MAGE MAKE’S THE BEST EXERCISE EQUIPMENT!” Cawthorn proclaimed.
Still holding Swordie Victor noticed a timer and the comment added. “Being a dumbbell is an appropriate use for his talents.”
Emilie laughed pointing at him. “She’s barely bigger than me but she can lift you!” She kept laughing. “You’re girlfriend is entertaining.”
“Well I’m strong, when I was a slave I’d always have to carry packs. My strength often waxed and waned without me knowing why. I gained a strength yesterday too while I was lifting all the rubble off of people. The previous 4 days I carried him.” She continued to lift him in front of her.
“YOUR FUTURE WIFE IS THE STRONGEST FUTURE WIFE!” Cawthorn declared.
“Hey now, let’s not get carried away.” Jenora put up her hand.
Cawthorn paused looking her dead in the eye. “THE STARS OF VERDAN HAVE THE STRONGEST FUTURE WIVES!” All three of the women burst out laughing and Serena half dropped Victor to the ground. Emilie nearly rolled off the cart only to be caught by Jenora.
Victor got his footing. “Cawthorn.”
“YES MY MAGE?” Cawthorn asked.
“I just…” Victor shook his head. “I can’t…”
Cawthorn tilted his head to the sound of slowly receding laughter. “Okay that bird is perfect. Never change familiars.”
“EMILIE IS THE WISEST PRIEST ALIVE!” Cawthorn proclaimed raising both wings. The laughter continued through lunch as Cawthorn continued to amuse their new party members.