Chapter 51
A Seclusive Celebrity
(One Week Later)
It has been one week, and Lenny and I still have not spoken. No, I have not gone against my contract with him, my contract clearly stated that I was to be an informant to him. He did come to the Mage’s Guild almost immediately but I was in the middle of healing Mallory at that time, so Zero had sent him away.
“Please express my deepest apologies to Ms. Spiritlight, I might have gotten a little carried away.” Zero said, using a deep but squeaky octave to imitate Lenny, honestly I had to give the funny voice props for being mostly accurate. “He also wanted me to hang onto these for you, so you didn’t feel obligated to go see him. He made sure they were mine to then give to you as you requested.”
Item Box Contains:
14 X Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.
There it was seven days’ worth of my medicine. Seeing the box, I made sure to state. “Tell Mr. Bigsly that I appreciate the gesture, but I no longer feel comfortable being at his establishment. In keeping with our business arrangement, I will provide the required information to any representative he sends.”
This was likely perfect, and I was glad I made this plan immediately. I had been angry, exceptionally so, but little did I know what the next week would entail. Mallory wasn’t just the first, she was also correct in that many others regressors were coming.
As the first discoverer of the cure for the Blight, Mallory had been offered a quest reward of 100,000 experience and a cure for her crippling disease. When I balked at the claim, she even went ahead and showed me her quest screen just to prove herself.
Legendary Quest Completed: Cure For The Blight: After many years of searching, you finally found a cure for the legendary Blight that has plagued so many. As the first outside discoverer of this cure you have been rewarded with a first-time finder’s fee. Rewards: Experience (100,000), New Badge. Optional Quest Line (Repeatable): Spread the Hope: Now that you have discovered a cure to the Blight and found that they are at a stationary location, spread word of this to the world. For those that you inform of your discovery and who go on to be healed will earn you a reward. Reward: Experience (5,000), reputation.
“A hundred thousand experience? A hundred thousand?” I said it twice, trying to comprehend what I was hearing.
Chuckle.
“Hehehe. Yes, I could see how you might think that was a lot, but it was just a level and a half for me.” Mallory says.
At that I pause and stare at her, when I look at her all I get are a string of question marks.
Mallory ???
That is it, and the only reason I got Mallory was because she said that about herself. “Still, I only got a hundred, and I didn’t even get a badge.” I state, then curiously ask. “Can I see the message about the badge?”
“Haha. Sure.” Mallory says. Then she just lets me view the message about the badge she just earned. This is a loophole in the showing of the badge, as technically showing the badge would constitute using it, however the message of her having received the badge was fair game for display, especially as these logs would go away within a day, if not saved in some way.
New Feat Recorded: First Blight Healed (500): Having heard the rumors of a distant healer capable of healing the Blight you followed your sources to the heart of the spirit realm and found the cure you so desperately sought.
Reading the message, I couldn’t help but think the badge made the whole process sound overly dramatic. “Wow, it does sound impressive when you put it that way.” I say.
“Haha. Yeah, almost sounds like the information came to me in a vision. But seriously, if you need anything let me know. Also, is there any way I could get you to come out and join my guild?”
“Unfortunately, I have three different contracts binding me here. Well one binds me to the tower, then two others bind me here in this town for the next year.” I state.
“The tower? So, you were the one to discover it?” She asks.
I pause, not wanting to give it away, though my pause was apparently enough for her to gain her own conclusion. “That makes sense.” Mallory continues, then stares at me. “Tell me, you are a regressor right?”
“Yes, I am a regressor.” I state, making sure to use the word that helps separate us from the local indigenous people.
“Yeah, I know, my granddaughter even told me as much. She also said that you were a rare class, but all attempts to tell me what the class were, were edited by the system.”
“Edited?”
“Yes, and trust me, at this point our subscription is high enough that I could even get messages out here if I stayed here long enough.” Mallory said.
At that I paused, realizing that it would likely be well over a year since I got to hear from my own family. That would be the time when I would be allowed to leave here and move on up the tower.
“So I have to ask, what type of class does one such as yourself have to be able to stay here without the use of potions? That is the case right, I do not see any issues with your being here. In fact, I also see that you don’t need to eat or drink.” She continues, staring at me.
I pause.
“I am a unique class.” I admit.
At that, Mallory raises a hand to cut me off. “Say no more. Thank you Cassie Cruise, I am forever indebted to you. Know that should you ever need anything call me.” With that she held out a business card.
Reaching out my hand, I gently grab the card, and feel it bind to me upon contact.
Soulbound One Time Use Item: Midnight Hunter Guild Recruitment Card.
Details:
Midnight Hunter Guild Recruitment Card
Personal Invitation to Join
Recruiter: M.
Charges Remaining: 1/1
“Soulbound?” I ask, wondering how such a thing was possible.
“Yes, we have found that often times great adventurers might damage, bend, or lose recruitment cards, so for those we especially want to keep, we came up with this process. The Soulbound card will always be with you, and can be called anytime you want.” Mallory states.
I pause as my brain finally makes the connection to the Midnight Hunter Guild, they are one of the elite guilds, silent and extremely high level, all of them. I know that Mallory has to be exceptionally high, as in over level 500 high, as one hundred thousand experience was only enough for a level and a half for her. Seeing that, I can’t help but wonder, “why me?”
“Haha. First, I like you, you don’t gripe or complain, you come up with novel ways of healing, coming here to the spirit realm to find a cure to the Blight, of all things. Then you are in the Arcanarus Tower, which as we know spawned recently from the Arcanarus University. If I am not mistaken, I think that conversion was done by you. Especially as my daughter said that was when your feed first came back on.”
“She was watching me even when my channel went dark?” I ask.
“What? No, she went back to track you, when she first found your book series available on Audio Platforms.”
“Audio?”
“That was just where people were talking about your recordings. The real ones have apparently gone platinum.”
“Platinum? You mean, millions of people are listening to me reading smut?” I ask, suddenly feeling an intense pressure.
“Oh yeah, and apparently again it is great. I might have to pick up a few of these books myself, that or just get you to come to the guild hall and read them for us.” Mallory jokes as she pats me on the back.
I pause, not quite knowing what to say exactly.
“Relax, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. But please give us a chance, we are always looking for good up and coming talent. The fact that you managed to heal me, at my level, while only being a level 22, that is an accomplishment in and of itself.”
At that, I blurt out, “so that was why it took so long.”
Laughing.
Again, it seemed that she had been given a new lease on life, because she could not stop laughing, which I guess is what exactly happened to her.
“Yes, you literally cured me for multiple thousands of hit points.”
“Thousands?” I ask.
“Thousands,” she admits with a nod. All right, I really need to get going, but again thank you. “Also, don’t worry about murder hobos and the like, we will start policing who is allowed in the tower.”
“Policing?” I ask.
“Yes, as of right now, you and by extension this tower are under the protection of the Midnight Hunter guild.” Mallory states.
“Uh, thanks?”
Chuckle.
“See ya cutie.” She says, leaning down and giving me a kiss on my forehead.
Divine Blessing of the Dawn Bestowed: You have been kissed by a Valkyrie of Dawn, you are cured of all diseases and status effects for a period of 14 Days, 7 Hours, and 26 Minutes…
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“What in the world?” I ask, seeing the exceptionally large timer.
“That is a monthly blessing I can bestow upon one individual. I haven’t used it recently, but I wanted to make sure I used it on you. Oh, also, you really should check out that package I forgot.” Mallory said, as she then began skipping out of my office.
Her skips continued to increase in speed and bounce, until she got out of the guild hall, onto the streets and there she bounced once then launched herself into the air. Only to jump out of my kilometer range of vision within a matter of seconds.
Only after she left did I feel the full weight of what I had just witnessed.
Badump, badump, badump.
My heart began to race rapidly, as I realized just how close that had been to a possible nightmare. Mallory, she was a Valkyrie of Dawn, the Valkyrie of Dawn, someone that was one of the first regressors here. In fact, it was her exploits that made my parents dream about their retirement here. And now I got to see her in person. No wonder she had survived so long with the Blight, I mean her class was pretty much immortal, or at least it appeared to be so. Though given how badly her body was being riddled by the Blight, it seemed that she might have actually been close to death. Also, after seeing her move, I could see why she was the first one to get here, despite being one of the people who found out about my ability slightly later on.
That said, she did mention the box, so curious, I open the box that she left to find not just a case of needed ingredients, but also a personalized note.
Item Box Contains:
20 X Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.
1 X Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.
1 X Personal Note.
Glancing at everything, I decide to read the personal note first.
Item: Personal Note.
Oh no, I seem to have misplaced my box of stuff again. If found, please do not try to return, rather please put to good use.
-M.
P.S. Use the Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing last, you will thank me for it.
P.P.S.S. My Granddaughter is a huge fan of yours, there I said it.
Seeing the note, I couldn’t help but chuckle as a slight tear came to my eye. It was rather heartfelt to receive this gift, this absolute treasure. It was clear that the daughter had been watching me for quite some time, especially if she knew that I needed the Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, as I had only started taking that five days ago. Realizing the great gift I had been given, and realizing that I was likely still being recorded, I decided to use my fame for something positive. Choking back a tear, I said. “Thank you, Mallory, and thank you Mallory’s Granddaughter.”
***
That was of course a week ago. Since then it has been a never ending stream of my curing Blighted individuals. I will say one thing, Mallory must be keeping her promise, as everyone that comes to the guild hall is very polite.
“Greetings Ms. Spiritlight.” The exceptionally high level warrior says, as he gives a complete ninety degree bow.
“Uh hello to you too.” I manage.
“Might I leave this box here, while I humbly ask for you to help cure me.” The warrior asks.
This box is also a tradition, it seems that everyone that comes in now has the memo to bring me Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.
“Yes, you can store them over there.” I point to the pile of boxes that have built up. “I will have you know that it is my policy that I will be responsible for removing any items that are not claimed within twenty-four hours of forgetting them.” I state, making sure that I am not breaking any rules or policies, rather just removing clutter from my office working space. This seems to be a way that the system does not mind, as the items are still owned by the other individual, I just remove them. Technically I could be called up for stealing, but since they are consumed consumables, these fall into that legal gray area that all colorblind people, like me, tend to love.
“Yes, thank you.” The warrior says as he puts his crate down. There is a stack of them by now. I make sure Zero inventories everything and catalogs the exact moment that the boxes are put down, so we can follow the orders of cleaning the workspace of forgotten or dismissed clutter.
Once the large bulky man puts the box down, I then direct him to sit in the table. “So what brings you in today?”
This is a formality that I must cover, there is only one reason that he is here, it is to remove that giant glowing mass from his chest, the glowing mass that everyone apparently refers to as the blight.
“I have the Blight, I was told you could fix it?” The warrior asks, clearly confused.
I nod.
“Is that it? No other conditions?”
“What? No…”
He is not the brightest tool in the shed, but at least he knows the golden rule, not to be rude.
“Very well, being as you are here seeking medical attention, I take it I have your permission to cast my variant of healing magic on you?”
“Var, variant?” He stammers.
“Yes, I am not a typical healer. Typical healers deal with the school of Life Magic, mine is a more Spiritual based effort.” I state.
“Spirit? You mean you are one of those hippy gurus?”
I nearly chuckle at that, “my dear, I would not consider myself to be one of these hippy gurus, that you are referring to. Rather I have been blessed with mastery of a unique school of magic and have pushed myself to the utmost limit of understanding not only magic, but the governing processes involved therein. Now if you would be so kind as to let me heal you, or kindly cede your spot to another, I would be most appreciated.”
“Just what spell exactly are you planning to use on me?”
Sigh.
There is always one like this, though I see by the way he tightens his body that he is lying. He is not as dumb as he is trying to appear, but rather, he is searching for answers.
“Look, I see that you are on some sort of phishing expedition here, just tell me what you want to know, and I will either tell you, or not.”
At that, the warrior pauses, then after a moment tries to get back into character, “I uh, I don’t know what you mean?”
“There, your accent changed. Practicing while being flustered is a must if you want to do this convincingly in the future.” I chastise.
He pauses, then finally defeated reverts to a regular sounding voice and asks. “Can you tell me the spell you are using at least?”
“The spell, that is it? Then you will give your consent and be done?” I ask, nearing my limit and almost kicking him out with his box of goodies.
“Yes.”
I pause, then letting out another sigh, I reply. “I guess as the patient it is only your right to know the processes and procedures being practiced on you. As such, I will show you my spell that I intend to use with your consent.”
Spirit Blight Purification (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
At that the man pauses, then I see his lip tremble slightly as he reads the information before him. “You created this? You didn’t just find it on a scroll somewhere, but this is something you created?”
“Clearly, that is what the words designed by mean.” I say a little impatiently, “now do I have your consent or will you be sent out of here, despite having that lump right at the middle of your core.” I say this last part as I point to the proposed lump in question.
The warrior pauses, it is clear that he has a lot more questions, but seeing the display before him, he can’t help but stop himself. “Yes, you have my consent, please treat me.”
“Finally.” I say, as I place my hand on the target. Again, touching is not important, but it does add a 20% bonus to efficacy and mana usage, which is why I use it, particularly on these higher level people that keep coming in.
Midway through, Glenn comes in.
“My dear, is this a good time?” Glenn asks, this is generally the case, if I do not give my updates within a certain time, Glenn or another guild representative will come over.
“Yes.” I say, not quite taking my attention away from the channeled spell going on throughout the meathead warrior’s body.
“Very good. Do you have any updates to report?” Glenn asks.
“Yes, the mayor is currently being extorted by guild members, not sure if this is licensed or not, but figured I’d bring awareness. Apparently, a few of the elite town guards are in on this exchange. The cured are all still sleeping around, though don’t report that to Lenny if he is going to be angry about it. Then finally, there appears to be a new discovery in the underground mine, as a lot of activity is happening there as well.” I say, relatively light day.
“Very good. We will verify these and get back to you with your due rewards.” Glenn states.
“Thank you, Glenn, always a pleasure.” I say with a slight smile.
“Madame, I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.” Glenn says, then he offers a stately bow, before turning about and leaving the guild office.
Badump, badump.
I don’t know what it is about him, but he does something for me.
“You know all that from here?” The warrior asks.
I pause and look at him, I know he is a regressor and therefor trying to hide myself or my capabilities at this point is nearly impossible, that is why I openly give my updates in front of my regressor patients.
“Just what do you know about me?” I ask.
“Not much. I know you can cure the Blight, and that the Midnight Hunter Guild has placed you under their protection.” He states.
I nod.
“Probably for the best.” I state.
“What is?”
“Oh right, not that I am trying to change the topic at all, but I am supposed to warn you that by being cured, you will find an increase in libido and male hormones. Be careful.”
“Libido?”
“Yes, your sex drive will be increased, you might find your impulse control has been diminished.” I state.
“I know what libido is, but how is that related to this spell?”
“I don’t know, I also assume it will help improve your mana well and spell capacity, but I haven’t been able to test that theory yet.” I state.
“The spell will improve my mana well?”
“Well not the spell itself, but the Blight, I think most people will begin to realize that the longer they had the Blight, the more their base mana well would grow as a direct result of that.” I say, stating my theory, before I continue. “This is all theory at this point, but if you could, make a note of it when you go out. Ask others to start tracking if there is an increase in mana size and density.”
“Density?” The warrior asks.
“Do you not know what being dense means, or is this a deeper question?” I ask, really trying to hide my sarcasm at this man, who goes from extreme ends from appearing to be a complete simpleton, to being an intelligent information gatherer, only to revert back in an instant.
The warrior clinches his muscles tight for a second, then forcefully causes his body to relax. “No, I am not fully aware of all the intricacies of mana. Also, mana density is not a phrase I am familiar with.” He then pauses, “but now that you mention it, I suddenly have gone from Tier 0 in all schools of magic, to Tier 2, now that I am cured.
Hearing that, I nod, then look at my own updates.
Hidden Quest Complete (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100), variable.
Looking at the message I nod. I also realize that I missed quite a few messages over the week, including the one where I leveled up.
Experience Gained: 100
Ding.
Level up.
Your level has increased to 23.
Apparently, that happened a few days ago. I don’t quite remember when, but most of my patients have all been a blur to this point. I guess it is true, you only remember the annoying or exceptionally nice ones. This patient was worth noting as someone I’d wish to avoid in the future.
There were a few more awkward statements exchanged by him, but it was clear, at least I hoped it was clear that I was done with him, now that he was cured.
“Right, I’ll be seeing you.” He said as he got up.
“I hope not.” I replied.
“What?” The warrior asked, turning back to look at me.
“I hope you have a great day.” I say, as I wave at him.
He pauses and stares at me, “I think I should take back my box.” He says in a I’m going to take back my ball, kind of voice.
“Please do, I would hate for you or anyone associated with you to come up with an excuse to come back here.” I reply.
He stares at me for a second, then looks defeated as he turns away from the box he laid down. It was clear that he was only pressing me to see how committed I was to my cures, but I just could not stand this man for whatever reason, something about him just rubbed me the wrong way.
“You really don’t like me, do you?” He asked.
“Fortunately, I don’t have to like you, I just have to treat you, which I already have. Now please leave, with your box, I do not want you or anyone related to you coming back.” I state, knowing that others are likely watching and taking note. Hopefully this will be a lesson for others like this one in the future.
“Can I ask what it is about me that you don’t like?” He asks, as he jiggles his pectorals, I guess that is supposed to be a thing now, but all I can do is force myself not to vomit at the display.
“Yeah, your creepy. I don’t know if you are used to getting a free ride due to your looks, pedigree, or whatever, but you have a terrible personality, you waste my time and yours trying to be coy about gathering information. Information that I would have given for free mind you, despite the clear attempts at deception. Just making it so I felt sleezy telling you what I would have told anyone that came in through that door. You do have a right to know the spell I will be using on you, I would not have withheld that information from you, yet you went on making this big display that was not only annoying but has now put me in a bad mood. So, congratulations, you win, you worked twice as hard to get the regular information everyone is entitled to, I hope you are satisfied with yourself.”
I pause, then say “oh and congratulations on the two-Tier magic increase.” I state. Then I gesture for him to leave.
At that he nods slightly, before leaving the office, his box of items clearly visible under his arm.
Only after he left, did Zero come over and offer any form of reproach about the whole situation. “Are you sure treating him like that was the wisest of moves?” He asks.
“It might not have been the wisest of moves, but it will hopefully set a precedent.”
“What about him set you off?”
I pause, trying to think about it for a moment, then I realized what it was that had been bothering me so much about the whole encounter. “He tried to play psychological games with me, while I am in my official capacity as a healer. Furthermore, he did so in such a terrible way that I couldn’t help but call him out on it. Then when I did, he moved to take his offering back, basically he got a free service and then had the audacity to appear entitled about it. The whole encounter just rubbed me the wrong way.” I say, while still being somewhat agitated by the encounter.
“So, what do you want to do now?” Zero asks.
Mentally I scan the area and see that no one is around. “What time is it?”
I still have a hard time telling what time it is, thanks to my being physically blind.
“Almost noon.”
I nod, I know Mallory has been really good at not sending patients in to close to my reading time. That means the next time I can expect to see an outside patient would be after dusk, or roughly 7PM local time. That will give me enough time to read for three hours to Mallory’s granddaughter, and my other hundreds of viewers as well, apparently. Knowing that I am free for the afternoon, due to how long it took me to heal Mr. Muscles, I instead decide to treat myself.
“Well since we have a few hours, before the end of shift. What do you say we go about cleaning out some of this clutter.” I say, as I mentally rub my hands together with greed.
“Sure thing. Since most has been unclaimed for over twenty-four hours, we are entitled to dispose of it as we see fit.” Zero reminds me.
I nod.
“I take it you have already done an inventory of everything over 24 hours?” I ask.
“Yes, everything but those three boxes from today,” He says, pointing to a stack of three crates, “are from over twenty-four hours ago. I have been slowly moving them and their inventoried contents over to that new stack on the right, once they have reached their free storage limit.”
I nod at that, seeing the stack of eleven boxes. “So what is in them?”
“Quite a lot actually. There are 145 vials of Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, 5 vials of Heightened Bloodline Awareness, and finally, one vial of Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.” Zero states succinctly.
I freeze at the number, realizing that I have been healing a lot, but this is a lot of rewards, I mean that is what? Roughly ten vials per patient? More? Then the others the heightened awareness, and finally the Greater cleansing, those I feel all should be taken last. My pulse is racing as it seems that this bloodline curse will finally be expunged. Mentally I look at my current quest standing that has only covered the consumables I’ve had from Lenny to this point, I still have ten of those as well, and likely at least two or three more from today’s efforts with Glenn. Pausing I pull up my quest tracker and look.
Quest Updated: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness. Due to your inability or reluctance to take the gift that has been bestowed upon you, your blessing is now a curse. For failing to take the power of the Dark Gods’ power, you will be cursed until you can remove the markings of your tainted bloodline from your body. You have entrusted your secret with Lenny ‘Lucky’ Bigsly and in exchange for working for him, have been promised to not alter your awakened bloodline so it is no longer a curse. Now he has offered you a solution in the form of a Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. Requirements: consume 100 vials (24/100) of the Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing within 50 days (12/50). Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaws. (Optional: Consume more vials at a faster rate to fully awaken beneficial bloodline).
Seeing my current status, I nod happily to myself as I make it a mental goal to use these next four hours effectively. “Zero, cancel all appointments for this afternoon. I will be spending the remainder of my shift cleaning up my workspace.” I say, greedily rubbing my hands together, an extra wide smile breaks on my face as I realize I didn’t need that meat head warrior’s box anyways.
“Very good, I will put up the cleaning office sign.”
I nod, then taking one deep breath, I begin cleaning out the boxes and boxes of forgotten items. “Thank you Mallory, thank you Mallory’s granddaughter,” I say looking up into the air, knowing that my feeds will catch the gesture and the words. Then grabbing the first vial, I hold it up and say, “bottoms up.”