“King, you really don’t have to do this. We’ve got work to do. Plus Marlow’s been through enough. If anything Jazz would give you a better run for your money.”

“HEY!”

“Oh no sir, I’ve seen what kind of creatures that man controls. Anyone capable of that much has surely grappled with the best of them!” A loose circle had surrounded them, with Marlow looking confused as ever.

“I’m sorry, why are we doing this right here?”

“Because I know that your ‘valiant’ leader likes to do stuff in private and likes to avoid confrontation. By doing this I am able to prove my worth to you lot and WHOEVER ELSE WANTS ME ON THEIR TEAM! Ready your weapons tamer for I noble King shall fight you here and now!” King spoke, whipping the crowd into a frenzy at the mention of a fight. Coins began trading hands as small bets were placed, with Jazz sneaking off to go participate in them.

“Le0n, oh glorious leader. WHO ONCE LEAD AN ATTACK ON A THIEVES GUILD NOT SO LONG AGO AND TRIUMPHED. Will you be so kind as to begin this duel between two minstrels of hearts and minds!”

“I-just want- ugh you know what fine have it your way. On one! Five, four.” Excited, the crowd began cheering. Shouting the two members' names. With Jazz sitting in the back already placing bets against her teammate.

“Three, two, one, go!”

King whipped his cape around, untucking a thin violin from his back. Swung it around and put it in place while began to play a tune. As soon as the notes hit his ears Marlow felt off. His body felt like it was being wrapped in a blanket, lightly at first and grew heavier over time.

Rushing forward Marlow knew that if this tune continued he’d be toast. Gripping his spear with one hand he swung it as a distraction. Causing a momentary break from the bard’s performance.

Taking another step closer he let his fist fly connecting it with the ribs of the noise maker. King bent over in pain with one hand, getting a firm grip on Marlow’s shoulder. Then two words were uttered horsley.

“Electro Tap!”

Electricity rocked their bodies as the spell fired off shocking them both. King was the first to recover having dealt with the pain before. Scuttling over to his trusty string instrument he grabbed it and played again. Smiling, he twisted around finding that the Tamer also had an instrument in hand. Music flew as new effects began to take place.

Opal who’d been comfortable sleeping arose hearing the high pitch noise of ‘Come to Master’. Cooing noisily she awoke Gwaner, unsuccessfully searching for the third friend they took off to the origin of the noise.

As soon as the bow struck the string Marlow’s body felt wrong. As his feet began to move of their own free will. It felt as thought someone was forcefully moving his legs individually, for some kind of photoshoot. Except that the mover was doing it from seven feet away.

Straining his legs against the invisible force, he caused King to break out into a light sweat. Continuing to fight back, he smiled as he spotted a familiar rat sized dog running in between the legs of the crowd. Launching itself at King’s back, breaking his concentration.

“EEK I didn’t think you’d call in the- OW! The big guns so- EACK! Soon. Get off of me.” Gwaner only squeaked as it crawled around King like a jungle gym.

“Very well then I shall also do you the faVOR OF SEEing my best trick!” King squealed as Gwaner bit him a fourth time.

Moving his hands in a very odd pattern. King, through some trickery, made his instrument disappear. In its place was a slowly growing ball of electricity. Gwaner, not liking the loud constant cracking, hopped off of the strange human.

“I really hope this doesn’t mean we're enemies from now on.” King spoke softly, barely being heard over the sizzling ball. Marlow’s only response was a wink. Winding up like a baseball player he threw it. Sending it spinning through the air.

The ball cracked against the air. Reaching out bolts of energy as it flew, for anything to fry. Noticing it’s heading it stretched out its electric tentacles anticipating a delicious impact. Which would never come to pass.

Everyone who had their mana available to them saw the change occur and everyone who didn’t felt it. As Opal’s spell of mana drain came into effect, causing the weaker willed people in the crowd to wilt. Pecking at anyone in front of her she made her way into the circle.

“AH HA! Now our battle is over! Can you a tamer hit the beasts you so love!” King smiled, pulling out his violin playing the same song as before. Pouring his very soul into the song he enforced his will on the two creatures before him. Then nothing happened as King’s mana bottomed out.

Looking at Le0n, he nodded. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his treat bag and gave Opal and Gwaner some small snacks. He then tucked his flute back into his pocket, standing up he then walked on over to the pale man.

“You put up a good fight today. But I am fairly tired so let’s end this.” Marlow said, reaching out a hand. A weak grip complied as Opal was given the signal to knock it off. Relief flooded the crowd as Marlow received an odd notification.

Skill gained: Intimidation _ERROR_ Cursed Skill gained: Bless You (Novice I): For abusing the skill deletion and removal to gain free skill points. This amazing skill is now permanently a part of you. Now whenever someone mentions your name, nickname, or code name you will sneeze. No matter the distance, the plane, or dimension. You will know when someone is talking about you. Any attempts at combining, removing, or passing this skill along will ultimately fail. Have people mention you or continue being fearsome to increase this skill!

“Well, that’s no good.”

“What was that Marlow, bless you.”

“Ugh, I, just. Ugh. Got a notification.” Whatever was about to be said next was interrupted, by a deep guttural roar. A roar so loud it sent a few flocks of birds skyward. A roar so familiar and impossible to not recognize, from years of childhood curiosity.

“Was that a T-rex?” A lone voice answered. Every eye was glued to the forest waiting and watching. Those with the highest perception among them spotted the danger.

“RETREAT!” With that single word, the sneaky dinosaurs and panthers of the forest struck. The humans launched themselves towards their means of protection. With those in better gear falling behind as their heavy gear weighed them down.

Le0n drew and began firing at the reptiles closest to them. Occasionally hitting empty air as the dinos ducked below the flung projectile. Jazz opened her bag and swept up the loose coins on the makeshift table as the civilians fled. Before plucking a bottle among the shimmering coins and hucking the explosie flask at the large cats.

King, having recovered a bit of his mana, began playing a tune that strengthened those running for safety, even if they didn’t know it was him helping them. By ensuring they had more than just adrenaline keeping them up right. Marlow, with one arm outstretched, picked up Opal and hopped on Buttercup. Spurring the massive pony on, he swung his spear around to pick up Gwaner, before taking off towards the massive drawbridge.

Leaving his three champions to their own devices he got off, spinning around he watched as small bands of parties slowly made their way back words. There were raptors and panthers working together. Real life, raptors, feathers, scales and everything! What else did this strange world have?

People rushed past, bumping into each other and tripping over their own feet. A few heads turned to the humans that fell. Raptors screeched as their focus changed to the easy catch. Panthers struck as defending humans turned towards to see who was hurt.

Small defending bands of people covering their escape fell. Others who had been in combat before singled out a retreat. Le0n, Jazz, and King were the last group of people to make it past the bridge as it closed behind them.

“Marlow, bless you, you are our resident Beastmaster. Do you mind sharing your insight?” Le0n whispered, pulling him in close.

“Ugh, I don’t know. I don’t think it's natural.”

“Okay, okay. Take Jazz to the stables, I’ll meet you there soon. I got to go touch base with the other party leaders. Okay?” Getting a nod from the beast tamer, he patted him on the back and sent him on his way. Watching as King waited a moment before following them.

Le0n, then wiggled his way through the panicked crowd. Hearing a few incoherent mumbling about how adventures should have been better. Others cursed their names, but mostly they were confused and scared. Finding a familiar giant, Le0n called out to his brother who easily parted the crowd like water.

“Yea man what happened out there. I came in to drop off some lumber and next thing you know everyones comes running back in?”

“Well the forest critters didn’t like us chopping down their trees, so they organized an attack. Some people died, but I’m glad we got that shrine up before we went out.”

“Well, Mom is not going to be happy about this. She just found out that someone in the guild killed the ‘The chosen Forest Guardian’. So now whenever some ventures out they do get two and a half times experience when we slay creatures native to the land. But all the natives are permanently aggroed at us until the timer stops.”

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“Wow, I wonder who that could be. This does make me wonder, if we could use this to our advantage. Leveling is of course going to get hard as we grow and not everyone here wants to fight. So why not-”

“Le0n! Legi0n! My BOYS are you two alright! I hope those nasty beastys didn’t get to you.”

“Where fine Mom.” Legi0n said, taking a knee to hug their mother. Who then pulled Le0n’s rigged body with a frim arthritic hand.

“Oh you two boys are my world, please get to safety as soon as you can. Mama can’t handle this wear and tear on her old heart.”

“Hehe about that.” Le0n said getting a tighter grip around the neck.

“Mom, since we can get more xp from killing critters native to this forest. I was thinking, why don’t we send out our adventures to go and thin the population?”

“Yeah mom, I mean you can’t expect this wall to protect us forever. Why I bet that Le0n could use an absolute unit on his team like me!” Le0n inwardly cringed as Legi0n reenacted his very much younger brother's way of getting to go along with the cool older brother. Looking with pleading eyes at his mother who mulled over the recent development.

“Well, our adventuring parties have been getting a bit soft recently.” L0le lamented, getting a boyish cheer from Legi0n.

“Only under one condition, you two have to stay together when outside of these walls.” Getting an eye roll from both of them they agreed, with Le0n who turned and headed off to his team to fill them in.

“Oh, hey King.” Jazz said as she turned to face Marlow.

“Hi, I’d like to apologize for earlier. I am theoretically smart, but I haven’t actually got any proof to back it up.”

“Hey don’t worry about it man, numbers are just numbers. They don’t determine the actual limit of what you can do. But rather see them as a stepping stone or a benchmark to be better.”

“Oh, um. Still though it’s not an excuse for picking a fight with you. Are you alright? I know my lightning spells are quite wild at times.”

“How did that happen by the way and what is your class?”

“Oh, well I um. I used to be in a Rock n Roll band back on earth. Was really good at it too. Then when we were sent here, I became a bard, with my talent for music and stuff. Apparently I was so good at understanding these ‘universul’ concepts by the bardic college. Then I applied myself to the craft, during a thunderstorm. I was lucky struck by lightning persevering through the pain during the song, the world gave me a chance to learn magic. With it being impressive and all. Little did I know that it would send me down this painful path.”

“So how were you able to restrain my movement then?”

“Oh that, hehe. Well a spell I learned was hypnosis, since I amazed the crowd. I then combined that with a rank of String Master and boom! I got access to a new class called Psychomancer. It lets me control people like puppets, though I’m more in the business of blowing them away with my epic music!”

“That’s not creepy at all, and your real name isn’t king then is it.” Jazz cut in as Marlow failed to comprehend the last sentence.

“Yeah, my real name is Douglas, thought it would be funny to put King in as my real name. Thought I could change it later, but apparently you can’t.”

“Well other than those three spells and your nat for woohing a crowd. What else do you bring to the table?”

“Well I can play a song that can sort of brainwash a crowd, but as I said. I think my music already does a pretty good job of it without the spell. Other than that I do think that having a magic user will become spectacular down the road.”

“Have you used your brainwashing spell on anyone here?”

“Well, no. That spell takes way too long to cast and it’s pretty obvious when I do take over someone, so no. I haven’t taken control of anyone here. Please Marlow, say something, truly sorry.”

“Hey we're good, so long as you don’t do it again I'm fine. Hey Jazz, you mind hitting me with that regeneration potion of yours?” Jazz reached into her pocket before handing the red liquid bottle over to her companion.

“I only got four more of those left. So let’s not go out anytime soon.” Jazz replied as they stepped into the stables. Marlow headed directly for his champions giving them the love and care they each need after the frightful attack.

“So how did you manage to drain everyone’s mana then? I know it wasn’t you since you don’t seem like the magic type. Was it you then Jazz?”

“Nope not me, I was in as much pain as you were. That would be Opal, my chicken.” Getting an amused look from King, Marlow neglected to tell him how he came across the first tamed creature.

“Wonderful new everyone!” Le0n yelled from around the corner.

“We are now officially a team. And We’ve got our secondary mandatory guild quest.” He said strolling into the stables with his giant brother right behind him.

“Hello!” Legi0n spoke, waving his hand at the familiar faces.

“Everyone, Legi0n will be joining us. King, welcome to the team. Jazz, I hope you're stocked up cause we're heading out soon! Marlow, go get some sleep. You look like you're about to fall over. Meanwhile I’ll go and fill out the paperwork so that we can start getting paid in full.”

“Wait, we're getting paid?”

“Go on then, shoe! We are gonna go out as soon as the raptors and panthers return back into the woods. So let’s be ready when they do!”

Two hours later Marlow was awakened with a mighty shake, from a beefy hand. Opal and Gwaner complained, but gruggingling moved when he got up. Patting his pockets he found everything in order.

Spear, check. Flute, still in his pocket. Shoes, on his feet as they should be. Clothes, still on him. Near endless bag of treats, still in his other pocket right above Cob n Tato’s fangs. Opal, Gwaner, Buttercup. Check, check and check. When did his life get so strange?

Following Legi0n, he was led to the gate. Just as several men turn the cranks to lower the massive drawbridge. Looking around Marlow only spotted five groups of people, not including his own party.

There was a team with a man in black robes and a bone like staff followed by a couple of swordsmen. Then there was another team with the cleric they had met with earlier, with the same people as before. To the left of them was a lone person surrounded by small imps of varying size and color. To their right was a woman decorated with colorful clothing surrounded by people with heavy armor and large shields. The final band of people was just people with the usual swords, bows, and shields, nothing too special about them.

“Good morning sleepy head hope you got some rest with all the commotion going on!” Le0n blurted, surprising the tamer.

“I hope everyone’s completed their assignments, I know that I did. We should be getting paid tomorrow! I also talked to the other party leaders and managed to claim the area where we already explored.” He said giving Marlow and Jazz a knowing wink, while confusing Legi0n and King. Not letting them get another word in, he continued.

“Also apparently Lux, our guild’s cleric, can travel between holy places her goddess has claimed. So if we want anything from Ardania we have to go talk to her. Or just wait around for someone to gain the necessary skill and talent to make something for you.” Le0n spoke, informing them on what he found out about the other guild captain.

Waiting as the bridge was lowered they made small talk. Getting to learn more about each other and how’d they fit in the team. Legi0n was quite adapted with using a war hammer with his large stature and loose fitting armor. King was definitely used to soloing it, but wouldn’t mind helping Le0n deal damage from a distance. Jazz was put into a unique position by being put into the team’s support role.

As the bridge touched down the six parties departed into the forest. With each team heading a different direction. Leaving the castle with the river as it’s only protection.

The five of them trekked through the forest. Each member of the team looked in a different direction as they went. Unsure of where their new found predators might be hiding.

Marlow felt off. The best way to put it was like having a blanket ripped off of you. He’d been so used to having his rats always being around him. Even though he could always see them he could always catch a glimpse of a tail or claw slither it’s way out of sight.

Sure he knew that they were weak, but they could disappear in the nick of time. But when you're surrounded by floor boards that can eat you, it’s hard to get away. Maybe when he settled down he’d live outside, away from houses. Perhaps he would eventually tame an entire ecosystem. Then he could sleep wherever without fear of being eaten!

“Marlow, you alright buddy?”

“Oh, what? Yes I’m here, what’s going on?”

“Well I was talking to the other and wanted your input. Why don’t we head back to that abandoned village? We could start converting it into a training ground. It’s not like no one will miss it.”

“I… um… don’t feel comfortable with going back into the manor, yet.”

“What! Why not! We’ll go at a much slower pace than last time!” Le0n pressed, not catching the slashing motion Jazz across her neck she was making.

“Come on man, it’s we’re going into the deep end! We know that danger now, why I bet we can get out of there before we lose one of your rats!”

“That’s not it!”

“Then what.”

“I-I-” Flustered Marlow looked around and realized that they had stopped walking.

“I'd rather not go.” Marlow muttered, bowing his head.

“Any reason why you don’t want to go today?”

“It’s just been too much. I know that you and Jazz have been there for me, but I don’t know how much more of this crazy world I can take. First this wolf attack, then the shadowy monsters in the night, then the angry golem thing, then the giant bear attack, then Opal getting kidnapped, then the raid on the hardcores, then the haunted manner, then the raptor panther attack.” Marlow said softly, not wanting to meet Jazz and Le0n’s eyes. Which reinforced when he remembered the fact that King and Legi0n was there.

“If you aren’t up for it then go cool down back at the guild, we can talk more tonight when we get back. Alright?” Jazz responded before Le0n could get a word out. Grabbing Marlow's hand she plopped a small vial filled with a green liquid and yellow chunks into his hand.

“Drink this when you get into trouble, just say you’ll go out tomorrow and you're not feeling too well. When the guards ask questions. Well, be at that abandoned town if you want to come back.” Jazz continued patting then shoving Marlow back in the direction they came from. Getting a nasty look from Le0n as soon as Marlow was out of sight.

Talking to the gate guards and getting back in wasn’t a problem. Neither was the long trek back to his team’s room. The real burden was his own thoughts that crossed his mind.

‘How is what I’m doing going to help me find my family. Are they even still alive? Are they even on this continent? Do they really want to see me? How can I find them? Would they be happy with the choices I’ve made? Did they even make it to the post office! Or did that thing on the highway make it to them first! What if that tornado took them first! Was there still gas in the car! Wait, wasn't the car going to the repair shop that day! Did I doom them by taking the one functioning car! What have I done!’ It was then that Marlow made it to his makeshift bed and fell on it.

‘Was there even a point? In books and movies the protagonists always get up and keep on moving on from similar struggles. Abyss when addressing families the writers usually had them die early on and just move on with the story. Saying that the main character had a harsh childhood or didn’t really care. As cliche as it sounds I really loved my family. Sure I was annoying at times but that’s family.’ He rolled over pressing up against the cold wall. Closing his eyes he just wanted to stop feeling.

‘Sure some people just willy nilly have main character’s families die, just for some development. But those were people, in a sense. They had friends, family, and neighbors. People who cared for them, struggled with them, and knew them personally. It always hurts when somebody dies. Even if there are just words on a page, some people’s writer could bring those characters to life! There could be so much more if they got out of this rut.’

A fluffing his thin blank he wanted nothing more than to just be back at home. Remembering times when were more simple; find a decent liveable job, find someone to settle down with, try not to go in debt. Now it was-

“Hello there Serf, Risky Marlow. I, Low Lord Willow, politely request an audience with you.”