Seraphina opened her eyes, the joy on her face would be visible even to the blind. She pulled out a scroll, ripped it and stared forward. There were numbers, but they were only visible to her.
Level 14
Str 19 / 8
Con 15 / 6
Dex 28 / 6
Arcane 1 / 1
The first number represents current ability, while the second what the person would have at level 0.
This was the first time she had felt this excited. Suddenly she stood up, pulled her odachi out and started swinging. There was no rhyme or reason to any of the swings, unlike Nyrion who tested his new limits, she just swung her blade with a wide smile on her face. She looked like a child who just got a new toy.
‘Adorable, she may be a vampire, but a girl is still a girl.’ Any romantic or sexual future with Seraphina just died before Nyrion could even seriously consider it, he had a type and innocent girls half his age weren’t his preference.
“Ready to leave?” Nyrion asked her, they had already looted anything useful off the corpses, so there was no reason to stay. “We have to get to town, get a couple of things and find a way to leave the island.”
Seraphina looked at him with a bit of surprise, the dwarf’s face was rugged and square, a stark contrast to the bearded image she had in mind. Dwarfs were rare in the west so she has never seen one, every description of a dwarf she has ever heard said they possess a beard so she was expecting one. His skin, a weathered, earthy tone, carries the marks of a hard life.
What strikes her the most were his deep-set green eyes, filled with a quiet determination. His strong, broad nose and thin lips, set in a neutral expression, caught her off guard. Without a beard, his pronounced jawline and dimpled chin stand out more than she expected. His dark hair, thick and neatly trimmed, frames his face, emphasizing his sturdy yet surprisingly unremarkable features.
After realizing that she had been staring at him, she quickly responded, “Is there a reason to rush? We found their orders, they had no idea where this mine was, at best the team meant to find the “lost” hunters will arrive in three days. Also, leave the island? Is there some magic that will identify us?”
“It’s called earthen remembrance, it allows a mage to view everything that happend in a certain area as long as no more than two or three days passed, normally that is, we are in a closed space, so the mana in the air has nowhere to go giving them more time.” He said in a monotone voice, she expected him to comment about the staring, but she must not have been the first one to do so.
“Well, you’re the leader, if you say, so then that is what we will do,” her eyes drifted to the corpses the smile on her face dissapearing completely. “But I feel like we should bury them. We took their life, possessions, and life energy. Though it was unwillingly, they helped us a lot. The least we can do is give them a proper burial.”
She turned to look at him, her face the very definition of the word please. She looked very much like a puppy asking for food.
‘Ah, fuck me, how the hell do I tell her off. She knows we have the time, so that won’t work. We don’t have the tools? No, we can dig through stone with a sword if need be.’ Nyrion has always been a person who values a few people above everyone else, his years of adventuring only reinforced this behavior, actually shifting it into caring for comrades above all, and not caring about anyone else.
‘Oh gods, what am I supposed to do. Wait, the gods, that could actually work.’
“So who do we burn and who do we bury?” He asked, looking straight at her.
“I’m sorry,” Her face turning into a confused one. “But what do you mean?”
“People believe in different gods, and almost all gods have their own burial methods. On this island at least, the fire and sea gods are the most worshiped, but I don’t believe you want to haul corpses to the shore to perform a sea burial, do you? The least we can do I burn those we can and bury the rest. So, just tell me who believed in which God, and I’ll get right on it.”
Seraphinas face kept going through different emotions, her mouth opening and closing multiple times without actually saying anything.
Finally, she got herself together and said. “I know you only said that to avoid working, sigh, but you’re right, the town guards, or whoever else comes, will know them and what they believed in, as much as I don’t like it, it’s for the best.”
Nyrion put his helmet on and started walking. “Let’s go then, I want to leave town before evening arrives.” Seraphina quickly followed behind him without saying anything.
As Nyrion and Seraphina made their way out of the mine, the dim light of early morning greeted them. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of pine and earth, a stark contrast to the musty, oppressive atmosphere of the cave they had just left.
While weaker in the sun vampires very rarely actually die from it. While most people like Nyrion, circulate the mana inside their bodies to make it stronger, a vampire does so to offset the damage they are receiving from the sun, making them weaker but not incapable of combat. The only way for a vampire to die from the sun, is if they are completely out or mana.
Nyrion led the way, his steps steady and purposeful. Seraphina followed closely, her mood visibly more subdued than before. She occasionally glanced back at the mine entrance, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.
The path to Alum was not a direct one, winding through the forest and over several small streams. They walked in silence for a while, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of forest creatures.
After a couple of hours, the forest began to thin out, and what stood before them was the outline of a dirt road became visible. This road, though rough and seldom used, would eventually lead them to the town of Alum. The journey was long, but the road made the going easier.
They could have saved around half an hour of travel, if Nyrion decided to backtrack towards the hill where he separated with his friends, but he didn’t want to, they weren’t in that big of a rush, is what he told himself at least.
As they walked, Nyrion broke the silence. “We should reach Alum before the afternoon if we keep this pace. We’ll need to restock our supplies and gather information about any ships leaving the island.”
Seraphina nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. “Do you think they’ll be looking for us in Alum?”
“It’s possible,” Nyrion replied. “It’s the closest city, but Alum is a trade hub. Plenty of strangers pass through. We should be able to blend in, at least for a while. We will stay there for the day and leave towards the closest port tomorrow.”
As they continued, the road took them past several small farms and scattered homesteads. The people they saw went about their daily tasks, paying little attention to the two travelers with only the children showing interest. This rural area was a peaceful contrast to the tense and violent events they had recently endured.
The sun was high in the sky when they finally saw the first signs of Alum in the distance. The town was nestled in a small valley, its buildings a mix of stone and wood, with thatched roofs and cobblestone streets. A modest stone wall surrounded the town, providing some measure of protection against bandits and wild animals.
As they approached the gates, Nyrion and Seraphina were greeted by the sight of bustling activity. Merchants were setting up stalls, townsfolk were going about their business, and children played in the streets. The town guard, a mix of seasoned warriors and fresh recruits, kept a watchful eye on the comings and goings.
They entered the town without incident Nyrions status made sure of that. Hyrion led them to a small inn near the city’s center. The sign above the door read “The Owl’s nest,” and it looked welcoming enough though a bit shabby.
Inside, the inn was warm and cozy, with a large hearth in the center and several wooden tables scattered about. The innkeeper, an older man with a friendly demeanor, greeted them.
“Welcome! Looking for a room or just a meal?” he asked, his smile genuine.
“Both,” Nyrion replied, placing a few coins on the counter. “And some information while we’re at it.”
“Of course,” the innkeeper said, taking the coins and nodding towards an empty table. “Have a seat. I’ll bring you some stew and ale. What do you need to know?”
As they settled at the table, Seraphina’s eyes wandered around the room, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling inn. Nyrion leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly.
“We’re looking for any caravans heading to the port or a map of the roads leading there,” Nyrion said.
The innkeeper’s smile widened. “Actually, there’s a merchant staying here right now who might be able to help you. He’s due to leave for the port soon but I don’t know exactly when. His name is Garret, and he’s over there by the fire, talking with a few locals. As for a map, hmm, you’d have to go visit the Scholar’s Emporium, the owners a dick but he has everything for sale.”
Nyrion glanced over to see a middle-aged man with a grizzled appearance seated near the hearth. Garret was deep in conversation, gesturing animatedly with his hands.
“Thank you,” Nyrion said, glancing at Seraphina, who had an excited look on her face, eve since becoming a vampire she had been isolated and this was exciting to her. “We’ll do that.”
The innkeeper nodded and returned to her duties, while Nyrion and Seraphina made their way to Garret’s table. Nyrion cleared his throat to get the merchant’s attention.
“Garret, I presume?” Nyrion asked.
Garret looked up, his eyes sharp and assessing. His face annoyed as he had to stop his story mid sentence. “That’s me. What can I do for you?”
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“We’re looking to get to the port and heard you might be going there soon,” Nyrion said. “We were hoping to travel with you if possible.”
Garret stroked his beard thoughtfully. “I’m indeed heading to the port, frankly speaking I leave as soon as tomorrow, but nobody in this bloody town wants to take an escort request. I can tell you two are warriors, I could use your help and the company. It’s a long trip, but if you’re willing to travel with me, we can discuss the details.”
Seraphina looked at Nyrion, a glimmer of relief in her eyes, she really didn’t want to walk the entire way. Nyrion nodded. “That sounds perfect. We’d appreciate the help.”
“Excellent,” Garret said, smiling. “Let’s have a drink and talk over the details.” He excused himself to the locals and gestured for Nyrion and Seraphina to follow him to a nearby empty table.
As they settled at Garret’s table, Seraphina’s mood visibly brightened. The prospect of traveling with a merchant to the port brought a renewed sense of hope. Nyrion and Garret began discussing the trip and the arrangements, while Seraphina listened attentively, ready to move forward with their plans.
Having finished the talk, and setting a meeting hour for tomorrow they said their goodbyes and separated.
Seraphina’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as they finished their discussion with Garret. Her excitement was palpable, and she practically bounced on her toes.
“Where to next?” she asked eagerly, her voice bright with enthusiasm.
Nyrion sighed. “First, we’ll head to the bank to sort out our finances. After that, we’ll visit the blacksmith to get you some better equipment. Finally, we’ll check out the market for supplies. You’re free to explore the town after that.”
Seraphina’s face lit up even more at the mention of exploring. “That sounds perfect! I’ve heard Alum has some fascinating shops and sights. I can’t wait to see what it has to offer.”
With that, she practically skipped alongside Nyrion, her excitement about the day’s activities making her almost radiate a sense of adventure. Was she truly the same vampire who killed 6 people but a couple hours ago?
“Go change first,” He said handing her the room key and pointing to a nearby clothes shop. “You need new armor, go buy some basic clothes for yourself and me as well, we might have to blend into a crowd in the future and armor won’t make that easy. After that go change, blacksmiths don’t usually have changing rooms.”
Seraphina nodded, and after taking some coin from Nyrion she proceeded to do just that. After only a couple minutes she comes out in casual clothes, Seraphina looks effortlessly elegant in a fitted tunic and trousers, which were complemented by a flowing cloak and sturdy boots.
Nyrion and Seraphina walked through the bustling streets of Alum, their footsteps echoing on the cobblestone roads. The town was alive with activity: merchants shouting their wares, children playing in the streets, and townsfolk hurrying about their day.
The architecture of Alum was a mix of stone and timber, with many buildings featuring colorful awnings and charming facades. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the nearby market.
They followed a well-trodden path that led them toward the town’s southern edge. As they navigated through the busy square, they spotted signs pointing to various services and shops, each offering something different to the town’s visitors and residents.
After a few turns, they arrived at a street lined with tradesman’s shops. The clang of metal on metal and the rhythmic thud of a hammer caught their attention. The blacksmith’s forge was just ahead, its sign reading “Craftsman’s Anvil” hanging above the entrance.
They approached the forge, the heat from the furnace adding to the warmth of the sun. The blacksmith, a burly man with a strong build and a face smeared with soot, was working on a spear, his hammer coming down with precise, powerful strikes.
The blacksmith looked up as they approached, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. “Welcome to travelers. How can I help you?”
Nyrion stepped forward. “We’re looking for some equipment and possibly some advice on repairs. We’ve had a few rough days and could use a professional touch.”
The blacksmith nodded and set down his hammer, wiping his hands on a rag. “You’ve come to the right place. I can take a look at what needs work. Jason!” he called toward the back of the shop. “Customers!”
Jason, the blacksmith’s son, emerged from the back of the shop. He greeted them with a friendly nod. “I’ll assist with finding the right equipment for you. What can I do for you?”
Nyrion laid out Seraphina’s armor and other gear for inspection while explaining that they needed it done before morning. But the blacksmith was distracted as he inspected Nyrion’s armor, warpick, and shield.
“That’s some fine gear you have there. Your armor’s held up well. The warpick is well-crafted, and this shield is really solid and reliable, frankly I don’t even know what material that is. Good choice of equipment.”
Turning to Seraphina’s gear, the blacksmith examined her odachi. “This blade is impressive and well-maintained. It could use some sharpening, and I’ll take care of a few nicks. It’ll be in excellent shape when you return.”
Jason presented Seraphina with a selection of new armor pieces. “These options will offer better protection and fit your style well.”
After the blacksmith took the odachi Seraphina went with Jason to choose a set of armor from the provided options. “I’ll take this armor,”
Seraphina’s chosen armor consists of a dark, form-fitting leather cuirass adorned with delicate silver filigree along the edges and intricate patterns etched into the chest and shoulders. The armor features sleek, overlapping plates of reinforced iron that provide protection without sacrificing mobility. The fitted vambraces and greaves, also in dark leather with silver accents, complement the cuirass and offer protection while allowing for agile movement. The high, sculpted collar frames her face elegantly, and a flowing, dark cloak attaches at the shoulders, adding an air of mystique to the whole setup.
“Great choice” said Jason, the smile on his face no longer professional. ‘The punks interested. He heard we are leaving in the morning yet I feel like he will still ask her out. Well, not my business if she sleeps with him or not.’ Nyrion concluded.
“You know,” he said, glancing at Seraphina with an appreciative look, “I’m free in an hour. If you need a guide or someone to show you around the town, I’d be glad to help.”
Seraphina offered a courteous smile, though her gaze remained neutral. “Thank you for the offer, but my companion knows the town well enough. I appreciate the offer. ”
Jason’s smile dimmed slightly, but he nodded understandingly. “Of course. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
The blacksmith with a smile on his face said. “You can pick up the repaired odachi and the armor in the morning.” It clearly amused him to see his son rejected.
With their arrangements made, Nyrion and Seraphina thanked the blacksmith and Jason.
Nyrion and Seraphina made their way to the bank, the imposing stone building standing out among the surrounding structures. As they approached, the ornate iron gates creaked open, revealing a spacious, well-lit interior with polished marble floors and high, vaulted ceilings.
Inside, the atmosphere was calm and orderly, with clerks behind wooden counters efficiently handling transactions. Nyrion approached the counter, where a clerk greeted him with a polite nod.
“I’d like to close my account” Nyrion said, presenting his account information. The clerk began processing the request, exchanging a few words of routine business.
Seraphina, standing nearby, observed the process with curiosity, her dark, elegant armor contrasting sharply with the bank’s formal setting. She kept a respectful distance, occasionally glancing around at the neatly organized rows of deposit boxes and the sophisticated decor.
After a short wait and an unsuccessful attempt of the clerk to convince Nyrion to keep his account, the clerk handed Nyrion a small pouch of coins and a receipt. Nyrion thanked him and they both turned to leave the bank, ready to continue with their errands.
“I’ll go get the supplies,” Nyrion said. “You can do whatever you like, but be back at the inn in two hours. We need to discuss some things.”
Seraphina nodded, her face beaming with excitement, and she quickly left.
As Nyrion watched her go, he stood there in quiet contemplation. ‘Huh, I’m actually worried about her. Is this what my mom felt every time I went on a hunt? Fuck, I’m getting old.’
Nyrion spent the next hour shopping for supplies, efficiently gathering everything they would need for their journey. When he returned to the inn, he settled at a table in the common room, checking the time and glancing toward the door with growing impatience.
Nearly thirty minutes later, Seraphina walked in, looking a bit flustered.
Nyrion looked up, a mix of relief and frustration on his face. “You’re almost half an hour late. I could excuse a couple minutes, but half an hour? The fuck were you doing?”
Seraphina approached the table, her cheeks flushed slightly, her face embarrassed. “I’m really sorry for being late. I got caught up at a shop. They had some cute earrings, and it took longer than I expected.”
Nyrion raised an eyebrow, still visibly frustrated. “You were browsing for almost half an hour? We had a plan. We need to stick to it if we’re going to stay on track.”
Seraphina nodded, her expression apologetic. “I didn’t realize how much time had passed. I’ll be more mindful next time.”
Nyrion’s expression softened, but his irritation remained. When Seraphina moved her head he was able to see the earrings she had bought, they were small and made of pure gold, simple would be the best word to describe them. “I understand if you found something interesting, but we’re on a schedule. We need to make the most of our time here.”
As they reviewed their plans, the conversation shifted to their next steps, and the tension gradually eased.
Nyrion pulled out a map he had bought along with the supplies, and spread it across the table, pointing to the port they would depart for. “Alright, we’ll head to the port tomorrow, but today we should double-check our supplies and ensure everything is in order.”
Seraphina leaned in, her earlier embarrassment replaced by focused determination. “Got it. I’ll make sure our gear is ready and that we have everything we need for the journey.”
Nyrion nodded approvingly. “Good. We also need to finalize our meeting with Garret. If there are any issues or delays, we’ll need to adjust our plans accordingly.”
As they reviewed their checklist and discussed their strategy, the earlier tension dissipated. They worked efficiently, their focus on the tasks ahead, ensuring they were well-prepared for their journey.
“Now, here’s the most important question,”Any emotion disappearing from his voice pure seriousness remaining. “Once we reach the port where do we go? Obviously we have to leave the country, but we have a couple options. Do you have somewhere you wanna go?”
Seraphina considered Nyrion’s question, then shook her head. “I don’t have a preference. I’m fine with whatever you decide.”
“Fuck, that was the last thing I wanted to hear. Honestly I have no idea. I know basics about other countries but not any details. As far as I’m aware the only bad options are staying here or going to the Dunshit Empire. The second most dangerous option would be to go visit the Swain Empire, though we would need to pretend to be believers, otherwise our life’s will be over before we can blink.”
He scratched his chin and after a moment opened his mouth. “How about this. Once we reach the port we take the first ship that goes to either The Sol kingdom or the western part of the Baeor kingdom. They are both just as good.”
Seraphina looked intrigued by Nyrion’s explanation. “So, the Sol Kingdom and the western part of the Baeor Kingdom are our best options?”
Nyrion nodded. “Yes. Sol is as far away as we can possibly get from here but they are in the middle of a brutal war, worst case scenario we get conscripted and might have to desert. Baeor borders the Osari so to avoid any trouble we would need to go as far west a possible. They are also at war but it’s more stable than the Sol. In my mind both are just as good, though I would lean to the Sol since most dwarfs live there.”
Seraphina considered Nyrion’s explanation thoughtfully. “So, the Sol Kingdom is further away but has the risk of conscription, while the Baeor Kingdom is closer to potential trouble but a bit more stable. And there’s a chance we’d fit in better with the dwarfs in Sol?”
Nyrion nodded. “Exactly. The Sol Kingdom might be safer in terms of avoiding immediate threats, though the war is still a risk. The Baeor Kingdom’s proximity to Osari makes it a bit unpredictable, but it might offer better chances for resources and opportunities.”
“Sounds good, but why did you call the Dunshill the Dunshit empire?” The curiosity on her face radiating like the sun.
“Because they hate all non humans. Racists basically. The Swain allow anything with intelligence asl long as they believe in Swain, every “heretic” they kill. The Dunshill, on the other hand, kill anyone who’s not human, religion or intelligence doesn’t matter. Humans live; everything else dies, except for things like livestock and such, of course. You used to be human, so that explains why you might not have known.”
Seraphina nodded, absorbing the weight of his explanation. “Thanks for clarifying. It’s important to understand the dangers we might face.”
Nyrion agreed, and they wrapped up their conversation before heading to their rooms for the night, each contemplating the journey ahead.