- Who did it? the woman asked.
- Everything is fine, she’s safe, just dehydrated and hungry. - Raphael immediately reported to the woman, and then turned to us - this beautiful lady came to help our village. Her name is Jane and she is a strong Paladin. Tell her what happened.
Naturally, the man next to me didn't know a damn thing, so I began to explain the situation.
- Are you saying that you turned her face into a bloody mess solely for self-defense? - they already looked at me with obvious condemnation.
- I trained her myself, if I gave her the slightest chance, she would kill me without hesitation. So I barely survived, and immediately rushed here to help her. And if I left everything as it is, a plague could break out in the city, and she herself would most likely starve to death. I saved her life, so a couple of punches in the face isn't that big of a deal, right? - I made a sad face, even my eyes were watering. It is not a good idea to piss off a Paladin of unknown level.
They left me alone and released me after checking my wound. I was still angry with Megan, initially I wanted her to be cured so that I could beat her again, and at the same time put her brains in place with some stereotyped and pretentious phrases. But now I can hardly bring her to her senses, this fighter is lost to me.
I soon learned that Jane was very popular among the people of this region, the fact that almost no one knew who she was with us was rather an anomaly due to the alienation of our village.
Two days later, our team got together outside the village. Besides Russell and me, there were three other guys. This time I was present when they were choosing classes, although I could not force them, but at least I could influence.
Flo, unfortunately, was the only one who was able to take the Priest class, and he was initially not eager to do this, but I insisted. The guy was 17 and he looked pretty strong, he was also taller in height. The leather armor only strengthened his presence. In his hands he held an ax. Otherwise, he did not stand out too much and his appearance was ordinary.
It is worth noting that there were no "helpless classes" in the class system, the Priest had the highest potential as a healer, but besides that, he had many other spells. In addition, he was quite capable of fighting as a warrior. And if the Priest also imposes buffs on himself in advance, then it is unlikely that any warrior will be able to compare with him. Of course, it all depends on the path that the Priest chooses.
Karl was also 17, but his overall appearance was not too different from Russell and me, he chose the Barbarian class and also preferred to use the ax. It seemed to me that he was hoping to become higher and stronger after taking this class or something.
And the last one was called Rei. 16 year old good looking guy, at least compared to me, and red hair. He was good at archery, so we made a long bow for him a long time ago, the size of himself. Among the classes of archers, there was no separate base class, almost any class could become one if desired. Ray chose a warrior and could use virtually any weapon without penalty.
I decided the issue of equipment in advance, having talked with Rafael, I explained the situation to him and said that we would go anyway. If he wants to help, it would be nice to find something for the guys. After so many deaths in the village, it was possible to pick up some equipment. Although we did not get amulets and rings. Well, at least all the guys had leather armor, shield and weapons. Things with special properties, like my set of clothes, were apparently quite rare. Rei carried a bow in his hands, and a shield, quiver and short sword were on his back and on his belt. If he has to engage in close combat, he will simply throw away the bow, we will make a new one if he loses it. But he still complained that wearing the whole thing on himself was not very comfortable.
The guys' outfit went through my hands.
Long bow.
Main Damage 1-10
Damage type - piercing.
Size - large.
No special properties.
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Battle axe.
Main Damage 5-10
Damage type slashing / bludgeoning.
Size - medium.
No special properties.
Leather armor.
Basic defense rating - 3
The maximum agility modifier bonus added to armor is 4
Skill check penalty due to armor - -1
Arcane Spell Failure Chance 20%
Special properties - no
Wooden shield.
Defense rating +5 (Only with a successful block)
Skill check penalty due to armor - -5
Arcane Spell Failure Chance 20%
Size - Medium
Special properties - no
Large weapons had to be used with two hands. Medium sizes were one-handed. Well, the small size of the weapon is, for example, my Sai blades or daggers, short swords, and so on. Skill penalties meant skills that depend on a dexterity modifier, such as parrying, moving silently, and stealth.
Iron long swords were not popular. They dulled extremely quickly, and often broke completely. It was safer to use axes or maces, axes were convenient in the sense that one could either cut with a blade or use a butt to deliver crushing blows, depending on the situation. Of course, if it was possible to find a sword from a special ore or enchant with system, it would be a different story. But of course we didn't have such an opportunity.
I collected some information about the surrounding area, but it was rather limited. In any case, we were going to stick around, patrolling the nearby forests and hunting animals. I was not willing to take risks or problems on my own head on the very first day.
However, when our five were already preparing to leave, we noticed that a horse with girls was approaching us from the direction of the village. Naturally I meant Jane and Megan. I immediately suspected that Raphael had betrayed me. It's good if Megan came to her senses, but I was not eager to accept her in the team after what happened, who knows if she is gonna suddenly stick a dagger in my back.
They stopped next to us and dismounted. Jane looked pleased, and Megan's face remained emotionless. Megan wore light leather armor in dark shades, she had two daggers behind her belt, and a short bow on her back. She was clearly dressed up and looked almost the same as before the incident, rather even better.
- You kids forgot to take Megan with you, right? Jane said.
- Lady Jane, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me after what happened ... - the smile left Jane's face and she went to me, I immediately panicked and raised my hands in reconciliation - Wait! - the next moment I got a blow in the face.
I fell to the floor, spat out a couple of teeth and spat out blood. Even if Jane did not hit with all her strength, the blow was extremely fast and I did not have time to react, although I expected an attack.
- This is a blow for my student, as well as a warning. I hope in the future you will take care of her life no less than your own, because if she suffers, you will suffer, and I do not care under what circumstances this will happen. I hope we understand each other?
"Damn it! So many crazy women around, why are there so many problems with them?" I thought while I was coming to my senses. Apparently no one asked for my opinion anymore, but I already knew some things about Jane. At least she is a Paladin and quite famous for her deeds, she is unlikely to go overboard. But about Megan, I was not so sure now. Although we used to train together, we can say we were friends, I was afraid that after the accident everything was not all right with her head.
- Yes, Fedy Dfein, I understand it very well. - I said obediently, sighing to myself.
- What are you mumbling? In any case, you will walk around without teeth for some time, and if you talk a lot, then the time of punishment will be extended. Megan will be the team captain. Any objections?
Naturally, there were no objections. Megan was still impassive, but it seemed to me that her face nevertheless brightened a little and it was unlikely that this was due to the appointment to the captain. Well, maybe I deserve it. It's not scary to get hit in the face, at least I am alive and thanks for that.
Jane got back on her horse and ran off somewhere, but clearly not back to the village. Now I stood silently with the rest of the guys and obediently waited for Megan's orders, hoping that she did not hold any grudge against me ...
- Jack, tell me what was your original plan? - Megan asked.
- Hunning for woves nearby.
- Repeat, I did not hear who the hunt?
- Woves ... - I said, although I understood what was that about.
The guys were already bursting with laughter, even Megan could not resist and smiled a bit.
- Very funny guys - I said, frowning.
Then everyone broke through and they burst into violent laughter, barely staying on their feet. Perhaps if I were a teenager at heart, I would be very upset and burned with shame. However, I felt a little relieved. Since Megan could smile, it means that Jane processed her in her own way, it was a good sign. I continued to frown at them until they finally laughed out.
- Okay guys, we'll follow your original plan. Jane could not interfere, even if she cured Jack, he would be fined by the system to gain experience for a while. But she will be able to scout the area around village and in the future we will be able to go somewhere the opponents will be within our power. - said Megan hiding a smile.
The guys actively answered Megan and expressed joy that she was able to come to her senses, everyone in one way or another knew about her circumstances, but of course no one dared to raise this particular topic. I already got slapped as an example for a long tongue. Well, I myself preferred to remain silent.
We moved into the forest. Among the villagers, there were also hunters who hunted local animals for a tavern or their families nearby, so normally we should not get into trouble. Megan was a Rogue.