[You have triumphed over the enemy [Savage Boar - Earth lvl 17].]
[Your Class [Inept Magus] has reached lvl 12 ->14, +1 Free Points, +2 Mana, +3 Willpower, +2 Intelligence, +3 Focus.]
[Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the class skill [Mana Bolt lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Mana Bolt: Mana formed into a projectile to be launched at a high speed.
Extremely generic, stupidly simple. I’ll take it. It's faster and stronger than me doing this manually and it can work well with Elemental Influence. Next!
[Congratulations, you’ve acquired the class skill [Mana Bolt lvl 1].]
[The class Skill [Arcane Magic] has reached lvl 2 ->3.]
[The class Skill [Elemental Influence] has reached lvl 2.]
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 12.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 8.]
[The general Skill [Reflexes] has reached lvl 6 ->7.]
[Congratulations, for reaching level 12 you’ve unlocked the skill Odor of the Arcane. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Hell no. Who wants to smell mana?
With the level-ups, I feel power surging through me. The sensation of a greater Status increase, if only the bliss greatly wasn’t diminished by the pain caused by the boar's bodyslam and by me being sprawled out in the bloody mud next to it.
My breathing is ragged and all I can hear is my heartbeat as adrenaline leaves my body.
“That was quite well done, lass.” I hear the familiar voice as the one who fucked off just when I needed him walks up to me and crouches down. "Now, don't hold this too much against me but I wanted to see who you really are. The rush and panic make one forget to put on the mask they show others. A display of your true self.”
I don't even try to get up, lacking both stamina and willingness. "What do you mean by that?"
He just smiles at me innocently and says." Sorry for drawing the boar here to attack you. I planned to interfere if you were about to die, I promise. Your plan was solid and the execution was flawless. Even I didn't expect the thing to make a final suicidal attempt. You didn’t even need to kill it, just give it your best shot." He stands up and starts walking away as if everything is fine.
"Are you fucking kidding me? I’m battered and bruised only because you were curious?” His smile only widens while he stays quiet. “You damn bast- PFFUUUH.” I growl in frustration. “I’ll get you for this, you hear me?” I point a finger at him threateningly. “Don’t you dare die you old fuck before I get my hands on you!”
I’m seething with anger. There’s no way someone like this is sane in the head and hitting him wouldn’t mean fuck all, beyond infuriating me!
Then fear grips my heart. What’ll the training in Granhall be like? Is it gonna be a repeat of today? I’ll have to go through this day by day for years? Kill me…
Actually don’t, bring it on. I can do this, it’ll help me reach Bennett faster and put him down for good.
“Don’t be like that, brat. All your thoughts are written on your face. Stop thinking of killing me before you’re truly there. And look at the bright side, you gained a few levels, thanks to me.” He’s doing this on purpose, he has to be. “You could be at least a little thankful.” After his quirky remarks, he throws me a vial of purple liquid.
I fail to catch it and it bounces off the ground, the glass thankfully being made strong enough to survive oopsies like this.
“What’s this?” I really hate him right now, so as few words as possible.
“A recovery potion, it’ll help you heal some simple injuries and boosts your stamina regeneration.” Looks like he had his fun as he turns serious again. “But honestly kid, you passed with flying colors. You were just supposed to survive against the thing. Now get yourself together, we have a schedule to keep!”
I really, really want to kick his ass.
I down the potion and it immediately spreads through my body making it feel cold and tingly before a shudder runs down my spine and I hear a pop. Although it's painful to get up, I’d do it twice over if it means I can defy the old goat.
“Start walking then.” Is all I say before following my own advice. Then I stop, realizing I still have to pack up.
I almost fail miserably at walking because my leg buckles beneath me as I put my weight on it. If my parents had to mention my most distinct virtue, they’d both say without an ounce of hesitation: I’m stubborn as fuck.
So I grit my teeth and continue walking.
[The general Skill [Pain Tolerance] has reached lvl 2.]
In just a few minutes movement gets a lot easier as the potion does its magic, literal magic in this case.
***
We continued walking for five more days to the southwest, the mood between us was… well I wouldn't say it's bad but I was still pissed because of the boar incident. He was like a grandpa trying to teach a child, except the child was unwilling to listen so he just threw it into the forest.
Throughout our journey, we met some merchants and travelers, one of them even asked me quietly if I was okay and whether I was kidnapped or what. I was as a matter of fact… nevertheless, I just behaved that time without making things complicated for once.
The sounds of the forest grew more familiar as time passed, the soft wind, skittering insects, and sneaking animals. It is wild and untamed with its own beauty and order. Any time a beast more than twice my level showed Bennett took care of it. He told me that at my level wits alone can’t beat such a big powergap.
We purposely avoided any other settlements, he argued it was to keep clear of any possible hounds of the prince but I think he just likes teaching me some wilderness survival. I’d still spend a night at any inn rather than in my bedroll again.
Every day we had to make multiple stops mostly because of me. Even as my Stamina skill progressed it was far from enough to keep me going all day long.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Gathering proper firewood, some edible berries, tracking animals, making camp, etc. He told me that basic survival skills are a must-have if someone wants to become a mercenary. He only missed the part where I don't actually do this because I want to but whatever.
[Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the skill [Survival lvl 1]. Would you like to replace one of your skills?]
Survival: This skill guides your decisions and instincts in the everlasting war against nature. It helps avoid what must be avoided and find what’s necessary for life to flourish.
Could be useful in the future and Bennett told me I’ll have to take it later on, saying that it's a cornerstone skill for my future operations. I won't argue on that, the man has at least a century’s worth of knowledge on me, likely more. A vague skill description, however according to dad that can be either a blessing or a curse. Either widely effective or rarely useful.
I haven’t been idle for the duration of the journey whenever we stopped. For every meal I had to hunt some game or else I’d go hungry and every time I got bored or just simply had nothing to do I played with my magic. It's both fun and useful, the best combination.
Name: Elyssia
Age: 9
Mana: 231/300
+45/hour
Racial Trait:
Celestial Elf
Stats:
Free Points: 7
Might: 7
Mana: 34
Speed: 11
Willpower: 51
Endurance: 8
Intelligence: 34
Dexterity: 11
Focus: 51(+1.8)
General Skills:
Savant lvl 12
Identify lvl 8
Running lvl 10
Dodging lvl 8
Pain Tolerance lvl 3
Reflexes lvl 7
Quick Witted lvl 11
Stamina lvl 8
Multitasking lvl 8
I. Class: Inept Magus - Arcane lvl 16
Arcane Affinity lvl 13
Elemental Influence lvl 12
Mana Shield lvl 5
Mana Bolt lvl 7
II. Class: *Locked*
III. Class: *Locked*
Very nice progress. The only problem is that I’m not sure whether I’m rushing things or not. My parents warned me to take slow and measured steps but I feel like things happen a bit too fast nowadays. I gained seven levels in barely a week's time compared to the nine in… that was even faster, huh? It's a bit unsettling, yet as long as my Skills are maxed out and my General Skills are kept at a nice standard, things should be A-OK.
By now we’re at the gates of Sonea, waiting to be checked and allowed entry. The city is divided into two rings by a circle wall. The outer wall is just as mighty as any other city can boast about, the inner one is only half its size. It's obvious that the inner section is much wealthier and the working peasants occupy the outer ring. Nothing special really. Sonea is an artisan city so it’s densely populated with a lot of successful businesses and many more unsuccessful ones.
The line to the guard booth progresses painfully slowly, especially considering the fact that I stink like someone who couldn’t bathe for a week. That’s the sad truth. I lived off berries and wild animals, was required to hunt and haven’t slept in a bed for many nights now. I hate traveling.
It's finally our turn as the guard looks at my rugged attire and Bennett's equally poor-looking cloak. “The entrance fee has been raised as instructed by the governor. The fee is twenty copper per person.”
I smell a scam here, besides my own stench. Poor dude probably forgot to identify the man beside me.
Bennett just shakes his head and takes out his mercenary badge. “What did the dear governor say?” He asks slowly to sound more menacing. I approve.
The dumbass guard instantly pales, on the verge of fainting. I just silently snicker at the sight, just obvious enough for the guards to see me mocking them.
Now this... this is a nice benefit of being part of The Fist of Krieg. Maybe I won't hate it so much.
“Five copper, sir. I apologize for this harmless joke.” The other guard tries to recover from their mistake.
Bennett just pays the entrance toll and moves on, probably unwilling to bother with local corruption. That does sound like the empire's or at least the city’s problem to deal with. Not many things need killing here.
As we walk down the streets he explains to me the details of why we’re here. “As I said earlier we’re here to investigate information about another Blessed child. We know his name is William, and he lives in the outer district. I’ll rely on you to help me convince his parents, as by now you’ve probably realized that coming with me isn’t the worst choice.”
“Oh yeah, for sure.” I answer with as much sarcasm as I can stuff into a sentence. “I’ll tell them all about the nice food, comfy bed and proper care I’ve experienced during the past week. I’m sure they’ll be happy to leave their child in your care. I’ll also mention the boar trial. ” Oh, I didn’t sound too convincing? Good, that was the intention. I doubt many would enjoy these living conditions.
“This is no joking matter, the boy's future is at stake. He might not even be combat-focused, meaning he’ll suffer even worse being stuffed into a position he’s unfit for.” Looks like he really means business here.
“Fine, if we can stay one night here afterward. I’m not used to living like savages, Just some basic bottom-shelf comfort you know? Deal?”
I expected him to be grumpy due to my condition yet he only huffs with a smile.”You haggle like a mercenary already, you’ll fit in well. So be it, only if we succeed though.”
Looks like we have a deal. Now I’m actually committed to getting this done.
“We’ll have to ask around right?” I inquire and he nods. “Let me talk to some of the kids in the area, they might suspect less and be willing to talk to someone their age.”
“Huh, that’s…a good plan actually, I’ll leave it to you. You’re more mature than your peers it seems.” This is the second time I have seen him surprised since demonstrating my Arcane class to him.
“Harmful effects of the past week I guess.” I just shrug, there’s nothing I can do about it. Adapting to my situation means growing up earlier than I’d like to, it sucks.
***
My idea seemed to work wonders as in just ten minutes we were able to find the boy’s home. We arrive in front of the house, Bennett nods at me and knocks on the door.
Nobody answers so we just wait, then knock again.
“Maybe they aren’t home?”I ask the obvious.
“Maybe.” That's all he says then reaches for the lock on the door and crushes it with sheer strength.
The door swings open and what we find inside almost makes me retch as a cold shiver runs down my spine. This makes me thankful I left home. Two adult bodies are sprawled in a pool of blood on the ground with the room in shambles but most notably… there’s no sign of the boy.
“Looks like we’re late.” Bennett’s comment makes my heart ache.
People died here, their only sin giving birth to a child on a special day and that’s all he can say? Even after taking a life myself, seeing the lifeless bodies of people makes my heart ache.
As we’re about to walk away a soft breathing noise arouses our attention. “W-wait, they took him…” A coughing fit. “ t-they… southwards, please… my boy.” The mother whispers raggedly before her strength gives in and life escapes from her eyes.
Looks like those were her last words. Even with her last breaths, the mother asked for her child to be saved… I feel cold outside at this cruelty and raging hot deep in my chest, rage boiling inside me. Attacking the innocent, taking everything…
“We have to go.” I can’t let it end like this, I refuse to allow it.
That boy could’ve been me and I’m not gonna let someone suffer a terrible fate like this.
“You’ll get in the way,” Bennett taps his chin. “but I also don't want to leave you in this part of town and this close to a scene of murder. Bollocks. Hold on tight.” He sighs, scoops me up and starts sprinting southwards.