Chapter 18

This meetup was not going how Jack had hoped it would go. Tensions were high between the gremlins and the Zur’keth that had come join his growing community. Jack honestly didn’t know why the two were not mingling. The moment the gremlins saw the Zur’keth they have become very closed off and warry. The Zur’keth had also become very hesitant in approaching and seemed to be even more uneasy around the gremlins.

Jack when had met with the hive council of the Deep Wander Hive and they spoke at length as they were extremely eager to meet him. They have told him how they had dreamed of meeting another of the race that had made them. They spoke to him as if he was some kind of holy person no matter how he tried to tell them not to. eventually he gave up and just let them call him what they wanted.

They had told him how a human woman had given them their starting steps into existence and had taught them her arts of flesh molding. From there the hive council that all Zur’keth have used the craft to improve themselves and build their homes. It was all the more fascinating to him that such a practice was used and it was something the Jack wanted to learn for himself. Not to mention the Zur’keth were absolutely fascinating. Jack really didn’t remember much before he became the dungeon but he was absolutely sure the Zur’keth never existed when he still had meaty bits.

During the negotiations, he made a deal with them that if they got along with the current dungeon residents then they were welcome to join his home. The hive council agreed basically on the spot. the rest of the first, or better said night, was spent discussing needs, location of the new home, and expectations becoming residents. They had warned him that most of the ‘surface walkers’ often scared of their kind. Mostly because of how they looked and how they used and reused anything organic to build and make everything in their hives. Literally nothing that was organic was wasted. A sentiment Jack could understand very well since he was very much the same way with materials for his own craft.

Once they negotiations were done and Jack had a full list of their needs, he saw that they had very few wants. Their needs were mostly just wanting organic materials to guild their homes, fresh foods, and protection. All of which Jack was perfectly fine with. For organic needs he could just spawn or summon bodies or plant matter. both of which cost him next too nothing with mana expense. Same with food since he could just have them learn farming and provide the ingredients to enrich the soil. As for protection, he seriously doubted they anyone could make golems like his. As for his wants, he wanted them to explore the underground and search for useable materials. Anything from long buried bodies or rare metals and minerals. Which they agreed to on the spot saying they were happy to. His second request though did make them pause. When he asked for them to share their knowledge about flesh molding and shaping they hesitated and seemed reluctant to agree. They apologized quickly enough and reassured that it wasn’t a meant to slight him. They explained to him that they were hesitant to say yes since it wasn’t, in their mind, their craft to share. It had been taught to them by the ancient that helped make them. Jack doing his best to be diplomatic told them it was fine and they will go back to that subject another time.

Then came the traveling. Initially he had been excited to introduce the two groups. Purposely remaining quiet and not responding to Omnus’ and Aegisthal’s attempts to contact him. The Zur’keth were, in Jack’s opinion, were a very polite people and curious with an eagerness to interact with others. And the gremlins were mischievous little explorers and innate tinkers if given the right supplies and tools. Jack honestly thought the two would have become fast friends.

Now he was stuck between the two groups who were staring at one another. Warry and unsure what to make of each other.

When Frizzy came marching up to him, he would have let out a sigh of relief if he had any lungs to do so. Once she was next to him he leaned down to ask her why the gremlins were acting like this with the Zur’keth.

Frizzy only stared at him. her expression was clearly confused and suggested she thought he was an idiot. Then it morphed something that was exasperated, while partly amused. Remembering he simply didn’t know since he been back for only a few months now.

“Teacher. The Zur’keth don’t have the best reputation. There are bad rumors about them that would make anyone concerned. The biggest being that they kidnap people and use their flesh to do… well it’s a very good image.” She explained.

“So?” Jack had responded, doing his best not to reprimand her for trusting rumors over experience. “I can bet you that a lot of people have some bad rumors of gremlins that we both know aren’t true. I’m even willing to wager that there are some rumors about ancients that you are realizing aren’t true either.”

Frizzy nodded at this, her ears drooping a little as he spoke.

“Frizzy, I would like to discuss philosophy with you later about judging by character and merit, maybe with Omnus with us as well.” Jack said as both groups have been now staring at each other and whispering to themselves way longer then he would have liked. “But right now, we need to find a way to get these two groups to get along.”

“I’m sorry teacher…” Frizzy muttered lamely, clearly ashamed that she judged a group of people the same way her own kind were. “You’re right. If they are moving in then we need everyone to get along. Maybe start with common ground?”

“Maybe…” Jack hummed as he held his chin while thinking. “Provided we don’t have them bond over, ‘oh, you were out case by the other races? Me too!’ kind of crap. That shit will only lead to more problems down the line.”

“You think so?” Frizzy asked with her head tilted.

“I fucking know so. Think about it. If they got started building a bridge like that, its going to lead to a ‘us’ vs ‘them’ mentality. That will make hard for any new people to join our home since they would be considered and outsider from the start. NOPE! Not going to let that shit fly.” Jack muttered to his as she nodded in understanding. “by the way, why aren’t you or anyone else asking me about the fire ball in my chest? shouldn’t it be kind of a big deal I changed again.”

At that question, Frizzy just gave him a flat stare.

“Teacher… I think people care more about a large group walking to our front door then about a fire ball in your ribs. And two, everyone here kind of expect this kind of thing from you by this point. It’s not all that surprising anymore.”

With his ego properly bruised and a fair point being made by his apprentice. Neither he, nor anyone else for that matter realized that one of the younger gremlin children had wandered off from the group of gremlins and was making their way to the group of Zur’keth. Specifically, a young Zur’keth with a dark muddy green chitin.

“Hi!” The gremlin child greeted as they came to stop in front Zur’keth hatchling who stood a little taller. “My name is Chadivon. Everyone calls me Chad for short. What’s your name?” Little Chad asked, ignoring everyone as they all stared with uncertainty at him.

The young Zur’keth, nervously clutched their hands at their chest. Their antenna twitching as they seemed unsure of what to make of this little blue being having just come right up to them and talking to them.

"H.hello, Chadivon. This one is called Gi’gah. It... it is an honor to meet you." Gi’gah said, clearly nervous by the tone of the low clicks and chirps in their voice.

“Nice to meet you!” he said with a big toothy smile. “Do you want to play? Jack makes lots of toys for us sometimes. Do you have toys? You should have some toys. Come on, let’s play with toys.” Chad said not giving Gi’gah a chance to reply.

Without much having much say in the matter, Gi’gah felt their hand be grabbed by Chadivon before being lead away. Casually being brought to where many of the gremlin children when to play before little Chad paused to look at the two groups.

“Mama! I’m gonna go play with my new friend. Can he come over or dinner?” The little gremlin boy called out to his mother in the crowd.

It was then a gremlin woman stepped out with a few younger children close at her side so they wouldn’t also run off like their older sibling. From what Jack saw many of the other gremlin children also wanted to make new friends to play with but were being held back by their parents. The gremlin woman looked at her son, clearly irritated that he ran off. Then she looked at the Zur’keth who had stepped forwards and clutching their hands at their chest when Chad started to wander off with Gi’gah. Likely the young Zur’keth’s parent and they seemed worried as they looked between the children and her a few times.

The gremlin woman had an unreadable mask as she looked at them. then sighed as she walked over to her child with his siblings in tow. Giving him a sharp flick on the ear as she gave him an stern frown.

“Chadivon, how many times must I tell you to stop dragging people off. Its rude and you didn’t even give the poor kid a chance to decide if they wants to play or not.” she scolded. “But, if their parent is ok with it then I’ll be happy to feed Gi’gah too.” She said with a smile as she looked at the adult Zur’keth.

The Zur’keth that had stepped forwards, looked to both the kids and the woman who chastised their son. The two siblings now in easy reach joined their bother and Gi’gah. Asking the young Zur’keth tons of questions while begging to join in playing with them. While Gi’gah seemed to grow less nervous and was trying their best to answer their questions while agreeing to play some games.

"This one is agreeable to Gi’gah spending time with your youngling. Yet, the young one may only join your table if you permit this one to extend an evening meal to Chadivon in return." The Zur’keth offered, trying to return the favor in kind.

“Deal!” The Gremlin mother declared with a grin. “Gods know I could use the break from the little devil.”

Jack watched as more gremlin kids went running to claim their new friends with even a few Zur’keth children going to meet some of the gremlin in the middle. it seemed that the Zur’keth were more on they shy side while the gremlin kids were a lot bolder once they saw the other kids as potential friends. Before he knew it, many of the children had one or two new friends in tow. Off to go play with the toys he made or to play some made-up game. The adults watched on and while they were still wary of one another, there was also significantly less tension between the two.

Jack leaned down to Frizzy as they both watched on and whispered as they continued to watch.

“Thank the gods for the kids.” Jack said with relief.

“It’s a start…” Frizzy admitted. “It will take time but it is a start.”

***

It had been nearly two weeks since the Zur’keth joined the community. While the Greyroot Clan and the Deep Wander Hive weren’t holding hands and singing songs with each other. They’re interactions were civil and friendly enough. It woud take time but Jack was mostly sure that things will get better between the two. From what he saw thus far the two were still trying to figure each other out. Luckily the kids on both sides showed a lot a promise as they played each other. Gi’gah and Chad had become an inseparable pair since they first met. Not you couldn’t find one without the other being close by. Not to mention the two had a nose for trouble while appearing where they weren’t supposed to.

It had been a mildly stressful two weeks as he played mediator between the to. making sure both were getting along while the Zur’keth were getting settled in.

Then there were the adventurers…

Jack had gotten his second dungeon layer ready. Setting up all kinds of interesting locations, cumbersome traps, the mobs placed and set just right, safe zones being made, and of course a new boss. It had been a labor of love and he really wanted the adventurers to start exploring. To test themselves and his dungeon since he had grown to really enjoy watching adventurers wandering and appreciating his hard work. Especially when a group beat his boss for the first time as he eavesdropped on their celebration. Yet despite all the effort, no one has even tried to explore the second layer!

It was after a LONG day of trying to figure out when no one had tried to explore, Jack collapsed and laid on the across his glorified chair with his head hanging back. Pouting while hie used his fingers to lazily flick little puffs of litchfire in the air over head. Creating tiny explosions over head of black and white to distract himself. He just couldn’t watch the adventurers explore his dungeon anymore. If he watched one more group beat the first layer boss and go back to the town, he was going to scream.

Not to mention that Frizzy was now at the stage were she was able to explore and experiment on her own. While he was immensely proud of this apprentice, not to mention how she too to his knowledge and teachings as easily as breath, there was no new lessons he could gave her at the moment. No, she needed to experiment, practice, succeed and fail a few times before he can start showing her the complicated suff. For now, she need to practice her knowledge of arcane circles and scripting. Until then he need to take a hands off approach. Which really fucking sucked since he would have loved to have that kind of distraction right now.

“Primus Sage!” Omnus shouted excitedly while approaching him.

Jack, having gotten used to his sentinel’s eccentricities by now, lazily turned his head to face Omnus. The mummy carrying two whole books in his hands as he was dressed in button shirt and durable pants along with a heavy leather apron to protect his close. As usually he seemed excited and happy which Jack enjoyed that his sentinel was feeling fulfilled. But right now, he was just so glum from all that work he put into the second layer going unexplored that he couldn’t muster up any fake enthusiasm.

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“This is truly amazing! Your genius and foresight know no limits, Primus Sage! The Zur’keth, oh, what a treasure trove of knowledge they are! Their understanding of living bodies is unmatched. And these books, just the ones I have on elves and dwarves alone, are incredible! I cannot wait to dig into what they know about the other races. The possibilities are just... endless!” The silvery gold mummy said as they clutched the books tightly to their chest.

Positively giddy at the prospect of learning more and adding to the steadily growing library.

“That’s… that’s great… yeah. Awesome…” Jack sighed as while making another tiny explosion over his head with the lichfire. “You’re doing great work Omnus, but don’t overdo it alright? I want them to feel comfortable and that his is their new home. Don’t want them to feel interrogated or used.”

“Oh, of course, Primus Sage! I promise I will be careful. They will feel comfortable, welcome, and right at home. No one likes to feel like a test subject, and that is definitely not the goal. But is something on your mind? You usually get so excited about new discoveries, and you have done something truly remarkable here. The community is thriving, and they are so close to making it official. This should be a wonderful moment for you. Maybe there is something I can do to help lift your spirits?”

Jack thought for a moment as he regarded the offer to help. Omnus was probably the best choice for him to vent to at the moment. Aegisthal was a good listener but isn’t really one to give feedback. Frizzy was not an option at the moment since she was working on her own experiments and teaching other gremlins the basics of the being a Fabricator. He can’t distract her with him complaining about his woes. Omnus, despite his eccentricities and loose use of safety regulations with his research, he was a sharp minded being.

Eh, fuck it. He does genuinely want to help and maybe he could help with my disappointment.

“Sorry Omnus, I’m just glum that none of the adventurers have come to explore the second layer yet.” Jack admitted while crossing his arms over his chest to stare up at the ceiling far overhead. “I put a lot of work into it and was excited for them to see what I made. Especially the dungeon boss I made. Not to mention the inn keeper for the safe zone. That would have been a real treat. But every fucking time someone beats the dungeon boss Mose and have the option to go into the next layer they just go back… it just feels like I put in all the effort for nothing. Not to mention my own growth as the dungeon has also slowed down since no one is exploring that layer.” Jack said as he let his frustration out, feeling mildly better to give his frustration words.

“Ah, the explorers. Now I get it.” Omnus sighed with what sounded like mild annoyance. “It is not your fault that they can’t appreciate the wonders right in front of them unless there is a big sign saying, ‘Look here!’ But that is alright, Primus Sage. I will figure something out to brighten your mood. Leave it to me!”

“What do you mean?” Jack asked as he turned his head to face Omnus again.

“Ah, don’t stress about it!” Omnus said with a dismissive wave of their hand.

“Saying that increases my stress.” Jack said with way more worry then he had earlier in the day.

“Just leave it to me, I’ve got this all figured out!” Omnus said as they made their way out of Jack’s tower.

“Omnus. Omnus! No!” Jack said as tried to get up from his glorified chair and tripped from his foot getting caught. “Omnus! No explosions!”

“No promises are made! Bye!” Omnus called just as he left the tower.

Picing himself up and dusting himself off, Jack stared at the door Omnus just ran away through. Feeling rather worried about what Omnus might do to ‘figure something out’ and what the eventual fallout would entail. Jack loved the guy but that maniac gave him a migraine and he didn’t even have a brain!

Despite his moment of panic, Jack paused to consider what he had just realized about himself.

Do I actually love that lunatic? Jack asked himself, really taking the time to sit down and consider the question.

After taking the time to really think about it, thinking about who Omnus was and what he was to Jack. He came to the conclusion that he actually did love the guy. He enjoyed Omnus’ company most of the time. He was always fully in the moment no matter what it was he was doing. He took great pride in what he did and was actually always happy to lift people up by sharing his knowledge and discoveries. Yes he had his problems, but who didn’t have some kind of problem? Thinking more about it, Jack realized that it was a proud kind love.

Jack then thought about Aegisthal.

Aegisthal was strong without question. An unshakeable corner stone and pillar in one. He was direct and honest with a stalwart sense of right and wrong. Always sticking to what he thought was right, consequences be damned for what it meant to speak the truth. In his own way though he was also kind to those he was charged to protect. Jack didn’t miss how the towering juggernaut would sometimes assist some of the gremlins a lot of people would dismiss as beneath them. When Jack asked himself how he felt about Aegisthal, he realized that he love the golem as well but it was more of respect then pride.

When he asked himself how he felt Frizzy he had to pause and really consider his feelings.

When he found her, she was a half-starved, timid, frightful little thing. Now she was a rather strong woman who knew who she was, who knows what it is she wants and willing to do what it takes to achieve her goals. She was brilliant, quick to learn new skills, confident in her skills and hunger to not only learn but to be the best. She was an amazing apprentice, imaginative, strong willed, as stubborn as them come, refused to give up, and she was honest one of the strongest people he knew. It won’t be long before she became a master fabricator in her own right and become his colleague.

Yes she was his apprentice, but she was also his friend.

Would you look at that. He thought to himself. For a bag of bones and metal, you can actually care about people Jacky boy.

After savoring the moment of realizing he was still more human than he realized, Jack went back to doing his best to give the door the stink eye.

“It will be fine. Maybe… also I need to find out who is teaching him sass.” He grumbled to himself. “Get enough of that from Frizzy. Don’t need that coming at me from him too.”

***

Omnus dashed through the trees with all the speed hid body could muster. Going so far as using his whip wrappings to swing and catapult all the faster. The Primus Sage was unhappy and such foolish trifles shouldn’t burden his creator. Such an erudite mind should have to be distracted by why mortals weren’t exploring the dungeon. Omnus could imagine himself doing other than this that were much more worthwhile of his time. Such as dissecting monsters, documenting their anatomy, researching and experimenting spells, or even instructing the dungeon residents when he wasn’t adding to the bibliotheca.

Omnus didn’t care for most mortals in general. Seeing them as a distractions a times or maybe minor inconveniences one had to tolerate. Much like an uncomfortable itch in a public place. The dungeon residents though were an exemption to that view. The Primus Sage offered them sanctuary and so that alone put them in much higher standing to the general population. When Omnus took to teaching the younger and older generations, he found that he quite enjoyed their point of view with each subject of study. Conflicting point of views, interpretations of discovery and theories, the debates they had about not only the ‘why’ but also ‘how’. There were even a few that Omnus was rather interested in training further. They did show quite the promise as scholars if nudged in the right direction. Maybe even become his assistants for some of his more general experiments until they got more experience.

Unfortunately, the mortals that were distracting and also hampering the Primus Sage’s works and growth were not dungeon residents.

He had watched the ‘adventurers’ who explored the first layer for a time. Many have shown promise as they explored and fought the mobs. There was even a team or two that he viewed quite favorably. While he might not take bets like many of the dungeon residents have done, he did enjoy the ones showed sounds thinking. Even more so when they explored in further to find more lore hidden around the first layer. But for every group that he enjoyed or took mild amusement from observing, there were a good number more that were… infuriating.

Those infuriating groups showed no respect to the ancient lore that the Primus Sage had hidden. No appreciation for the story of the past shown by the Layer boss known as Mose. Not to mention to dozens of little bits of information! The absurdity! The audacity!

No, he couldn’t let himself be stuck in that looping rut again. He needed his wits about him and to if he was to find out the problem before him. One should never conduct an examination with and unclear mind or risk biased results.

Once he came to be roughly a hundred yards of the developing town, Omnus came to land on the ground and straightened his cloths. They weren’t a necessary feature as the Primus Sage had the foresight to make the wrappings as durable as they were distinguished. Yet to Omnus they were nessisary to show his position and how he accepted it with graceful humility. A scholar was not meant to seek statues after all. But knowledge to build and better their communities.

But now his outfit included a sect of brown robes with scroll that sheathed a sword through its center stitched in white thread on the back. A gift of casual wear from the Primus Sage himself.

Omnus was glad finally have a reason to wear it since this would be considered a formal occasion.

Once sure he would be presenting his best foot forwards, he walked the rest of the way to the town in progress. He had already made rather good time in getting this far so there was no need to rush the rest of the way. Omnus savored the walk since he never left the Primus Sage’s immediate home. Frankly he never had much of a reason to do so. It was actually rather enjoyable to simply admire what he called the frontier of the dungeon territory. Never mind go beyond it.

As he walked, Omnus noticed that there was a clearing and palisade that was made of stone with an archway that separated the dungeon territory from the town. It was mildly interesting that the people there were able to made something so large with what was relatively a short amount of time as he understood it.

Hmmm, mayhap there is an inkling of potential in these adventurers. At least in a few of them. I’ll need to keep an eye on them, watch from the shadows once our business is concluded. Omnus considered as he examined the wall from the edge of the clearing. Wonder if the Primus Sage might permit me to craft a little quest for them, a trial of sorts to measure their worth. Hmmmmm… yes, but later, perhaps.

Putting the thoughts aside, Omnus clasped his hands behind his back while walking at a casual stride to the archway.

The people guarding the gate had two on top while another two stood at the actual entry way. The two on top were an archer and a mage if Omnus had to guess by their equipment. The two at the entry itself looked like maybe a duelist and the other some type of tank. Not a bad composition since the group was likely flexible enough to handle some variation of attack. It was respectable and showed that whoever was in charge did have some foresight. Either way, the gate guard were no his priority. He came for answers and they likely didn’t have the answers he wanted.

“Halt.” The tank called and stepped forwards, attempting to approach Omnus as wells as block his path. “Identify yourself. I don’t recognize you.”

“My sincerest apologies” Omnus called with an arm tucked at his waist along with a light bow. “I am here on business with the guild master of this... delightfully growing town. My master has bid me to speak with them directly. So, might you allow me entry? Or perhaps you could summon the guild master to meet me here instead?”

The guard that stepped forwards to greet him was maybe a little under six feet tall. Not many defining features. Heavy armor, a clever like sword, plane features, messy hair, some kind of orc and elf hybrid. Nothing that was overtly special, clearly a tank class that was more on the aggressive side instead of defensive. They looked Omnus over, clearly suspicious of him which was fair.

“Who is it that is asking for him?” The guard asked, as they watched Omnus with their hands visible but loose. “They will want to know who is calling them.”

Oh? Trying to find more information about me are we? He thought privately, amused about their attempt since they would likely use some kind of divination magic. Sorry to disappoint, but you won’t find much.

"Ah, of course. I am Omnus, scholar and keeper of knowledge in service to the Primus Sage. I have come to discuss matters concerning the dungeon and those who dare to traverse its depths." Omnus said politely.

“Interesting… so you want and this ‘Primus Sage’ want to know why we ‘dare’ to explore a dungeon.” The guard reiterated, not bothering to hide the suspicion in their voice.

Mortals, so overly sensitive with certain words. Omnus thought in exasperation, not uninterested in the perverbial dance on eggshells he now had to navigate. Would killing them get me faster results?... it would likely make the more powerful representatives come out to meet me sooner… but they wouldn’t be nearly as inclined to speak with me. Very well, the preverbal dance it is then.

"Oh, you misunderstand.” Trying to be disarming as possible. “When I say 'dare,' I mean those brave enough to venture forth, not as a threat. Never that, I promise! My apologies for the poor choice of words. It was not my intention to cause alarm."

The guard still eyes him with suspicion. Not seeming entirely convinced by Omnus completely reasonable explanation. Omnus for his part suppressed his mild annoyance. He didn’t enjoy this interaction and found himself eager to return back to his lab and library. The dungeon residents there may also be mortal, but he found his conversations with them far less tedious and much more stimulating. Not to mention he wanted to work on some more research projects. There were three that were promising and he wanted to see them completed.

Since they are inconveniencing me, and thus the dungeon and the Primus Sage, I might as well gain some additional resources to make this venture worthwhile. Omnus mused to himself, waiting for the guard to process their own thoughts.

“Very well. I will fetch the guild leader.” The guard said as their left hand made little gestures. “Please wait here until he comes.”

A secret language perhaps? He thought as he noticed the little gestures. My my! Now that is interesting.

Omnus just nodded and waited. Using a simple earth manipulation spell to summon a stone chair to take a seat. It wasn’t long before he felt the faint sensations of arcane energies pass over him. Had he not had Aurigold incorporated into his tissues, he would have never picked up on the sensation. Truly Primus Sage had astounding foresight to have given him such a gift. Yes, Omnus would have to see about bringing something extra for his creator on top of the desired information. Rare metals perhaps? Maybe a selection of alchemical plants or ingredients. The Primus Sage was a being of knowledge and creator by nature… what would make him happy? But what could he possible bring that the Primus Sage can’t just make or get for himself?

Oho! Now this is a challenge! How thrilling! Who would have thought that finding a present could be such a delightful brain teaser?

Omnus continued to muse and play with the wonderful little puzzle he discovered when he heard someone clear their throat to get his attention.

Looking, Omnus found a female dwarf standing before him. She was broad like most dwarves, her hair was braided with a bronze circlet resting on her brow. They had orange hair that was obviously dyed while their right eye was blind. They wore half plate armor and carried a sword with an arcane mana stone built into the cross guard. Designating her as a type of spell blade of swords.

Omnus felt some respect for the dwarven woman since learning the disciplines of combat and spell craft could not have been easy.

"Name’s Dona, leader o’ the community. Ye called for me, what’s yer business?" she said in a flat level tone.

Her body language held no open threat, only readiness should Omnus try something.

"My purpose here is straightforward. The Primus Sage seeks to understand why no one has progressed beyond the first boss of the dungeon." he answered in kind, keeping his points straight since she didn’t seem the talkative type.

"And what’s it the ‘Primus Sage’ wants, askin’ why no one goes past the first boss o’ the dungeon?" she asked in kind, her tone never shifting.

"Research and study. The Primus Sage seeks to understand dungeons and their workings. To achieve this, he needs people to enter and explore. He has gathered sufficient information on the first layer, now his focus is on the second."

"Is that so? Then why does he not step inside himself if he’s so keen to learn?" she asked with a quirked brow.

"Simple. Have you ever attempted to take notes in the middle of a fight? The information gathered would be limited to a single subject, a mage, and that is insufficient. There must be data on the responses of multiple classes and archetypes. After all, what value is there in knowing the result of a single sword slash if the opponent might react differently than expected?" Omnus countered with all the patience in the world.

"Do ye now? And why’d they send someone carryin’ the stink o’ necromancy on ’em?" she asked as Omnus noticed how her hands shifted ever so slightly, the other guards now also getting ready to strike.