Six managed to get ten more mana cores and he leveled his butchery up by 2. "Eh Denny, do things rot in a spatial?"

"In lower quality spatials yes, above a Good rank spatial time is significantly slowed yes."

Well his spatial ring was average rank so food would probably perish within it. "I need to learn how to preserve food."

"Later I'll teach you that but when we git ya settled, right now I'll teach you how to Analyse, then we'll go scout. So pack and clean up and I'll go find some people to practice on." Six nodded and cleaned up in the river before packing up his dope tent. He wanted to take the extra time to doff and clean then don the armor but he saw the old man coming back.

Denny came back with three settlers, one of them being Charles, the other two were women, a dark haired half Aelf and a blonde human. The Aelf was small and lithe, the human large and muscled. They both were pretty, wore serviceable clothes and had hammers hanging from their tool belts, the small one had a peened hammer and the large one a nail puller.

Six nodded at the young Muldstanii and introduced himself to the other two with a wave, "hi, I'm Six."

"You look like you're twenty five,” said the half Aelf.

"Close." He shrugged.

"Six isn't really close to twenty five."

"Really depends on the scale you're talking about."

She lifted her eyebrow row. "Oh?"

“We talking like, 1 to 99 or 1 to a million?”

“What's a million?" said the big blonde lady.

“It is one thousand thousands,” said Charles.

“Oh, that's big,” blondie said scrunching her brow

“And not close to 6 at all,” Six said.

The tiny woman smirked. “You’re pedantic.”

“We’ve just met but I suppose I am.”

“What's pedantic?” the big woman asked.

“It means being overly concerned with accuracy,” explained Charles.

The big woman nodded as if that made sense.

Six looked to Denny who didn’t seem to mind the disruption but time was money and there was no time to waste. Life demanded focus. “Anyways, what are your names?”

“I’m Ravna,” said the half Aelf.

“I’m Franklin,” said the human.

Ravna looked at Franklin with an amused face. “Tell him your real name.”

“Franklin is my real name.”

“Franklin is your family name.”

“And it’s a real name. New home, new start.” The lady said it with a resolute nod, as if it was sense enough.

Ravna rolled her eyes but smiled.

“That’s ok,” Six didn’t care. “Franklin it is, gotta admit I’m curious as to what it was.”

Franklin shook her head no.

Six shrugged, “well anyways Denny told you why you’re here right?”

They all said yes and Six clapped his hands together. “Nice, well, I guess I’ll just let you do yo thang Denny. Teach, let the knowledge flow.” Six was excited for this skill, it was a fundamental skill that was necessary for decision making.

Denny cleared his throat and horked a loogie to the side. “Alright, now, the Analyze skill is a result of keen observation of a person. Their bearing, demeanor, their seasoning, and an intangible sense of their being. it all drives the skill, depending on the differences in levels and the difference between the level of the skill and targets mental resistance. Of course many things could affect the success of the Analyze skill but seeing as you are a higher level than these people… somehow… it should be easy for you to gain the skill provided you have the affinity for it.” Denny continued to explain the intricacies of the skill but it basically boiled down to a different version of inspect.

Shouldn’t his Unbound Comprehension have gone off by now?

Skill gained: Analyze - Initiate - 1

Gives the ability to gain information about one’s target. Each level improves the chance to gain information by 0.99%. Current Increase: 0.99%

There it is. “I think I understand,” Six said, and he did. “There’s no mention of the things you said, nothing about the differences in level or anything.”

“Did you just gain the skill from me talking about it?”

Shit. “No.”

Denny smiled and looked at Six like he was an idiot.

“I uh, used it on Charles and it worked, gained the skill and yeah, nothing. How do you know levels and such play a role? It even says leveling up the skill increases the chance of being awarded the knowledge.”

“The universe does not provide every single stat interaction. Some are explicitly stated with Spell or Maneuvers but even within those lay hidden variables. There are people whose profession it is to find those relationships and record them. Analyze while generally capped at low affinity for most of us, is still a widespread skill. There are many things that reduce the chance for success that Analyze provides, counter skills or class perks for example.

“What’s considered a low affinity?

No more than five percent in my opinion but others would say ten.

“I think I got it,” Ravna said

Denny looked at her knowingly. “Listening were yah? Good.” He looked at Charles and Franklin.

“I was previously trained in this skill,” Charles said with a deferential bow.

Now Charles got the idiot look.

“What?” the kid asked nervously.

Denny chuckled. “Both of you share things too easily.”

Six and Charles made eye contact. Six shrugged. He wasn’t wrong.

Six tried to use the skill on Charles first. He stared deeply at the young man and observed his bearing, his clothing and weapon, the kids expression, and something deeper, then it clicked.

Analyze Successful.

Charles Penult

Muldstanii

Level 2

Skill Increase : Analyze - Initiate - Level 2

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

This was it. Forget the synergy between Earthen endurance and Blood Casting, He couldn’t use that at all, not in front of Imperials anyways. Analyze was the true OP skill. Protagonists that used this to the fullest effect would always stomp. Depending on his usage and tendencies it could evolve into something even better than a power level gauge. This was something he would use constantly, social conventions be damned.

He analyzed Ravna.

Ravna Lazu

Mixed Tsunken Aelf/Human

Level 2

Then Franklin.

Rose Franklin

Human

Level 2

Skill Increase : Analyze - Initiate - Level 3

YEEEEESSSS. The quick increase in Analyze was extremely gratifying, he knew it was due to Unbound Comprehension but he didn’t care, any advantage to survive out here was crucial.

He tried to Analyze Denny and was hit with a log.

Analyze Failed.

Denny smiled and playful shook a fist at Six. “That’s not polite.”

“So you can tell when I tried?”

Denny nodded. “It's not like that for everyone though. It's a tiered Perk available to most combat classes. First tier lets you know if you resisted something, second tier tells you who is the source of the effect, third tier provides temporary improved resistance to the specific caster every time you resist.” He looked at Six with a pointed look. “Much better for survival than non-combat perks.”

Six nodded. Denny was telling him to rethink his enchanter idea. There were always limits and different streams of progression, he would have to have a rough idea of how to traverse these paths and ensure his growth. He wouldn’t want to cripple his foundations or create an artificial ceiling through ignorance. He might be doing that by pursuing a non-combat class but Six was confident in his choice. Gear and loot was always a game changing aspect of progression and he wanted the ability to make whatever he needed.

Denny cleared his throat. “Alright, we’re done. thank you for helping. I gotta take my student scouting.”

“But I haven’t got it yet,” Franklin said, dismay in her tone.

“You might have low affinity but just keep trying on yer friend, I don’t have much more to share anyways.”

Ravna nodded. “Come on Franklin, I’m sure there’s things for us to do. Bye guys! Thanks for the help with the boars.” Then she pulled her friend away.

Charles cleared his throat. “Uh, c- ah… maybe could- I, um… Could I come scouting?”

Six tried to let the kid down easy. “Sorry, Charles but I don’t got enough money to pay him to teach you.”

“That’s ok,” Denny cut in. “No charge.”

A part of Six twinged at the way this transaction was evolving but seeing as it cost him no more than he already paid he kept his mouth shut. He would learn just as easy and he didn’t mind sharing. He also liked Charles so there was that. “Aight,”you ready?” Six asked.

Charles shook his head “No, I have to gather my things.

“Pack up and meet us asap.

“A sap?”

“Quick as ya can,” Six explained.

Charles nodded and ran off to gather his things.

Six found and fed his raccoon and lured them along.

Skill Increase: Taming - Initiate - 3

All five of them left (including koda and the raccoon) and followed the rivers. Denny consulted the map and Charles turned out to be an asset in navigating, having a high survival skill and assisting Denny. Six had always been geographically illiterate but he was picking it up and had gained another level in the skill.

Skill Increase: Survival - Initiate- 2

That took forever to get. Low affinity perhaps?

The day progressed nicely with Six picking out the first few traps that Denny had set up, that bastard, which gained him a level in perception, he also gained a level in Heavy Armor from the sheer physical exertion of trying to be sneaky while trying to keep up.

But suddenly Denny held his arm out and stopped the two of them, the old man literally sniffed and grimaced, he made the universal shushing gesture.

“What?” Six silently mouthed.

Denny shook his head and gestured for Six and Charles to stay put then the old man moved forward with absolutely zero noise, he disappeared from Six’s senses fading from vision entirely after but a few meters.

Shortly after Six caught a whiff of a nasty pungent aroma, like real nasty. Rotting meat left out in the sun bad. This was what Denny smelled far before them? Six needed to improve his perception because he had no idea how he missed this rank odour. It made him want to throw up and involuntary shudders racked his body. He tried to breathe shallowly but he couldn't get rid of the offensive taste of the air. There was nothing to do but attempt to stay in control and not make any noise.

He didn't have to suffer for long before Denny returned and carefully took them back and away.

Skill Increase: Stealth - Initiate - 2

“Trolls,” Denny explained eventually.

Trolls? They were barely 2 days away from the city. "Should we… fight them?" Six asked a little unsure. Denny had been trying to get him to fight more… so…

Denny shook his head. "Too dangerous, there was a pack of them and even one would most likely endanger both of you. A few are Immortal tier and could kill us all. No."

A tier ranking? Classic trope, he had an inkling when saw that items had rarities and qualities, he would have to ask about tiers later, but first. "We gotta go tell Alison. Like, right the fuck now."

Both Denny and Charles nodded.

It was simple to intercept the settlers and bring them to a halt. Six waved at Alison and she waved back. "There's a troll in the dungeon!" He said in his best professor Quirrell voice.

"What!?" She yelled. "There's a troll based dungeon ahead?"

Troll based dungeon? Dungeons are a thing here? Classic trope!

"Well, no-" Six began but he was cut off.

Alison shouted an order at a little kid. "Halt the march and get me Keegan!"

The child ran off and began repeatedly shouting "halt" to everyone they passed. It didn't take long for the massive man to arrive flanked by the other soldiers. Six took a moment to

actually look at the squad.

They looked hardened and weathered. The massive, bald, black skinned man led the troupe. His armor was similar to Six's, looking more half plate legionnaire than full plate knight. His muscles bursted with dense striations, a true Mr.Olympia. This must be Keegan. There was a half Aelf in full plate, it was burnished black and he carried his helm that was styled like a dragon. There was the Vrill woman who wore simple white robes and empowered them with flames. Gatbark rode his massive snuffling boar. There was Irduth.

There were two Tsunken Aelf men, the first full Aelfs Six had seen. their skin was grey and ashen but their ears were pointed, definitely elves. One who wore simple leathers that looked like fresh leaves and a cloak that looked like moss. He loped along with a sardonic grin and puffed an irreverent tune on his bamboo pipes. The other Aelf was dour, in bearing and appearance. He wore dark leathers and almost floated like a spectre when he moved. They were both hovering protectively around three well dressed early twenties humans.

Yes, Alison? The man named Keegan rumbled.

“The scouts found a troll based dungeon,” she relayed to the soldier.

“What? Any other humanoid types present?” The man said, looking to Six.

"Just to be clear here, define dungeon." Six requested.

“There was no dungeon,” Denny snickered. “Just a pack of Trolls. A few were Immortal tier.”

“A dungeon is a spatial gateway that connects to The Fold,” Charles provided.

Six nodded in thanks at the lad and didn't ask what The Fold was. Didn't want to look like a completely ignorant person…even though he was.

Keegan nodded solemnly. "Oh, then there is a chance we shall test our muscle against the beasts."

The dour Aelf hissed and made a slashing gesture. “No, we shouldn't expose ourselves anymore than necessary. Avoid at all costs.”

The Vrill woman nodded. “And we should just leave them alone if they are no threat to us.”

Irduth snapped. “Your simpering defensive stance is an insult to the empire, Kali. There are certain creatures that must be purged. Trolls are such creatures. Would you leave a Karzid alive if one did not pose a threat to you?”

This Vrill was similar to a frilled lizard and her frills drooped slightly but she did not say anything.

“Karzid’s were an all consuming insect species that was purged from Zarmul following their appearance after the Great Catastrophe,” Charles explained.

Six looked at the kid and nodded in thanks.

The dour Aelf nodded. “Such creatures are not worth our regard. The only reason I do not cleanse such filth lies in preserving those around us. Perhaps I will return later and do it but now is not the time.”

Irduth nodded. “We must purge such monsters from the land of the Empire.“

Alison nodded. “They will eventually have to be eliminated before they become a problem.”

You have been offered a quest: Remove the Trolls

The leadership of the settlers have determined that the trolls in the immediate area pose a threat. Remove the threat that the trolls pose.

Rewards for Accepting: None

Rewards for Completion: Voluntary Spiritual Energy

Relationship

Fame

Clout

Time Limit: None

Penalty for Failure: Loss of relationship with the settlers

Do you Accept? Yes or No?

Alison looked to Denny. “Is there a way we could avoid them?”

Denny shrugged, “could cross the river which is dangerous or detour around which I think is more slow and more dangerous. Fighting them, while possible, is stupid."

Six nodded. “Sounds like we’re crossing the river.”

“No one cares about what you think, criminal,” Irduth spat.

Six shrugged. “Praise be Kynairos.”

Irduth struggled with maintaining his face of superiority, grappling with some sort of confusion, he said something safe, "praise be Kynairos. "

Six smiled and exchanged names with everyone. Keegan was the muscle bound man, Narhurin was the half Aelf in the dark platemail. Kali Kik was the Vrill in white robes. Bark was the weird Aelf and Aclo was the dour one. There was a halfling-like person that Six hadn’t noticed before named Jebbedo. The young man and two ladies were Indigo, Celine and Tavi respectively. “Crossing the river then?” Six asked.

Denny grunted, “that could be a problem too. Saw signs of Koatl nearby.”

“Koatl?” Six murmured.

“Diminutive bipedal amphibious fish people.” Charles explained. “They infest most waterways.”

Six wanted to ask why he hadn't seen them despite being next to the river but he held his questions. Now was not the time for a silly tangent that highlighted his ignorance… no matter how pleasing that trope was. "I'd rather deal with tiny fish people rather than killer trolls."

Denny grimaced. “Oh the Koatl will kill ya, if you linger near their homes too long. Crossing with this many people would definitely draw their attention.

“Both should be purged,” Irduth muttered.

“But how could we do it?” Six posed. “It's not like we have boats.” Getting people thinking about solutions was always productive.

Kali Kik piped up. “I could ferry people across with my waterwalking spell but it would take many trips. I would think the ferrying to last a few hours at least.”

Could you help” Alison asked the moss wearing Bark.

He shook his head. “I don’t know that spell unfortunately.”

“What about the lawless criminal? Is that a spell you can cast?” Irduth asked spitefully.

“No. you?” Six tossed it back conversationally.

“Of course I can’t cast water walking!”

“Oh, well then, I’m useless,” he focused on solutions. “Is there any way we can build a bridge?” Six asked.

Alison shrugged, “I could talk to Franklin but I doubt it, it would take too long with our current setup.”

“Then Kali needs to waterwalk everyone across.”

“What about the Koatl?” Six asked. “Fight them in the water? What about water breathing spells?”

Denny shook his head. “No. They are small creatures but live in the water, it’s very unlikely you would be able to match them.”

“Well, I can do like three stone spears and I’m done.”

“I could provide mana potions for a price.” Indigo grumbled like an emo teen, but he looked about twenty, still emo though. “I could even brew some mundane water breathing potions.”

“At cost?” Alison asked.

“No.”

“Oh, come on Indigo.” Narhurin broke in and gave the young human a friendly shake. He sounded surprisingly amiable despite wearing such foreboding looking armor. “Be nice, these people are letting us join them. We already have a selfish stewart and its Irduth. You don’t want to be like Irduth right?”

“Quiet you!” Irduth snapped.

Indigo looked at the priest of kynarios, thinking and he slowly nodded. “At cost.”

Alison nodded in thanks. “How quickly can you get those water breathing potions made?”

“An hour?”

“Then we find a narrow spot and cross before day breaks. We’ll camp on the other side.”

With that the gathered people went into action. Six caught Indigo before he left and asked him about the mana potions.

“They usually cost 10 gold each but I'll bring it down to 2 for the trip.

“Any way I could make that lower?” Six asked.

“You could harvest the ingredients with me for the water breathing potions. Won’t affect it much."

Six looked at Denny.

The old man nodded. “I think we are done training until we get across the river, picking herbs will train your herbology.”

“Cool, coming Charles?”

The young Muldstanni smiled and nodded.

Six nodded at Indigo. “Let’s do it!”