The beast roared in answer, its voice a guttural sound that reverberated through the chamber, sending more cracks splintering across the walls and dust raining down from above. As I sprinted toward it, its full form came into view, an abomination of twisted flesh and bone. Towering at least seventeen feet tall, its hulking frame was covered in patches of scales that clung to its muscular torso. Tentacles tipped with bladed bone whipped violently through the air, catching the flickering green flames and sending shadows dancing across the walls.
Its face was a grotesque blend of creatures that didn’t belong together. A gaping maw, lined with uneven fangs, split its skull wide, far too large for its head. Above it, two sunken eyes glowed with predatory hunger. A cracked and chipped horn jutted from the left side of its head, while from the right, a shorter bladed tentacle lashed through the air. Its arms were unnaturally long; one ending in a massive, clawed hand, and the other twisted into a tentacle with three smaller tendrils writhing like fingers.
This beast was wrong, a perversion of nature, and it didn’t belong in this world.
And then, its voice pierced into my mind; a high-pitched, scratchy whisper, like metal scraping across stone. Your realm isss next... The words echoed briefly before Star and I forced it out, but it was enough to send a chill down my spine.
Shaking off the effect, I let out another challenging cry and activated [Celestial Battle Cry], my voice reverberating through the chamber. The beast’s glowing eyes locked onto me, its maw stretching into a grotesque grin; until I leaped upward, using Mel’s shoulder as a springboard. Spinning mid-air, Star’s head slammed into the right side of the creature’s face with a sickening crack. I didn’t hesitate, following up with a shield slam, adding momentum from my descent, crashing it into the tentacled arm reaching to snatch me from the air.
I landed just as two arrows buried themselves in the creature’s chest, and Leo’s fireball exploded across its hideous features. Trish’s chakrams danced through the air, slicing through tentacles before they could reach us, while Mel swung her hammer with all her might at the beast’s clawed hand. The deafening crack of bone echoed as the arm recoiled, and Mel skidded back a few feet, but never lost her stance.
“’Bout bloody time you two showed up,” Mel grumbled, staying alert on the left side.
I shot her a quick glance, smirking. “Yeah, thought I’d grab some fast food on the way, you know, priorities.”
“Get us anything?” Leo chimed in, keeping the banter light despite the very real threat that loomed over us.
A tentacle whipped down at me, and I blocked it with my shield just as another snaked around from the flank, coiling around Mel’s leg. In one violent motion, she was flung backward skidding and bouncing across the floor, disappearing from sight. Another tentacle lashed out and caught Leo, hurling him in the same direction. He let out a yelp before his head struck a pillar with a sickening thud, knocking him out cold.
My jaw clenched as I turned to face the beast, slipping effortlessly into my dance, the motions now second nature. I alternated between piercing and defensive stances, knowing that my strikes needed to be precise and deep while staying on guard. Tempest and striking forms would be useless here; this fight required focus.
Trish screamed in defiance, her chakrams a blur of silver and gold as they struck the creature’s soft spots with relentless precision. Max, perched above, loosed two more arrows into its chest.
A shout came from the shadows. “I’m getting Leo out of here! I’m out of arrows anyway!”
Mel came charging back into the fray, just as a clawed hand lashed toward her. She ducked under it, and I met the attack with my shield, striking hard at the creature’s wrist. Mel hammered it from the opposite side, and the beast reared back in pain, its furious roar reverberating through the chamber.
The assault came fast and vicious. Tentacles rained down like spears, stabbing into the ground around us as we danced through the chaos. Trish cut them down as fast as they grew, but more kept coming, endlessly sprouting from the beast’s back.
Both its clawed hand and tentacled arm came crashing down on me. I quickly activated [Abyssal Retribution], bracing myself behind my shield, angling it so the blows glanced off instead of smashing directly down. A surge of pain shot through the creature as its claw was severed at the wrist, black-green ooze spilling from the wound.
In its fury, it swung its tentacled hand again, and I activated the ability for the last time. A deep gash tore up the side of the monstrous limb, but it barely flinched. Dark green ooze dripped from the wound, and within seconds, the clawed hand regenerated, good as new.
A deep, horrendous chuckle escaped the beast’s maw, a sound that seemed to bubble up from deep within its chest. It looked skyward and let out a monstrous roar, the sickening laughter echoing through the chamber.
I quickly activated [Eclipse Nova] and [Celestial Sanctum] in rapid succession, the chamber plunged into eerie twilight as a protective aura surrounded me. The beast’s agonized scream filled the air, its grotesque form attempting to retreat from the celestial light.
Realizing its vulnerability, I swiftly activated [Gravity Well], pulling the creature back toward the epicenter of its torment. Fear seeped into its tortured screams, the desperation palpable as it lashed out wildly, tentacles and claws whipping through the air with frantic power. The sheer force of its strikes sent shockwaves through the room. One of its blows connected hard against my shield, and I felt myself hurtling through the air.
I twisted mid-flight, bracing for impact, and brought my shield between me and the incoming wall. The force of the collision reverberated through my body, but I bounced off the stone and landed on my feet, launching myself back toward the beast.
Panic surged through me as I spotted Mel flying backward again, her massive frame crashing into a pillar with bone-rattling force. My heart froze as terror gripped me; Trish was alone, defenseless, with the creature bearing down on her. I still had too far to go.
Suddenly, the beast let out a deafening scream of pure terror, its shriek reverberating through the chamber and shaking the very walls. Chunks of the ceiling began to rain down, and the pillars groaned under the strain, cracking under the pressure. I sprinted with everything I had, Mel close on my heels, the ground trembling beneath us.
Just as we closed the distance, Trish’s roar of fury echoed through the chamber, matching the beast’s cries in intensity. When I finally reached her, I saw her casting something; her chakrams spinning violently as she unleashed a powerful spell on the creature.
Without hesitation, I sprinted closer, and Mel shouted, “Get me up!”
Instinctively, I spun and lowered my shield, positioning it like a ramp. The moment her foot touched it, I pushed upward with all my strength, launching her high above the beast. She twisted in mid-air, her feet connecting with the roof for an instant before pushing off with all her might, accelerating toward the monstrosity with terrifying momentum.
Four of Trish’s chakrams appeared, forming a path for Mel to use as steppingstones mid-descent, each one giving her even more speed. The final two spun behind her, adding an extra burst of force as Mel became a blazing comet streaking downward, her hammer aimed for the beast’s head.
The impact was cataclysmic. The hammer struck the beast’s horn with the force of an asteroid, shattering bone and sending splinters flying in every direction. Black-green ooze spewed from the wound, and before the creature could even react, Trish’s chakrams dove into the exposed flesh, tearing through its insides, ensuring the wound could never heal.
I stood frozen for a moment, my mouth hanging open in awe. It hit me then; Trish wasn’t the same woman who had once hesitated in battle. She wasn’t defenseless anymore. She had grown into a true warrior, every bit as fierce and capable as the rest of us. Perhaps she always had been, and I just hadn’t seen it.
A massive surge of experience flooded through me, notifications flashing in my vision. I willed them away for now, there were far more pressing matters that needed my attention.
I looked at Trish with pride, then to Mel. Trish suddenly collapsed, her strength giving out. Mel darted over, catching her just before she hit the ground, as she was closer than I was.
"Go, check on them. We’ll be okay; she’s fine, James," Mel assured me, her voice steady, though her eyes held a touch of concern.
Without hesitation, I sprinted out of the ancient church, my heart pounding. As soon as I reached the clearing, I saw Leo sprawled on the ground, unconscious, and Max standing over him, panting heavily. Two swords hung limply in his hands, both slick with blood. He was covered in injuries, looking like he was barely holding himself together, as if any moment he might collapse from exhaustion. Undead forms lay scattered around him, their twisted bodies lifeless.
My hand instinctively went to my weapon, ready to protect them, but... nothing happened. No groaning. No rising from the dead. The oppressive darkness that had clung to the church faded, and a soft breeze began to stir the air. The bodies of the fallen undead started to crumble, turning into ash and drifting away on the wind, leaving nothing but the faint scent of decay behind.
The battle was over.
I helped Max over to the wall, leaning him up against it, then went back to pick up Leo and carried him over as well. As I sat him down, Leo stirred, rubbing at his head with a groan, slowly waking back into reality.
Mel emerged from the church with Trish cradled in her arms, setting her gently against the wall beside the others before collapsing next to them herself. I followed suit, finally succumbing to the weight of the exhaustion that had been threatening to overwhelm me. The aches from the battles, the tightness in my muscles, the injuries; they all surged forward now that the adrenaline had faded, reminding me of every blow I had taken.
We sat in silence for what felt like an eternity. Leo was now fully awake, though still massaging his head. Trish, bleary-eyed, lay against my shoulder, her breathing was steady. Max sat with his eyes closed, listening to the world around him, too drained to speak.
And Mel… well, Mel was snoring. Loudly. So loudly, in fact, that the rest of us didn’t dare fall asleep. If her thunderous snores didn’t bring every predator in the forest our way, the scent of blood from our wounds certainly would. It felt like we had a foghorn summoning them.
As if reading my mind, Leo rasped, “Anyone else afraid to fall asleep because the bassy siren over here is calling every predator in the woods?”
Max let out a brief, amused chuckle. Trish started giggling, and before I knew it, we were all laughing uncontrollably. It wasn’t that what Leo said was all that funny, but more that the absurdity of the situation hit us all at once. This was our new reality: hard battles, exhaustion, and these small moments of shared humor.
And knowing, deep down, this wasn’t the last of the fights we’d face.
I decided since we were going to rest here for a moment, I might as well see all the notifications that had popped up.
CONGRATULATIONS TRAVELER! YOU HAVE DEFEATED 10,000 UNDEAD ENEMY UNDER CONTROL OF A GENERAL OF THE VOID EMPERESS!
CONGRATULATIONS TRAVELER! YOU HAVE REACHED LEVEL 42! YOU HAVE GAINED 42 STAT POINTS!
Base health increased
Base mana increased
CONGRATULATIONS TRAVELER! YOU HAVE DEFEATED YOUR FIRST GENERAL OF THE VOID EMPERESSES ARMY! YOU HAVE GAINED BONUS EXPERIENCE!
CONGRATULATIONS TRAVELER! YOU HAVE REACHED LEVEL 53! YOU HAVE GAINED 33 STAT POINTS!
Base health increased
Base mana increased
CONGRATULATIONS TRAVELER! YOU HAVE CLEARED OUT YOUR FIRST BANDIT SCOURGE! YOU HAVE GAINED 32,000 GOLD!
A surge of energy coursed through me. I could barely believe what I was seeing. Level fifty-three?! And that thing was a General?! The notification about the "Void Empress" sent a shiver down my spine. Thirty-two thousand gold? What was happening?
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Curious, I checked the quest that had the mysterious error earlier. The error was now replaced with a new message: Bonus gold and experience upon completion; with no specific amount. Just "Bonus." No other explanation.
Trying to process all of this, I decided it was time to allocate my new stat points. Seventy-five total. I put twenty-five into strength, twenty into dexterity, twenty into intellect, and the remaining ten into wisdom. When I opened my stat screen, I was impressed with the numbers staring back at me, thanks to the added bonuses from Star and my gear.
STATS
LEVEL – 53, TRAVELER
STRENGTH – 117
DEXTERITY – 92
INTELLECT – 93
WISDOM – 47
LUCK – 21
ARMOR – 43 (Physical damage reduction= 30%)
The new power from the stats coursed through me. It was like a dam breaking, and the surge of raw power flooded my entire being. My muscles tightened with newfound strength, every breath filled my lungs deeper than before, and even my mind felt sharper, like my thoughts were moving faster, more focused. The world around me seemed to slow, as if I was seeing everything in higher clarity.
The power coursing through me felt almost intoxicating. I could feel the urge to push myself, to test this new strength on whatever might come next. But there was still a weight in the back of my mind; the realization of what we had just faced. A General of the Void Empress. There is no way this was a top general either, which was even more terrifying.
Star's voice slipped into my mind, addressing the question that had been bouncing around in my head. "It appears this realm has stipulations on the strength of its inhabitants. That General was much weaker than it should have been. Even the weakest of her Generals have wiped out entire worlds before. It seems Jaq’Kuah has done more than we first suspected before he disappeared."
I blinked, trying to grasp the gravity of what Star was implying. So that General should have wiped the floor with us? I asked, a mix of confusion and creeping horror settling in.
"I would say, yes," Star replied bluntly, and then added, "But it seems the General was tethered to something much closer to your level. Jaq’Kuah has intervened far more than anyone realized. And I’d wager, broken some significant rules to do so."
“Holy shit, did anyone else see their level?!” Max blurted, yanking me out of my thoughts with Star. “I’m level fifty-three now!”
“Aww, come on! That’s bull crap, I’m only fifty-two,” Leo grumbled, disappointment clear in his voice.
Trish and Mel chimed in with their own complaints, both annoyed they were also a level behind him. Then they all turned to me, eyes full of the question they weren’t yet asking aloud.
I just smiled, giving Max a nod to confirm we were on the same page. Their expressions soured for a moment before Mel finally broke the silence. “It’s probably ‘cause you two were up against the horde solo. More kills, more experience.”
Everyone seemed to agree with that explanation, though not without some lingering irritation. But as the conversation moved on, I still had a decision to make. A new set of skills awaited me, which was welcome considering I just burned my last two uses of the temporary ability.
You may pick 1 more spell from the ones listed below -Note: you may only have 3 spells at a time, you may replace any spells. However, if you replace a spell, it is gone forever.-
Comet Strike: channel the power of the stars into your weapon, creating a meteor-like strike that deals massive damage to a single target and sends shockwaves that knock back nearby enemies. 15 foot radius. Cooldown: 2.5 minutes
Starlight Ward: Creates a protective shield made of starlight that absorbs incoming damage for 8 seconds. Any damage absorbed is converted into a burst of healing energy that radiates to nearby allies. Absorbs 50% of damage, then heals for 25% of the damage taken. Cooldown: 2 minutes
Fury of the Heavens: channel the power of the heavens, unleashing a devastating barrage of celestial energy onto the battlefield, striking random enemies for 12 seconds with bolts of radiant light. Cooldown: 5 minutes
Nova Shield: Forms a radiant bubble of energy around you and nearby allies, reducing all incoming damage by 50% for 6 seconds. When the shield expires, it explodes outward, dealing damage based on the damage absorbed. Damage weakens the further away enemies are from initial point of explosion. Cooldown: 3 minutes
I stared at the list of options, letting the exhaustion settle in as I weighed each one carefully. [Comet Strike] was the first to go; it was too focused on a single target. Sure, the knockback was appealing, but I needed enemies concentrated on me, not scattered. This just didn’t fit the bill.
Next, I looked over [Fury of the Heavens]. It had incredible offensive potential, raining down celestial energy that could thin out the enemy ranks. That’s exactly the kind of power I lacked right now, but… there was still something holding me back. I kept it in mind but didn’t decide just yet.
[Starlight Ward] caught my attention next; it fit my usual playstyle. The healing effect could be a lifesaver. But after watching Trish handle her own in the last battle, I had to trust her to take on more of that healing role. Besides, my defensive lineup was already strong, and I was lacking in sheer offense.
Finally, [Nova Shield]; this one had balance, offering both protection and a damaging burst when it expired. It would help the whole team and deal with groups in close quarters. It seemed like the most efficient for melee-heavy situations. But then again, what if we faced ranged enemies? Would it be as effective?
I was stuck between [Fury of the Heavens] and [Nova Shield], both with their own merits, and I couldn’t decide on my own.
“Guys, I’m at a loss here,” I admitted, breaking the silence. “I’m not sure if it’s just the exhaustion talking or if this is really that tough of a decision.”
I read out the options and explained the two I was torn between. Leo, rubbing his head, was the first to chime in.
“I vote for the shield,” he grunted. “But that might just be because my head still feels like it’s splitting.”
Mel shrugged. “Fury sounds like the better option, especially for range. It doesn’t say there’s a limit, so I bet if you can see them, you can hit them.”
That was a good point; way more effective than I’d considered.
Trish nodded thoughtfully. “The shield could be useful in most situations, and it would sync up well with the team. But I agree with Mel. Fury would fill that gap in your offense, especially since you don’t have any real offensive skills right now that I have seen.”
All eyes turned to Max, who had been deep in thought. Finally, he looked at me. “I think Fury’s your best bet. You’re already strong on defense, and with you and Mel up front, you’ve got melee covered. But you don’t have much for range, and Fury could balance that out.”
I nodded, taking in the arguments from each of them; well, except for Leo’s, which was clearly biased by his headache. After a few more moments of reflection, I went ahead and chose [Fury of the Heavens]. It seemed like the soundest option, especially with Mel’s point about range. It filled a gap in my abilities that I hadn’t fully realized, but now it was glaringly obvious. Of course, I’d need to test it out and make sure it worked as well as I hoped.
Star intervened as that last thought went through my mind, “In my realm… just in case… you know.”
Yeah, good point there. I wasn’t even going to argue with that one. Considering what happened in my last training session.
Out of nowhere, a gentle wave of relief washed over me, the aches and pains from battle slowly fading. It wasn’t as quick as a healer’s touch, but it was steady, like a warmth spreading through my limbs. I glanced around, confused, and noticed the same look of surprise on everyone else’s faces. That’s when I caught the smile spreading across Trish’s face, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
“What… what is that?” I asked, looking down at my body as the warmth continued to soothe my injuries.
Trish clasped her hands together, practically bouncing on the spot. “That is my new passive healing effect from my ability! It increases the passive healing rate of all my allies by fifteen percent all the time. And get this,” she said, her excitement building, “whenever I do damage, it heals all of us for one hundred percent of that damage done!”
Leo, still rubbing his head, blinked in disbelief. “Wait, so… we just get healed as you attack? That’s… actually amazing.”
Max raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk on his face. “So, basically, every time you smack something, we all feel better?”
“Exactly!” Trish beamed. “And the best part? It’s called [Astral Blossom]! Isn’t that such a pretty name?” She clapped her hands together, her face lighting up.
Mel let out a low chuckle, shaking her head. “Pretty name or not, that’s one bloody good ability.”
Trish stuck her tongue out at Mel, and we all laughed at the way she emphasized “pretty.” We’d long since grown used to Trish’s excitement whenever something appealed to her girly nature, and none of us judged her for it. In fact, her enthusiasm for the name was part of her charm.
Still smiling, I added, “That ability’s definitely going to change the way we fight.”
“Anyone else think we should head to the road and wait for Wyguall?” Max asked after a brief silence.
“Why bother, when I’m already here?” Wyguall’s deep, rumbling voice echoed as he rounded the corner of a crumbled building.
I halfheartedly waved. “Hey buddy, how’ve you been?” I said, a weary smile on my face.
“Clearly better than you lot,” he replied with a grin, though it quickly vanished as his eyes swept over us. “Holy shit, did you all…”
We exchanged confused glances before it clicked. “Oh, you mean the shiny new levels?” I asked, grinning.
He nodded, still in shock. “What in the three hells is going on here?”
“As much as I’d love to regale you with the epic tale of our battle, sleep sounds way more appealing right now,” I said, the humor in my voice laced with exhaustion. The others chuckled in agreement.
He stared at us, clearly hoping for an explanation despite our exhaustion. After a long pause, he let out a sigh. “Let me go get my soldiers so we can help you lot to the road and set up camp. We’ll ride out in the morning, and you can tell me all about this battle on the way back.” His tone softened as he realized just how serious I was about getting some rest. “Looks like you’ve earned it.”
Wyguall let out a loud whistle, and shortly after, the clattering of boots and weapons signaled the approach of his soldiers. They moved with the efficiency of practiced warriors, knowing exactly how to assist the injured and exhausted. Even while leaning on the soldier helping me along, every step felt like a battle against my body’s protests. It didn’t help that each “few minutes” to the camp felt like an eternity.
When we finally arrived, the soldiers had already set up a camp ahead of us, complete with a warm fire and patrols stationed around the area. Bedding was laid out, and I barely managed to collapse onto mine before I was out cold. I vaguely recalled someone asking if I needed food or water, but exhaustion had already claimed me.
The next morning, I awoke with a start, feeling more refreshed than I had any right to. The aches and pains from yesterday were gone, as though I hadn’t been through a grueling battle at all. I sat up, stretching, and glanced around. Trish was still sleeping soundly, but the rest of the group was quietly gathering gear, preparing for the journey back to the castle. The Lepidomares stood nearby, their floating forms unnaturally still.
My attention drifted to the soldiers. Massive Tauren, like something out of myth; were loading packs and moving with ease despite their enormous size. I caught myself staring a bit too long at one of them, who noticed and huffed in my direction. Embarrassed, I walked over.
“Hey, sorry about that. I didn’t mean any offense. This world, well... it's still new to me,” I offered sincerely.
The Tauren looked down at me, then placed a massive hand on my shoulder, giving me a reassuring pat before nodding in respect. His horns curved back in a way that was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Satisfied I hadn’t upset him, I turned back to see Trish stirring from her sleep. She stretched with a long yawn, her eyes still groggy.
“I don’t think I’ve slept this well since we arrived here,” she said, smiling.
I grinned. “I think we’ve got your new ability to thank for that. I woke up feeling like I hadn’t just been tossed around by four hundred zombies.”
Max, Mel, and Leo joined in with laughter as I finished the sentence, but Wyguall looked puzzled.
“Reckon it’s time you heard about what’s been going on the last couple of days,” I said to him, preparing to recount the battle.
After finishing loading the last of our gear, we mounted the Lepidomares, Wyguall riding between us as we recounted the story; each of us sharing our own perspective of the battle. We talked through the failed plan, the relentless waves of undead, and the monstrous creature beneath the church. Mel added, almost as an afterthought, that the creature’s body had vanished when she went back to retrieve Trish. In its place, a chest had appeared, which she had tucked away for later. The way she mentioned it left a lingering question in the air. Something about it seemed strange, it was the first body to just… vanish.
As the story wrapped up, Wyguall’s expression darkened as he stared off into the distance. “She’s relentless,” he murmured, his tone heavy with concern. Then, turning to us, he added, “I wish I could join you on this journey, but my oath to this kingdom comes first.”
We pushed on without any breaks, determined to get back to the castle and finally close this chapter of the journey. When we arrived, exhaustion pulled me straight to my room at the inn. I didn’t even bother stopping at the bar.
The next morning, I carefully slipped out from under Trish’s arm, trying not to wake her. Grabbing my gear, I quietly made my way downstairs, grabbed a pastry for the road, and headed to the artisan’s quarter. It was time to focus on my other profession before it fell too far behind everything else.
I arrived at the Gem Cutter's building, and when I walked inside, there was a mole woman standing behind the counter wearing a miner’s helmet. Her fur was a mix of grays and browns, and her eyes squinted as if she were forever staring into the sun.
"Oi, who's that there?" she asked in a gruff voice, the sound of it matching her no-nonsense appearance.
"Oh, hello there. Name’s James. I’m looking to learn about Gem Cutting," I responded with a smile, giving a friendly wave as I walked in.
"Got any experience?" she asked, her voice flat.
"No, ma’am. Just starting out," I said, keeping my tone polite.
Without a word, she jumped off whatever platform she was standing on and hobbled around the counter toward me. For a moment, I just stood there, confused, until she stopped right in front of me, her nose barely level with my stomach.
"Well, kneel down already so I can get a good look at ya!" she barked, though not impatient; more like an old woman who didn’t have time for nonsense.
I knelt as requested, feeling a bit awkward. She started circling me, touching various spots on my arms and shoulders, and even sniffing around. I froze, unsure of what was happening, wondering if I was getting inspected like some prized livestock.
"Mm-hmm, you'll do," she muttered to herself. Then, without another word, she turned and hobbled back toward the counter. "Come on then!" she shouted over her shoulder.
I stood back up, still confused. “Wait, do what?” I asked.
She poked her head out from behind the counter. "Come on already, you daft boy!" she snapped, waving me over.
Not wanting to get on her bad side, I hurried along and followed her past the counter, where a massive hole opened up in the floor. The room seemed normal enough from the entrance, but now it felt like I'd stumbled into a secret underground operation.
I peeked down into the hole and saw a carefully dug-out mineshaft, with tunnels branching off in different directions. The walls were lit up with glowing lanterns, and people were hustling back and forth, carrying rocks and tools.
Just then, a young man sprinted past me, muttering curses under his breath as he jumped out of the hole. I stepped aside to let him through and glanced back at the mole woman, who was already halfway down the tunnel.
I jogged to catch up to her. She was now speaking with another miner, a tall, muscular man covered in dust.
"Take this boy with ya into the mines," she said, jerking a thumb at me. "He wants to learn gem cuttin’. Seems like he needs to get some minin' in first before he learns to cut ‘em proper." She leaned in toward the man and stage-whispered loudly, "He seems a bit slow."
The man raised an eyebrow at me, stifling a laugh, and I could feel my face heating up. But before I could protest, he clapped me on the back with enough force to nearly knock me over.
"Come on, slowpoke," he said with a grin. "Let’s see if you can handle a pickaxe before we put you near any gems."