Edited by God (: The city of Atalla was very special, mostly because of its origin. You see, its surrounding is filled with dungeons. Now: little about geographic: you can see the mountains to the west, the forests to the east, lakes to the north and the plains towards the south. Because of this you can spot dungeons of all shapes and colors. Earth-themed caves, plant-labyrinths at forests, swamp traps mixed with lakes and highland areas. Adventurers came here from all directions – from all around the country and continent, to train their abilities, rank up and keep beasts at bay. But, as adventurers started setting up their camps here, the merchants followed, mostly to sell them equipment that they lost during raids, then, blacksmiths followed, mostly because it was much cheaper to repair damaged piece of equipment than buying completely new one. Then, innkeepers raised their buildings offering a shelter, just so villagers could come along with their little herds to satisfy most basic needs of all groups that were already mentioned. Very quickly this little settlement was raised into the rank of the city, despite its rather small size. Why? Because of money, of course! The place where coins rolls is the place where merchants and nobles want to have something to say! Taxes, taxes, taxes... And Atalla was buying everything – food, materials, beverage and so on, yet in return it was selling monsters parts like skins or bones (few were used as ornaments and had very high price) and herbs to local herbalists… and Alchemist Guild. This was one of reason I decided to travel through this land. One – train, Two – meet new people (the one I could use later), and Three – to possibly steal few suppliers from Guild. Stupid bitch saw that coming for all she said about me during Senate Meeting. We rolled into the city on barely alive horses. Gisele really worked them better than she worked me, Marco fainted somewhere on beginning and didn’t wake up until now, not even during short break we had! I had to check if he was breathing, just in case! He was. Poor villager wasn’t used to such extreme relocation methods. We quickly said our greeting to the guards, stated our business, then we needed to explain why adventurers are driving cart filled with beverage and why one man is unconscious. They had hard time believing that we are not bandits that attacked poor Marco and stole his cargo, but then they simply noticed that it was pointless to bring him along. - “Look. We are about to leave his and his possession at local inn anyway, so if you are afraid that we want to earn on his cargo, the you can simply follow us! As soon as we would take care of our companions we are heading toward Guild!” I lost my patience. - “Don’t know about it… we should see your papers…” - “Man, we are adventurers! We don’t have papers! Our pendants are our papers allowing us free access to almost every country on continent!” I said pointing at little pieces of crude jewelry that was given to us as we reached rank C They let us in, but apparently they said a word about us to their friends, for all the time we were escorting still sleeping man to the inn some guards were throwing us suspicious gazes. But as we left without a cargo and bags of money they returned to their duties. As we promised, we went toward adventurers guild – despite being much smaller than the one in capital it was still one of the biggest building in the city, even more – it was located exactly in the middle. Not a temple, not a mayor's mansion, not a merchant house. Guild. To tell everyone about origin of the place, to point out what is the main reason of this city existence. It was rare, but very nice, even if adventurers were admired, they weren’t really put on pedestal of hierarchy of any city. We were more like visitors – guests, wanted one, but still guests. We opened the door inside and right away we were welcomed by familiar mood. In the end every adventurer and every guild is the same – cheerful, it is something you learn while you are risking your life in depths of dungeons – to enjoy every moment of your life. Gisele was a celebrity among adventurers, mostly because she was S rank, female and half dragon. And Jericho’s adopted daughter. She was recognized right away. Few greeted her cheerfully, asking her to stop by their tables, few just raised their mugs in our direction with greetings, and few just snorted and averted their gazes… … You have some problem with my woman, bastard? Do you? Well, I would challenge you if not that silly little detail – that she can take care of herself by her own and needs no one to fight in defense of her good name… … Be grateful, punk. Still, in capital there were mostly humans adventurers. Only Marika, Gis and Mrogul could be counted to other race nations, ah, and elf girl that was appearing and vanishing every few days, the one I didn’t really have time to talk to. Here, on the other hand, I could see a nice diversity, a party of dwarfs were abusing barrel of beer, about eight or so elves joined few tables together so they could sit near one another, and quite few beastkins… Wait… I recognize them… A harpy, a lizardman… A lionman. A-ha. Great. Pilgrims from the forest. The party that found me and asked to become their king. The one I told to fuck off, in polite way. I saw them, they saw me. And we stood like that for a moment or two. Then, they raised from their chairs quickly and tried bowing. - “DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE!”I yelled stopping them before they could lower their heads. Still, attention of whole inn section got focused on us. But beastkins did as I told them. - “The hell is going on?” the silence in the inn was disturbed by old, short man. Why every guild leader has to be an older man? It is rhetoric question, there is a reason behind it, don’t answer it, it’s not like author is lazy and doesn’t want to add some more diversity into the story, so pay no attention to it. - “Nothing, sir, it is my mistake… I thought I met those people before, but now, at second glance I can tell we have never seen before. Once again, pardon my rudeness.” I said quickly making sure they wouldn’t say anything. - “It that true, Raggo? That happened?” little guy wanted to check if my story wasn’t a lie. - “Yes, master Andrew, we wanted to get for some more beer and raised bit too quickly, this man just acted lead by instinct. No damage nor offense was taken… If he has such a wish, we may even host him by our table.” Beastkin tried not only to support my version, but also try scoring some points with me by offering a sit. I like his thinking. Hate the fact that he is forcing himself on me, but still, in his place I would do the same. Now, I need to comply to not look like a jerk. - “… Gisele Redwing?” man asked after a moment while looking at dragoness - “In flesh and bones!” she smiled - “….Daughter of Jericho?” he wanted be sure - “Last time I checked, yes!” - “… Jericho that owes me money?” man squinted his eyes - “… You are looking for other Gisele Redwing, daughter of Jericho…” Gis answered after moment of hesitation. Man burst into cheerful laughter. - “Ah, girl, you even has same attitude as him. Just tell him that it would be alright if he would just send me a bottle of some better liquor. In the end I know that it is impossible to get your money back from this old bastard! So, what brings you here, kids?” - “W..W…” Gis was still a little shamed by sins of her teacher being exposed in public like that. - “We have registered ourselves as wanderers, guild master, as tradition says we came to say our greetings and ask for a shelter…” I said regular quote. - “Don’t sweat it kid… and who are you?” - “Name is Zariel, I am traveling with…” - “Whiteraven? Kid that is abusing ranking system of the guild climbing in hierarchy like a madman? Second Jericho’s discipline? Heard about you, kid, mostly from reports. Lemme look at you.” Man stepped closer grabbed my shoulder and start looking me directly in the eyes. You are being [Appraised]You are attempting resisting effect of [Appraisal][Resisting] failed. - “Yesss… Yesss… You have some guts, kid… nothing great yet, but there is potential… Yes, definitely potential and passion. But what else can I expect? Jericho never wasted his time with those he found unworthy, he was being offered small wealth for training noble’s kids, yet he refused. Do you understand? That greedy bastard Jericho refused money. He value his skills more than gold, yet he decided to share them with you. It’s greatest form of praise one could ask for… Oh, I won’t have to check you identities via crystals. You are quite a personalities. But, if you already said that whole bloody traditional quote, here is my reply, in same boring traditional gibberish: rest by our fire, travelers, our home is your home, rise a mugs with us and rejoice with us, friends, and when the day of battle would come, we will await you side by side with us. Welcome home… Now, are we done? Find yourself a table and take a sit. If ya would take some quest, just pick it from board, damn, we have more quests that this little facility can take care of, help is always wanted… But you will have to pay for room and food!” This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Guild leader was very friendly, and extremely talkative. I was wondering when he took breaks for breath, but as he literally didn’t stop talking for next ten minutes I start wondering if he is breathing WHILE talking, or after years of training he lost need of living with oxygen. As we were done talking, we indeed started looking for some spare table. But all were occupied. I didn’t even notice when group of beastkins managed to bring two chairs and add them to their tables. We had no other choice. - “Zari, you look nervous, something wrong?” - “Will tell you later…” - “Another secret?” she puffed her cheeks - “No, it simply isn’t subject to talk about in the middle of the inn… they know who I am. - “And everyone knows who I am! What’s a big deal…” - “No, no, no. Gis. Look at me. They KNOW WHAT I am!” I put accent on the most vital part. Expression of Gisele was still dumbfounded a little, but something started triggering in her head slowly. Hamster in her head start running on the wheel of her brain… We are almost there! Come on, Gis, just a little more! A sparkle of understanding appeared in her eyes - “O…Oh.” Clever girl. What else could we do? I laid my hand on the verge of free chair - “Mind our company?” I asked - “Not at all. Be our guest… Prince.” One of elf sitting two tables away turned his face toward us and look first at Raggo, then at me. Idiot! Elves are great trackers not only because of their enchanted gaze! Their other senses are improved too! - “Don’t call me that ever again.” I said in neutral tone - “As you wish, which title you prefer? Lord? Duke? God? Nemesis? Chain breaker?...” Yes, a fucking born from the storm fist of his name, you dumb fuck. - “Because of people like you, that couldn’t hold their mouth shut, there are assassins after my head. You gave me lots of troubles.” It was completely true, but I wanted him to understand my perspective, so yes, i bended truth a little. His gaze changed. - “Who? Who wants you dead? We will form a…” - “You will do nothing, you will say nothing, you will leave me alone.” - “… But you came to us…” - “It is just a coincidence. I came here to train my skills and body. Once again, I have no need for kingdom, no need for army, and I most certainly don’t consider myself a noble. So: no head bowing, no titles, no bootlicking. I am just an average adventurer, and make it stay this way.” - “It is impossible.” Harpy sitting next to the lion man said “… You are an omen of prophecy. Your coming was known long before you or us. We have been waiting for generation, praying to you. We were fatherless, godless, with no one to lead us. Many started thinking that your coming was but a metaphor, and even then, they prayed to you as concept of liberation. Our time and patience grows short. Many already know that you came and they started acting. They hope to draw your attention. Riots, uprisings, raids… All so you would start acting…” - “What if I won’t?” - “Then, they will die.” - “So be it. I told you once, will tell you again: I won’t become your puppet, your icon. If you want to do something, do it, don’t hide behind me. Don’t blame me for your mistakes. Don’t put your hope in me. If you are useless without me, then I have no need of you.” Their eyes sparkled as if they heard something they wanted to hear. - “…Very well. We will spread this message…” - “You will spread nothing. Shut your traps and…” But then Gisele got herself involved. - “I don’t know what you want and why, but know one thing: if you would get Zari involved into anything, I will tore you apart. He won’t be yours, for he is already …” I covered her mouth in very last moment. Telling fanatics you own their god is last think you want to do. - “… I am already busy with my own businesses. Just walk in your direction and I will go in mine. Hopefully, our paths would never cross again!.. Gis, mind picking some quest? I will get myself ready.” - “Heee? But we just came! I hoped to eat something warm!” - “Later, Gis, later. We can have a lunch at dungeon!” - “Eating covered in monsters corpses. Yes, just perfect.” She puffed her cheeks. Again. - “Will reward it to you later.” - “… how?” - “Will buy you all you can eat during festival?” - “… You aren’t lying, are you?” - “Have I ever lied to you?” - “Yes.” - “See? This means I care about you.” - “What kind of logic is this?!” - “The one so complex that you won’t understand it! Now, go pick some quest!” She groaned and got up from chair, but after taking few steps she turned around. - “Hey! Did you just call me stupid!?” - “Incredible! You become so smart in such a short period of time! I really do have a good impact on you!” - “Hehehe…” she giggle happily, before she squinted her eyes “… HEY! You just did that again!” I sent her a kiss. - “Bastard.” She pouted one last time before moving toward the board. Knowing her she will pick some quest to annoy me. Hard one, long one and boring one. Well, I saw that coming. Doesn’t matter. Right now I want to move as far as possible from those fanatics. Gotta finish our business her quickly and move away. I don’t want to get involved into any mess. I hate lacking control over my actions, this is why I need to be even stronger: to be able to protect my independence. You have taken a [Quest][New Dungeon Evaluation]Recently a new dungeon was formed. Guild is looking for skilled adventurers that would explore it and report back information about it. You will be rewarded for making a map of floor, reporting back kinds of trap, monsters habituating it and treasures RewardsDepends on: - number of conquered floor, - quality of map (the more of the floor you would cover the better) - number of encountered beasts - number of discovered traps - number of discovered treasures You will be a first party to enter dungeon, Guild will pay off a bonus for unknown threats Of course that she would pick such a quest. To be a first adventurer to ever ride a dungeon? She is one spoiled, greedy lizard. There is no way she won’t hunger for this kind of fame. Even more as the adventurer that holds record with number and quality of evaluated dungeons is Jericho. She will want to prove herself. - “Zaaari!” she yelled from the counter “… I hope you have packed your things!” But, let’s see how dedicated she is - “What’s wrong, Gis? Maybe we can stay a little longer, maybe eat something? We can leave in hour or two, full of strength and…” - “… and risk that someone will steal a dungeon from me? Ha! No! Come on, move that lazy ass of yours!” She is ready to skip a meal. Damn, she is serious about it. I got from the table, but before I left I turned one last time. - “Just if you would have some silly idea about signing up for same quest… Gisele would probably think that you are challenging her, and broke your bones so you wouldn’t follow. Be a good kitty, and stay.” Lionman didn’t like my offense, yet replied nothing. I picked my bag from the guard and quickly checked what I had there. Some ropes, some herbs, some food. I quickly bought what I was lacking the most, checked if all straps are holding tightly on place and followed dragoness. Last thing I wanted was my straps of my bags breaking under its weight. We had no idea how deep this dungeon is. We can stay there for day, or for week. Losing equipment is equal with dying. We quickly left the guild and the city, moving further to the west. Closer to the mountains, which meant that dungeon will me most likely a cave type. It may be difficult for fire mage like myself. Explosions could collapse cave on our heads, if I would set a fireplace in shut chamber we could run out of oxygen. Plus stone-earth beasts are less affected my flames. I gulped loudly as shiver run down my spine. I am going to dive into unknown! We had no idea what was awaiting for us! When was the last time I felt like this? This excitement! This thrill! The hunt. The [Predatory] effects triggers despite being in habituated placeYour reaction times improves Your senses are being enchanted Your tracking skills are being improved Of course that yes. Because of that whole charade with owning a company, because of acting in front of Senate, because of all those people around me, because I am trying to blend into my surrounding I forgot one most important thing. Despite my humanity I am no longer human. I forgot that deep inside I am spineless, deprived of morals monsters. I forgot how it is to feel alive! - “Zari, is everything ok?” Gis asked - “Dunno, how do I look?” - “As if you are enjoying yourself. Bit scary and overconfident… but calm in same time.” - “Gis… I look forward to this adventure. I look forward to kill something. My heart is pounding, my blood is rushing through my veins and I hunger for violence… am I weird?” - “Of course you are. But fear not. So am I” She smiled We moved out.