“You're sure you don't want to turn it in yourself?” Myrn asked, Davian listening nearby.

Ivan shook his head in silent reply.

“You're trouble. I know you'll be worth it though.” She chided, and gently hip checked Ivan as she bent to heft the collected bundle of materials they had made.

Ivan stumbled gracefully, allowing a few steps extra in his recovery to soothe her annoyance.

Yet another day had passed. Ivan could feel the tiny threads of social connection and trust between him and his companions. Each day it seemed to give his Insight attribute a deeper look into their internal motivations. Myrn was getting hard to ignore, she liked him very much, and felt what was at least a powerful physical attraction to Ivan. But at times it was as if she felt it through a thin layer of bile. It was hard to describe that feeling, but she seemed to push past it easily enough.

Davian was another story. He kept himself at an arms length for the most part though outwardly he was friendly and open. He joked and spoke with Ivan often, but that was about it. He had much better control, or at least shielded his emotions more readily than Myrn did. Of the two however he was the least confident. Ivan could kill Davian in moments, but unless he caught Myrn unaware and struck hard she would win a straight up fight, even one on one.

Ivan rubbed his temples trying to dismiss the thoughts. More and more it was like his mind was being taken by new instincts, and sudden dark surges in his emotions. He thought of them as Black Dogs, dangerous fae creatures that appeared near graveyards at times, and knew if he let them sink their teeth into him too long he would change completely. There was a tiny fear in his mind that he wouldn't recognize himself, but if he was currently sheltering from the dogs in a tree of sanity in his mind, that tiny fear was either on a faraway branch, or stowed up in another tree entirely.

“Are you alright Isaac?” Davian asked.

“I'm okay. Just hurts..kind of. It's hard to explain.” His limbs and body were still aching, pulsing really, but it was getting a little better.

Using shadow magic like Steal helped soothe his head for a few moments, but overdoing it would only bring more pain. It was oddly like physical workouts and conditioning in that way, sometimes delaying the pain until the next morning with sudden soreness. Penelope assured him he was suffering something like that now.

While they had made their way back into town Myrn had been having Ivan use Steal on her, over and over again until his head ached anew from the mana loss. She laughed every time it succeeded and she made him wait and allow her to guess what he had managed to take. Only one of a dozen times was it anything obvious, and in her own way she was using the little game as mental training.

Ivan had certainly been startled after just chanting the name of the ability, and filling it with mana only to have his hand close upon the grip of Myrn's longbow. Only one other item had been more obvious to Myrn than Ivan as he stole it away. The warm pure white cloth had felt strange in his hand before Myrn came at him in a rush and ripped it away from him. Ivan had only figured out what it was by the surge of embarrassed indignation coming from Myrn as she ran into the woods, their branches opening and closing behind her like magic curtains to save her dignity.

Davian had said something strange then too. Ivan tried to remember.

“What did you say after the last time I used Steal on Myrn again?”

“I said I should call you Kasuma.” Davian said with a laugh. “He's a character from a story I know. He's quite the little scoundrel too.” He said, waggling his eyebrows at Ivan.

Ivan allowed himself to appear abashed.

“I didn't know underwear was something that could be stolen with an ability like that. I was thinking about coins, equipment, or maybe a small weapon like her belt knife or skinning knife.”

“Oh, but life has many treasures doesn't it?” Davian shot back.

Ivan rubbed his face with his hands and rubbed at his eyes. He hadn’t been ready for that as a reply and thought of stealing monsters or people’s underwear when he could just get anything else more useful actually hurt his brain like a physical blow.

“Getting the last of the scent?” Davian asked, his grin embodying the word 'cheeky' even better than his tone of voice.

Ivan gave Davian an honest, dryly disgusted look. The Bard just laughed.

Ivan looked up as Myrn's mood suddenly shifted inside the tiny guild associated office. She wasn't in danger, but she seemed surprised. Ivan nearly started walking toward the building. In the depths of his cloak Quixla's dagger fell into his hand like it had slipped into his palm from his sleeve.

“What is it Isaac?” Davian asked.

Ivan blinked and feigned ignorance.

“I'm not sure. My head feels like it's buzzing sometimes now that I'm finally getting decent Insight.” He admitted, using the partial truth came so naturally now, as well as controlling what he showed on the outside.

Inside he was still hurt and a little terrified at what might be around him, but outside he was cool and collected. It was very strange. Never in his life had Ivan felt more disconnected from himself, but at the same time so alive. Each moment was new and strange, and could be the end of him. It was equally terrifying as it was exciting.

Perhaps that wasn't so strange, but that hadn't been how Ivan had been before. When he thought about it though it was hard to remember exactly what it was to be him. His life before was flooded with memories of being at Tanya's side. Training whenever he could, or reading, just to pass the time until he could be with her again. He felt like he had been only waiting, preparing, and anticipating when his life with her would begin instead of just starting it on his own.

Penelope practically purred where she sat in the exact center of the Shroud, her wings cowling her in further darkness. It made him aware of her new body, and brought the taste and scent of her skin sharply to his senses. She chuckled, likely feeling the attention, before movement in the doorway stole his attention.

From inside the building Myrn appeared with two men. One was large, huge even, and wore armor called Adventurer's Plate that Ivan knew more than well enough to recognize at a sight. It was essentially half plate and leather of mixed treatments, highly insulated against cold, magic, and heat. It wasn't the highest defense gear available, but for many Fighters and Knights it was ideal starting equipment. The other wore something a little more advanced, but of similar style. The largest exception being the ornate black leather instead of plain brown. That alone picked it out as a custom job rather than an off the other's admittedly well tailored off the rack set.

The larger man bore a shield on a strap thrown across his back, in his hand was a small headed halberd on a short shaft he handled as easily as a spear, and the familiar cruciform hilt of a Knight's Longsword at his hip. That in addition to various pieces of the Militia Pattern Heavy Armor about him placed him as a somewhat traditional front-line Fighter. His fellow coming out just behind Myrn had a deadly and stout shafted Crow's Beak Warhammer at his belt, and an enchanted great sword of some kind nestled in a black leather clad back-scabbard. He seemed to like the dark aesthetic, yet everything about him too suggested another of the classic Fighter Job builds Ivan knew about.

The two handed specialist role focused on damage and quick movement. The shield and spear, or small halberd in the large man's case, was a standard front line choice for fighting large monsters. His choice of lighter and well fitted armor instead of heavy plate implied he wasn't the kind to simply stand there and take a beating from a foe. No, the large man focused on moving too, and being the door slamming in the face of his enemies to cover openings rather than being a wall to knock down, outflank, or climb over.

The two looked capable enough, but Ivan had his eye on the larger man. His expression was friendlier by far, and he practically radiated a sense of pure confidence and watchfulness that came from a practiced Fighter. With that appeal, his gear, and age Ivan expected him to have his Fighter Job maxed and to have the Mercenary Job.

The Mercenary Job gave one plenty of skills, including a common and useful Perception Power, and other skills that helped one travel, manage money, and typically expand their adventuring options with utility powers. But he moved with too much grace and power to his step, and there was that confidence. Being around him had a nearly imperceptible effect on Ivan's morale, and he could see the uplifting effects in Davian, and Myrn as well as they came under its area of effect.

An aura power like that on a Fighter most often came from the Militia Job. The rank of Trained Footman, another in the Adept Class with a max level of 15, was the first to provide that power. Ivan was familiar as he had not only killed many men with that job, but he had been trained by such men in the past as well. Ivan had never had any intention of volunteering for anything but his Goddess's services, but he had been trained to work alongside men who would have the job serving as guards and patrol men for cities and towns. Fortunately the Militiaman Title job could be given by any local lord, ruler, or even just a village mayor though the number of militiamen they could maintain was limited by the power of their own title jobs as elected officials or born rulers passed the title of their house.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“I like your new friend already. He's sharp and has already taken our measure.” The large man said, smiling at Myrn.

“That's Isaac, and I think you've met Davian before.” Mryn replied.

“Finally took up a weapon like we told you? Great. Manage to earn a job with it yet?” The large man asked.

Myrn blushed as the man strode forward to take Davian by the hand. She went to Ivan and pawed at the large defender.

“Andy! Don't be rude!” She chided.

The other man laughed, his mood more somber, and the feel of him much more guarded than 'Andy'. He held out a hand to Ivan in greeting, keeping to Mryn's apparent desire for a proper introduction.

“My name's Marvin Annatel. This is Andy, otherwise known as Andrew of House Portvine. I'm more or less his best friend and bodyguard. Everyone else the family hired or tried to stick to his side died or complained loudly about the pay before leaving.” The man said, his dry tone making Ivan unsure if he was kidding or not until his serious expression showed a small smile.

'Andy' shoved Marvin who grinned at him as he easily weathered the blow.

“Your hands have a feel of strength for a Thief.” Marvin commented dryly, having reflexively clasped Ivan's hand all the tighter when he was suddenly shoved.

Ivan saw it coming and had braced to support the man.

“I told you he's also a Fighter. Do you know what level Isaac?” Myrn asked.

“Level 10.” Ivan answered plainly.

Marvin raised his eyebrows and looked Ivan over once more, but Andy chose that moment to properly introduce himself.

“Hey Isaac. You can call me Andy, I don't really fit with all that Young Master or My Lord stuff. I'm just the youngest son anyway. Do you have a house name, or surname?” He asked, Ivan's Insight was practically drowning in his friendly openness and honest intentions.

It was so bad Ivan almost laughed. With that kind of effect the man appeared to be genuine to a fault.

“Not that I know of. I was orphaned...” Ivan began, caught off guard by the effects of the man's aura and his openness. It had an almost spell-like effect that had almost kept him from thinking twice about telling the man about everything.

Andy's face and Ivan's insight of him clearly displayed the complex emotional pains it seemed all former followers of Istania shared. Andy unabashedly put a hand to his collar and showed Ivan the top of a silver caduceus hung about a thong around his neck. Ivan's eyes met with Andy's and he suddenly felt the difference in their ages, and a desire to follow his lead. It was all an effect of Andy's Adept Class Militia Job, and Ivan knew it, but act on it or not the man saw his effect on Ivan.

“Don't worry Isaac. You're with friends here.” Andy said, his tone gentle, but his voice still at a level that challenged anyone to call him a liar.

“Careful Andy.” Myrn and Marvin said at once, but Andy just grinned.

It was spoiled a little by the clear shallow feeling of pain anyone with decent Insight could feel around the former worshipers of the gentle goddess. His face showed none of it though.

“Where's your gear?” He asked next, ignoring the other two.

Ivan managed a smile for the other young man as he drew both of his blades for a moment. The Shroud was about him as a simple thin leather cloak at the moment, but Andy's eyes boggled at the display. Ivan slipped the weapons away before they drew curious eyes.

“Three magic items, but little else eh?” Andy said, scratching at the brief shadow of a beard about his chin. “That's perfectly fine for a first time healer I suppose, but we should get you some light armor before anything serious. Then maybe we can let you rogue about safely.”

Ivan was confused for just a moment before he realized that Andy was talking about joining them. Andy grinned at whatever expression of revelation Ivan had revealed. Ivan pushed down the emotion before it could show much on his face all the same, but the sensation still left his middle feeling warm and heavy.

“Hey, hey-- we're hardly ready at all. Like Davian was trying to explain before you just bolder-ed onto the next thing he's barely gotten the Dancer Job, and Isaac hasn't managed Rogue yet. We're not going anywhere near the dungeon until the two of them have those jobs ready and we've worked out team strategies to keep everyone safe.” Myrn said, pulling Ivan away from Andy protectively.

Marvin put his hands on his hips and sighed at Andy. Andy looked equal amounts abashed and amused at being called down.

“Dancer?” Ivan, Andy, and Marvin asked Davian.

Davian frowned, looking rather embarrassed, but nodded.

“Myrn's got the Job as well, and wanted me to try it. I haven't mentioned it to you Ivan because well...isn't it...” Davian sighed. “I'm not sure what I'm trying to say.”

Ivan considered his own knowledge for a moment before calling up his Conjured Scroll and recalling more using mana.

“A Scribe? That's useful.” Marvin murmured idly.

Ivan focused on his scroll for a moment as he spent mana to access the Infinite Library. It was costly, but with Hedge Doctor providing some bonuses to his mana pool with each level it was much easier than it had been in the past. Not to mention whatever was going on with his half awakened spark. In relation to that one of his eyes throbbed and his head ached as he spent the mana, but he read the information aloud.

“'Dancer is renowned for its high bonuses to agility, dexterity, and charisma, but is considered a poor choice for a first combat job. However as a job for entertainers, hobbyists, and explorers it is highly valued for the movement skills it can produce such as Grace, and Flying Leap. Along with its more moderate bonuses to vitality, endurance, and strength it is considered a decent resource for extra Attribute gains.” Ivan read aloud.

“'The Job really begins to shine at the Standard and Adept Class ranks. Though Acrobat gains no attack skills either, Blade Dancer is filled with them, and makes full use of the agility gained through the previous levels. As Blade Dancer requires some form of magic spark or ability to unlock its Advanced Class form its recommended as a second job for many caster jobs, especially those that can benefit from its high Charisma gain.'” Ivan continued reading.

He looked at Davian and nodded.

“It's a good choice for Bard, almost natural.” Ivan said.

“That or you could have started stealing and selling information. That would be a great way to start on the Spy Job.” Andy said with a grin.

“Spy?” Davian asked with a laugh.

Marvin indicated Ivan by pointing at him with his elbow, and then brought his hands together at the wrist to then make a branching gesture with his fingers.

“Thief goes two main directions most times, either into Rogue or Spy. Rogue advances into Duelist or Assassin, either are deadly single target damage fighting roles, while Spy focuses more on stealth and reconnaissance.” Marvin explained. “Are three are deadly, and plenty stealthy, and it's even possible to run into somebody with two of the three jobs. Like 'Meathead' here with his Militia and Fighter Jobs.”

“It's pretty common to have both actually in my case, and easier besides.” Andy clarified with the air of someone who had explained a concept several times already.

Marvin nodded, his serious expression showing a little dry, knowing smile.

“Yup, and they overlap too, making them take forever to max out when you have both too.” He complained, but with good humor.

“I like the idea of Rogue and Fighter though. There's a job called the Dragon-kin called Lancer that uses both strength and agility like that. I think you'll have the upper-hand on one of them eventually though. Advancing Dual Jobs is hard, but it has its benefits.” Andy commented.

Ivan nodded his understanding, but was suddenly a little unsure of himself in the friendly atmosphere.

“You'll see Ivan.” Myrn assured him. “We'll get you there before we enter the Dungeon alright?” She added, her words having a tiny bit of reinforcement around the timing of events.

“So you've got Scribe, Thief, Fighter, and whatever this healing job is?” Andy asked Ivan.

Ivan nodded.

“Gardner into Hedge Doctor.” He answered.

Andy gave Ivan an impressed wide eyed stare for a moment before nodding.

“The old tribal job...” He nodded, his face and emotions hardened for a moment as he did.

It showed the control Ivan would expect of a young scion of a martially minded noble house. He would be expected to shield his emotions so as to not distract important guests if nothing else. Ivan had similar training for visiting guests before he showed his own intentions for the mundane skill.

“A Triple-Route Adventurer then?” Marvin asked, it was a mostly rhetorical question.

“All three have separate preferred attributes too. If you can manage it you'll be very well balanced at least.” Andy said.

“Triple-Route?” Davian asked.

The question got him a few looks from Myrn, and the other two, but for Ivan that was just another piece of the puzzle. Davian was smart, but had curious missing spots in his knowledge about the world. Likely he had learned some walking about raising his levels through Class ranks until he gained the Bard Job, but he was missing a lot of basic knowledge. His curse could be deadly if it just came up like this so he chose to make it seem as though Davian had never turned his mind to this particular common knowledge.

“That's adventurer talk for what Jobs you're focusing on. Most civilians would be single or maybe double route, but adventurers often have a non-combat job to support themselves and a combat focused job for the actual adventuring. Most people will have something like Scribe, Student, or Apprentice covering their education as well, but they don't really count if they're not used while adventuring.” Ivan explained.

“Scribe though is useful for inspecting magic items. We might even consider you a Quad-Route Isaac. Assuming you're not a Scribe Dav.” Marvin added.

Davian shook his head.

“Or a Quintuple-Route. We've got plenty of Rituals to do and they can be useful in all sorts of things.” Penelope added in cheerfully.

“It will work well with Scribe too, since Scholar or Librarian will allow you to inscribe ready made rituals onto Magic Scrolls. Sextuple with Knight too. Oh boy, we're going to be so busy.” She said with a tone that was somehow both bright and malevolent at once.

Ivan aired his feeling of doubt to Penelope.

“If that spark doesn't manifest beforehand you'll end up having all sorts of jobs to manage what you're doing. Sparks are the limit for many things. Occult Ritualist won't change unless you have a spark fitting with the Occult. Scholar of the Occult will likely be the closest you get without it. If you would start using my demon magic through the shroud you might even manage Warlock from it though. Boy would your Jobs be a mess then. We'd have to wreak so much havoc to level them all.” Penelope rambled. “Oh wouldn't that be fun...” She sighed, clearly caught up in her own imaginings.

Ivan tried to ignore her but it was hard. She kept flexing her back, and running her hands over her new breasts as if she had just noticed them.

“So maybe it would be best for Isaac to just focus on healing and supporting us with his caster oriented jobs for now like I was trying to explain. He's already good enough in the fight to work into our formations.” Myrn provided.

“Ah. So Dav gets the combat training, and Isaac gets more experience with support. We work, and get them money and equipment. Perfect. That works out since he's probably going to get hurt and beat up quite a lot until we do both things anyway.” Andy said with a smile that summoned pure dread on Davian's face.