Vigil started walking through the forest. He did regret leaving at all. The dead were dead, he felt rage from it but that was now gone. Now there was no reason to stay.
He lost himself in his thoughts. Mourning his friends through happy memories together. He felt a bit better yet hollow. So he decided to focus on something else instead.
Vigil: So that back there was magic. The stuff that created me, and was mentioned often in Aliquid's journal. He never mentioned how to actually use magic, simply talked about different variations. Alongside what's possible with it. It seems interesting, I might as well try learning it. Of course I'd have to leave the country in order to do that.
He looked up and saw mountains past the forest. The very mountains that the Ardebit soldiers crossed. Vigil had no knowledge of geography. So he decided that going that route would be a good idea.
Vigil: I could go to another village and save up some money for a map. But it seems more interesting to just go. Besides along the way I could perhaps get some clothes one way or another. Humans tend to get uncomfortable when others are naked. I was the only one in boot camp that didn't hesitate to shower. Never did understand those dropping the soap jokes though.
Along the way Vigil found roots and berries that he learned were edible in the military. He also tried eating inedible and poisonous things in the past too but they gave his stomach discomfort. So he had plenty of food along the way.
Once in awhile he craved meat though. His scent scares normal animals though. So he has to find more dangerous animals like bear, tiger, or snake to eat. After killing them he threw their skins in a makeshift bag, thinking of making clothes with them. He ended up making the bag with a tiger's stomach.
No need for knives, he just tore them off. Took him a few tries before he got complete pelts though. He kept using too much force and ripped the carcasses in half.
When it came to the meat he simply ate it raw. His body could handle it and he was too lazy to cook. The bones on the other hand he broke open and ate the bone marrow.
He kept the sharp smaller bones like teeth and claws. He liked how they look so he collected them. But he feared they'd cut open his bag. So he made pockets on his skin. Cut himself open, slipped them in, and let it heal. Like a diamond smuggler on the blood river, except himself instead of livestock. He healed quickly and was used to pain, so it seemed fine to him.
As he headed more towards the mountain the forest cleared out. A rocky area at the base of the first mountain appeared. It was actually only a hill but Vigil didn't care. He climbed up it with relative ease.
Upon nearing the top he saw a strange cave. The cave was dark with an eerie red glow radiating out of it. A strange buzzing was heard out of it. Vigil decided to keep going and maybe check out the cave another time.
At the top of the hill he saw a mountain range. Mountains as far as he could see. He turned around and saw the surrounding forests and the village in the distance. The vultures and smoke around it helped him spot it.
Vigil: Nice view, but the village sorta ruins it. Maybe if I go higher it'll get better and I'll see the village less. The place of my creation had a nice view too. But back then I didn't appreciate it, I wanted to go out and see things. I was so blind at the time. I'm probably still blind now.
He descended down the other side of the hill. Not too long afterwards he was once again climbing up. He stepped on sharp stones once in awhile. He simply pulled them out, let the wound heal, then continued.
Soon he encountered animals even on this terrain. Goats wandered the grassy areas of the mountain opposite of the one Vigil was on. So Vigil pulled out some of the claws he had and threw one at the goats. It missed and broke a rock. The goats were startled by the noise and ran off.
Vigil went over to where the goats once were and found the claw. But it was broken so he left it. Looking around he found the goats on another mountain but a bit higher up. This time Vigil came closer. But the goats noticed him and ran. Vigil gave chase and threw a claw at them.
He got lucky and hit one of the goats' legs. The goat tripped up and fell down the mountain. On the way down it broke its neck and died. It rolled down into a valley inbetween three mountains.
Vigil started going back down the mountain in the direction of the goat. On the way down his foot got stabbed by another rock. While pulling it out he realised he could've just used a rock instead. He continued after he healed.
As Vigil reached the valley he saw the goat. Alongside the monster eating the goat. The monster spotted Vigil and let out a shrill cry. It was a giant lizard with a blade at the end of its tail. It was brown with a rough and bulky texture. Designed to blend in with the mountain. Both its eyes went in their own direction, constantly circling around before settling on Vigil.
It started walking towards Vigil. The sword tail was twitching as though it was a separate animal. The blade seemed to be made of discoloured and fused scales. It was sharp and serrated, giving off a menacing glint in the light.
Vigil picked up a rock and tossed it. It hit the lizard in the eye. Another shrill cry came out but louder. It grated Vigil's nerves, so he ran in and bashed in its head. He instantly killed the lizard. The tail then stabbed him through the heart.
Vigil was shocked at this, he was sure he killed it. The tail pulled out and started repeatably stabbing him. Until Vigil grabbed the tail and ripped it out of the body and tossed it on the ground.
Vigil let his wounds heal then ate the lizard and goat. He collected most its scales. The thrown claw was discovered in the goat's leg so he put it away. After eating Vigil was fond of the goat's horns. But he couldn't remove them without damaging them.
Vigil decided to break the bottom part of the skull then put in on his head. Then he turned to the still squirming tail. Sitting on the tail he removed the blade part of the tail. Then he ate the rest of the tail.
The blade itself was attached to a bone, making a perfect natural handle. So Vigil picked it up and continued along his way.
The next mountain was much bigger than the ones before. It's slope was steeper than the others too. Eventually he found himself stepping in cold white stuff. He didn't mind it, he just continued climbing.
~a few days later~
Vigil was hungry but he was about to reach the peak. At this point there was a perpetual blizzard happening. Then a pack of monsters attacked him to his delight. They were gorilla like creatures covered in white fur. Their feet were wide and flat with foot long claws on all sides. Their hands on the other hand were quite human in nature. But they had hair on their palms. Their lack of eyes suggested they relied on other senses than sight.
They roared and revealed dangerous looking canines. They ran at him, going quite fast despite the inclimental weather and the terrain. Vigil readied the lizard sword and waited.
As the first one reached him he cleaved it cleanly in half. The next one threw a punch as he got close. Vigil dodged underneath the arm and uppercutted the beast. The other ones kept their distance and surrounded him.
A particularly strong breeze hit Vigil with ice in it. Scratching his face viciously. The monsters smelled it as an opportunity and attacked all at once. Vigil casually used the ice below him to slide and 360 slash the remaining beasts. Killing or injuring them all.
Next came the butchering and eating, starting with the still living ones. He especially liked their claws on their feet. He drilled holes into them using the tip of his sword and some claws then put it on his necklace.
He started fiddling with grass before back on the lower mountains and hills. He made some string with it and decided to put his ivories on it rather than under his skin.
Then he reached the peak of the mountain. He looked over to see mountains seemingly endless in the distance. Some of them even higher than the one he climbed. He appreciated the sight then turned around. In the distance he saw a few rolling hills then a huge forest. The clouds overhead abruptly ended leading to a twilightish yellow hue over the forest. It was a breathtaking sight to behold. After that he looked back towards the even taller mountains with a smile.
~1 year later~
Vigil was coming over the last hill at the end of the mountain range. He saw a town in the distance so he decided to take a break at the foot of the mountain. At this point Vigil had 5 stomach bags full of pelts. He decided to make some clothes.
He took out a tiger pelt and decided to make underwear with it. He slung it underneath him and tied the back legs around his waist. He also made them keep the front part up.
The result: the tiger looked like it was eating his man parts. Also front paws hung loosely to the ground, and it was very bulky. Vigil didn't care and decided that it was fine to just wear underwear on the bottom. Then he pulled out an ape pelt and wrapped it around his neck like a scarf.
He was now ready. He entered the town, hoping to fit in and not get arrested. But the town was half burned down and abandoned. Vigil seethed with disappointment. Then went and raided a house.
Inside was a bit of food left so he ate. More importantly there was some clothes so he put the pelts away and put on some real clothes. Also there was a few rucksacks laying around so he grabbed one and shoved his bags inside then slung it over his shoulder. One big bag was easier to carry than 5 smaller bags.
He searched around the town more and found a dagger which he put on his waist. The lizard sword was of decent quality but a year of usage wore it down. Now it was more like a bone bludgeon than a sword. He also found a little bit of money.
The rest of the town was mainly picked over by scavengers so Vigil continued on with his journey. The forest was a nice scenery change after so many mountains.
Vigil: So you can't appreciate things until you lose it once. How ironic. The trees seem to be a different kind though. Thicker drunks, roots closer to the surface make them easy to trip over, and the leaves are red instead of green.
Soon enough it got dark out. Growling was heard in the forest. Like a wolf but several times louder. Red eyes pierced the darkness, not two but instead thirty one.
One wolf came out of the woods. It was a normal wolf but three times the size. It opened its mouth and growled showing off its double rows of teeth and long canines. The creepiest part was its sixteen eyeballs all staring at him intently.
Another wolf identical to the first but slightly larger came out. This one was missing an eye, a piece of rotted wood left in its place. These beasts have fought with humans before, and didn't hesitate to do it again. They were almost smiling, a glint in their eyes. Watching him playfully, waiting for him to try to run. Vigil wouldn't give them that satisfaction.
Vigil picked up a nearby rock and suddenly tensed. The wolves jumped a little back. Then he threw the rock. They both dodged to the sides.
Vigil launched off a tree root and tried to slash the smaller one with his sword. Dropping his rucksack on the ground in the process. The wolf however dodged. Then he felt claws raking down his back.
Vigil turned and slashed his sword behind him. The wolf had already jumped back. So he swiped behind him thinking the other one was doing the same.
Instead he slashed at thin air and lost an arm. The wolf tore it off, jumped, and slid to face him. Seemingly smiling, it sat down and started eating it. The other wolf stayed by its side, glaring at him.
Vigil ran towards both the wolves, the arm he loss was the non-dominant one. So he still held his sword. The wolf pushed him down with ease and started eating him alive. The other wolf spit out the chunks of his arm and got up. The big wolf stopped and spit the meat out too. The meat tasted wrong so they both walked away. They saw Vigil as a dead body that didn't taste good.
They didn't notice Vigil regenerating his arm and chest. He got up and pulled out his knife. He threw it as soon as they turned to the side. The first one dodged so it hit the other one square in the neck. It fell over and howled in pain. The other wolf looked at him in rage.
All fifteen of the larger wolf's eyes glared at him. It ran furiously at him. In response Vigil bent down low. It pounced on top of Vigil. So he simply shoved his sword upwards.
The wolf managed to claw Vigil and crush him with its weight. But in exchange the blade pierced his chest, straight through his heart. It died quickly while struggling a little bit. Clawing Vigil and trying to take him with it.
Soon it went still and Vigil shoved it off him. The blade was dull but with enough force anything will pierce. Vigil pulled out his sword and walked over to the other wolf.
Vigil: In a rage creatures will attack without caring about their own safety. Just like I did in the village. But do humans act the same in similar situations?What about when wounded?
The other wolf was still standing but it was bleeding badly and was shaky. The dagger was thrown so strongly that even the handle was inside its neck. It had a staring contest with Vigil and its legs started shaking. Soon it's legs gave out and Vigil finished it off by decapitating it.
Vigil: Seems to be slightly different, but it would've attacked me if I got closer. Both these beasts were very intelligent. Not as intelligent as a human but better at using it than the average human.
He ate the meat and bone marrow. Then made a second necklace to fit all the teeth and claws they had. Their pelts were too big to fit in the already bulging rucksack. So he simply draped them around him. He put his goat horns back on, they fell off during the battle.
Then he was ready and set off. Nearby he found a river so he cleaned the blood off the pelts and himself. Then continued on, eventually seeing lights in the distance.
He exited the forest to see a large city. It was big and surrounded by stone walls. With farmland and a ghetto surrounding it. He walked closer, no farmers were about because it was nighttime. In the ghetto a few people stared at him fearfully.
Vigil: Mistrustful of strangers? Must've been attacked recently, these houses are in ruins. Or could this be a poor district like mentioned in Aliquid's journals.
Then guards stationed closer to the walls suddenly screamed demon and ran over with their weapons raised. Vigil looked behind him and saw nothing. Remembering that there were flying demons he looked up.
Seeing nothing Vigil turned back towards the soldiers. They were sheathing their weapons while looking relieved. Vigil was confused by this. One of the guards that seemed to be the captain of them stepped forward.
Guard Captain: Stranger, what brings you to our humble city of Quisquiliae? You seem like a trader from distant lands.
Vigil: The distant lands part is correct but the trader part is wrong. I'm simply a traveler come to barter with things I've acquired. I'm also in need of a new set of clothes.
He opened his wolf pelts to show his ripped up clothing. The guards seemed to accept this and went back to their posts. Vigil entered the city, still quite confused.
Vigil: Maybe they were doing some sort of drill. Hey where'd my goat horns go?
He patted his head while confused. He decided to just find a place to sleep for now. He hadn't slept in 7 days and was feeling slightly tired. Then an oddly dressed man spotted him and squealed like a pig.
Weirdo: Those pelts, they're xvi wolf pelts. I must have them, what do you want for them.
Vigil: I was going to buy a new sword with them actually so-
Weirdo: A sword? Yes I'll have my personal blacksmith craft you one in exchange for those pelts. It'll be of the highest quality of course.
Vigil: Okay...
~15 minutes later~
Weirdo: So here's the terms of the deal, sign it and pick up the sword tomorrow.
Vigil: Fine by me.
Vigil skimmed the contents and signed his name in some provided ink. Then he left the palace and headed towards the inn district.
Vigil: What kind of city lord wanders around the entrance at night?! Never even introduced himself either. Turns out I'm in the country of Perfuga, Ardebit's neighbour and ally.
Soon he found a decent inn and spent some of the money he found on a room for the night. His torn up shirt wasn't questioned by the innkeeper or other guests. But they gossiped on how it might've happened.
Guest: Did he get mugged by someone?
Innkeeper: No I've seen rips like that, monster attacked him. He must've gotten lucky and backed up quickly since he's got no scars.
Guest: What if he just fell in a thorn bush and tore it up?
Guest: Naw he'd have the back of his shirt torn up too, don't underestimate thorn bushes.
Guest: Who the f*ck cares? Get me another drink.
~The next day~
Vigil left the inn early and wandered the city. He was looking for a market district. Soon he found a really crowded area filled with strange scents and yelling. So he plunged into the crowd.
Soon enough he heard a merchant calling out prices on monster pelts so he went over. He didn't haggle much but the merchant didn't even think to rip him off. Ripping off someone who could kill such strong monsters was a bad idea. Vigil sold all of his monster pelts but kept his animal pelts and the lizard's scales.
Money in this world came with a certain scaling. The smallest coinage had the figure of the assassinated king in chains. It was yellow to remind the commoners to never forget the last great king of Defectus. This country was a former ally of Defectus.
Next up was a green coin worth 50 yellow coins. It was smaller and had a leaf to represent nature magic. The main magic used in Prefuga.
Then there was a red coin with a flame. It represented their current ally, Ardebit. Also it is worth 200 yellow coins or 4 green ones.
Confusingly enough there was another yellow coin worth 1000 yellow coins, 20 green coins, or 5 red ones. This one was bigger than its counterpart and had a lightning bolt shaped hole carved into it. It represented lightning which was said to have once been the country's specialty in the past. Mainly nobles and royalty used them.
There were higher currencies still but they were only used by banks and royalty. These currencies were pieces of paper that were worthless without bankers or royalty.
All the currencies were relatively new. Prefuga's economy went under so they had to establish a new currency system recently. They decided to continue siding with Magianon even after the religion took hold. Believing it was only a minor thing that will pass. But then all the other countries cut off trade. Prefuga went under horribly and Magianon refused to help. After that Prefuga declared war against Magianon and Ardebit helped stabilise their economy.
Prefuga was a wide country rather than a large one. Its border stretched around the mountain range 180 degrees. Ardebit's border covered the other 90 degrees to the Southeast. Magianon held the Southwestern edge of the border. Bordered by Ardebit to the East and Prefuga to the North. The mountains creating a central neutral territory.
Magianon had several forts in the passable areas in the mountains. So the Ardebit army that Vigil fought must have gone through a very rough route. But not as rough as Vigil who just went directly through despite mountains and valleys everywhere.
That's also why they were able to attack Magianon by surprise. Vigil at the time was at the camp at the border between Magianon and Ardebit. So he had to travel West to get there.
Overall Vigil got 3 red, 2 green, and 25 small yellow coins from selling monster pelts. This was a fairly high amount but you have to climb a mountain to get pelts like it. Vigil was now as wealthy as a minor noble or semi-successful merchant.
He used 5 of the small yellow coins to buy a simple shirt. He then changed into it and was satisfied.
After this he slipped the cash into his rucksack and headed off to the palace. This wasn't the capital of course, but city lords all had their own palace.
This lord despite being weird was no exception to this. He headed up to the palace then presented the contract to a guard. The guard skimmed it then went inside. A few minutes later he lead him inside. He was brought before the strange city lord once again.
Weirdo(City Lord): Sorry but the blacksmith has hit a bump in his work. Good thing the contract just says today not morning or my honour would be in danger. Go ahead and meet up with him if you want.
~10 minutes later~
Vigil was in a forge standing in front of a short chubby man. It was a dwarf, a paranoid half race that were good with their hands. Often left their ancestral homes to find new ones and sometimes found their way into human society.
Their individualism stemming from extreme paranoia gives them several skills that make them highly sought after. But as a result their social skills are low. When learning other languages they only learn what's necessary to be understood.
Dwarf: Nice beard.
Vigil: uh thanks, about the sword?
Dwarf: Haven't started, no inspiration.
Vigil: I normally use this blade, could it help you at all?
Vigil handed over the dull lizard blade. The dwarf grabbed it without regard for manners. He rapped it with his knuckles, licked the blade, and overall looked it over before looking satisfied.
Dwarf: Dull but make good sword core. Put metal around it. Very hard but need cleaning. Covered in strange bloods. Second thought leave blood, good for enchant. Got anything other?
Vigil: got some lizard scales.
Vigil pulled out a handful of lizard scales. The dwarf once again swiped them and checked them over.
Dwarf: Good for decorative on handle. Conducts magic, put in sword at parts. Create laylines for enchant.
Vigil handed over some more. The dwarf took them and started up his forge. The temperature got much higher in a short period of time. The dwarf seemed to disregard his presence now.
Dwarf: Leave, come back later.
The dwarf called out to him without looking at him. Vigil listened to him and left. He went back to city and spent 1 green coin on food.
By the time he was done an hour had passed. The rest of the customers and the staff were staring at him. He ate enough for 10 people. He shrugged and left.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
~Hours later~
Vigil went about the city. Loitering about and checking out all the sights. Being in a country that accepted half races and magic, Prefuga had some unique sights compared to Magianon.
There were half races like centaurs, dwarves, cat people, and the odd elf keeping themselves hidden. Elves were very feminine and beautiful. So they had to hide themselves around humans, even the males, or they'd be surrounded by guys. Some didn't give up even after hearing that they were a guy, which female elves sometimes use as an excuse.
There was also gadgets made using magic. Rock platforms floated above the crowds carrying noblemen. Then entertainers put on shows using tricks fuelled by sleight of hand and magic, amazing both young and old.
Vigil wanted to learn magic even more. But he wanted to learn from an arch-mage and none were in the city. Soon night fell while he was enjoying himself. So he headed up towards the palace once again.
The guards were swapped out with the guys that saw him yesterday night. So he was able to pass through easily. He headed straight for the forge.
In the forge he found the dwarf sleeping. But the dwarf woke up upon hearing the door open. Before he could even say anything the dwarf talked.
Dwarf: Sword with Fatem for safe. Go away.
Vigil left the forge confused. So he went into the palace. The king was in a meeting so he had to wait.
~2 hours later~
Vigil was finally admitted in as a fat nobleman left. He came before the city lord.
Weirdo(City Lord): Ah yes, Vigil is it? Your sword got finished hours ago, Daedalus handed it over to me then. I gave it to one of my painters. He wanted to borrow it for a portrait, a beautiful blade it is. He should be done now, Minister Lardem go fetch painter Cæcus and the sword.
Lardem: Yes my lord
Lardem hobbled away. Vigil turned and looked at the strange city lord.
Weirdo(City Lord): Yes?
Vigil: So you're the Fatem that the dwarf mentioned.
Fatem: Ah yes sorry, both me and Daedalus are bad at introductions. The blade itself is quite impressive. Had my court wizard apply an enchantment on it to keep it sharp for longer and liquids will flow straight off it. Much more practical than fire enchantments don't you agree.
Vigil: Yeah a fire enchantment will hurt more but close up the wound. Raises the enemies chances of survival.
Fatem: Not what I meant but sounds interesting. What lands do you fare from? You're not a citizen of Prefuga I'm guessing.
Vigil: I'm from the lands of Magianon, but I do not share its sentiments.
Fatem: That's good, wish more of them were like that.
After that they were interrupted by a young man covered in paint barging in with a portrait. Lardem followed behind holding the sword.
Cæcus: What is the meaning of this?! You're giving the sword away for some wolf pelts?!
Fatem: Xvi wolf pelts, it's a fair trade.
Cæcus: It is the most beautiful blade I've ever seen. No other blade has ever inspired me to paint it. There is no fairness in the trade.
Fatem: Well you've already painted it, and the contract is already signed. Besides I've heard from Daedalus that most of the materials to make it were provided by Vigil here.
Cæcus conceded defeat and hung his shoulders low. Lardem handed the blade to Fatem. Fatem stood and unsheathed the blade.
The blade was sleek and long. It glowed with an eerie glint hinting at extreme sharpness. The handle was a dull brown wrapped with reddish string. Pulsating brown lines covered the blade of the sword. The ugliness of the brown created contrast with the shininess of the blade. Drawing the eye and making it seem odd. Add in the magical aura surrounding it and it felt alien. On one side was strange unfamiliar lettering on the blade. On the other Vigil was embedded on it. Both created using holes in the blade revealing the brownish scales underneath. The bone blade was even further in.
Fatem struggled with its weight. The sword was very thick and was sharp on both sides. It was meant for slashing back and forth with great force. But there was a tip so it could be used for stabbing too. It was the size of a small person with the weight to match/surpass it. Fatem came down and handed it over to Vigil.
Vigil received the sword and sheath. He lifted it with ease and smiled. Then he sheathed it and put it on his back.
Cæcus meanwhile was setting up the painting on an easel. He wanted to know the lord's impression of it. Fatem looked over towards Cæcus and saw what he was doing. After Cæcus set it up he observed the painting.
Fatem: Good job Cæcus you've got both sides and the sheath perfect. It'll make a good edition to the West wing.
Cæcus seemed to glow at the praise. The painting itself was amazing. It was simply the sheath and both sides of the sword painted next to each other. But each were painted realistically and near perfect with each detail. Cæcus even painted Vigil at the top, thinking it was the name of the sword.
Lardem: The strange lettering on the other side is Daedalus's signature right?
Fatem: Yeah, he puts it on all his swords. Typical craftsman branding, but dwarves are many times more cautious about it. No repeats of the same brand happen, ever.
They then turned to ask Vigil's opinion of the painting. But Vigil was nowhere to be seen. Vigil already left and was on his way to leave the city.
Vigil: There should be some archmages in the capital. Already got some directions from that restaurant too.
~2 years later~
Vigil arrived in the capital city of Ardebit. The capital of Prefuga had no archmages. So Vigil looped back around towards Ardebit. On the way he spent 2 red coins on food expenses and clothes. He only had one red and 20 yellow coins left. He also exchanged them for Ardebit coinage.
Since Prefuga's economy was saved by Ardebit. Prefuga's coinage system was very similar. Everything was the same except for the engraved images and the highest coin was purple not yellow.
At this point his appearance was quite unusual. He didn't bother shaving so his beard was down to his bellybutton. While clothes were slightly torn from traveling. He carried an extremely fancy looking sword on his back. With a rucksack filled until it was bulging with some rips on it. Guards immediately stopped him.
Guard: Halt, this is the city Quatour Temporum. Capital of the Ardebit empire. State your business or leave.
Vigil: I'm here to trade some animal pelts and to find a magic instructor if I can. I'm a traveler that doesn't rely on society so magic would be valuable to me.
Guard: Whatever, I'll just search you for contraband then you can go on ahead.
The guard searched Vigil and his belongings. He looked confused at the ivory necklaces and surprised at the pelts in the rucksack. Eventually he let him through.
Guard: Freaks every day, gotta get relocated to a frontier city or something. I'd feel safer around bandits than city folk and travellers.
The inside of the city was amazing. It was split into 4 quarters. The slums which lied on the West side of the city. The market district which lied to the North. The magician district which lied to the South. Finally the noble district lied to the East. In the center of the city was the royal palace surrounded by a moat and central plaza. The only bridge to the palace was on the East side.
This format obviously discriminated against the poor heavily. Allowing some nobles and royalty to go their whole lives without seeing a poor person. It also made most travellers leave the city in order to get to the market district from the magician district and vice versa.
Vigil entered from the north, into the market district. The streets immediately got crowded. Strange smells assaulted his nose and the noise raped his ears. Like all markets but bigger in every way. This included prices that were called out.
Vigil approached a merchant advertising prices on monster parts. The merchant grimaced at his clothes but then smiled at the ivory necklaces.
Merchant: Ah a man with good taste in decorations. Would you like some dryad roots? They'd make for better materials to make a necklace that'll last longer than your current one. That grass, give or take, will only last a month. Only 1 red coin per necklace and it'll last over a year.
Vigil: It's lasted me 3 years already and not even frilled yet. Mountain grasses are tougher than Dryad roots then? Well anyways I'm here to sell. I heard you're selling monster parts, though I thought dryads were a half race.
Merchant: Dryads are a grey area when it comes to categorisation. Selling? That's fine by me. But I'm quite filled up with stock now, so I won't be able to pay much.
Vigil put the rucksack on a part of the merchant's stand that wasn't covered with wares. He then pulled out the pelts and exoskeletons of a few monsters.
Merchant: Oh my these are quite high quality here. Would you give me a discount if I buy in bulk.
~10 minutes later~
Vigil walked away 5 red coins and 2 green coins richer. Now he only had a single tiger pelt and some lizard scales left in his rucksack. Now making him have 6 red coins, 2 green coins, and 20 yellow coins. The merchant would've gave him a purple coin but merchants never have those.
Vigil thought he haggled quite nicely. Until he overheard the merchant advertising the pelts he just sold for 5 times the price. Vigil was slightly angry at this but continued on.
He walked Southeast since that was the quickest way to the magician district. But he was stopped at the border between the market district and noble district.
Guard: Only noblemen are allowed to pass through the noble district.
Vigil: Not even a way to just pass through to the magician district?
Guard: Leave the city and go around to the South gate. Or travel through the slums. Now leave I have things to do.
As Vigil walked away he noticed the guard continue standing there. Doing absolutely nothing.
Vigil: Might as well pass through the slums. I've heard its easy to get lost in but it sounds faster than leaving the city.
~1 hour later~
Vigil was currently in the slums and was completely lost. Buildings in the slums were everywhere from one to six stories high. The roads curved erratically and went underground at times. Sometimes he wasn't sure if it was even a road or a person's roof.
The people were all grimy and hairy. So he sorta fit in with his beard and torn clothes. But his sword stuck out like a sore thumb. Soon a few guys appeared in front of him, blocking his way. They were the same as the other people in the area except they had weapons.
Vigil: Do you know the way to the magician district?
The thieves were taken slightly aback. One that seemed to be the leader walked forwards a step.
Thief Leader: Yeah we know, drop all your possessions and we'll lead you over there.
Vigil: No can do, I can however give you 10 yellow coins for leading me. Trust me you won't win in a fight against me.
Bandit Leader: Ok
The thieves immediately disappeared out of sight. Vigil was slightly confused by this. Then continued down the path he was heading.
~1 hour later~
Vigil found himself even more lost than before. Now he couldn't even see the city walls. Night came about at this time. With it came the prostitutes and sleazy guys.
Some women approached Vigil, especially because of his sword. But he ignored them and kept walking. They grumbled but moved on to easier catches.
Vigil eventually reached a dead end. He turned around to loop back and take another route. Instead he was blocked off by 20 thieves.
Vigil: They took my comment seriously and grabbed backup. Clever and cautious thieves. Their leader is quite competent. Unfortunately for them, they're against me.
Vigil unsheathed the sword. The magic aura around the sword activated. He found that it's aura got bigger as he owned it. He was somehow making the enchantment stronger unconsciously.
Some of the thieves became pale in fear. The others became excited as the sword would be worth a fortune. Vigil took in their reactions closely then charged the fearful thieves.
They ran away in terror. The other thieves quickly replaced the running ones and tried surrounding Vigil. In response Vigil suddenly stopped and shoved his sword behind him. A scream echoed as he hit a thief trying to attack him from behind.
He fell to the ground, dead on contact. The other ones hesitated as a result. Vigil used this to kill three of them in a row with a single horizontal slash, decapitating them.
There was only 6 thieves and leader left. Vigil swung his blade lightly, scattering the blood on the sword into their faces.
They all closed their eyes reflexively. When the leader opened his eyes all the thieves other than him died already. He felt cold steel touch his neck. Blood being drawn with barely a touch.
Vigil: Soooo you gonna lead me to the magician district? Or...?
An evil glint passed through Vigil's eyes. The leader gave a look of resignation. So Vigil pulled his sword away from his neck.
Thief Leader: Why are you going to the magician district?
Vigil: To find an archmage.
The thief leader started laughing. Then pulled out a rag and pressed it up against his neck cut.
Thief Leader: There's no archmages in the magician district. Only in the royal palace and noble district. Wait there is one elsewhere, but...
Vigil: Lead me to him.
~10 minutes later~
They were standing in front of a ruin that claimed to be a bar. They were still in the slums. Vigil looked towards the thief leader skeptically.
Vigil: You expect me to believe there's an archmage here?
Thief Leader: A self proclaimed one, but his skill is real. We tried to rob him once. Our numbers were cut in half, that's when we numbered 50. His magic is weird though. There he is!
As he said so a guy wearing mage robes was thrown out of the bar. Mage robes were normally coloured and designed to show rank and type. But his was too dirty to discern anything.
Vigil: Are you an archmage?
Archmage?: Sugatis globus ignis super asinam!
A fireball formed at his fingertip which flew towards Vigil. Vigil tried blocking with his sword but it curved around his body. It then hit him in the ass, lighting his pants on fire. Vigil patted it out in irritation.
Archmage?: Haha yesssssss I am. Archmage Culus at yer service.
Vigil: That was quite the weak spell, but a strange effect.
Culus: Truuue, I learned it allll in a book.
Vigil: Such strange spell casting. Normally one would just say the word of a generic spell then cast it. He used the ancient language and made a unique spell. It would surely be useful.
Vigil: Where is this book?
Culus: I think I sold it to settle some debts. Suuuuuckers it's in a language only I can read.
Vigil: Well than you're useless. Who'd you sell it to?
Culus: Want to learn magic, I'll teach ya for one red coin.
Vigil: Sounds good enough. Maybe you'll spew the location of the book out sooner or later.
Vigil handed Culus a red coin. Culus got up and stared blankly at the coin.
Culus: Sweet I would've been fine with a yellow coin. Foreigners don't know how to haggle. Quick followwwww me. *hiccup*
~15 minutes later~
They were standing around outside of the Western gate, over by a ruined building. Unlike the North gate, there was no farmland. Simply rocky flatland, ruined buildings, and two drunk guards.
Culus: Watch thiiiiiiiis!
He pointed his finger at the ruined building. Nothing happened for a few seconds. Vigil turned towards Culus.
Vigil: What's supposed-
Mid-way through his sentence the building exploded violently. Vigil and Culus were thrown to to the ground. One of guards fainted and fell to the ground. The other guard woke up, picked his nose, then fell back to sleep.
Vigil lifted himself up and looked at Culus. Culus was rolling on the ground while moaning.
Vigil: What the hell was that?!
Culus: Tried crushing the building but had to pee halfway through.
Vigil: But there was no incantation.
Vigil: None is needed, simply a super something concentrate. Ah I forgot.
Vigil looked back towards the building. It had collapsed but no debris flew from it. Like Culus said it crushed slightly inward then went awry and exploded. Vigil then helped Culus stand up.
Vigil: Go to the bathroom real quick. Then start to teach me how to do it.
Culus: Already taken care of. Leeeeet's learrrn magic.
~1 year later~
Vigil was able to use this strange magic somewhat. Culus was a horrible teacher that taught by example. Problem is that he didn't know what he was doing either.
Culus: Okay I've taught you everything I know.
Vigil: What are you talking about?! You've only taught me the basics. I'm nowhere near mastering it yet.
Culus: Here's the book I learned from as a graduation gift.
Vigil: Thanks for teaching me master Culus. I'll miss you.
Vigil took the book and was about to leave when Culus stomped his foot. Vigil turned back to see Culus looking angry.
Culus: No graduation gift for your teacher. C'mon anything but money, pass it along.
Vigil looked at Culus while annoyed. He pulled out a tiger pelt from his rucksack and passed it over. Culus glared at Vigil for a few seconds then took the pelt.
~1 hour later~
Vigil left the city happily. He was eager to find a secluded place to read the book. Delve into its secrets. In a nearby forest he opened the book to find everything unreadable.
Vigil: What?! Was he telling the truth, only he can read it?!
He flipped through more pages for a clue. Anything that could help him. At the last page he found the author's name. The name was Aliquid.
~Meanwhile with Culus~
Culus, also known as the mad mage of the slums, was running around while roaring at people. He was wearing the tiger pelt on his back.
He traveled through the entire slums. Slipped into the market district. There he terrorised young kids, while avoiding the merchants he owed money to.
Soon he reached the border between the market district and noble district. To the guard's dismay he climbed a building and started hopping between buildings.
All the way to the bridge leading to the royal palace. Several guards stood on this bridge.
Culus: Mass Confusion
A high level mind spell was cast on all the guards. It wasn't one of his homemade spells. It was the proving spell of an illusion archmage.
The guards became confused and started moving around. Bumping into each other and falling into the water. Culus slipped by them and entered the palace before the spell wore off.
His clothes changed from a muddy brown to a drab gray. The markings of an archmage appeared on it. He smiled and barged into the throne room.
Culus: King Magnus, my worst nemisis, prepare to die. You may have foiled my plans last time, but this time for sure. I'll get revenge for Mentior Nomen.
Magnus: Crown prince Angustia, why can't you be normal like your brothers? Who's this Mentior Nomen anyways?!
In response Angustia giggled to himself a little bit. Then he waved the paws of his tiger pelt and roared.
Angustia: Look at what I found!
Magnus: You leave home for four years after stealing a national treasure. Then come back with a tiger pelt?! Where's the book?
Angustia: Translated the first paragraph in 3 years. Found an interesting person, gave him a bit of magic training. Then traded the book for this pelt.
The king sighed and rubbed his temples. Then looked at the son who was supposed to succeed himself.
Magnus: Go to your room before you cause any more chaos.
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The three concepts I had while making this chapter: Leave country, learn magic, get an ambition or become determined like Aliquid. Decided to split this into two chapters. Since it'll be so big. Made it a bit nonsensical at times but my writing style depends heavily on my mood. Also shooting a goat will often attract predators, like bears, that have learned what a bullet sounds like.
Wth?! There was a spelling mistake in the very first word for like a month. Lol why didn't anyone tell me.
Next chapter: http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=8588