Blake’s eyes snapped open, and he sat up, getting to his feet while grabbing his shield, walking quickly over to Jessica who was sleeping on her staff by the dwindling fire, shaking her awake.
“Get up, we have company.” he growled then walked past her and kicked Block’s foot, while glancing about, “Block we got things to kill get up.” he then turned a bit and shook Claira’s foot with his free hand. “Come on.” he then walked a bit away and drew his sword.
Jessica got to her feet and looked around, “Blake why are you waking us up it’s not morning.” however she yelped as a creature leaped at her with a growl, but she dodged well enough to avoid being hurt.
“Heavy Guard.” Blake roared and saw the beast was a tall hound of some kind with sharp blade-like protrusions from its joints. And out of the dark three more appeared, all slowly circling him in a wide parameter.
Block stirred awake and he got to his feet quickly as he noticed the beasts, hefting his axe up and ready, eyeing the nearest one to him.
Claira poked her head out and her eyes widened in panic, “Blade hounds…, why?” She stammered before getting out of the tent with her staff raised. “There may be more, they hunt in packs of ten, be careful.”
“If there are they will all be focused on me for five minutes, cut them down as they attack me.” Blake called out then got ready as one rushed at him, but it was impaled by a shard of ice the size of a spear before it could land its attack, he risked a glance at Claira, before shifting back and getting in front of Jessica. “Holy Shield, Holy Blessing, Holy Ward” he roared and willed the magic over his teammates and himself.
“Holy Guardian,” Jessica said from behind him, and he noticed that his armor started to glow a bit. “Power Boost, Magic Boost.” she added, and Blake felt lighter, and the strain of keeping the spells he had got easier.
“Blake, will they follow you if you run?” Claira asked.
Blake raised his sword and cut down one hound that leapt at him. “Yeah, how far do you want me to draw them?” he asked back as he move off and across the road.
He didn’t look about until he heard a faint ‘that’s good’ and came back around to see the pack of nine, but only one looked different, it was a bit bigger, and its coat looked like fur made of blades. He could also see his teammates on the other side of the pack of beasts.
Gripping his sword, a bit tighter, he raised his shield, got ready for the next attack, and noticed Claira directing Block at the big one. Blake roared and rushed a bit forward, getting most of the hounds around the big one rushing him in return. But most of their attack found his barrier, and he cut them down in a quick fashion.
The last five faltered, but Block roared as his axe slammed into the back of the big one, cutting deep, Blake didn’t wait and rushed forward, “shield slam” he said as his shield connected with one, knocking it into its fellows clearing a path to the big one as it turned to bite at Block, reaching it and cutting deep into its forward shoulder. “Power Strike.” he yelled a bit.
The big hound was about the size of Blake on all fours, but it whipped its head back around, its maw was about to lock around Blake’s head. Before magic chains sprang up and pulled it to the ground, Blake turned and closed on a hound that was coming up behind Block, thrusting at it while it leapt, while Block landed a second hit on the big hound that they had to deal with.
Glancing about Blake noticed that they had dealt with all of the creatures while pulling his sword free from the monster. Block was pulling his axe free too, and turned to Blake, “Good job, I didn’t see that one, and Claira doesn’t like using magic if they are on my back, thanks buddy.” he said with a wide smile.
Claira ran up and looked down at the big hound. “Wow, it's a blade wolf, those are rare, it may even have a magic stone.” she said as she pulled out a knife, a glint of greed in her eye. “Block can you butcher the other ones, and show Blake how it is done, the hides are valuable the less damaged they are, and don’t forget the blades in the joints.” she said as she started to roll up her sleeves and started to cut into the creature’s stomach.
Block patted Blake’s shoulder and pointed to the hound Blake killed last. “Best we get to work, looks like our rest is over, Jessica can we use some of the Ywwan beans?” He asked with a turn of his head.
Jessica looked around, “yeah, I’ll make some now and that way we can get back a bit earlier, I’ll also pack the camp up.” she said with a smile.
Blake didn’t need much instruction on skinning, as he and his friends used to go hunting, but when it came to the blades in the creatures, he did get a crash course in how to get the blades out and found the idea of just pull them out as absurd. But watched as Block gripped the blades on both sides tight then yanked them out of the socket, they rested in.
About when Blake got his first one done Jessica walked over with a cup of a deep brown liquid that smelled like coffee, and when asking about it he learned it was made from Ywwan beans, and like coffee, people drink it when they want to wake up, however when he asked about sweetening it the three looked a bit confused, but he let it go as a random idea he just had.
By the time they had finished butchering all the beasts, dawn was pulling into the sky, and the sky shifted from stary black to a slow-shifting blue. Blake had to shake a bit as they got ready to move, carrying his own part of the beasts, they had elected to take with them about a tenth of the meat too, as apparently it was edible. As they walked, an idle chatter over what they would do with the money from the guild for dealing with the beasts started, apparently Block wanted to drink and party, and was content with just that. Claira wanted to use the money to get new equipment for all of them, Which Jessica agreed on. They asked Blake what he wanted, but he shrugged as he wasn’t sure if he really had a say.
As the day got to its zenith, Block turned to Blake. “How did you know the hounds were there, it was Jessica’s watch, no?” he asked with a surprising bit of inquisitiveness.
Blake smiled at the question, “I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t think you would have believed me otherwise, but I have a blessing from Jal that makes it impossible for me to be caught off guard, I am awoken if anything starts to come at me with aggression. That is why I said I can sleep anywhere, and I knew we had company.” Blake said, before shifting a bit to adjust his pack and excess load.
Block started to think over the answer, but Jessica smiled, “Block it means that we really don’t need to have shifts to keep watch as Blake will wake up if anyone wants to hurt us.” She said to the tall man, getting him to understand as he smiled too.
“Oh, then we can sleep all the time when Blake is next to us?” Block asked with a genuine wish to confirm his thoughts on the subject.
“Yea, Blake is the perfect guard dog when we are on an adventure.” Claira said then glanced around her pack and slowed down to walk next to Blake. “I am sorry, I was surprised when you just ran off earlier, I wasn’t trying to use you as bait or anything. It was the best move I could think of.”
Blake thought it over, he hadn’t even thought of that as what she was doing. “It’s ok, I may have been really injured but I think I could have still won, but I would have just left the bodies so thanks for teaching me about how useful monster bits are, By the way, did we get a magic stone?”
Claira looked a bit shocked for a second and then lost her speed as she thought over what he said before catching back up. “Yeah, we did, it is not that big, but I think it's worth at least twenty silvers, which is a good amount.” she said while looking at a small semi-transparent stone about the size of a large walnut “But we wouldn’t know until we get back to the guild, luckily they always have a receptionist on hand even at night.”
“I need to register too. Do you know if there is anything I need to know?” Blake asked as she put the stone back into her pouch.
“Well, it’s three copper to take the entrance exam, but with your letter, they may overlook that part, you will need to get a reading down on your power rank and class so they can assign you a level.” Claira said back but noticed Blake’s confused expression. “The lowest level is E, then D, then C, and so on until you get past A, then you got your four levels for the best of the best, you have S, SC, SA, WE. you gain a new level every twenty over twenty you got, we are D because we are for the most part close to forty, I am interested to see how powerful you are. You did kill a troll, so I think you are at least upper A for sure.”
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Blake looked skywards for a bit, “I think that would be about right, but I don’t have a lot of experience yet if that counts then I may be more of an upper B” he said before looking back to Claira. “Besides I don’t think I would be anything higher. Also, does the guild have any connection with the kingdom?” He asked after a second.
“No, the guild is independent, they have Halls all over the world, and in nearly every nation, even in the Sundom Empire to the far East, they will cooperate with nations as long as the nation doesn’t actively do anything to a member that hasn’t broken the bi-laws. If you do break the Bi-laws they will happily throw you out, so don’t do anything stupid, ok.” She said back, with a smile, but under the expression, there was a fear that Blake saw but didn’t pry into.
Blake smiled and looked back forward as the gates of the town were now in sight, its overall shape was a hexagon, with two layers of walls, the outer one was a thick curtain wall about one hundred feet deep, and about forty feet tall, the gatehouse was maybe ten feet taller and had a massive gate of heavy wood and iron reinforcement, the inner wall was a bit thinner at under fifty feet deep and about the same height as the outer. The guards Blake could see were dressed in chainmail with helmets and carried hooked spears, but they paid them no mind as apparently a few words with Claira was all they needed to let them pass, not even checking Blake at all.
The inside was a bustling street of merchants and towns folk going about their day, or what was left of it as it was a bit past noon. He could see different stalls selling everything from vegetables and fruits to meats and bread, along with jewelry and cheap equipment, some second-hand gear, or new and freshly forged items.
As he and the party reached their destination, he looked up a bit at the four-story building that looked like a giant box. The inside was open with a caged pit in the middle of what would have been a courtyard, tables line most of the bottom floor, and he could see many different races and had to force himself not to stare at a few.
The chatter was a bit overwhelming at first, but he focused on his teammates as they led the way to a counter where a board-looking receptionist sat reading over a few bits of paper. She was human as far as Blake could tell, she looked up at Claira as they approached and scanned the group, not noticing or not bothering to care for Blake’s presence.
“You are back so soon, how did the troll hunt go?” She asked with a bit of annoyance.
“Oh, that mission is complicated, we are back to sell off some blade hounds, and blade wolf parts including a magic stone,” Claira said back “And may I say you are radiant as ever Quni.”
The receptionist let out a noncommittal hum and reached over to some papers before handing it to Claira, “Fill this out then go to the drop-off, can I put the troll hunt request back on the board as you failed.”
“No, we didn’t, we just didn’t get to it in time. Blake?” Claira said.
Blake walked up and stood before reaching for his pouch and getting the letter out, while Claira kept talking, “Meet the newest member of Raven’s wing, Blake, he was the one that killed the troll, we would like you to register him right now as he did help with the hounds too.” Claira said with a note of pride.
“Sorry for this, this is a letter from the chief of Yari’s Yard, it will explain everything,” Blake said with a nervous smile.
The receptionist took the letter and put it to the side, before raising to her feet “Yeah, sure he did, some hunters kill a troll on his own. Grow up Claira, you can’t expect me to believe that. I will …” she said with a tone that would freeze the unruliest children in their tracks. But was cut off by Blake.
“The chief also said that I am free to inform you that he will pull the guild right to hunt in the forests around Yari’s Yard if his letter is disregarded.” Blake said back not shrinking from the woman, his eyes narrowing on her.
She stared him down for a second before snatching the letter back up and starting to read it. Her progress stopped a few times to look at the seal or to look at Blake, but she finally finished the letter and looked up at him. “Is the content of this letter true?” She finally asked.
“I have not read it.” Blake said back before reaching for it. But she pulled back and read it again, then sighed.
“Very well Blake, we will measure your rank, please follow me.” she said as she walked away and led him to a wall that had a dark glass-like material over it that was framed in a silver finish with an arcane scroll on the inner edge. “Please place your hand in the middle and we will see your rank.” she gestured to the wall.
Blake didn’t mind so he put his hand on it and watched as the wall started showing the information in his statistics window and had to smile as the information was a nice sight to him.
Name: Blake Winters. Class: Paladin. Race: human.
Current power rank: 88, current biological age: 25, actual chronological age: 25.
Health points: 300/300, Spell Points: 150/150, Spell Power: 56, Energy points: 125/125
Strength: 62, Dexterity: 48, Constitution: 51,
Intelligence: 41, Wisdom: 36, Charisma: 39,
Trust: 32, Faith: 12, Honor: 5.
Physical Skills: Halberd proficiency (Famed), longsword proficiency(skilled), bow proficiency(trained), heavy armor proficiency(skilled), shield combat proficiency(trained).
Magic Skills: Basic Light Magic, Intermediate Light Magic, Advance Light Magic, Basic Holy Magic, Intermediate holy magic, advanced holy magic, magic proficiency(renowned).
Abilities
Energy point abilities: Power Strike, Rend, Shield Slam, Heavy Guard, Devastating Blow, Rebuke, Cleave, Sunder, Blade Wind, Power Lunge.
Spell point abilities: Smite, heal, cure conditions, dispel curses, dispel magic, quick recovery, holy blessing, holy ward, holy shield, Hallowed binding, death respite, sun flare, burning smite, greater heal, Solar Forge, Light Prison, Light Weapon, Light Barrier.
Unique abilities: Judge’s eye (passive), Trainer (passive).
Blessings: Blessing of the Long Breath, Blessing of Life tongue, Blessing of the Peerless, Blessing of the Indomitable (16%), Divine Emissary (Justice, Honor, Life), Blessing of farewells x 2, Penta-loved.
Titles: Troll Slayer, Daemon of the Forest Moon, Champion of Yari’s Yard.
Current equipment.
Weapons: Long sword.
Armor: Scale coat, oak shield.
Blake noticed as the chatter died out, as anyone within line of sight was reading off his information. “Is this enough?” he asks the woman who was staring a bit slack-jawed, getting her to snap out and nod, as he removed his hand, the information disappeared, and Jessica tackled him.
“See Claira, the gods favor him, and they made him strong to overcome any challenge.” She said after letting him go and jumping about in joy.
“I guess you are right he is powerful and now he is on our team. Right, Blake?” Claira asked with a pointed tone and smile.
Blake looked over to her and then over to Block who seem nervous. “Yeah, I have to watch Block’s back, we are friends, right, big buddy?” Blake asked out to the man.
“Yeah!” Block roared after a second and rushed over, bear-hugging Blake again. “We are Good friends because you are kind to Block.” He said before letting Blake down. “And I’ll watch your back, Little Buddy.”
The receptionist let out a sigh, “ok, welcome to the adventurer’s guild, please come this way to register and get marked down as a part of the Raven wing team.” she said, and Blake move to follow but he was blocked by a man about Blake’s height dressed in a light set of armor, with a large sword on his back.
“Hey newbie, I saw your score. Look, I don’t know what they offered you, but I think I can do better.” The man said, as he reached around Blake and over his shoulder turning him to a table, where there were about four others, three women, dress in what Blake honestly thought was little more than lingerie with bits of armor that would not protect at all. and a man that was completely covering every inch of exposed skin in dark leather with a hood too, but Blake saw something that disturbed him more, and that was the slave marks on all the women. “We are the most powerful team in the guild, we can get you to dive with us and you will be rich and famous. We have the best rooms, and we always have a fun time, it will be great, what do you say about that. Come and join the Iron Jaws, you will love it, we are an A-rank team.”
Blake could hear the sound of Jessica shuffling a bit behind him, along with Claira growling a bit, and Block muttering to himself. But he took a deep breath, before pulling the man’s arm off him and turning to the receptionist. “Excuse me, miss Quni, what is the guild rules in regard to slaves?”
“Umm, you can have a slave in your party as long as you confirm it with us.” she said back a bit confused by the sudden question.
“And are you allowed to enslave guild mates?” Blake asked and tightened his grip on the man’s hand.
“No, that would be a breach of our Bi-laws, you can’t enslave a party mate as it would allow you to overpower them and potentially abuse the power to your own ends. Breaking this law would result in immediate expulsion from the guild and a warrant for the perpetrator's arrest.” she said back still a bit bewildered.
“Last question before I do anything.” Blake started and tightened his grip again forcing the man to a knee. “Does Iron Jaws have any slaves?”
“No, they don’t, they are all free persons, that has been the case for three years now.” She said back.
Blake didn't take his eyes off the man in his grip but raised his second hand to the table. “Dispel Magic, Dispel Curses.” He said into the silence and heard the three women let out sighs and started to cry and cursing the man. “You Mother fucker, you didn’t read fast enough, my judge’s eyes can’t be lied to, you can’t be hidden from them with illusions, and I can see Slave marks. Did you really think I would agree to work with a slaver piece of shit like you? The only reason you are still drawing breath is because I am not sure if I am allowed to cut you down right here and now.” Blake growled as two men in uniforms walked up and took the man away in cuffs.
He then turned and walked up to the three women kneeling down and throwing his cloak for them to use. Standing up and looking around the hall at the gathered crowd. “They have suffered enough, lend a cloak if you can, and can someone see to them having a safe place for them to stay tonight.” Blake ordered and a few women followed, coming to the three and helping them back onto their feet, and leading them away.
Blake turned back to his teammate and noticed the appreciation and joy at his handling of the matter, and gave them a curt nod before coming back over to the receptionist, “Sorry about that, oaths to the gods are going to be a bitch, can I ask you what are the bi-laws about interacting with someone's slaves?”
“As long as you don’t directly harm or free them without their owner’s permission, then you are fine. Please place your hand on this.” She said before placing a small tablet on the counter, and Blake followed, the tablet glowed for a second then a small card of the same kind of metal slipped out.
“And are there any teams with slaves right now in the guild?” he asked pointedly.
“No, the last team that had a slave are raven wing, but they had Block before he was made a slave. They work pretty hard to gather up the money and free him.” She said before handing him the card. “Regardless, I think the Guild will be relying on you to help root out people who abuse the slave markets. Your eyes gave the proof we needed, and it linked everything that that team had accomplished into a neat explanation of their exponential growth.”
“I’ll be happy to help, about the troll and goblins?” He asked and got the hall to quiet again.
“We will authorize the release of the reward money in a little bit, you had just arrived and while you definitely meet the criteria for accomplishing such feats, we do need to send someone to verify” she said with a nervous smile, but she wasn’t lying.
“Thank you, that is not a problem, let me know if the guild needs help.” Blake said back and walked back over to the three teammates he had gotten, smiling at them as he did. “Well, looks like I'll have to wait for the reward money from the troll and goblin camp I raided. Why don’t we turn in these hounds and have a drink?”