-I understand- said the young man at the reception desk while his companion was diligently checking the board for something related to a carnivorous plant. On said board are all the sheets of the current missions in progress, highlighting the amount of gold one would earn by completing any of those missions.
Only quests that could pose a danger to an adventurer's life grant a certain amount of gold as a bonus for danger of death. In porcelain rank quests the danger of death is not as high and so the bonus is not very high either, but they are still present.
Another case where this danger applies could be Christopher's last mission, to subdue the Goblin with the magic sword. Compared to simply going outside the city walls to pick fruit, fighting a Goblin with a magic sword poses a greater risk of death. In addition, Christopher was even more in danger by having to get rid of a carnivorous plant.
Being informed about the missions one decides to take greatly reduces the level of danger one will have to face because with such information one could make plans in advance.
Selestia could not resist the urge to take a closer look at the inner leaf of the plant, even touching the tip with her index finger. With wonder but some fear she observed those strange tentacles which were used to keep the prey from escaping - being eaten by a plant... I can't imagine the desperation of its victims.
-That's what I thought- Christopher looked at the leaf again, remembering the severed hand of some victim of the plant -apparently it had eaten someone, that's why I had no other option but to get rid of it, as the future Governor I must worry about the well-being of my city-.
-That's very kind of you, Lord Christopher- apparently the young receptionist had found what she was searching for so hard -and let me inform you that there is still an active request for the subjugation of a carnivorous plant right in the vicinity where the Goblin used to lurk. It's the one you killed-.
-You are very lucky, little brother- laughed Selestia -So, how would the Goblin's mission turn out? I think the story about how the plant ate the Goblin is quite true, since the carnivorous plant was in the area of the Goblin. So...-.
-Don't worry Lady Selestia- added the young man at the reception desk -the reward will be delivered in full, both for the subjugation of the Goblin and also for the carnivorous plant, including the bonus for exposure to danger belonging to each of those missions-.
Although Christopher wanted to hide it, he couldn't help but let out the air coming from his lungs accompanied with quite a bit of relief because he would feel a little bad if in the end, he didn't collect the reward for the subjugation of the Goblin that made him waste his time.
A few adventurers approached the place, curious about what was happening and wanting to know what kind of mission the young Lord of Gignit had taken. Everyone was even more surprised when they noticed that a sword, which matched the magic sword of a certain subjugation mission, was lying on the counter and next to it a leaf that many recognized as the characteristic leaf which covered the jaws of a carnivorous plant.
-So Lord Christopher completed the troublesome Goblin's mission with the magic sword- an adventurer apparently the same age as them had commented while others looked very cautiously at the sword.
-Don't touch it- said one, reprimanding his companion -it could be activated-.
"It was obvious that only Lord Christopher could take charge," added one of the many curious adventurers.
-I think Lady Selestia could have also completed the quest- said another adventurer -she is also very strong-.
Selestia's Elf ears managed to hear the comments directed towards her, causing her to blush very heavily and unable to help but laugh like a fool.
-And you say that I'm the one who doesn't know how to behave in public?- he joked causing Selestia to pout angrily -don't make fun of me-.
The receptionists finished the calculations and informed Christopher of the total reward - then Lord Christopher, for having completed the mission of subjugating the Goblin, would receive fifteen gold coins plus another five as a bonus for exposure to danger. In total, twenty gold coins.
Now it was the lady's turn to give the result corresponding to the subjugation of the carnivorous plant - regarding the carnivorous plant, the mission for completing it grants a reward of six gold coins plus three per plus giving a total of nine gold coins. With this you have earned a total of twenty-nine gold coins for having successfully completed the two missions.
The young receptionist rejoined the conversation - in case you want to sell the sword and the blade, because it is only a blade, but it is in relatively good condition so the guild offers you a total of five gold coins for it, and for the sword... -.
"I don't want to sell the sword yet," Christopher had to refuse, because if he wanted to sell it, it would be better to go to a specialized weapons store.
-I understand, Lord Christopher- continued the young man at the reception desk -then adding up all the rewards plus what the guild offered for the plant leaf, you will receive a total of thirty-four gold coins-.
Christopher smiled quite happily. Selestia raised her eyebrows because despite the missions being of PORCELAIN rank, they had rewarded her very well - despite the missions being of porcelain rank, we could say that you have obtained a good amount of gold coins, of course, for a porcelain rank.
-You were truly very lucky, Lord Christopher- commented the young receptionist -lately there are many PORCELAIN rank adventurers who, like you and Lady Selestia, have incredible potential as adventurers. In my opinion, they are only one step away from ascending to the Bronze rank, they could be stronger than both of you-.
-Who knows- added Christopher- but if they really are good adventurers, that would benefit the city a lot- with what her brother had said Selestia nodded. What he meant was that with very strong people in the city it would not be attacked very often by slavers or mercenaries, it would also help a lot in the defenses in case of invasion.
-It's obvious that you'll really be a good governor- the young receptionist smiled again, Selestia looked at her brother and couldn't help but feel so proud of him. She always thought that, he really will be a wonderful governor. Obviously there was still a long time for that and all because of a certain Elven Magic spell that Valentina cast on Alexander:
Race Magic: Elf Magic: Shared Souls.
The story consisted of Valentina tying Alexander's soul to her own, with this Alexander's life span would be the same as Valentina's, they could live and love each other for a good number of years. Compared to the Elves who can live from one thousand five hundred to three thousand years, human life is absolutely ephemeral. If the girls didn't realize it, Christopher and Alexander would go to heaven leaving them sad and alone.
They couldn't bear so much sadness and on more than one occasion both of them have declared that they would be totally unhappy. That's why Valentina joined the soul of her lover with hers, in that way both of them would depart to the other side together and at the same time. With Christopher, Selestia would do the same, she wouldn't let her brother leave before her. She would unite her soul with Christopher's, but in the case of these two they would wait for him to be a few years older and perhaps find someone to spend their life with.
This is a topic for another time, so let's continue with Selestia. Unfortunately, she won't be able to be the Governor alongside Christopher, although this doesn't affect her in the least because she has made it clear on thousands of occasions that she doesn't want to have the role of Governor. She would be happy to be her brother's right hand and help her beloved city with everything she can, because, even if she can't govern, the city is also hers as a Hope.
-So- said Christopher, placing the magic sword back on his back, right next to his usual sword -we're leaving, although we might come back later to do a mission... together- he had to add that last bit because at the mention of the sentence Selestia set her sharp eyes judging Christopher's integrity. In short, he didn't want to be reprimanded by her.
-Alright- Selestia joked. They prepared to leave the place, but just at that moment the door of the guild was opened from the inside. At that moment all the PORCELAIN rank adventurers who were in the area replenishing themselves with certain supplies or in search of a new weapon tried to look inside the guild, in truth they did everything possible but they didn't succeed because, as soon as the door opened it closed again.
-We already told you- said the man who had just left the guild while laughing -you won't be able to see the inside from the outside because there is one more door before the inside of the guild, if you want to see the inside, go up a rank- he laughed while the others whistled and shouted that it was an injustice, although this only made the man laugh with more amusement.
-My rookies- the man called to those in charge of the reception outside -how's everything going here?- he rubbed each of their heads hard, leaving them completely disheveled, to the total displeasure of the beautiful lady who today had a very nice hairstyle. -Has anyone already taken charge of that Goblin's mission? Or will it be necessary for us to change it to a BRONZE rank mission?- Apparently this guy would be in charge of taking and publishing the mission requests and placing them on the boards.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
-In fact, sir, Lord Christopher was the one who took charge here- the young man pointed towards Christopher who greeted him with a sincere smile.
-Oh- said the guy with a good face -long time no see! I hope you are always well- he greeted them.
-Good morning to you, Mr. Marcos- Selestia, a true Lady with manners worthy of the children of governors -I see that you are still in such good health-.
The man nodded with a smile. Christopher added with a mischievous look -we would see each other more often if you let us into the guild-.
-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA- he laughed -you never miss an opportunity! You know that by the guild rules I can't let them in unless they rise to BRONZE rank- now he looked at the magic sword on Christopher's back, he recognized it instantly because its characteristics matched the one the Goblin used -so that's the cursed magic sword that was wielded by the Goblin, as expected of you young Lord-.
-Well, what did you expect?- Christopher pointed at himself with his thumb. -I even think that the mission was made just for me-. Selestia patted her head because once again Christopher let out his ego which was a tremendous mass of confidence, which in the end is not bad at all. One must have a lot of confidence to perform certain acts, such as going on missions.
-I see- the subject replied -I expected nothing less from you-.
-It's strange to see you outside the guild, Mr. Marcos- commented the young woman at the reception -will you add a new PORCELAIN rank mission to the board?-.
Marcos sighed with some weariness -that's right- he said -we've received thousands of requests for Zombie elimination- he touched his head -these Zombies have devoured more than one unwary person who was not careful enough, I'll put it as PORCELAIN rank since it's something they themselves could carry out. I would like you to inform all PORCELAIN rank adventurers about Zombie elimination missions as soon as possible from now on, because we don't want all the corpses buried in the area to rise as Zombies. It would be a real headache-.
Zombies are capable of turning corpses within range of their essence into more zombies. A person will not automatically become a zombie if only one of them bites him, but if many have bitten him and after a few hours he will die due to his infected wounds caused by the bite.
They are simply dead creatures that have come back to life due to magic, the so-called undead, they wander around eating living creatures that cross their path.
Luckily, they are unable to run, a bite from them could be fatal, not because one would turn or anything like that, but because of the diseases that could be caused by being bitten by something that is already in a state of putrefaction.
When a Zombie has completely lost all of its skin, flesh, organs, and other things, leaving only its bones, it becomes a walking skeleton. Zombies are capable of fighting and still retain the instinct to want to eat meat, even though they can no longer do so.
Selestia couldn't understand why Christopher's eyes were as wide as if they were a pair of plates. The shock hit him very strongly and he looked down at the ground - he completely forgot about Letia's body... -.
He cursed himself for forgetting something so crucial and important. He didn't even blink for a short period of time. His mind only went back to the exact moment he helped Roger and Macky leave the place, leaving Letia's body completely out in the open. What had him so worried was not only the possibility of him turning into a zombie. But also that some hungry beast would find his body and make it its breakfast and/or lunch.
-How could I have forgotten about her body- he reproached himself once again.
He turned around and walked away from the place step by step.
-Hey, Christopher?- Selestia called out as she and all the guild workers looked at him extremely strangely. Selestia looked at the group of three bowing -thank you very much for all the work you do and I really apologize for my brother's rudeness for not saying goodbye to you properly-.
She also left the place leaving the three workers quite thoughtful.
"It seems that something has bothered you," the young receptionist commented.
-He seemed to be quite scared, didn't you see his eyes? It was as if fear had taken hold of them- this time it was the young receptionist.
-Whatever it is- the boss commented -apparently it has to do with the Zombies-.
Selestia tried to run trying to catch up with Christopher, but after just a few steps she stumbled and almost fell to the ground, she managed to regain her balance and stood on her two feet -Christopher, what happened to you?... OH these sandals don't let me run properly- Selestia's current outfit was not suitable for an adventure and her shoes only allow her to walk calmly.
She called her brother several times until he deigned to stop and pay attention to her. She approached him. "Christopher, what's wrong with you and why did you act like that?" She finally caught up with him. "Look at me and don't lie to me." She grabbed him by the cheeks, forcing him to look directly into her green eyes. "What's bothering you? Tell me."
-Letia...- he said.
Selestia looked at her brother in surprise, but the name was familiar enough. She remembered that earlier Christopher had spoken about the older sister of the boys he rescued. And how she suffered years of agony before perishing in such a horrible and terrible way.
-She is the older sister of the boys you brought- Christopher nodded- but I don't understand, what does she have to do with all this?-.
-Her body is still in the same place where she fell dead- Selestia's eyes widened, now she understood her brother's reaction. Her lifeless body could turn into a Zombie in case they wander near her body. Luckily, Zombies prefer living prey to dead ones, perhaps the reason is because they somehow try to cling to life.
-I can't let her become a Zombie- he clenched his fists -that demi-human has already been through too much hell... her soul must be resting in peace, now it's time for her body to become one with KOSMOS again-.
I look at the ground with sad eyes. Roger had told me that Letia's dream was to be free and live here in the city. At least I want to bury her here.
Selestia didn't know what the hell to say, she wanted to accompany him, but with her current clothes it would be difficult for her to fight. It's not that she couldn't take off her shoes or anything, but the truth is that the clothes themselves wouldn't protect her from absolutely anything and unlike his brother, he was in the right state for a battle.
-Just don't take too long and take care of yourself- she touched her forehead to his for a few moments, this is something that only brothers do, it's like wishing good luck when the brother goes somewhere.
Christopher turned around and ran away as fast as he could, once again heading towards the outer territory of the city.
Meanwhile, Selestia sighed in total stress -too many things are happening: slavers, kidnappings, zombies... what's missing now?- she prepared to head home. She thought for a moment -I wonder what the guild messenger and my parents talked about...-.
And at that moment something caught his attention, to one side, towards an area with not so many people. More precisely towards an alley, there he focused his gaze.
-What is that woman doing- she muttered very quietly as she approached them. The woman seemed to be stretching out a small half-human child from the feline clan: cat. From afar she could see the little boy's tail swinging from left to right. And this helped Selestia know that the child was in danger because she recognized the characteristic movements of the half-human. Selestia knows how to read body expressions and although she still cannot see the child's face, from the movements of his tail she knew how to decipher that the little boy was terrified.
Moreover, it seemed like that woman was stretching him totally against his will.
He had no choice but to try to run and stop that woman, he could interrogate her and find out what she was planning to do. -HEY, YOU, LEAVE THAT BOY ALONE- both the little boy and the woman who was trying to take him turned around, each of them having different reactions.
-Lady Selestia- the boy called with teary eyes, although now he was smiling tremendously.
-Oh no!- the girl complained -she is the daughter of the leaders of Gignit- she let go of the child and using all her meager strength she ran towards the alleys trying to lose her possible pursuer.
Luckily, Selestia was one step ahead of this person because while the other party believed themselves capable of escaping, Selestia already considered that possibility.
-Racial Magic: Elf Magic: Persecution- I don't cast it, because as long as the kidnapper is within range she will be able to find her.
-Are you okay?- asked Selestia trying to calm the frightened boy. -Do you know what that woman wanted?-.
-He-He said he was going to take me outside- the little boy said, hugging her.
-From the horrible clothes that woman was wearing, I can deduce and even affirm that she is a slave- I analyzed the situation and it really didn't look good -with this I confirm that there really is an organization kidnapping our people... I must catch her and take her to be interrogated-.
She was lucky that a few guards were going with her, as they happened to be near the place. They quickly approached her, all of them looking totally serious. "Lady Selestia, we heard that you asked someone to stop bothering a child. Can you tell us what exactly happened?"
-It seems that someone has tried to kidnap this child- the faces of both guards turned to one of total shock. They could not believe what they were hearing.
-Kidnap? - said one of them - even with such strict controls? -
Selestia nodded. "It seems that there will be a kidnapping crisis... but now the most important thing is that person who could have conclusive information about this. I must catch him at all costs, so I ask you to call for reinforcements and reach me because I highly doubt that whoever tried to kidnap this child is working alone."
-As you command Lady Selestia- they both said in unison.
-Come with us little one, we will look for your parents-.
Then Selestia looked at her feet and made the best decision possible, she took off her shoes because as already mentioned, they are not suitable for a fight or a race and now what she needed was speed.
-Reinforcement Magic: Leg Strengthening-.
She cast the magic spell on herself, the Strengthening magic spell without any specification strengthens the entire body, this is used when one is already prepared for battle. In this case Selestia used the spell specifically on her legs.
He gained strength only in his legs and consumed less magical energy than usual. He continued with the next magic spell.
-Light Magic: Light Arrows-.
In this case, it only took one arrow for the arrow to head off at high speed in pursuit of its prey. The Elven magic PERSECUSSION was active and until the arrow touched its opponent or the thrower deactivated it, it would continue to pursue its target.
The moment the arrow was shot, Selestia went out at high speed chasing it on the alley paths. She turned right, went straight, turned again and went straight. Until it seemed that the arrow seemed to have accelerated its transit -it's close- she thought dodging some garbage that was thrown on the ground causing her to get angry -I'm fed up with them dirtying my city-.