The camp. James had heard it from the Tokona, from the Captain, and even their guards over the last few hours of riding, a chaf building up between his legs from his inexperienced. Hed seen the other guards smirking whenever he grunted or tried to change his position.
The camp was built up around a mine discovered by some adventurers a year ago. Mana stones, apparently its this world's equivalent of a gold mine apparently. Although he thought they must have goldmines too. The guards said only one of the adventurers remained, the rest returning to the Empire, buying lordships with their new found riches.
The camp was set at the bottom of a mountain chain, the same one that had hid James's valley. Theyd ridden most of the day James trying to get as much information out of the guards without seeming like he knew nothing. Still he'd gotten several weird looks so he decided to wait, keep quiet.
Late into the day Captain Neil came back to talk to him again.
“What are your plans once you get to camp?” It was a question that made him freeze.
What was his plan? He had been so set on simply surviving the last 24 hours that he hadn't stopped to think properly. He was on a different world, he was sure of that now. He had barely stopped to think about the voice in his head last night, but thinking on it now he knew. Something told him he was a [Hunter] what did that even mean? He had no money, no friends, no clue as to what he was walking into.
“I’m not sure” He answered honestly, He could see she wasn't holding the stone shed used to question him earlier but he couldn't be too careful until he knew what was capable here.
“I have no money, no gear. I’ll need to start again. There are also answers i need that i'm hoping someone can help me with at the camp.”
“What questions? I may be able to help. As for coin, the adventurers guild will have jobs you can take. For gear, hmm. I can authorise the camp guard to lend you some items, given the circumstance. But you would need to return it before the next intake, or at least its value in gold.”
The offer shocked him as much as the initial question. Was this because they thought him an adventurer? Could they tell what he was? Thinking of the books he used to read when he was younger he stared back at the captain. Thankfully she was looking ahead, directing her horse otherwise it may have been a bit awkward.
“Identify” he muttered.
The guard next to him gave him a sideways look, but there was no screen to pop up giving him the information he was after. Sighing in relief he wondered what could be achieved in this world. He had already seen a magical flamethrower and lie detector. Although just because he couldn't see anything it didn't mean others couldn't. Thinking on the skill he had gained [Hunters Accuracy], just another unanswered question.
“I'd be grateful.” he replied.
“Good, what's your preference?” she looked at him curiously now
“Preference?”
“Weapon, armour, i can give you a pack. Not one of holding unfortunately, only the Captains get those.” She answered, waving at one of the other guards to come closer.
Thinking on his [Hunter] Class didn't give him any tips but surely there were some things that carried across worlds.
“A bow and arrows would be ideal.” looking around at the other guards he saw a few had them, noticing the armour and swords, a fucking fantasy world. “A sword and just some cheap leather armour should be fine” he finished.
“Oh that should be enough do you think.” James got the idea that he may have pushed it a little.
He started to backtrack but was cut off.
“Im joking, that is more than acceptable. If anything you may be under equipped for some jobs. But you obviously you can handle yourself, otherwise you wouldn't have left the empire in the first place.” She then turned to the guard she had pulled closer.
“Guardswoman Rivers, can you take James here to the quartermaster when we arrive. Let them know that I've authorised a bow, twenty arrows, leather armour and a shortsword. As well as a pack for him. He's after accommodation too, i thought you could help with that” something unspoken obviously passing between the two.
The new guard looked at James before nodding to the captain. James looked at the guardswoman surprised to see she looked as young as him, if not younger.
“Of course Mam” Guard Rivers responded.
There was no saluting like he would expect in an army but the captain definitely had the respect of the guards. There was nothing more to say and the captain rode back to the front of the riders. Leaving James with the guardswoman.
“Do you know how much further until we reach the camp Miss Rivers?” He asked.
“Another hour or so. You can call me Cila, I'm not a traditionalist like the captain.” She answered.
“Traditionalist?” before he could stop himself he knew he had asked a stupid question, confirmed by the look she gave him.
“Followers of the Veldrum, We haven't heard from them in three milenia. Once the Elves died they stopped giving a fuck about the half breeds they left behind so why should we care for what they said? I haven't prayed to them in the sixty years I've been alive and I'm doing just fine thank you very much.” She ranted.
Sixty years, James did a double take of the guard. She had a smooth face and dark brown hair. She had the muscle and the physique of someone who worked manually. But she didn't look a day over twenty. As he looked she turned, both of them locking eyes, and he felt his face flush as he was caught staring. It was as their eyes met that he saw her fully, a deep forest green met his own mud brown before they moved to her ears. Pointed. Not great points that poked out through her hair, but still it was undeniable. An elf. Although she said the elves were dead leaving behind… half breeds. A half elf then. Of course in a world of dragon men and magic there would be half elves.
“Well, Its nice to meet you Cila” he smiled as he stumbled through the sentence as he felt his flush deepen. A smile crossed Cilas face as they rode in an easy silence.
----------------------------------------
James first saw the camp as they came over a particularly large grassland hill. About five Kilometers away, nestled into the foot of the mountain range was a damn fortress. James stared in shock.
“That's the camp?” He asked.
“That's the front of the camp.” Cila laughed. “It’s nestled into a crevice that runs a good mile between the mountains. Most freshies are surprised when they first see. But the Adventurers who founded the place have never named it. Someone tried to call it Drailsfind, but Lord Merkava shot that down quick.”
Surrounding the entrance to the camp was a large stone wall easily three stories tall, a tower stood in the middle, it looked like every fantasy tower James had ever seen. Standing unnaturally tall for how thin it was, even the roof of the tower was typically purple.
“Is that a watch tower?” He asked Cila
She gave him another sideways look.
“You aint ever seen one of the Academies towers before?”
Shit, he was meant to not ask stupid questions. He was going to need to find a source of some basic information. A bookshop or something.
“Ahh, never in person. I’m from a smaller village. Never had a need for the Academy.” He said. Please believe me.
“Sure” she said. Not looking away from him. But not answering his question either. James tried to look anywhere but back at her.
After riding another five minutes they approached the base of the wall. Up close James was surprised to see the wall wasn't made out of bricks, or stone but a perfectly smooth single rock, reminding him of polished concrete with a single small gate visible. On top of the wall were several more guards pointing bows down at the group. Before the captain called out.
“Guard party returning.”
The guards on top instantly relaxed, obviously recognising the captain's voice before shouting to open the gate.
James found himself bending as they rode through the ten meter long tunnel through the wall. He found it had to believe any sort of wagon would make it through, He put the question to Cila.
“This is a gate for guards and patrols only, leads directly into the guard compound. If you wanted to leave by yourself you'd need to go through the main entrance. There's separate guards there from the Merchants guild who deal with taxes and fees. Coming through with us means you wont need to pay.”
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Taxes, another universal truth.
“I'll take you straight to grab some supplies then show you to an Inn which might be able to take you for a night or two for work instead of coin.” She continued.
Coming out of the tight tunnel James looked around to find himself in a large training yard, the ting of metal on metal as he saw several men and women practising with swords and shields. A whoosh went over his head as he started to straighten, following the sound to his right he looked just in time to see an arrow slam dead centre into a target a hundred meters away. Turning to where the arrow must have come from he saw a mass of fur leaning on a large wooden bow another hundred meters to his left.
“What the” James started before Cila called out.
“Watch it Tkra, head outside the wall if you're going to fire over the gates.” the annoyance in her voice and the other guards' stares made him think this wasn’t a first time occurrence.
The mount of fur just raised a hand, then picked up another arrow waiting for the rest of the guards to filter in.
Following Cilas lead he dismounted the horse, almost falling over as his legs started to regain feeling, a blast of pins and needles shooting down to his feet. After another laugh Cila waved for him to follow, heading towards a large double storied building. Stepping into the building he wasn't surprised to see the bland greyness carried on inside the building, a low ceiling now stood above them letting James know there were definitely more stories above.
Passing down corridor after corridor James was impressed by the blandness that screamed of government building.
“So who employs the guards here? Lord Merkava?” He asked Cila, wondering what government the camp had, did the adventurers who found the mine still have power?
“Lord Merkava is head of the council here who runs the camp. But really it's the coin that comes out of the mine that pays our salaries. And that's still owned by Xangurs Revenge. They own most of the buildings in the camp too” She said, turning into yet another corridor.
“The team that found the mine?” he guessed.
“Yea, it was a fully fledged dungeon when they found it. They were one of the first teams to arrive after the cleansing. One of the only high leveled enough to come. They cleared the Lich that had set up down there then made an agreement with the Empire to build a settlement here.” She explained an excited tone appearing as she talked about the team.
“Only the Rocbreaker remains in the camp now” her tone dropped. “Sticks around to kill any high level monsters that attack, but mostly he stays in the mine.” Finally she stopped at a door knocking loudly.
“What level do you think he is?” James asked, If the Rocbreaker was the one to deal with high level monsters he must be impressive.
“We don't know for sure, Humans don't usually share that information. But i'd say he must be over sixty. Definitely over level fifty for sure. Argle, his teammate bought every drink in every inn in the camp when she hit level sixty before she left for the empire.”
He could tell the team must have been like celebrities the way Cila talked about the Rocbreaker and Argle. He'd have to try and see what level sixty looked like.
“And how far away are you from that level.” He asked, getting a laugh.
“A long, long way. I'm a Level 23 [Guard]” She said “and have a few levels as well from growing up, but nothing too impressive. I only left the clan when I turned fifty.” She said. “What level are..”
Before she could finish the question the door shed knocked on swung open.
“What's your request?” A large man said as he filled the doorway. Literally filled it, James couldn't see an inch into the room despite the door being wide open, the man's bald head stooped to poke out the door as his shoulders and body filled the frame.
“Captain Neil has authorised the following loan equipment for Adventurer James, to be returned before the next intake in either gear or value. One Shortbow with a full quiver. One Shortsword and sheath. One empty pack, and one set of light leathers suitable for a [Hunter].”
“Noted” The man said before stepping back and slamming the door closed once again.
Giving a look to Cila she explained.
“Hin is a detailed guy. Not one for small talk” she shrugged “But he does know exactly how many arrows the camp has at any one time, or how many days of food we have.”
James kept quiet, not wanting to be asked his level again and after a few minutes the door reopened Hin filling the doorway once again.
“Return these three weeks from today, or pay 52 gold pieces.” Hin quickly deposited a bundle of items on the ground before the door once again slammed shut.
“Great. Let's get you to the Golden Griffin.” Cila turned, leading him out of the maze of corridors. He inspected some of his new gear as he followed. Cila continued talking about Xangurs Revenge listing some of their exploits both here and in the empire.
The weight of the sword surprised James as he gave it an experimental swing. How to actually use it was going to be a whole other story but for the first time in awhile he felt like he could finally defend himself instead of relying on the guards.
The leather armor was stiff and hard, although he noticed the edges were smoothed out. Stil he expected a lot more chafing in his future. The armour itself only seemed to consist of a vest, some leather that looked like it would cover his forearms and pants that looked like they would just cover his quads and hamstrings, stopping above the knees. Looks like his Jeans would need to last a while longer yet. He could see a long bundle wrapped in cloth that James assumed to be his bow, but before he could inspect it he realised he'd stepped out into open air. Concrete like buildings stretched in every direction. Boring, muted grey buildings stretching in every direction. The wide street they walked down would easily have accommodated a four lane road, yet there were only a handful of other people that he could see.
“What's with all the grey buildings?” He asked Cila, interrupting a story she'd been saying. Something about an adult Rock?
“Oh, right. I forget they aren't common everywhere. A [Rock Mage] Built most of the buildings in the camp. Well all that Xangurs Revenge built, cheap if you are as connected as they are.” She said.
“And what about the people?” He asked.
“What about them?” She turned, looking back at him.
“Where are they all? There's so many buildings through here but no people?”
Looking around again he could see what looked like shops. Large windows facing the street, however he noticed there was no glass. No signage of any kind.
“Oh, right. You really are a freshie. I told you the camp was only set up a year ago. It's built to hold fifteen thousand. The Empire's capital over here. But currently there's maybe four, five thousand people living here. But they will come.” She said. “There too much this place can offer”
“Gold?” he said. Seeing her nod.
“Gold. But also levels. There're more monsters in these mountains than all of the empire. As a [Hunter] you'll do well there’s not many here yet. I've seen a lot of beasts on the patrols south of here. We usually take one or two down if we can but demand for fresh meat is high. And there's plenty of jobs at the guild that would suit a hunter.”
His stomach dropped at that. He was a [Hunter], he had hoped that people wouldn't expect much from him. Seemed like that was out of the question.
“Yea, that's why i came. Gold and Levels” he lied. Watching Cila as he did, and again his thoughts turned back to Grace, what shed said to him the morning he arrived here. Thrive, don't just survive. He needed levels.
Cila just nodded.
“Same as everyone.”
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An Inn. James had read fantasy a lot as a kid, but as he grew up he slowly changed to playing video games instead. But even he knew the Inn was the centre of any fantasy world, it's where you meet hidden heros, find teammates and hear rumors of treasure hordes ready for the taking.
So he was slightly surprised when they arrived at the Golden Griffin. It looked like a hundred other buildings he walked past. Three stories of oppressive grey stone, This one was slightly different, where others had large spaces for front windows, this one used wooden shutters. He noticed from the open window that there was still no glass inserted, maybe they didn't have glass here? Pushing the door open he braced himself for a wave of sound and questioning looks he would get in any pub this late in the day. The sun just touched the top of the wall surrounding the camp.
Empty, Cila walked past him as if there was nothing wrong, sitting at a table near the bar. Seeing his confused look as he stood by the door she laughed again.
“Not many people come here yet, too far away from the mine for most. And most of the Humans seem to stick to their own establishments.” She watched his face closely as she talked. “I'm sure you'll have no problem with that.” She challenged him.
Finally walking past the entrance James was impressed by the inside, whoever owned the place had definitely tried to make it inviting. Replacing the depressing grey stone of the outside was a brushed sandstone like substance that looked like it had been painted onto the walls. Several large lanterns hung around the roof three meters overhead. About twenty wooden tables filled the centre of the room, spaced out enough that you would hear the talk from the tables surrounding yours but no further. Walking towards Cila he noticed the bar stretched out across the far wall but disappointingly there seemed to be a lack of both alcohol, and someone to serve it.
“I have no problem with non-humans” God that sounded weird to say. “I just haven't met many.”
“Sheltered by the empire. Well let me introduce you to my brother. Vinela, when someone walks into the Inn you're meant to greet them.” She shouted out.
James heard a fumbling from below him before a loud crack resounded behind the bar walking up like some bad gag was a male version of Cila, long black hair reached down to his shoulders as he turned James took him in. He looked human, reminding him of a goth from the early 2000s. Dark eyes, check. Pale skin, check. Expressionless blank look on his face, check.
“I knew it was you. Noone else has come in the last three days. And what would i do if someone did come in, We’ve got no food, no wine. What am I meant to do with them?”
James wasn't sure if it was the tone in his voice or just Vinela’s personality but the temperature in the room seemed to drop. At least he understood why there was nobody here. Why go to an Inn just to do nothing?
“Well I've got you a customer, James needs a room for a few nights.”
Vinelas face brightened at that, turning to look at James for the first time.
“Hmmm, a human? One of your guard friends by the look of his gear. And being a human i'm sure you're after a discount? As if I can spare the coin right now” he asked. James's face instantly flushing as he was left lost for words.
“Well i don't actually have anything to pay with… yet” He mumbled.
Cila laughed as she saw her brother's face turn to a scowl.
“That's not entirely true. He's a [Hunter], survived an abduction from the Tokona. You need food, he can get it. I thought you'd be grateful for that.” A bit of force creeping into her voice.
It was hard to tell which of the two was older, they both seemed to be similar in age but everything he knew about elves was that they aged slowly and were usually a lot older than you expected.
“A [Hunter]” Vinela mused, the scowl now gone. “I can work with that. You bring me enough meat to feed our guests each day and I'll let you stay until we need your room for actual, paying guests. Yes?”
“That sounds great for me. I haven't been here long, are there good hunting spots around? I'm used to hunting in mountains and fjords but none quite as large as i've seen. Do you know where the local [Hunter]s go?” He asked.
He needed to find decent hunting, and didnt want to trek all the way back to the valley to hunt the fucking sheep that had attacked him. He felt revenge was necessary but it could wait, he didn't want to run into any of those gargoyles the Takona had fought.
“You got me a freshie?” Vinela moaned to Cila, who was in the process of standing.
“I got you a [Hunter]. Now I have to get back to report to the captain. Happy hunting James. I'll see you both tomorrow.” She said as she walked to the door, not looking back as her brother's face grew red.
“Fine, look. You can head south out of the camp to the plains, I've heard that there are plenty of rabbits and birds, but there are packs of dogs and wolves that roam them too. Just don't cross the river when you come to it. A Gnoll tribe has claimed the area and they'll put an arrow in your skull before you even think you heard something. If you go east or west along the mountains there should be goats, but you are at risk of gargoyles or worse coming down.” Vinela motioned for him to pick his stuff up and follow, leading him toward the staircase to the left of the bar.
“I’d prefer it if you can get some goats or birds, but rabbits should be acceptable for next week.” he finished.
The staircase led up to a second floor, a corridor running along the back of the building. He could see another staircase at the opposite end leading to the third floor.
“You can have any of these rooms” Vinela said, motioning towards five doors spaced along the corridor. James opened the first one along, entering the room he could see it was as sparsely furnished as the room downstairs, a single bed and wooden chest made the room feel ten times as large as it was. A small window at the end of the room shuttered with wooden flaps rattled as a gust of wind cut down the street.
“If you want to leave with the sun I can wake you beforehand. Unfortunately I have nothing to provide for breakfast. But I'll get something to cook whatever meat you bring back tomorrow.” With that he closed the door. Obviously having had enough to do with him for the day.
“Thanks” He said to the empty room.
Laying his new gear out he practised putting it all on, making sure it would fit. Fifteen minutes later and he felt like a different man. The armour was stiff, needing a good breaking in, he wasn't looking forward to a long hike in it tomorrow but the protection was welcome. The shortsword attached to his hip easy enough, but he would honestly rather run than try and use it at this point.
The best thing though was the bow. It was deceptively big for being called a short bow, but he knew that was only because a longbow was truly massive, standing as tall as a man. This one came up to his stomach when roped. It was held together in the middle by a piece of bone flexible wood winged off in either end. He pulled on the string a few times, finding it a strain on his back and arm if he held it pulled more than a few seconds. He had shot a recurve bow on a friend's farm before but never a traditional bow and wasn't used to the strain on his body.
“I hope [Hunter's accuracy] helps tomorrow or I'm up shit creek.” he said to himself before taking the armour and his clothes off and lying down on the bed. It didn't take long for his thoughts to wonder. His second night in this world, vastly different to the one before. But again his thoughts turned to home, to his parents on the farm, did they even know he was missing?. And again to Grace. A determination filling him as he remembered her words.
“We need to thrive. And that means embracing the world we are in.”
The world we are in.
“I need levels” he said as he fell into a dreamless, and voiceless sleep.