Ambros handed Eku his cup of tea as the old dragon man sat down. “Mmmmm, that is truly horrendous, Ambros. You have somehow managed to not only mix together leaves and flowers that should never be mixed, but you have also managed to scald the tea. I'm impressed. You do know Grave Wort is poisonous?” He said while pouring the cup out on the lawn. “Yeah, I'm still working on the finer details. One day I'll find a coffee house, and all of my woes will end.” Ambros answered, grimacing as he took a sip. Yeah, it was pretty vile, and he had no idea what made it have a sulfuric smell. Maybe he should incorporate it into his torture routine.
Noticing Eku held out a cup to him, he discarded his tea and accepted it. It was a small cup, thin and short. Inside was liquid heaven. It had the consistency and creaminess of a freshly poured espresso, but he noticed higher floral components and a darker foam than most arabica beans gave. It smelled like a south american bean from the highlands, mid-roasted. His hand shook as he brought it up to his mouth, his body and mind quivering in anticipation of the caffeinated beverage created to give humanity a peek of heaven.
It took a few attempts, but Eku finally got Ambros back on track after asking him if he and the cup would need a moment back in Ambros's room?
“There is a traitor in the settlement leadership. Maybe more than one.” Eku just waved a hand at him to continue. “I spoke to one of those frog men, a battle leader.” He started. “Spoke may be too generous a word. I was torturing it since the regular frog men had been shouting that the Reaper was dead, considering that's the nickname they have for me after I started burning down their huts. I still don't think they have connected the nickname to me personally, but you know, I'll take it. Figuring it would be nice to know why they thought I was dead. Turns out I am very much still alive. I know. I was shocked too. The frogman eventually admitted the War Leader had made a deal with someone in the settlement so the raids would stop for a night. That many human battle leaders would die, and The Reaper would be slain. Apparently, my nightly escapades have become something of a headache for the leaders in the outer camp. They have been having issues making battle leaders move their camps to the inner ring.” Ambros gave Eku a look out of the side of his eye. He did not have any changes to his expression, as far as Ambros could tell.
“I think horde wants to bring a great working or cast a grand spell inside the outer ring.” Now Eku reacted. Unsomming his cup of coffee, he turned to Ambros and said, “Go on.”
Summoning a black marble pillar about half as tall as Ambros with a thin gold disk standing vertically out of its end, he said. “I caught a few battle leaders carrying variations of this, heading for barricade outside the mustering field. Strange enough as that is, I know this is an incomplete rune sequence. This one says earth and is surrounded by a sequence to empower the rune and transfer the power onto the next rune in the main sequence. The two other types I gathered were wave and take.”
Tapping the disk, he continued, “From what I have gathered, using runes to cause changes in the mundane world is not something that is done in this place. Blast it, Eku. It's not done in the one I came from, either. I only discovered it by accident and started digging in archives that had been left untouched for longer than there had been humans on my world... That begs the question of how did they get a hold of the knowledge, what is the full sequence and where they are setting it up. You don't engrave runes like this to summon a rabbit out of a hat.” Looking at his empty cup for a moment, he said, “They will also need a massive Energy stone to power it if the sequence is long enough. Im talking big big. Unless they have someone who is a lot more powerful than you running around.” While pointing at the tallest tower that had a massive crystal standing on it.
Eku handed Ambros another cup before he answered. “That is troubling. From what you are describing, it sounds like they are setting up an array for a theurgy casting. It is the only explanation I can come up with that fits what is known about the Ranaestantes. Unless, as you said, they have an Immortal to do the casting, they will need a lot of Energy stones. Even then, most of those joining in will die from the Energy demand of even the simplest theurgy casting.” Eku seemed lost in his own mind for a few moments.
“They will need a large underground area close to the inner ring to set it up. If it was out in the open, the guard would have seen it by now. No, we will need to go through every basement close to the barricade and the inner ring. Tonight.”
Waving a hand in a circle, Eku continued, “As to how they have this knowledge. Lemadis is an old world, Ambros, one where the inhabitants failed to protect their home from outside invaders. The imperials are merely another group from the outside making their marks there. Who knows how old the rift world of the Endless Cities is? There are uncounted mysteries buried in the past of both worlds. Now, as to there being a traitor. Yes, we know. The upper leadership, at least. We have yet to pinpoint the person or people. However, it is being handled.”
Ambros wanted to say it could be the Castellan but held his tongue. Eku would have mentioned it if he was a suspect, and there was no love lost between them as far as Ambros knew.
“So, I need to use the system node and…” Eku chuckled and rose up. “My unruly disciple comes feeling vulnerable and weak, seeking safety in my presence. Have I failed as a master? Will I ever achieve Samadhi? Fine. I have things that need doing in the guild too. Come along.” Ambros concluded Eku had a few marbles loose. That was alright. He also concluded that those that didn't show it from time to time were probably just hiding something much worse.
He found it amusing that Eku didn't need to get a defense placement as they passed the guards. “So, how is Whisper doing? Oh, right here. I'm not too sure what I'm supposed to do with this.” Throwing over the Energy stone he got from the behemoth as they walked past the still somewhat functioning shops and services in the north district. Eku grabbed it and had it studied it closely for a few moments before he said, “So you managed to kill a Ranaestantes goliath. That speaks well about your plan with the arbalest. Cleverly made artifacts, they do break down at the most inconvenient times. Some say they have been cursed by heaven. Personally, I think it is just a matter of using something as intricate as those enough times, and they will eventually fail. It is the problem with artifacts. Too many delicate small parts rely on precise engravings to make the whole work.” Ambros thought behemoth fit the thing better. It had been enormous.
“Whisper is fine. She will need some days to recover after her ordeals. The cleansing of steps is a difficult process. Remember to bring her something nice the next time you see her. I'll give you twelve platinum for each of the Energy stones you bring of that size. It's of middle quality, but the size of it still makes it very valuable.” Ambros could only nod. It was a fair amount, as far as he could tell. Then Eku did something he never thought was even remotely possible. The dragon man popped the Energy stone in his mouth and started eating it while he handed Ambros a stack of platinum coins he quickly stored. The crunching and popping sounds coming from Eku were strange, like someone eating glass.
Finally done with his snack, Eku turned his head to Ambros and said, “I suggest you refrain from trying that unless your bloodline has some drastic changes in the future.”
Ambros finally lay down in one of the stone coffins. He was happy to see the guild had added security to roam the hallway too. Closing his eyes for a moment in the darkness, he relaxed and let his mind wander for a moment before the familiar light exploded and stars covered his vision.
Welcome Questor Ambros Mardux
Attribute distribution
System shop
Checking the System shop, he was close, so close, but no cigar. Twenty million five hundred and ninety-four thousand and five hundred and seventy-two. So close.
Attribute distribution
Unspent attribute points: 14
Body: 50 ( E )
Mind: 46 ( E )
Spirit: 28 ( E )
Four attributes in Mind and ten in Spirit was a no brainer. He only needed to reach sixty-nine now, Ambros thought as everything turned dark.
Opening his eyes an unknown time later, he was gratified to notice that nothing had exploded or tried to kill him as far as he could tell. With a soft touch of the lid, he felt the mechanism that was supposed to open the lid take hold and lift it the rest of the way. Funny, he had never noticed it before. Normally he just pushed it off, but it would be like forcefully opening an automatic door.
Stepping out of the coffin, he saw Eku standing by the door with his eyes closed and head leaning to the side. The old dragon man's eyes opened the moment Ambros's feet hit the floor, however.
“How is the progress disciple?” Ambros smiled and sent his attribute page over to the dragon man. Wait… Since when was he able to do that, or when was even that a thing. The idea had just come to him.
Name: Ambros Mardux
Race: Human, variant. Grafted Primus modus, Sanguis Kronos,
Titles: Eques, Reaper Apprentice
Class: Arcanist
Level: 63
Experience: 20,177/24,390
System rank: Questor*
System points: 20,594,572
Circle: Neophyte
Step: 6/6
Body: 50 ( E )
Mind: 50 ( E )
Spirit: 38 ( E )
Unspent attribute points: 0
Active Skill: Analyze ( E ), Meditation ( E ), Arcane Sight ( D ), Sanctum ( F )
Passive Skill: Mana-Core ( F ), Revitalize ( E ), Omnilingual ( A ), Giant Slayer V ( E ), Toughness IIII ( F ), Adaptive Vision ( E )
Spells: Arcane Bolt ( E ), Arcane Shield ( D ), Control Heat ( E ), Control Earth ( D ), Control Wind ( E ), Control Water ( E ), Stasis ( F )
Deciding it was another quirk of the system, he answered, “Getting close, Eku, getting really close. I only need six more levels. The problem is I don't know how much more my mana needs compressing. I also need to be back at the mustering grounds to get whatever brats decided to show up fit enough to lead night patrols.”
Eku raised that non-existent eyebrow at him and said. “You compress it until you can't compress it anymore. I'm starting to realize your quick rise to power may be a bit problematic. You now expect everything to happen overnight. My boy. It takes most people hundreds of years to reach the point you are at now. When you finally become adept, I strongly advise you to build out your foundation, or you will fall when you finally grow too tall. As to the noble sons you are about to impart your wisdom on, they all are graduates of the war academy and come with their own contingent of guards. I doubt you will need to train them as much as you think. Just getting them to go out at night and contribute is a victory you should be proud of. No, make it a competition. That will get their blood boiling soon enough. Now, I must be going, and so must you. Seek me out if you find anything more pertaining to the grand casting.” With that, Eku was out the door.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Ambros decided to skip the merit exchange simply because he wanted to beat his last serrated teeth delivery. He did wave at his friends in passing though. That he now had twenty-two platinum coins to his name may have affected his decision slightly. He wasn't running out of funds for the moment.
Exiting the guild, he was about to turn north to a store he knew Whisper enjoyed when horror struck him. He had failed. Failed as a person. Field as a human and failed the great and all mighty god of coffee. Ambros had forgotten to ask Eku where he had gotten the coffee from.
A short time later, a smiling Ambros stood in the exact same spot, now armed with new and vital knowledge.
Picking up the soaps and scents, he knew Whisper enjoyed. He was, for the first time, able to actually differentiate between the smells. He could appreciate the different variations of similar smells and how they blended into a greater whole. He could pick out the undertones that brought memories of spring and summer. Was this how it was to be female? Did they go around with their senses bombarded like this all the time? No wonder Whisper seemed to have so many emotions rolling around in her at once. The few times the bond broke open, he thought she might be slightly insane. Now he was beginning to realize they just lived in completely different worlds. Waving farewell to the clearly amused shopkeeper, he headed to the inner ring. He would still have time to open an account, he thought, looking at the sun's position.
The bank was surprisingly easy to find. It was on the east side of the inner ring. A place he hadn't really been to. With its marble columns, he almost thought he was back on Earth during the Greek revival of the nineteenth century. It was uncanny. A surprisingly chipper doorman opened the door for him when he was at the top of the stairs and bid him welcome to the Guild of Bankers. Ambros almost tipped him but managed to stop himself from that and saying, “You too.” Instead, he managed a “Thank you.” Those new Mind attribute points were already paying dividends.
There were no waiting rooms, just a ballroom-sized open floor with teller counters at the far end and a few deliciously soft couches spaced around the walls. Two enormous staircases framed the counters going up to a second floor, and two open doors on each side of the room.
Before he had decided on which one to go to, a young man in clothes that probably cost more than Ambros's entire last wardrobe had cost came up to him with a wide smile and said. “Good day, Sir. I am attendant Niel. May I inquire about what services we can be of use to you today?” This was not going at all as Ambros had imagined. Where was the snotty bank worker or the guards telling him he was clearly in the wrong place. So far, he had only met one “Young master” and one “Evil villain.” Loosely translated to Stefan and the Castellan. What sort of transport to another world life was this? Should he ask for a refund? Deciding to scrap that line of thought for now, he returned Niel's smile and said, “Why thank you, Neil. A pleasure to meet you. I am Ambros, and I was looking to open an account for personal use, and one that associates of mine could draw on funds from, if possible?” Ha! Take that, Neil. Ambros could be polite too.
“Of course, of course. Right this way, Sir. Ambros,” Gesturing for Ambros to walk with him as they made their way to a door on the right. Ambros soon found himself seated in front of a middle-aged man in good clothes but still not as ostentatious as Niel's had been.
The man leaned forward and said, “Welcome, welcome, Sir. I am Sir. Norman Prisk. A humble associate of this Guild Bank. What can The Bankers Guild do for you today?” Did everyone plan on being nice to him in this place?
Putting his need for drama aside for the moment, Ambros answered Sir. Norman. “A pleasure Sir. Norman. I am Ambros Mardux, and I wanted to enquire about my options for opening an account with the Guild Bank. What I need is an account that allows a few trusted people to access my funds without me needing to be involved in the process further. I also have a few questions about the utility of the account, if what I initially needed is a possibility.”
Norman smiled when Ambros was done talking. “Well, that is refreshing. Someone who is not dressed as a merchant with clear goals when they enter. Yes, this is absolutely possible. There is a business account that could suit you, but unless you plan on taking on loans with the Banking Guild, I think the annual price would be a waste for you, Sir. Ambros. No. An account for you and an account for each of the people you wish to have access to whatever funds you allot them is possibly the best option in this chase. You will be the designated owner of the subsidiary accounts. The people you wish to give access to your funds can only withdraw or deposit money from their respective subsidiary account.”
Standing outside the bank, Ambros wondered how things here sometimes seemed so similar but at the same time so very, very strange. He was holding a gold rectangular card, about half again as big as a regular debit card. On one side, it was inlaid with platinum, a depiction of a Bank with columns and the Banking Guild with some fancy artwork. Ambros could see some of the enchantment in the artwork. The other was blank, with the exception of a small square. If Ambros were to put his thumb on the square, the card would show his account details, including his current balance. If he hit one of the arrows, it would take him to one of the other two accounts he had asked the bank to deliver for him. Whisper and Vanessa would get cards in gold but no platinum inlay on them. The bank representative would have Whisper and Vanessa bind each respective card to them with a drop of blood and get the appropriate signature for the contract. The bank manager had even agreed to drop off what Ambros had purchased for Whisper with the representative he would send. Overall, Ambros was quite pleased with the manager by the end of the conversation. That was likely the entire point when he thought about it.
He had put twenty of his twenty-four platinum on a separate account. It gave him an annual interest at five percent and kept him at the tier he was at and the perks that came with it. He then exchanged six hundred gold for platinum, which left him with ten platinum. Nine of those he divided to each of the three spending accounts and kept one more on him. He still had fifty five gold, four thousand one hundred and sixty-five silver and more than three and a half thousand copper on him, so he wasn't exactly running low on cash either.
The card could transfer directly to businesses that had a Banking Guild account, or the holder would need to go to one of their banks to withdraw cash, or for amounts under ten gold, The Banking Guild had a representative in certain upscale shops or a deal with a few shop owners. Ambros had seen customers pay at Frank's place with cards before. He had just never really thought it was a unified system like this. Overall, he was quite happy with the outcome and the perks that came with his account. Not that he would get much use of them in the rift, but the rift wouldn't be forever. He was starting to feel the travel foot itching badly.
Making his way towards the mustering fields, he realized it would soon be time for his probation to end, and he could become a silver-rank adventurer. A bookworm with a bite. Thinking about how to start integrating the noble brats, he was interrupted when he sensed a man come running towards him. A sergeant of the rift guard. Looking at the clearly flustered man, he stopped and stood waiting.
“Sir Ambros! Thank you for waiting. I am to inform you that there will be a general assembly of the squad leaders that regularly go on night patrol one turn prior to the sun setting at the mustering fields south of the inner ring.” Giving the Sargeant his thanks they parted way. So the old dragon man had pushed through the settlement command to have the search tonight. That was good. The faster they could shut down the ritual, the better. The frog men wouldn't be able to come close enough to the barricade during the day because of the artillery, but once night hit, he was betting on them scrambling to bring in whatever was still missing.
After having his guard post resigned to “Bastion 17” on the northwestern part of the outer ring, he was surprised to find his squad already at a corner of the mustering fields trying to walk in step. Grundan at the front right position calling out left, right, left. That would have worked better if everyone wasn't so focused on not tripping each other that those instructions hadn't become more of a suggestion. Nevertheless, he was impressed at their initiative. When he got within a few dozen feet of the squad, Grundan managed to somehow have them halt without anyone tripping. No saluting though. Ambros had been adamant about that. He had told them to salute the leader when they were in the field was a fast way for someone to plant an arrow in the leader. The reality was that he didn't feel comfortable with it. It wasn't like they were true volunteers.
“Excelent work squad! Grundan to the front if you would.” When Grundan stood in front of him, Ambros summoned a silver star pin he had prepared for this. “Grundan, you are now third in command of the squad. Accept this star as proof of your dedication and determination. You have proven yourself as a survivor. It is my wish that you continue to do so. You will, on top of the regular split, receive three silver from me personally for each night we are called on to do battle.” That was about a third of the yearly salary for a laborer. Turning to address the squad directly, he said, “You are no good to me. To your families. To yourself dead. Your job is to make the enemy die for you. That is what you will be learning here and implementing in the field. When the day finally comes and the settlement is safe. I want to see every one of your faces alive and free. Do you understand!” What followed was a chorus of “Yes, Sir!”, “Yes, my lord!”, “To his lordship.” and about every variation one could think of. They had been enthusiastic, though, so he let it be. He wanted them motivated. He was trying to prove a point, after all. It would not do to spoil it.
By the time he had handed over the dimensional bags and started instructions, he could see a throng of noble guards and nobles making their way toward him. Yeah, that was a lot more than he had planned. He could see closer to fifty nobles rather than the eighteen he had expected. He also counted around seven hundred guards. Turning to his squad, he said, “Grundan! You are in command until further notice. Run them through shooting drills and the same bracing lines as yesterday.” He then started walking towards the nobles coming towards him before Grundan could second guess himself. Swim or drown Grundan. Swim or drown.
Stopping a few hundred steps from them, he could see that the extra nobles were the ones who had witnessed his little exchange at the tea house. Forty-seven in all. That meant between ten and fifteen guards a noble, and from what he could see, those guards did not look like they spent their day sleeping. They looked fit, well armored and dangerous. He could not pick out any that had reached Adept yet, but a surprising amount was at the fifth or sixth steps. This should be interesting.
When they were only about twenty steps apart, the nobles shuffled to a stop. Stood there for a moment before a young man Ambros recognized as Ludwig Stredsbar approached the front and addressed Ambros. “Sir. Ambros Mardux, I present to you the noble scions who heard your rousing speech to war and whose hearts you touched with your plea for help.” So that's how we are playing this. That suited Ambros just fine, and by the looks of a few of the guardsmen, he doubted he could teach these nobles a tenth of what those could anyway.
“It warms my heart, Sir, Ludwig Stredsbar, that so many of you chose to pick up arms in defense of those in need. I am positive songs will be composed in honor of your bravery.” Ludwig was preening… Should he go and pat him on the head too? Would he start to actually glow?
“Even more, I am amazed at the amount of staunch warriors you have brought with you. If you would, I would like a word with them while you refresh yourself before this clearly arduous task.” He finished his speech by summoning a couple of tables within a pavilion tent he had planned to use for when the horde was beaten, and he could sit outside and watch the remains run while having a drink. Filling the tables with all the food and drink he had saved from Frank, they looked ready to break under the weight.
To Ambros's surprise, each and every one of them wanted to introduce themselves when on their way to the tables. The lack of hostility had him on edge, waiting for another dagger in the back.
When the conga line of pampered nobles was finally done, he asked for the guard captains to walk and talk with him. He wanted some distance from the nobles for this next part. The captains quickly had far too many guards surrounding the nobles. It would take an army to get through that… If he played this right, he had an army.
When he considered the distance far enough to not be overheard, he said, “Alright, I expected eighteen of them not… That. It doesn't matter. If we can make this work even better. I know a few of you think you should try to beat me to death for putting your wards in danger. The word of the day here is try. I don't give a crap if they are nobles or beggars. So far, my squad alone has managed to get three hundred and sixty-three children free of the occupied territory. After the last attack on squad leaders, we need you. Each day more die trapped out there while we are sitting on our thumbs and spinning around like nothing is wrong.” Good, a few of them looked more uncomfortable than confrontational now.
“What I need for you is to do what you are already doing, and that's to keep your wards alive. To do that, they now need to learn to survive against the enemy. Since you are the one that knows their skills and capabilities, I will leave that in your hands. I will, however, make damn sure that everyone I can get comes with me out at night and pulls their weight. Now I have some suggestions as to how you can get them integrated with their guards as a team.” He knew they probably already knew what he was about to say, but this was about perception and leadership.
“Set up mock battles, team against team. Make it serious enough that they don't make it into a game. Run capture the flag contest, forcing them to work and plan with you if they want to win. Teach them the weak points of the bloody frogmen. More than anything, have them learn to listen to your command during battle, at least until they are ready to take that command without getting everyone killed. You know what to do. I will announce that the three teams that show the most cooperation will receive five of these each.” He said as he summoned five Energy stones the size of a nail. He still had plenty of those, if not the ones the size of rice-grains.
Looking around at their faces, most were nodding along now, if not speaking up. Maybe it was for the best. He didn't want an argument about this. He wanted them patrolling.
“Tonight, we are to muster an hour before sunset here at the grounds. It is by orders of command. Make sure your wards are there too. Who knows, maybe they will actually get some of the experience they came for.” At that, there were a few chuckles, but he knew most of them were still considering ways to get their wards out of any danger.
An hour before sunrise, the remaining squads and the nobles and their guard stood to the attention in front of a delegation from the central tower. All of the nobles were still there, to his surprise. Eku was also with the central tower people, giving him an amused look.
One of the central tower captains, Ambros had never bothered learning the name of, stepped to the front and in a voice that probably every damn enemy, as much as the people at the grounds, could hear, bellowed. “We have come across intelligence that the horde is attempting to create a ritual that will cause great harm to the outer ring of the settlement. Your orders for tonight are to coordinate with command and clear basements of enemy occupation. Should you come across a large gathering of the horde, you are to immediately send off a red flare. Is this understood?”