Cless rode the horse-drawn wagon slowly. Despite her Farmer profession giving a bonus to animal handling, she wasn't used to driving a wagon, it was night, and they were crossing the woods. The bear corpse was being kept fresh with Purify spells. She kept tossing Light spells left and right, to the dismay of the forest critters. It was only a few hours later that they reached the town gates. Her trail of Light spells made the part of the road she crossed feel like daylight. After a brief verbal altercation with the guards, she decided to camp outside the gates. It was too late to let a wagon in.
There was a gap of grasslands of about a hundred meters around the palisade before the farms started. She rested the horses, drove them to graze around while Silverfang, Vic and Kurt shared the guard turns. At dawn of the next morning, they returned to the inn.
> Deferred stat allocation +8 Magic, +3 Charisma, +8 Wisdom.
The four basics had no more deferred pools. Strength was over a couple days ago and the others she emptied passing them to Venaris. Well, that and a ton of notifications. After the duel and the visit to the church to pick up her prayer book, Cless promised herself to take a vacation home. She turned around to reach the rear gate of the inn to park the wagon and Karen came out to meet her.
"Hey, bandit hunter girl. I see you got quite the haul, eh?"
"Yes. I think there will be a very thankful merchant today," Cless replied.
Karen opened the gate and Cless drove in. They put the horses in the pens and Cless pushed the loaded wagon to a side with Silverfang's help. They went inside as Karen taunted her.
"It is good to level up and get some Stats, right? I bet you could've pulled the cart and carried the horses at the same time."
"I'm too tired to retort," Cless answered with a deadpan expression. "I'm taking Venaris to the bathing room, we'll clean it and get on with our day."
"Suit yourself. Hey, just for the record, how much did you rig today's duel?"
Cless craned her neck to glare at her aunt. She was too happy. And what was her interest in the duel? She came up with one theory.
"I rigged it a lot. If Venaris doesn't win today I'm going to wear a bikini armor for a week."
"Cless!" The gnome protested.
"Oh. That's something," Karen stopped to think and then ushered the girls in. "Thanks. Off you go. Wash and take out the grime of the road."
Cless went to the bathing room and started to undress with Venaris.
"She's running a betting pool for this duel, I'm sure of it." Cless conjectured.
They washed their clothes, bathed and set to soak in the tubs. Cless felt envious of Venaris. The gnome could stretch her legs and even float in the tub.
After cleaning the room, Cless looked at the damp clothes. She got an idea. Running her fingers from the top down through the fabric, she used [Weavertouch] and willed the threads to wring themselves and expel the water. It happened just like she thought. It also allowed her to sense early frayings and repair the fabric. Cless thought of the bolts of fabric in the wagon and opened a giddy smile.
The morning routine at the inn was the same. Clean the common room, wash the mugs from yesterday, prepare breakfast. Chat with Josie.
"And then I was stargazing and talking to Sandra with a cup of balm mint tea and she told me she joined a guild! A guild! Shane visited her and told her he had forty people in his guild and he'd pay her good money if she worked as a Cleric for them. I think they call themselves the Orc Slayers. Can you believe it?"
Forty people? Cless almost choked on her mead. Good luck, Shane. Cless didn't envy him. "It will be hard to equip that many people."
"Yes, that was what I thought too! But then Shane told her of those hidden weapon caches they had in the woods, with hundreds of weapons. They are leaving today to retrieve the weapons!"
Even though they tried to gang rape her, Cless couldn't help but feel happy for them. She took her fair compensation out of them and the adventure they shared together was enough to wash out the bitter taste of that night at the abandoned warehouse.
After finishing her breakfast, Cless called a kid and sent him with word of the wagon's recovery to the garrison. She took the bear corpse and went with her retinue to the church. They were received by the nuns and some kids they usually taught to in the mornings.
The children suffered an initial shock of seeing the monster boys but after a few minutes, some brave kids warmed up to them and dragged the three away to play. All the children joined the monster boys in revelry. It was not an everyday event seeing a chimera-killing lycan merrily playing fetch. It made Cless question her world views. Her own impressions, the knowledge from the gnomes, and the budding Wisdom Stat all pointed to one thing.
The faith she believed in her whole life was fake. The work the nuns and the priest did for the community was real. And very welcome. The teachings were not all bad. The parts about striving to better oneself, of making the best of opportunities, of helping each other were good. The problem was this imaginary construct called One God. It was a mask, a cover for what might be the real truth of the world. Misdirection to drive the faith of the people elsewhere. The prejudice against the non-humans.
She heard an alluring song. Cless' felt a fog envelop her mind and her whole attention focused on Kurt. The mawarpy was singing and ruffling his feathers while the boys were covering his ears and booing. She saw all the girls, the nuns, and even Venaris moving closer to him. Even Cless was going, an irresistible drive to get near him. Touch those feathers. Drink in that marvelous song.
Cless felt something was wrong and focused her mind. She snapped out of it and the song became distorted and off-key.
"Kurt, STOP!"
The mawarpy stopped his singing and the females snapped out of their trance. Kurt shrugged and made an oops face. Cless stomped there and demanded to know what happened.
"Oh. These pretty girls asked me what was my special power, I showed them. I have a beautiful singing voice, don't I, Cless?" The laid-back bird-person explained.
"Yes. Kurt, come here with me for a minute." Cless took the mawarpy and went away from prying ears. "Gift Kurt the [Perfect pitch] Skill," She commanded her Skill. The notification played and it was done.
He ruffled his feathers and cooed. "Oh. That's quite the gift, Cless. Now my perfect singing voice will be even better."
"Good. Can you sing without entrancing the females?"
Kurt tilted his head, befuddled. "What is the point of singing if not to entrance and win the hearts of the females?"
"Then don't sing. It is dangerous. Humans have different tastes. We'll talk about it later."
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She turned to go back to the group of nuns when Kurt gently wrapped his wing feathers around her, bringing Cless in an embrace. "I see what you want. Very well, Cless." He sang by her ear with a soft whisper, "I'll sing only for you, my mistress."
Cless felt goosebumps all over her body. She had to admit, the bird-boy was alluring. Worse yet, he knew it. He spread his tail feathers and strutted away, victorious.
After one more Purification spell, they took the bear corpse to the backyard of the church and dismantled it. Butchering was also covered by the farmer profession. Cless took the pelt with the intact head and donated the meat to the church. The entrails, as usual, were Silverfang's but Vic asked to get the heart and liver. Nobody objected.
After cleaning her clothes with her [Weavertouch] talent, which she was loving, by the way, Cless went to meet the Priest.
"Child! How wonderful to see you in good health!" The old priest opened his arms to receive her.
"Father. I've come to pay my respects and request one item."
He smiled and it melted Cless worries. If she couldn't trust the man that raised her, what would be of her? "I've seen the bear through the window. Thank you for giving us the meat."
She waved a hand dismissively, "Think nothing of it, Father. I had nothing to do with the meat and I am in no need of coin."
"That's marvelous, Cless. I do pray every day that you find peace, prosperity, and happiness."
"Appreciated, Father. I came today to ask for the Priestess spellbook."
The old man almost jumped in joy. "Already? Oh, that is so fortuitous, Cless! It delights me that you are walking the steps of faith. Say, wouldn't you cast a Hallow for this old man?"
"Surely, Father," Cless bowed and used the abridged version of the spell. "Hallow!"
The golden ring of light flashed, crossed through the walls of the church and into the streets surrounding the building. The priest was focused, inspecting her magic.
"That's very strong! You see, that's the effect of the Cleric and Priestess classes compounding on the spell power. Very good indeed. Did you invest points in Magic and Intellect?"
Oh, so there is a reason to keep the previous class. Good to know after the fact. "Yes, Father. I did invest quite some points in Magic and Intellect."
"Marvelous. Come with me and I'll give you the books," The priest motioned for Cless to follow him. She did.
"Books, Father?" Cless asked. She was rather afraid of the answer.
"Yes. You see, from the third tier and onward, you won't find the classes in that book the Association has. It is quite incomplete. I will give you two books for your third tier class, you pick your choice and return me the other one, yes?"
"Of course, Father. Should I return the Cleric one as well?"
"Nonsense. That book is yours, you should review and meditate on your prayers every now and then, even the basic ones. Now you can have these."
He got the three books. Priest, Curate, and Vicar.
"The Curate focus on curing things that even normal Holy magic can't. And the Vicar is entrusted with creating his own church branch."
She twitched and fought to keep her mouth shut. She wanted to return the Vicar spellbook right away but it might offend the Priest. "Thank you, Father. If you are not too busy, could we talk a little?"
"Of course. Let's move to the kitchen, I'm in the mood for some black tea."
They went and after warming some water, both had a cup of tea.
"Father, do you know of a place called Midgard?" Cless asked straight away.
"Of course," The priest answered unfazed. "We are there now. Midgard is one of the old names for this world we live in."
"Is the One God from Midgard?" Cless asked avoiding the Priest's gaze. She wasn't feeling comfortable to tell him everything. It was painful for her to not trust her father figure.
"No. The One God is from nowhere, Cless."
She had to look up. She felt like the Priest could read everything she was thinking as if her eyes were windows to tell him everything she was thinking of.
"Does the One God even exist, Father?" She bit her tongue after she delivered the question. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
"No," He answered nonchalantly. "Why did you ask if you already knew the truth?"
'He can totally read my mind,' Cless thought.
"No. I can't read your mind. But I know you well enough, girl." Now he showed some reaction. "Don't test me. If you don't trust me, go away."
That was a shitty reaction and probably some guilt tripping. "Fine!" Cless glared at him. "Tell me about my mother and how a mob enticed by the church killed her and burned me."
"If I tell you, you'll lose my protection." The priest's answer was what Cless already expected. "Did Karen tell you?"
"Of course not. That stubborn aunt of mine held to her promises like a drowned man to flotsam. Balthus didn't quip a word either. Oh, no, scratch that. I didn't talk to Balthus yet."
"I see. It was foolish of me to doubt her. Not even for you..." The priest sank into his thoughts for a minute and then returned. "How do you know that then?"
"I remembered the fire. I went to Witch Hill and the memory of the fire returned. Then Karen told me what she could. That is not enough. Do you know of Desire and Legacy?"
He nodded. "I know. I must say, you are quite knowledgeable. Some scholars take forever to learn these things."
"I had help." Cless bragged.
"The gnome girl." The Priest fished.
"Not her. Her elders. The orcs destroyed the gnome village. I could only save Venaris."
"Fair enough. Yes, it is all true. The Ruler of Midgard was the one that granted us Skills and Dungeons. But the Dungeons betrayed us."
"Father, is the Ruler of Midgard a god?"
He smiled and sipped his tea to leave the question hanging. "That depends, Cless. What is a god? How would you know a god? Through their power? Level one thousand persons, wouldn't they be gods then?"
Now he freaked her out. She was feeling quite strong at level fifty, but level one thousand? "Is there any?"
"Fortunately, not." He chortled.
"Back to Desire and Legacy. I know my Desire. But I have no idea of my Legacy." She explained and left the implicit question hanging in the air.
"Don't lie to me, Cless. You do." He was serious.
"Okay. I do. The gnomes told me about Legacy. That a great Legacy brings in a great Skill. If that's true, and it is..." She tried to read his mood but the Priest might as well be a statue. "... the Legacy that fell on me must be a very strong one. And if we are going to be honest, the strongest."
"What makes you say that?" Her closing words made him curious.
"Because... is it safe to speak here?" She looked around, suddenly suspicious. Karen did say she was under surveillance.
He nodded. "Yes. Go on."
"Well, you know my Legacy, a thing I don't. Guess the rank of the Skill I got from the rite." She proposed.
Her mischief made the Priest somewhat tense, "I told you to not play games—"
Cless interrupted him. "Just this one. And if you guess right I'll bare my soul to you. One chance."
She avoided staring at the Priest while he racked his brain. Instead, she stood up and went to the window to look at the children still playing with Silverfang. Vic was transformed into a snake slide. Venaris was talking to some nuns and Kurt was... sleeping?
"S-rank, Cless. The rank nobody believes to exist." He finally answered.
"But it does. My Skill is called [Absolute Contract]. So long both parties enter an agreement on their own free will, I think anything is possible. I really didn't try the limits of it. But it is as powerful as it sounds."
"S-rank. Even mine or Karen's are just B-ranks. I only know of five A-ranks."
"That is why I must know my Legacy, Father. What made me worthy of an S-rank Skill. Don't worry, I won't pry or pressure you into breaking your vows. I know you must've sacrificed a lot for me. I'm really thankful, Father."
She bowed. Her Skill told her to curtsy but she was wearing trousers. The Priest stood up and hugged her.
"Grow strong, Cless. Do what you must to grow strong. Strong enough to beat Karen inside her in."
Cless nested her head in his chest and closed her eyes. It was the first time the Priest was hugging her. "Father, would you mind if I shared my status with you? As payment for this hug?"
"No, Cless. I wouldn't mind."
She triggered her Skill mentally, without words. She felt the Priest stiff as he probably read her status sheet.
> Name: Cless (no surname)
>
> Race: Human.
>
> Level: 50 ( 1,224,681 / 1,275,000 Exp )
>
> Class: — Dabbler 11 (56,542 / 66,000 Exp ) — Priestess 25 (975,000 Exp / ** )
>
> Profession — Veteran Warmaster 18 (158,689 / 171,000 Exp) — Crafter 16 (Skill) — Farmer 16 (Skill)
>
> Base Stats — Strength: 63 — Agility: 85 [136] — Health: 85 — Intellect: 96 — Wisdom: 25 — Charisma: 46 — Magic: 134
>
> Available Status Points: 66
>
> Skills:
>
> S-rank: [ Absolute Contract ]
>
> B-rank: [ Succubus’ Kiss ]
>
> C-rank: [ Crafter ], [ Dangersense ], [ Illusionist ], [ Elven Longevity ], [ Eat Anything ], [ Earth Magic ]
>
> D-Rank: [ Trick Shot ], [ Nimble Step ], [ Tinker ], [ Grounding ], [ Dancer’s Grace ], [ Great Leap ],
> — [ Tremorsense ], [ Gemsense ], [ Ore sense ], [ Brownie Magic ], [ Courtier’s Charm ],
> — [ Singers’ Talent ], [ Spellslinger ], [ Poison Resistance ], [ Merchant sense ], [ Master Miner ],
> — [ Heavy Handed ], [ Farmer ], [ Druidwalk ], [ Twin Strike ], [ Curmudgeon crafter ]
>
> E-Rank: [ Gravebreath ], [ Architectural Ingenuity ], [ Coin Sense ], [ Weavertouch ], [ Silk Hair ], [ Wanderlust ],
> — [ Giant's Stamina ], [ Hearth’s warmth ], [ Seamstress Talent ], [ Lady’s Countenance ]
>
> F-rank: [ Gardener’s touch ], [ Florist’s Wonder ]
>
> Unkonwn: [ ???? ] x 18
>
> Proficiencies (values under 10 hidden):
>
> Appraisal: Status: 22
>
> Magic
>
> Cleric: Mending: 50 — Detoxify: 36 — Light: 44 — Turn Undead: 34 — Blessing: 46 — Holy Bolt: 50 — Purify: 43 — Protection: 50
> — Hallow: 48 — Flametongue: 30 — Cure: 30 — Uncurse: 30 — Banish: 30 — Heal: 50 — Warding: 30 — Revivify: 30
>
> General: Prayer: 48 — Reading: 12 — Skinning: 11 (+4)
>
> Social: Negotiation: 21 — Persuasion: 12 — Bluff: 13
>
> Social, martial — Leadership: 34 — Intimidation: 40 — Tactics: 30
>
> Weapon — Long Blades: 27 — Unarmed: 27 — Archery: 34 — Maces: 32