Ivan would have plenty of time to dress now thanks to Penelope and her antics. They also needed to stop by a few bulk trading houses on the way back today to replace what she broke in the store room. So while the Bard was out back washing his gear Ivan stripped and started getting his new gear on.

The stuff was well fitted thanks to a sneaky ritual Penelope had apparently been a part of, and Myrn was excited to see him in it after coming in to see what the noise was about. After sending Davian on his way though she mostly joined Penelope in ogling him instead of being any sort of help.

“I imagine that's what sharks look at tasty fish like.” Andy said to Marvin.

Marvin chuckled somewhere back in his throat as he carefully put potions, remedies, and other supplies into his pack in the specific layout the group had chosen. They all even had matching packs now which was nice.

Ivan didn't appreciate the commentary as pulled himself into tough, but loose leather trousers and pulled on the padded shirt he normally wore under his armor. Next were his socks and by then he could almost feel the two women take their eyes off him for a moment or two.

He gave the two a look as he quickly lifted and pulled the scalemail over his head. He was met by two hungry stares.

They sat there, Myrn sitting on a low stool with Penelope across her lap, and watching him as they whispered to each other. Every now and then one of the two, or both, would chuckle drawing his concern, but now that he was looking they simply met his gaze.

“Well...keep going.” Myrn prompted.

Ivan looked away from them with a growl and started pulling the leather collar strings of his new armor closed without tying them. He would actually need a little help with that part when he had the rest on properly. He was glad of the fit so far though. The brigandine was another long vest like his near beat to death coat of plates he had worn before. That had been mundane armor, but in this stuff, even with it on loose he could feel the difference in his endurance and how it brought out more of his own strength from within him somehow.

The nature of the magic was strange, but it wasn't the item making him stronger, it was just enabling that part of his strength to be that much more true. It was a curious sensation, and putting on so many enchanted pieces at once certainly let him understand the misconception that power came from the armor.

He felt at his chest for a moment, palm atop the armor, pressing it toward his heart, and reached out with the same magic that formed his inspection without triggering the skill, instead using the magic for himself to analyze what he was sensing, specifically avoiding using the skill itself. It was as he thought before, but he sensed it more clearly this time. He felt how blood and bone, muscle, and artery were stronger because of the tricky enchantment put upon the armor that somehow drew it out of him.

He focused on it for a little while, continuing that inspection magic as long as he was able, feeling something of a tickle at the very edge of his understanding, until his scroll suddenly popped up right as he gained clear understanding of the magic himself. It startled him and he jumped a little.

Congratulations! You've manifested a new Unbound Skill!

Boon: Support Aura Spell; Magic Domain; Healing; You may now concentrate on a nearby target and support their own ability to empower their flesh just like a magic item would. This effect will change based on the person and most likely help improve the attribute they rely upon most!

Penelope cocked her head at Ivan.

“Did you just learn a spell by inspecting a magic item you just put on?” She asked.

Ivan gave her a guilty look.

Myrn started smiling at Ivan.

“What is it? What did you learn?” She asked, her tone light and happy.

Her lovely blue eyes glittered with hidden promises and approval.

“Boon.” Ivan admitted, having some knowledge of the spell from his days working under Istania and near enough adventurer parties containing a cleric or priest to have heard of its use.

“You leveled up from inspecting stuff?” Marvin asked.

“He's a scribe or whatever, that's his thing, with that job at least.” Andy chided with a laugh.

“Oh right.” Marvin replied.

“I didn't advance a job. I just manifested it.” Ivan muttered.

Marvin frowned.

“Don't manifested spells like that only show up when you're heading toward a job you don't have yet?” He asked.

Myrn nodded, but still smiled at Ivan.

“Witch Doctor isn't really a Healing focused job. Maybe it should have manifested there, and maybe Ivan is just a step ahead of something we haven't anticipated yet.” Myrn suggested.

“Is that what the new job is?” Marvin asked, his expression carrying something like an expression of fright meant to tease Ivan.

Myrn nodded, her expression content as Ivan continued dressing, ignoring him and his glare for now. Jobs were sometimes personal things, and Ivan wasn't sure what he thought about his Witch Doctor Job yet.

“It's more of a ritual job with lots of knowledge skills instead of real magic. Same with his Hell Speaker Mystic Job. Both are giving him loads of attributes any spell caster could use though, and it looks like he's really going to be charisma based if you already couldn't tell.” Myrn said, smiling at him.

Marvin gave her, Ivan, and then Davian's table a look.

“Oh great. More of you.” He grumbled.

Penelope laughed.

“You say that now, but I got Demonology 2 from that last Witch Doctor level up.” Ivan growled.

Myrn smiled at him patiently.

“Which isn't healing, like Boon is. Witch doctor is curses, herbal remedies, hexes, summons, and ritual work. You might have advanced Hedge Doctor into another Doctor Job that does a lot of the same things, but you're not a Healer yet.” Myrn said, smiling at him still.

Ivan wanted to snap at her or say he didn't know exactly what to tell her off, but that faded as he met her eyes. Penelope was still sitting in Myrn's lap and clinging to her neck, but right then even a naked succubus couldn't take his gaze away from what was in Myrn's eyes.

She missed her cousin and still cried sometimes at night. Ivan had failed to heal the little girl after she had taken a crossbow bolt to the heart, a tall task even for some magic healers, and Ivan had almost done it. Myrn and him had spoken about that, and what else he might have done more than a few times. They had become a lot closer through those talks, sharing their guilt and grief, and Myrn had gained a decent understanding of Ivan's progress as a healer too.

Ivan had always sought to learn from his mistakes. It was something the Goddess had encouraged in him and made a part of himself as much as anything. Ivan met Myrn's gaze, and for a moment saw something of Tanya's pure faith in him in it. He had to look away, his heart swelling and beating hard as he continued putting on the new armor.

He strapped on the sabatons over his boots before doing up the armored collar of the scalemail and putting on his gauntlets. It was the closest and most sensible thing at hand to do to keep him from tearing up or otherwise getting emotional. It was at this point that Penelope finally came to help with some last buckles and straps he couldn't reach on the back and sides of his armor to close it fully. She even helped cinch up the last straps on his gauntlets so he didn't have to use his teeth.

He noticed the left hand gauntlet had an opening upon the palm, which was perfect actually after what had happened to the last pair when Ivan had conjured Quixla's gifted Blood Reaper Webbing through it. The little spider skull was visible on the opening, but would be easy enough to hide.

Lastly, Ivan drew the new scabbard and sword belt about himself, and secured it. He was unsure if he would really wear it, preferring the Shroud's ability to keep his weapons hidden and bring them instantly to hand instead, but something about wearing a sword again called to him. He moved in the new armor, flexing, and checking his range of motion.

Penelope came to him with the helmet in hand, carrying it like a dark crown. She smiled at him, and he bowed his head to her, allowing her to place it snugly onto his head. She even did up the chin strap just right before adjusting the dark leather of the collar about his neck a little.

Ivan thanked her, and felt the trick of the magic items work over him. Again, it really wasn't just that they gave him the power as though the magic was invested within them. Their magic came with the same trick as boon, enabling and drawing out the strength as a type of focus one wore.

Ivan was amazed at the feeling of it, but also began to understand the purpose of the rather common belt that had been included with his new gear. There were many pieces and many different enchantments to his gear. None of them, even himself, knew exactly how many magic items he could tolerate, but he was starting to feel that this was close to the limit. Ivan might be able to handle one or two more at his current level, but only minor additions.

“Are you doing alright Ivan?” Myrn asked.

“Any itching or tingling where the items are touching? Maybe around your feet with the tier four sabatons atop the boots?” Marvin asked.

“Give me a second.” Ivan said patiently, trying to be sure what he was feeling was right.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

They did and even Penelope waited silently for him to analyze his own well being for a few long moments. He didn't seem to be burning up, itching, tingling, or having any of the items grow hot on him yet. All were things Ivan had heard happen to people and their items when wearing more than they could tolerate. Each was a symptom of the body rejecting the magic item; though in rare cases some people just didn't get all the effects of what they wore as some items remained inactive.

The first thing to check was that something wasn't showing some kind of stress or fatigue while he was wearing it. The second was to go through each item one by one, feeling them out with his mystical senses one by one, and noting if anything changed when his attention passed to them.

“I think this is fine. We could maybe do enchanted pants in the future to better protect my legs, but no rings, or more glyphs or charms past what I have.” Ivan reported.

“Sounds like a plan. That brigandine does cover your hips and the start of your thighs going down, but it's meant to be worn riding. I was tempted to order some leg plates like those pauldrons to be done, but Myrn reminded me that we haven't tested your tolerance yet.” Marvin observed.

Ivan nodded in appreciation.

“Why not just extend the chest all the way down?” Ivan asked.

“You couldn't ride then.” Marvin said, idly enough, but his expression held a small smirk.

Ivan rose to his full height and took a breath.

“Tell me you didn't get me a horse. It takes very special knowledge to buy a horse, and more so a warhorse at that.” Ivan admonished.

Andy chuckled.

“It's actually just some big deer Myrn talked into coming down from the mountain forest. Huge thing, big antlers. Think some people call it a moose.” Marvin said.

Ivan gave him a flat look.

“You'll be the moose knight. The Black Moose Knight.” Marvin went on, his smirk growing into a shit eating grin.

Ivan narrowed his eyes at the man, and slowly drew the blade at his waist.

Marvin raised both hands in surrender. Ivan still eyed him, but couldn't help the slow smile that spread over his face.

“If there's a moose, or some poor horse out in the stables that's not gone when we get back I'm going to take up the Leather-working job after I skin your hide Marvin.” Ivan said, his tone pleasant.

“I would have bought the horse if we were actually going to do it to be fair Ivan. Would you take my hide?” Andy asked, voice and face sincere.

Ivan considered the big man a moment.

“Nah not you Andy, but I would have made you learn to ride as punishment I think.” Ivan said with a grin.

“Sounds fun actually. Maybe I should go buy a horse with all the money I have left.” Andy replied.

“To be clear I'm not giving you any potions or ointments to use on your saddle sores.” Ivan clarified.

Andy frowned at Ivan.

Ivan chuckled this time, and stepped into the walkway toward the back door. There he checked a few warrior stance abilities that helped with sword fighting to double check his range of motion. He liked the new gear. It fit him well. It also hardly made any noise as he moved.

The tightly fit blackened metal scales were almost seamless in their fit and form. Their fit on his arms were perfect, likely a result of the ritual of measurement Penelope had likely used on Ivan in his sleep to provide his friends with the chance to get him such a gift. The blackened mail felt right on him, heavy, but secure, and was easy to move in. There was enough strength to take a blow over vital areas, and some leftover besides while still allowing him to feel light on his feet. Had there been a chainmail shirt beneath it the armor would be truly heavy, but with enchanted leather worked into its making it would be durable enough.

Ivan felt at home in the armor. It was close enough to what he had once worn in the arena tourneys to remind him of what he had been. That made him angry, but that too was part of him now. His hate and anger had manifested in part as his new job, and in his Witch Doctor job. He was a Black Knight. He was a Witch Doctor that could summon demons and curse his foes with his gaze, but he was also a Rogue, a thief, and assassin who was good with knives and moving in the dark.

He was struggling to manage where his various jobs might take him. How it might shape the gear he carried, and what skills it might give him. He had to consolidate, and he felt that Rogue and Fighter might meet. In his late night studies he found that the people of the desert far to the south and west of the eastern Horn of Istan had a job called Sword Master, born of both Strength and Dexterity. Ivan spent what mana he could spare before his mind wearied each night now searching for it, pulling threads from the Infinite Library to expand his knowledge, so that he might manifest the Job himself with the right intent.

Or he might just have to leave one of the jobs behind.

Ivan flexed his fingers on Oath of Vengeance in his right hand, and conjured Quixla's Fang into his left hand. The weapon had once been a dagger little larger than a belt knife. Now it was very nearly a shortsword. Ivan hadn't fed the weapon, enchanted as it was with a reflection of Quixla's hunger, and its effects were even stronger now since freeing the Demon Beast, and binding her as a familiar. Holding both weapons in his hands, and being covered in moderately powerful enchanted armor for the first time was nearly intoxicating.

Ivan's aura control must have slipped because everyone was staring at him when he finally opened his eyes after making the dagger appear to his hand. The smell of Quixla's Venom striking the floor and chewing away at the stone tiles as it dripped from the end of the blade added something to Ivan's appearance. Together with the Shroud slipping over his shoulder he was beginning to look like something of the Black Knight his Job claimed him to be.

“Maybe it fits you a little too well actually.” Marvin joked, but with good nature behind his words.

Ivan made the Shroud retreat and made the Fang stop drooling venom. He turned back to Marvin and shrugged, urging a second opinion from him with the menacing magic cloak hidden away.

“That's a little better, but the cloak with the mantle, and the little ways it blends the light...” Marvin said trailing off.

“And your aura. Your aura is scarier with the cloak out. What is that thing?” Andy asked.

“It's like Quixla's Fang, just from another demon.” Ivan answered.

“Right, I suppose it's not a title job, but a conjuration blueprint for a magical item? The stronger you get, the more of its abilities you can use?” Marvin asked.

Ivan considered the smith for a moment, but nodded after only a second or two. He would be interested in any type of magical weapon Ivan supposed. Letting him study it in battle, and observe how Ivan progressed might help him develop some skill or talent for conjuring weapons himself one day.

“Just as there are demons who long for the forests they failed to protect there are demons who were once artisans who lingered on in death seeking to craft that which they failed to in life Marvin. I know few of these specialist demons myself, but Samiel, the demon that gave Ivan use of the Shroud, could introduce you to them. -If you want something like it of your own. They are fickle, reclusive, and obsessive beings, but I think it possible that we might reach out to one of them someday soon.” Penelope suggested.

Marvin gave her a dry look.

“You mean to tell me there's some evil, immortal, near ageless being so devoted to the same craft that I love he or she denied the process of the afterlife to further pursue its mastery?” Marvin asked.

“Yes.” Penelope said with a grin.

“And I should take your advice to learn from them instead of dedicating myself to Zon, and becoming one of his blessed artisans?” Marvin shot right back.

Penelope frowned at him, genuinely seeming to consider the question.

Marvin's dry expression broke into a smile though, and Penelope eyed him quizzically.

“It may have been different in the past, but Warrior-Smiths are a rare breed. Honestly Penelope if you or this Samiel can produce a Warrior-Smith that's willing to talk to me I will at least speak with them. I'm not sure I could manage whatever summoning magic Ivan does, but considering what we're up against I would be a fool if I wasn't willing to try. I have many questions however.” Marvin told her.

Penelope positively beamed at him.

“Of course Marvin, of course. There are many questions to ask. Samiel loves to deal in contracts and will also be one demon you should speak to.” She replied.

Marvin nodded, looking a little uneasy, but for a moment he seemed very sad.

“You all know that without... without what happened to Istania, and everything else... I don't think I ever would have managed to awaken my ember.” Marvin said, his voice halting, and his aura flaring with various powerful emotions he was just able to keep in check.

His right hand lingered near his heart, where he still wore a steel talisman of Istania. His left gripped his massive greatsword where it stood with its strange sheath that allowed the great weapon to be slung upon Marvin's back.

“Such are the days you live in. You were not entirely content with being a smith in peaceful days, and yet you did not seek out war. You could have joined the Army of Light in its days before Theadus's treachery, and chased down the war where the God of Light led, but you did not. Instead you learned to fish did you not? You adapted to the life of peace, where you and Andy would have perhaps slowly gained more experience in dungeon, and one day allowed your own path.” Penelope said, smiling at Marvin.

Marvin nodded. He regarded Penelope, his eyes flicking over her naked body, but his gaze quickly focused on her eyes. Penelope was difficult to ignore at the best of times, and was a habitual nudist. Ivan didn't begrudge her that, and tried not to be so possessive of Penelope, but just noticing Marvin's gaze upon her made him just a little angry every time it happened.

“I had to do something to pass the time while meathead was doing his voluntary guard duty, and going out on patrols. I'm meant to guard him not the other way around, but to join him I'd have to join the Militia. -And I've just never liked the idea of binding myself with a title job like that. I already have one duty, to my family, and to Andy, and adding another feels wrong.” Marvin told her.

Penelope nodded, seeming to deeply consider everything Marvin said. She was even idly playing with Myrn's hair as she did. Myrn was smiling at her, and enjoying listening to the conversation by all appearances.

“You have a good instinctual understanding of yourself Marvin Anatel. That is a good quality to have, but many misuse the understanding by being unwilling to act and adapt. You acted, at least as much as you could while minding your duties. The Fisherman job may not have many glorious skills for battle, but it provides endurance, knowledge of nature, useful survival skills, and most certainly, attributes that will and likely have already helped you in battle.” Penelope replied.

Marvin blinked at her, and sat a little straighter. He had been geared up and ready for a while, and was sitting with his back against the legs of two shelves in the storage room.

“Are you telling me to keep fishing?” Marvin asked with a laugh.

“Certainly. You've advanced it to the standard rank have you not?” Penelope answered.

Marvin laughed.

“Yeah. Yeah I suppose I have, but it's probably only level five or six. I can only really do it when I have the time to, and the gear is hard to carry around.” He replied.

“Ivan can store your equipment in the Shroud. Lend it to him, and Azalea, Quixla, or I can retrieve it at will. Fishing is a valuable foraging skill, and will serve us brilliantly if we find ourselves on the run.” Penelope answered at once.

Marvin considered that and nodded several times.

“Couldn't Myrn and Ivan just go around and forage all sorts of little plants for us to eat?” Marvin asked lamely.

Andy and Penelope's reaction mirrored themselves nicely. Andy thumped Marvin on the arm with the butt of his strange weapon, and Penelope's disgust practically radiated out from her like heat from an oven.

“I can hunt too bonehead, but fresh fish. Come on Marvin.” Myrn complained.

Marvin smiled and laughed, but still let his head drop in shame. There was a few chuckles shared by the group. It was a good sound. Their nights before Tila's death had been filled with laughter. Often provided by Tila herself.

Staying at Meeda's Inn had them all sitting together and sharing meals a few times a day. They talked a lot about little things, joking at times, and the group liked to play games. Each of them had a set of cards, or a playing board for this game or that in their things. As fun as it was, it was still training. Dueling each other's minds and keeping their edges sharp was just as important as running a little each day to train one's endurance, and expanding one's conscious limits of their own strength by lifting weights.

Though Ivan could analyze and see his gains in his various abilities it still took a certain amount of effort to get those gains to show. Ivan's charisma attribute was high, but unlike Davian who used his ability to the utmost each night as he sang and performed, Ivan was left to other means. That often meant deception, and persuasion here and there. The most open fashion he likely used his charisma with Myrn or Penelope in fact. Other means were more subtle, verging on the edge of psychic magic that Penelope was very eager for him to develop properly.

Ivan considered his friends as he continued getting ready. He was most of the way through his pack check now, and was almost ready to go. Hopefully Davian would be back soon, and they could be on their way.

Just standing there Ivan's mind was treating him to images of being interrupted by Tila. She would give him a charm she had made, or a hug, or some treat just for him and Myrn to share. It was hard to think he had only known the girl a few days. She had just been so sweet and endearing. Jen, one of Ivan’s two squires, had been like that for the longest time. He had known her since she was a toddler.

Ral had liked to be on his own a lot more. He had been like Ivan himself that way, but Ral had sought affection in his own way. Hugs disguised in wrestling, cocky banter that couldn't hide the warmth and trust behind the words, and more.

Jen had liked to sit and read with Ivan. They would stay up late sometimes reading stories after they were done with their work around the parish and their training. Ivan had solidified a lot of his fundamentals training those two. It was probably why Istania had indulged the two, allowing them to be his squires as much for his own good as to let them follow their own dreams.

Too late did Ivan notice the tears running down his face. Too late did he see them striking the soft leather of the new pack.

No one said anything. Ivan's Taps Upon the Web skill told him things that made it easier though. Andy was a sober presence, his aura of confidence given by the militia job acting like a balm to soothe Ivan's distressed emotions. Marvin like Ivan himself didn't have an active aura power yet and was more subtle, but his feeling echoed solidarity. Myrn's aura was possibly the most effective. Taps upon the web didn't reveal her thoughts, but did a good job of showing Ivan the gravity of emotion someone was feeling.

Myrn's heart was aching, but she somehow spared so much warmth for Ivan. It spared him the pain, but didn't make holding back the tears any easier. Myrn was not Tanya. She could never be. Even Azalea, made of Tanya's essence and regret, could never replace the person Ivan had lost. And yet Myrn was there. She cared for Ivan. Their love was new, but growing well. Thinking of her now made Ivan think of green shoots springing from the ashes of a forest fire, and it had taken him a while to realize the metaphor for hope that contained within his own thoughts.

Penelope appearing to his Taps Upon the Web skill was something Ivan always noticed. Because of her experience and skills she could avoid her emotions being sensed by Ivan, and in a way control which he felt. Yet Ivan trusted her so when she did show him something he always paid it special attention. Dark promise carried on her emotions like whispered words in the dark. It bathed him like the shared warmth of laying in bed with a lover, and the promise of her thoughts spoke to him of the acts to come. Violent and passionate acts that they would do together, bathing in blood, lust, and carnage before returning to the soft and warm quiet of the dark once again.

Ivan drew a hanky out from his pack and lightly wiped his nose. He blinked a few times, trying to get the tears to stop, and succeeded only to have to wipe his nose again. So much for being a terrifying and dreaded Black Knight.