G and Gerkan endured an hour of listening to the kids dodge the truth, making G feel increasingly frustrated and overwhelmed. Phan lost interest almost immediately and left the room. He eventually turned to Tocai for help, hoping his familiar could make sense of the jumbled stories ranging from "No dummy, we did it this way" to "We are not thieves!"

As the kids continued to bicker, Niamh called Crewton onto the table, adding to the chaos. "Tocai, can you help me sort out what we've gathered so far? I've completely lost track," G asked, his exasperation evident.

"Certainly, I have everything here," Tocai replied calmly as a prompt materialized in front of G's vision.

The Rock Gnome gang:

Niamh, 10 years old: Niamh was the baby of the family and often felt left out of the older siblings' activities. She found solace in drawing and discovered a natural talent for it at a young age. Her strength lies in her artistic ability and her ability to see the beauty in the world, but her flaw is that she can be too sensitive and emotional at times. She also gets upset if you call her small or short.

Fionn, 12 years old: Fionn always enjoyed helping out his mother in the kitchen, and he developed a talent for cooking at a young age. He saw it as a way to bring the family together and make them happy. Fionn's strength lies in his creativity and ability to make something out of nothing, but his flaw is that he can be too trusting and naive sometimes.

Aiden, 14 years old: Aiden's mischievous streak stems from the fact that his parents often overlooked him, who were too busy running their small shop in the hobgoblin district nearby. Aiden always felt like he had to make his presence known and prove himself, which led him to tinker with machines and take things apart to see how they worked. His strength lies in his natural curiosity and his ability to think outside the box, but his flaw is that he often doesn't think through the consequences of his actions.

Ogrier, 15 years old: Ogrier always loved music and taught himself how to play the lute at a young age. He saw it as a way to express himself and connect with others. His strength lies in his musical talent and his ability to charm others with his performances, but his flaw is that he can be vain and put too much emphasis on his appearance.

Eamon, 16 years old: Eamon has always had a passion for exploring and a thirst for adventure. He often felt trapped in their small town and dreamed of seeing the world beyond its borders. His strength lies in his bravery and his ability to think on his feet in dangerous situations, but his flaw is that he can be impulsive and act without thinking things through.

Thierry, 17 years old: Thierry was always the quiet one in the family, preferring to spend his time buried in books. He had a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for new experiences. Thierry's strength lies in his intelligence and his ability to retain and apply information quickly, but his flaw is that he can be socially awkward and have trouble connecting with others.

Ciaran: Age 19: Ciaran has always felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, especially after their parents died in a tragic accident. He was the oldest sibling, and he knew he had to take care of his younger brothers and sister. Ciaran's strength lies in his leadership skills and his ability to be a calming presence in the family. However, his flaw is that he often takes on too much and neglects his own needs in the process.

Note: All of them will lie, cheat, and steal if left to their own devices.

"Wow, that's quite the breakdown," exclaimed G, impressed by Tocai's ability to organize the information. "Did you work all of that out yourself?"

"Yes," Tocai spoke after G shut the prompt, " I filled in a few blanks. "

Paused a few seconds, "Let me continue; it appears that Bloodfang recruited them into his newly formed Thieves guild, then got caught by the queen's guards stealing. The guards used magic to blind him so his eyes would not regenerate as a penalty for his theft. And most importantly, they appear to all be very genuine in their agreement to help you because of your promise to find them a safe place to live. They also all had other things to say about one another, which I tried to condense and quite possibly lost in the confusion of voices. They appear to have issues with honesty and habitual theft. This will make it harder to find them a home."

G again studied the list, feeling dizzy from the siblings' arguments. He was grateful for Tocai's help in organizing the information. "Great job, Tocai. Is there a way to pin this prompt somewhere so I can reference it?" he asked.

"Done," replied Tocai as a new yellow icon appeared above Kargan's purple mercenary contract icon. G then remembered something important and turned to Gerkag. "Can you tell me what has happened to Kargan?"

Gerkag nodded and gestured toward the furniture at the back of the room. He then waved to the kids, who left the table one by one. Eamon tried rubbing the surface of the table to make it react, but it didn't respond, so he joined his siblings and took a seat along the wall.

"Kargan was captured with a human a couple of hours outside the city. He's being held in the merc district under the hobgoblin's jurisdiction. The human is being held in the noble district in the royal keeps dungeons," explained Gerkag.

"Do you have a plan to help them?" asked G.

"I had a plan, but now I think it's too risky. If this Ryan is a cultist and he was set to capture you, it's likely a trap. People who have committed crimes against the queen or the city are usually executed or thrown into the arena to die horribly," replied Gerkag. "They are alive. It is a trap."

Phan, who had reentered the room at some point, spoke up. "I have an idea that might work. First, we need to find you a proper disguise. The one you're wearing is ridiculous," she said.

G looked down at his robes. "What? Don't these make me look like I belong?" he asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"No, they do not. The robe is close, but your walk and the cowl immediately give you away. Goblins might not want to test your disguise, but the guards and any other dark elf that sees you will immediately recognize you," Phan explained. She scooped up the gold from the table and pocketed it, leaving the gems. "I will find him a disguise that won't get us captured as soon as a guard sees him." She didn't wait for a reply and left the room, the door swinging shut behind her.

G looked at Gerkag, who just nodded. "G, let me show you and your new wards to your rooms," he said, opening the door. He motioned for G to follow him down the hallway. Phan had already disappeared in the other direction.

Tocai advised, "Cast your travel spells, G. We can't risk Ryan sensing us down here."

"Right, that wouldn't be good," said G as he began casting his two travel spells.

"What are you doing?" asked Gerkag.

"I'm hiding my presence in the city. Ryan can sense me if I don't do this," explained G.

"Friend, have no worries. As long as you're beyond the cellar entrance, it will be difficult for any magic to find you. You'll be safe here for now," said Gerkag reassuringly, gesturing down the dimly lit hallway.

G finished his spells, just in case, and followed the Rock Gnome gang through the narrow passage of the secret part of the old Tavern in Muck Town. The sound of trickling water grew louder as they approached the end of the hallway and found themselves standing in front of a heavy wooden door. Gerkag pushed it open with a smile, revealing a spacious octagonal chamber that was the center of a suite of five rooms.

Each room of the dwarven suite glowed under the warm light of yellow magic sconces. The craftsmanship of dwarven architecture shone through in the intricate patterns etched into the stone walls, setting a backdrop of historic grandeur for the accommodations. G took a quick look inside the doorways.

The cozy enclave's first chamber boasted a large bed carved from mushroom wood, its soft fur blankets and plush cushions inviting rest and respite. Tapestries and paintings adorned the walls, each depicting venerable dwarven legends that added layers of whimsy and wonder to the room.

Adjacent to this, the second room catered with several smaller beds, also crafted from mushroom wood. These beds were decked with warm, fluffy blankets and soft pillows, offering comfort tailored for its inhabitants. The room's walls, detailed with intricate dwarven stonework, lent a regal air to the quarters.

The third room, while echoing the size of the first, introduced a unique aesthetic with a low, wide bed platform covered in thick, luxurious furs. Mushroom wood formed the basis of the bed, harmonizing with the room's ambiance. Walls here were carved with ancient dwarven runes, each symbol a whisper of mystic power and olden tales.

In the fourth room, the layout took a communal turn with multiple beds arranged in a circular formation, promoting a sense of unity and shared adventure. Sparse furnishings allowed ample space for relaxation, while the walls, detailed with scenes of dwarven battles and heroes, narrated stories of valor and triumph.

The suite's fifth room—revolved around a charming fountain, the source of the soft, melodious trickling that permeated the suite. Surrounded by plush cushions and warm fur rugs, this area was designed for lounging and literary indulgence. The walls, showcasing festive scenes from dwarven culture, wrapped the room in an atmosphere of joy and celebration, making it a perfect gathering spot for storytelling and repose.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

As G looked around at the five rooms, he was impressed by the attention to detail and quality of the furnishings. Despite the dark elves' takeover of the city, this suite of rooms was a standing monument to dwarven craftsmanship and their dedication to creating comfortable spaces. The rock gnome children ran from room to room, laughing and exploring. It was definitely a place where they could be children and forget their troubles, at least for a little while. Of course, they will probably steal it blind; yea, he would have to figure out how to stop that behavior if he could.

Gerkag, smiling, watched Crewton chase Niamh into the room with the fountain. He turned back to G, his tone casual but informative. "Dinner will be ready in a few hours. These quarters are yours for now. You'll find cups in the small cabinet, and the fountain water is drinkable. The privy is just down the hall. I must return to the tavern, but I'll check in later."

G placed a hand on Gerkag's shoulder, handing him a gem. 'I hope this covers the rooms and food. I need to head to the market today for some items. Are there any shops you trust here for magical goods?'

Gerkag shook his head, "There are shops like that in the noble's district. There are no shops that operate like that in Muck Town. Many shops sell wards, trinkets, or even the occasional magic weapon or armor. Most of it is scavenged, and it is rare to find anything of quality below, around here."

"Then I'll need to visit the noble district," G responded, glancing at the timer on his quest. He had less than two days left. The robe had bought some time for Tocai, but not enough.

"We can discuss that this evening, until then. " Gerkag nodded, his expression unreadable, and slipped out, closing the door with a soft click. As the echo faded, the room's temporary calm broke apart.

G's gaze shifted from the closed door to the escalating commotion among the kids, each clamoring to claim their new space.

Before G could allow the children to disperse to their rooms, he addressed a more pressing concern. The street urchins, rescued from the squalor of Muck Town's darkest corners, carried with them not just the grime of their past lives, but an overwhelming stench that permeated the air of the finely crafted dwarven suite. Recognizing the need, told them all to line up by age and G prepared to cast a Mana Cleaning spell, a simple yet potent magic that could cleanse clothes and skin alike.

As the children lined up, G began the spell casting. The first few attempts were met with giggles and squirms as the kids felt the tickling sensation of dirt and grime being lifted from their clothes and bodies, and then they watched as it fell to the ground. Fionn, unaccustomed to such cleanliness, protested loudly, trying to dodge the sparkling tendrils of magic. "It tickles!" he exclaimed, while another declared, "I was saving that dirt for later!"

The air quickly filled with the scent of liberated filth, creating an almost visible cloud of odor. Crewton, ever the sensitive one, clutched his nose dramatically with his paws and pretended to faint, causing a ripple of laughter as the dog lay on his side sneezing. His antics provided a brief respite from the discomfort of the heavy air. G, amused, continued his work, recasting the spell on a couple of the dirtier children whose layers of street life needed extra attention. As he did, small piles of dirt and dried muck formed at their feet, growing with each pass of the spell.

"Stand still, just a bit longer," G urged as a particularly stubborn Aiden tried to escape the line. "Think of it as shedding your old shells, ready for a new start." This seemed to resonate with them as most settled down. Their clothes were not good. He would see if there was a clothing shop around, anything was better than what these kids wore.

By the time G finished, the room had begun to clear of the pungent odor, replaced by the faint aroma of earth —clean and crisp, there was clearly some sort of magic in these suites scrubbing the air. The children, now clean and significantly less smelly, looked at themselves and each other a bit shocked.

"Alright, off you all go. Niamh, you're in the first room. Ciaran, I want you to divide the others into the rooms with several beds. Remember, do not steal, and try to keep as clean as you can. I am taking the one with the fountain." G instructed.

"Sure, mister, " said Ciaran.

"It's not, mister, it is just G. Dinner will be soon. For now, why don't you all get acquainted with your rooms? "

With the spell complete and the children's initial resistance overcome by their newfound freshness, they scampered off to their respective rooms with Ciaran right behind, giving them instructions that G was certain none of them were going to follow.

G was left with a fairly sizable pile of smelly dirt on the floor. He decided to deal with that next. G simply pulled out a couple of thin scraps of wood to help gather the dirt. He scooped up the pile pragmatically, methodically cleaning the area where the children had stood with a scrap while holding the other.

Once he had all the dirt neatly on the wood, G calmly willed it into his inventory for later disposal. The process was straightforward and quiet. He smiled to himself and nodded at the floor. He was really starting to like the idea of magic.

A gentle nudge at the edge of his consciousness drew his attention inward. "G, remember the upgrade for Crewton you've been postponing? It seems like an opportune time to consider it now," Tocai's voice echoed in his mind.

G paused, a faint smile crossing his face as he felt the familiar's presence swirl around his thoughts. "Yeah, you're right. Let's do this," he said with more than a little excitement in his voice. He had forgotten about this, and it looked like he had some downtime to give it a shot.

He looked at his canine companion lying on the floor, looking up at him. "Crewton, come here."

Crewton, sensing the shift in G's mood, wagged his tail, looking up with expectant eyes.

They settled on the cushion near the fountain, and G addressed his Boston Terrier with a tone of assurance. "Crewton, I think it's time for some upgrades." Crewton's reaction was alert attentiveness, his stance eager as if he sensed the moment's importance—one ear up high, the other lower as if he had just heard something he liked, or perhaps he was just keying off G's excitement.

G then looked at the prompt that materialized again, listing the available companion boons he had earned when he had leveled:

Congratulations!

You may choose one of the following companion boons:

Companion Boon : growth, speed, intelligence, magical bite, or regeneration

G stared at the prompt, each option beckoning with potential. He let his fingers hover over the choices, his mind racing with considerations and weighing the benefits of each.

Growth—this would enhance Crewton's physical size and strength. The thought was appealing; a larger, more formidable Crewton could be more imposing in their adventures, capable of tackling larger threats. Yet, was sheer size the most crucial factor right now?

Then there was Speed. Speed could grant Crewton incredible swiftness, perhaps turning him into a blur on the battlefield. This could be invaluable for dodging attacks or catching fleeing enemies. However, without the corresponding strength or intelligence, speed alone might limit his ability to interact effectively with more complex situations.

Intelligence was another tempting choice. Enhancing Crewton’s cognitive abilities could open up new avenues for problem-solving and perhaps even full communication. An intelligent Crewton could understand commands on a new level, and maybe even anticipate G’s needs. However, intelligence without the physical capabilities to act might frustrate the terrier more than aid him.

The option of a Magical Bite offered a different kind of power. This boon would give Crewton’s bite enchanted properties, potentially allowing him to overcome magical barriers or enemies immune to normal physical harm. Could it keep trolls from regenerating? The strategic advantage was clear, but it was a very specific upgrade that might not be universally useful.

Finally, there was Regeneration. The ability to heal rapidly from injuries would ensure Crewton’s longevity and resilience in battle. It was a safeguard, a way to keep him active and safe through all kinds of danger. But did it offer enough proactive utility?

G mulled over each choice as he held Crewton’s head. Feeling the warm trust in his companion’s eyes, he made his decision.

G took a deep breath and tapped into his mana reserves, feeling the familiar rush of power tingling through his veins. He focused intently on the boon of Growth, and the magic eagerly responded to his clear intent. A tingling sensation flowed from his heart to his fingertips as he began to channel the spell. His hands, glowing with a soft light, hovered over Crewton, guided by the force of his will and the magic that now vibrated between them. The air around them seemed to pulse with potential as he started to imbue his faithful companion with the chosen boon.

Closing his eyes, G allowed the magic to flow freely through him, trying to visualize the transformation. He felt his mana accelerating and opened his eyes to see Crewton bathed in a soft blue light, enveloped by an aura of magical energy.

As G poured his mana into Crewton, a rush of excitement and adrenaline surged through him, a steady stream of magical energy connecting them. Crewton's growls grew more ferocious, resonating with newfound depth. G watched in awe as Crewton's muscles bulged and his fur grew longer and thicker, transforming before his eyes.

The air grew dense as the transformation demanded more mana from G, and he could feel his energy levels dwindling. He watched Crewton continue to expand in size and strength, reaching an imposing stature. Crewton now stood nearly at G's sitting height, his muscles rippling and his coat thick and shaggy.

The room crackled with magical energy as time seemed to slow, G sitting almost in a trance. The transformation stretched into the second hour, Crewton's body undergoing a significant change, morphing into a massive Boston Terrier brimming with strength and newfound intelligence reflected in his bright eyes.

Tocai analyzed Crewton.

Crewton, Magically enhanced Boston Terrier.

Level 5

Hitpoints 50

Mana 0

Description: As a result of the magical Growth spell, Crewton, the Boston Terrier had grown to the size of a large Mastiff. His once small and compact body was now robust and muscular, with a thick coat of fur that shimmered in the light. Despite his new size, his features still retained the characteristic charm of a Boston Terrier - his wide-set, expressive eyes, and distinctive flat face. His ears remained pointy and erect, lending him a playful appearance. With a newfound strength and power, he moves with agility and strength, commanding attention with his presence.

G watched his companion, Crewton, whose steps were light and graceful as he moved, carrying a sense of strength and agility that belied his size. His muscles rippled with strength, yet his overall appearance was that of a cuddly, oversized puppy with his tongue hanging out who literally just stumbled over his own paws.

G hugged him. Crewton's fur was soft to the touch, and he had a playful bounce that made him look even more adorable. His teeth were now more prominent but still white and shiny. His bark was louder and more commanding, yet still friendly and inviting.

Sighing and happy with the results, G collapsed onto the pillows behind him, exhausted and completely drained of his mana. He knew that he would never forget this moment for as long as he lived. His relaxation was interrupted.

"Why did you break Crewton?" asked Niamh as G lay back on the pillows. Niamh stood there watching them, not moving.

"I didn't break him," G said as he looked at Crewton, then pushed off the ground and stood. The terrier had gained a hundred pounds, and his shoulders were at G's waist. G mused to himself; now that was an upgrade. Crewton still retained the classic man-in-a-tuxedo black and white appearance of a Boston Terrier. G reached out and scratched the dog, who looked around a bit bewildered by his new stature. G figured it would take his companion a while to get used to that new height, for sure. "It's magic that will help him survive down in the dark pathways."

Niamh approached with wide-eyed wonder, her steps slow and hesitant as she reached out to touch Crewton's newly enlarged flank. The awe in her gaze was palpable as her fingers gently brushed the coarse fur, tracing the contours of his transformation. "Can you do that for me? I'd like to be bigger," she whispered, a mixture of longing and marvel in her tiny voice, barely concealing the hope flickering in her eyes.

G took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "No, Niamh. It is for Crewton only. Besides, why would you want that? You're perfect the way you are. Who wants to be a hairy gnome after all?" G asked, then he scrambled her hair with his hand and smiled at the small Rock Gnome.

Niamh smiled as G heard a crash in one of the rooms, and someone said," uh oh. " He hurried out to see what had happened, and he saw all of them standing around a broken vase and tipped table. As it turned out, "It wasn't me" and "I don't know" are the most popular people in Mirbor as well as on earth.

The door to the main room opened from the hallway. One of the trolls from upstairs stood there and spoke in a voice with much more culture to it than expected, " Gerkag requests you for dinner. "