image [https://imgur.com/0ISItjn.png]

[Level 3 Chosen]

[Ability points: 2]

[Physical:0]

[Magical:0]

[Mental:0]

[Darkness:0]

[Light:0]

[Charisma:2]

[Luck:2]

Nina wiped at her glistening eyes as she dropped a point into Charisma and a point into Luck. Her third day here, and her third level up. Luka had just taken her to a nearby field and had found a large deerlike creature with unsettlingly large and sharp teeth. Luka had specified that while this creature was not aligned with Evil, it was an opportunistic carnivore and the meat from it would still be useful to the village. She had clumsily shot arrows at it while Luka herded it back and forth, until an arrow had struck it in the neck, and then Luka had finished it off. She had practiced archery for years with the intention of using it in this world, but there was no point in being unnecessarily competent until she had to be. She may have to tone down the “crybaby” part of her personality, as it could become irritating to Luka. But a tear or two now over this dead animal was appropriate.

She took a moment to consider what would come next, while Luka talked about the usefulness of each part of the deer thing. Nina knew she had a bit of time crunch. There was some sort of “gathering” and “competition” at level five, for all the new Chosen Heroes. Luka had really clammed up when pressed about details, and she knew forcing it out of him would do more harm than good.

But still, this would be one of her greatest stumbling blocks. Her base attributes only worked in the context of another person. She could, and would, find another Hero to “protect” her in the competition if at all possible, but she needed an edge. An unfair edge. The more unfair the better. Magic items or an overpowered skill were the obvious choices. Well she didn’t know enough to manipulate the skill selection yet, so it was time to make a play for magic items. Time to put her three points in Charisma and three points of Luck to the test.

She came to a stop, and puffed out her chest. Luka stopped talking and looked at her quizzically. “Luka… I want to try against harder foes. I feel like I could learn more, work harder!”

Luka smiled, a bit placatingly as he dragged the beast behind them. “Well, I understand, Samantha. We did slay those goblins yesterday. I know the beast we just took down wasn’t the most impressive, but you did level up. The effects of Physical won’t be substantial for a bit, but you should already be feeling stronger.”

Samantha nodded, putting her hands on her hips. “I want to go into a Dungeon. The book I used to have told me all about them. They have magical items, stronger monsters, and all kinds of cool stuff!”

Luka sat down on a large rock at the side of the road, seeming to contemplate the corpse in front of him. “I would recommend attempting something like that after the Contest.” Nina looked at him with some worry on her face. “Why? Will I become much stronger from the Contest?”

Luka shook his head. “No, the Contest itself is a non-lethal way to assess the Heroes that have gathered, and also for them to meet one another. But almost no Chosen will have gone into a Dungeon before the Contest.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Nina re-asserted her dramatic pose. “ALMOST none? Then that means some will have! And I could be one of them! Come on Luka, let’s go!” She felt the wind blow her hair and her smile grew. She knew she was being a pushy brat, but she had “earned” enough goodwill at this point to be a little “eager”.

Luka looked up at the swaying leaves overhead. “Let me dissuade you, please. The only Dungeon I know of nearby is the Broken Tower, but that has monsters that are over level 10. On Top of that, it is an undead spawning ground, and any magical treasure that has been found there has always been cursed. Simply put, if you go in there alone then you will die.”

Nina sidled up to Luka, smiling like a cat, her eyes wide. “But I won’t be alone… right?” She smiled even wider, letting it be known that she was being silly, but serious, but not too serious.

Luka sighed, Nina could almost feel him wanting to just agree with her, but then he smiled like he had spotted an acceptable way out. “Okay, how about this. Work on your archery and if you can hit three bullseyes in a row at the training ground BEFORE the Contest, then I’ll take you to the Broken Tower.” Glancing over at all the scattered arrows on the ground he spread his hands. “But we will be heading out in a few days, so don’t be upset if that isn’t possible. Understand?”

Nina put on a pout. “What? That’ll be so hard! Really?” Luka crossed his arms in front of his chest, looking very paternal. “Yes Samantha. Honestly it’s more than okay for you to not pass this “test”, but I can feel how earnest you are, and can at least give you this chance.”

Nina began to pick up the arrows from the ground, muttering quietly. Inwardly she was calm and content. Was this the Luck skill AND the charisma skill working together? Or just the fruits of her own manipulation? Either way, she would have to stay up all night to make the attempt believable.

The sun was just beginning to rise as she raised the bow and knocked another arrow. She had begun to bleed from her fingers about an hour or so ago, and the sting of her cuts were constant. She was pleased by that, it added to the look. She had long ago decided the pain and other bodily alerts were simply something to be aware of, not defer to, so she grimaced purely for effect.

She knew that Luka usually rose shortly before the sun did, so she had delayed this part until she could be certain of him seeing it. He liked to get some kind of herbal tea and look out from the inn, and that would give him a clear view of the small training ground. She drew back, and let the arrow fly. It hit directly into the center of the target. She drew another arrow, letting out a long slow breath, and loosed it. It hit right next to the first. She let herself fumble the last arrow, and her shoulders sagged. She slowly drew herself up, holding the third arrow in her hand, turning it so the light glinted off the tip. Wind gusted around her, blowing up a swirling dust cloud, and she put on a determined expression. For good measure she let a tear slide down her cheek, although she was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to see that detail. Then she knocked it, slowly pulled back, and released. It plowed through the first arrow, sending shards of wood flying. Damn. That was a bit too competent. She heard an exclamation from the inn.

Luka came out, eyes wide. “What!? Have you been out here all night? I just… How??” Nina turned to him, rubbing at her cheek and leaving behind a smear of blood. “I told you Luka, I want to be a true Hero. I want to change this world.” She smiled sweetly, but kept her eyes hard and determined, staring into his. Luka looked back, and she saw his estimation of her rise. A bit too much maybe. She took a step towards him, opening her mouth to say something, and then tripped over the bow, getting tangled in the string, and sprawled out onto the ground. She flopped onto her side, looking up. “Oh. I’m a bit sleepy.” She yawned hugely. Luka held out a hand. “Let’s get you to bed, and we can head out after lunch.” Was that protective pride on his face? Excellent.

The chainmail was hot and shifted uncomfortably over the leather riding outfit, but for this Nina knew she couldn’t take any chances. She stuffed down those physical feelings. Her body was a tool to be used. They had been hiking for an hour, aided by Luka’s Skill [Guided Step] that seemed to make them leap forward with every stride. There was a serious air about both of them, and she kept her face stoic and a bit concerned looking, only occasionally allowing a look of wonder and delight to cross it as she scanned the surroundings. A crumbling tower peeked out from ancient oaks up ahead. Each block of stone was as large as a car, and the whole thing was covered with dead vines and odd black streaks. In spite of herself she felt a chill. This place really was dangerous. The world around her felt heavier. Luka turned to her.

“Samantha, this will be dangerous. I am allowed to help you, and I will, but we will not conquer this Dungeon. We will descend for six hours, then return to the surface. If at any point I feel that the enemy density or difficulty is too high, I will have us leave immediately. If you die here…” He shook his head. “That would be a shame. A real shame.” Nina put a hand onto his arm. “I understand Luka. I couldn’t do any of this without you. Thank you for trusting me.” He nodded, seeming relieved that she wasn’t fighting him on this.

She turned her attention back to the Broken Tower. Would this be a good place to have Luka die? No, not ideal. Still, wearing the armor of her “protector” in his honor felt like a plausible story. She’d keep an open mind.

“Okay Luka, time to be Heroes!”