Rebirth: Rise of the Slave Master
Chapter Thirty-Eight: Waking Up
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Theo didn’t head back inside the walls until he finished looting what was left from the dead mercenaries.
Six hours was a long period of time to come to a decision, and it was pretty much certain that the bandits were stalling. As to what kind of plan they were going to try, Theo couldn’t say. He didn’t have a good read on just how deep their resources ran, or to what lengths they were willing to go. He wasn’t even sure if they had ulterior motives or not.
After checking his spoils from the battle, Theo led Gobthnora and Meatshield inside the gate. The Goblin was eager to congratulate her master on a splendid victory, but refrained from speaking around the other humans as she had been instructed.
“Theo!” the first one to meet the adventurer was Alaine, “I can’t believe it, you actually managed to drive them back!”
Theo couldn’t bring himself to wipe the scowl from his face, “For now… this fight isn’t over yet.”
The guard captain wasn’t a gullible or terribly optimistic man, and nodded his head tersely as he remembered the last group of riders that approached the walls, “What did they want?”
“A duel,” Theo began, “tonight, at their camp.”
Alaine frowned and shook his head, as if expecting the answer, “You couldn't have brought good news, I suppose.”
Theo returned the gesture, “War is full of bad news, let's just be glad there's time to prepare.”
The guard captain smiled half-heartedly, attempting to lighten the mood, “You’ve done enough for now. You should get some rest and leave the grunt work to us.”
It was a nice sentiment, but Theo didn't really feel like taking it easy, “It's part of the job,” he said, “but you’re right. I could do with some shuteye.”
Having finished with the conversation, Alaine recommended Theo return to the barracks. He needed to meet with the city council and inform them of the current situation. There was too much to discuss and too little time. He gave a short goodbye and stationed some guards in the watchtower to keep lookout in case the invaders tried anything.
Theo took a seat in the bed that had been provided for him, allowing him to log out for a bit. The morning had passed quickly, and it was already growing dark in the real world. Light from the streetlamps filtered through the studio apartment's small windows, painting the room in shadows.
Rick removed the Lucid Lock and stared at the ceiling.
“A trap for certain, but why now? Why this way?” Rick couldn't wrap his head around the enemy's plan.
Where was the Shapeshifter? Why were they so intent on conserving their forces? What kind of warrior did they have that made them think it would be able to beat him. Especially after he had single-handedly killed almost a hundred men?
He didn't believe the Shapeshifter would blow its cover just to face him in direct combat with the entirety of the Black Mountain Clan as witnesses. Even if it did, Theo was confident he could escape now that he had the much needed [Parry] skill. It was a lifesaver against foes that depended upon weapons. Between that and his own abilities, they shouldn't be able to hold him even if he was surrounded. It might be the enemy was overconfident, but underestimating his foes could have disastrous results.
Rick wasn’t afraid of death, after all, he was protected from the drawbacks by the Guild order. If he wasn't a stubborn man, he might have failed on purpose just to get out of this mess, but he didn't see any harm in trying his best. Play to win, or don't play at all, this was one of the rules required by the gamer in Rick.
Eventually, he fell asleep with his own thoughts, waking up a few hours later. The battle was more more exhausting than he had originally thought. After biting into a bar of chocolate, Rick gave up trying to plan for an outcome he had almost no control over. He was just a hired hand in this conflict, and the final say would be up to the people of Aleside.
It was almost midnight when Rick finally returned to Dream World Online.
When Theo logged in he was met with one fewer slave than usual. In most circumstances, the first thing he saw was Meatshield’s expressionless face, but this time she was nowhere in sight. Ever since the girl’s class change, her priorities had completely shifted to her combat training. The stubborn princess practiced every day as if possessed.
In the corner, Gobthnora was sitting and idly rubbing a pair of sticks together. With little to do these days, surrounded by potentially hostile humans, the Goblin had taken up a number of strange hobbies. In a way, Theo felt bad for the little agent of mayhem. Even in the midst of a siege, she was forced to keep up the guise of a small human child. He would have to remember to let her vent after all of this was over.
“Oh, Master is awake at last? Gobthnora trusts your sleep was well?” she called, lifting her head.
It seemed like she filled in his absence with rest as the excuse. It wasn't too far from the truth. Perhaps due to her slowly increasing intelligence, or just from listening to him interact with so many humans as of late, her words had grown more eloquent.
Theo didn't answer her right away, as he considered something, and eventually asked, “Gobthnora, tell me, do you have any knowledge of trapmaking?”
Hearing this, Theo could see her big pointy ears perk up from beneath her cloak, “As Shaman, many Gobbo’s techniques have been teached to Gobthnora. She cannot be expert Big Killmaster, but as Cheef of Raiding Party, has some knowledge.”
Gobthnora was always at her happiest when Theo gave a task her to complete. Seeing as it was best to be prepared for the worst, he asked her to gather the supplies she would need. If there was one area where Goblins excelled, aside from burning themselves and others to cinders, it was stealing and scavenging. The excited shaman scurried away from the room with a spring in her step, making sure to let nobody see her as she left.
During their chat, Theo had inquired after his other slave. From what he had heard, she was busy on the training pitch. Many of the soldiers were quite taken with the princess, but due to the lack of manpower, there was a shortage of people willing to fight with her. Rather, she was too dangerous of an opponent for anyone but Theo to spar with. The moon was like a crooked Cheshire grin in the sky as the Slave Master walked onto the pitch. Sure enough, the girl was there, inspecting the pile of training weapons. Although she was quite partial to axes, Meatshield didn’t forget to round out her training as Theo had instructed. [Adaptability] would only show it’s true worth when she had a large number of high-level weapon skills.
He watched as she picked out a bow and slung a quiver of practice arrows over her shoulder.
“Combat Tactics at work… she’s understood how important ranged weapons are,” Theo studied.
It was almost unheard of for a designated tank to pick up a bow, even in a game as a versatile as Dream World Online. It required a high Agility attribute to do any real damage with it, and that was an expense the Constitution-needy role couldn’t usually afford. Theo had no real control over the girl’s attribute growth, but what she lacked could be supplemented by her [Training] skill. The buff to her Strength and Agility would trigger any time she engaged in at least an hour long workout, and her diligence made sure it was almost always active.
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Smirking, Theo withdrew [Skullsplitter] from his inventory and let the heavy axehead fall to the ground with a thud. The sudden sound drew Meatshield’s attention, and without hesitation she turned and fired the previously strung arrow in his direction. Ranged attacks tended to have an aim adjustment based on one’s skill level. Since the girl’s [Bow Mastery] wasn’t very high, the missile sailed over Theo’s head and struck a nearby pillar with a twang.
Seeing who it was she had targeted, Meatshield dropped the bow and with dainty steps ran up to inspect her Master’s well-being. Her face was as deadpan as ever, but the girl expressed as much concern as she knew how with her body language. Theo resisted the urge to comfort the slave, and walked past her with [Skullsplitter] still in hand.
“It’s good that you’re learning how to fight,” he began, “but you’re sorely mistaken if you think practice is all you need.”
Meatshield, who had been following behind him at her usual distance, stopped when she heard this. Rather than cocking her head to show confusion, she narrowed her big eyes slightly and nodded.
“She’s noticed it too, huh?” Theo mused, and continued, “When I was training with the Beastmen Clan, I learned a lot about myself. I do the things I want to do, even if it’s foolish or risky. If I want to fight, I fight, and if I want to kill, I kill. Did you know your master was that kind of petty guy?”
Meatshield nodded firmly, but Theo only chuckled.
“A wise old dog once told me… Killing makes us stronger, but it can also make us weaker. The more you kill, the more you forget why you are killing. A true warrior must be driven, not to lose himself in the act, and forget about the spirit,” he paused while allowing the memories to wash over him, “With your talent and determination, you’ll become a great fighter some day, but if you ever want to reach my level, you’ll need to find your spirit.”
He swung the jagged poleaxe, once again gripping the surrounding space with a suffocating pressure. It was as if the man was commanding the air to move out of the way, sending it fleeing from the blade’s edge. Dominate everything! Destroy all obstacles! Leave nothing spared!
“Wake up, girl! This is what a God’s spirit looks like! Do you really think your meager resolve can compare?”
No words were spoken, but the idea seemed to impress itself upon the princess as she watched. Theo had to suppress a laugh when he saw the starstruck expression on her face. It was a good look for her, decidedly different from the usual. He had been impressionable like that too, back when he was still a mid-level challenger with dreams of making it big. There was nothing true about his words, but there was nothing false either. Every person experienced the world differently, and they all needed motivation to accompany them on their journey.
He wasn’t sure if the same could be said for NPCs, but he rarely got sentimental enough to indulge himself in these sorts of behaviors. Meatshield would just have to put up with having such a selfish master.
“Theo! So here you are!” Alaine’s now familiar voice called to him from the other side of the field, waving at him urgently. “It’s almost time!”
Theo hid a glinting smile in the dark, “Let’s see if you can find some spirit tonight,” he said in a hushed voice as he walked past the princess, before shouting to Alaine, “Alright, let’s hear what those old merchants have decided!”
Meatshield continued to stare at the space where Theo had swung his weapon earlier, clearly thinking about something. The Slave Master decided not to bother her any further. Whatever she was thinking, that was her own business. Alaine was also a bit intrigued by the woman, but decided not to ask. As far as he knew, the pair were master and apprentice, which was something most NPCs in Orpheum valued as an important and private relationship. There was a lot of risk that came with passing on one’s knowledge and experience to future generations.
While they walked, the captain of the guard filled Theo in on the events that had taken place up to now. The bandits hadn’t moved towards the walls, keeping their rather intimidating position in the distance. Word had yet to arrive from the punitive force, but they were expecting a message to come in the next few hours. There weren’t a lot of magic users in small communities like Aleside, and so they had to wait for an advanced rider or trained animal to make the trip.
“I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you, but the council has decided to agree to the terms of the duel,” Alaine informed Theo.
“You’re right, I’m not surprised,” Theo replied casually.
The grizzled veteran let out a sigh in response. It was clear as day that sending the adventurer out to fight was a decision that would most likely get him killed. Alaine and the mayor had both argued to ignore the challenge on Theo’s behalf, but under the rule of the Merchant Alliance, anyone with enough wealth was warranted a proper vote on the matter. In the end, a few of those who supported the mayor had tried to overturn the decision, which was nice, though ultimately insufficient. The majority of the voters had chosen to look after their best interests, and were more than willing to sacrifice Theo if it meant keeping their livelihoods. He couldn’t blame them.
“Do you think you’ll be able to make it out of there alive?” the guard captain asked.
Theo considered his odds, “I’ll be fine as long as they haven’t taken any special precautions, but you can only guess at the chances of that.”
Alaine nodded.
There were still a few hours until the appointed time, but at last there was some good news to accompany the bad. With the added time given to them, Aleside had been able to contact some of the ships patrolling nearby and request help. The Merchant Alliance Fleet was under the direct control of Oasis, and had a responsibility to provide aid if they could. The only issue was in how much those military officers would be willing to offer. According to Alaine, out of the three captains they were able to get in touch with, only one of them was likely to go out of his way to help.
From the sound of it, this Captain Mayhew was one of those righteous types, with a strong sense of justice. Although he had a reputation for being a bit heavy-handed in doling out punishment, he had a strong dislike for law-breakers. His soldiers were also strict and well-trained, and it would be a huge benefit if Aleside could bolster its forces with some Marines and another Officer.
“They should be able to reach the port in a few hours. Less if it weren’t dark, but they can follow the lighthouse,” Alaine said.
“Lighthouse?” Theo turned to look at the oversized structure that shone its beacon in the distance.
“Aye,” Alaine also glanced that way, “been around longer than the city itself, from what I heard.”
“It’s not inside the city wall?” the adventurer couldn’t help but notice.
As if thinking the same thing as Theo, Alaine frowned, “The steward that lives there... he’s an old hand and can take care of himself, so the defenses were never built that far out.”
“If it were to be captured…”
Alaine had a nasty look on his face, “Even if we sent the whole damn guard, we couldn’t hold it.”
“Dammit, this changes a few things,” Theo’s gears were turning in an attempt to uncover a solution, “Alaine, I need your twenty most trustworthy guards,” he wasn’t shy in asking for the extra muscle.
“But you…” before the man could protest, Theo interrupted him.
“I’ll send the girls with them,” he assured, “If it’s those two, they’ll be able to hold it.”
“Your apprentices?” Alaine seemed to think it over for a moment, “I understand your confidence, but are you sure they can handle it?”
Theo smiled, “Have I been wrong yet? We just need to get them out of here without anyone noticing.”
The man was too used to Theo doing the impossible by now to disagree. Something was better than nothing, even if he didn’t want to give up the manpower, “They can take a boat. The bandits shouldn’t have any eyes on the water.”
Theo nodded, “Oh, and don’t mention this to anyone on the council… I’m sure I don’t need to tell you why.”
Alaine forced down his usual protest, and the pair quickly went their separate ways. It took a bit of time to round up the Goblin, and by the time he returned, the small unit had already been gathered. At least ten of the men had been the guards who accompanied Theo outside the gates earlier, and the others were also recognizable. He had even gone a round with a few of them. After explaining their mission, the men were understandably nervous, especially when it came to bringing the girls with them.
Meatshield and Gobthnora certainly didn’t look like much, but they were both Elite NPCs and trained by none other than the War God. In all honesty, they would be the lynchpin in this operation.
“I expect you both to heed my orders. Keep yourselves alive before anything else,” Theo gave them one final reminder before turning the two over to the guards.
He didn’t need to be around to see them off on the boat. Almost every man here had been on a ship at some point in their life, and the journey wasn’t exactly far. The adventurer had his own issues to worry about. Just because he was confident in his own victory, that didn’t mean it was impossible for things to go wrong. Before anything else, he had his own mission to accomplish, and that would be the most difficult and dangerous task of all.
“Good luck,” Alaine said to him as the adventurer checked his supplies for the final time, “We’ve given you all the aid we can.”
Theo smirked at the man, “It’s more than the Guild is paying me, anyway.”
With that, the gate opened with a slow and ominous creak, and Theo’s outline was visible in the torchlight of the city walls. Outside, a figure on a pale horse was waiting for him.