- 46 -

Drew returned to the adventurers guild after an uneventful hour of fishing. There were two other gallow birds on Vivian’s desk pecking at her papers. They were second rank adult Skurr, fully covered in black plumage and clearly looking for anything shiny.

“Wait a second, you can’t bring your friend. This is not a place where birds can hang out.” Vivian scolded the two birds.

Drew landed on the desk and the other two birds flew off. He clacked his beak and growled deep in his throat at Vivian.

Do all us Crows look alike to you? Pretty sure that’s racist. Maybe I should speak to her too. After leveling up my proficiency I would really blow her mind.

"Hey, are you the same bird?” She said.

Drew produced the mushrooms and spread them out on the desk.

“You have the quest items so it must be you. Or are you all working together?” Vivian asked.

Drew chose not to respond.

“You really are a busy little bird, aren't you? We’ve got some adventurers that aren’t half as proactive as you." She said, she scanned the items with her stamp.

Drew took the coins into his storage ring and flew up to the rafters of the guild again.

Quest Complete: All that Glitters (11/10) 35 exp.

After completing that last guild quest he had enough to buy another race upgrade point. But something made him want to check his status screen first.

Name: Drew Level: 5Race: Skurr (Juvenile) Title: Hero

Stat Points 4Race Skill Point: 5/8

Health: 15H-Regen: .15/sec

Mana: 7M-Regen: .007 / sec

Stamina: 17S-Regen: .17/sec

Physical Attributes

Strength: 8

Constitution: 13

Agility: 6

Perception: 6

Arcane Attributes

Intelligence: 17

Willpower: 6

Charisma : 9

Wisdom: 11

Blessings:

1. [Assassins Bane II]

2. [Healers Blessing I]

3. [Consume Undead I]

4. [Scholar I]

5. [Tinker I]

Skills:

1. [Basic Heal] lvl 3

2. [Peck] lvl 2

3. [Sense Quest] lvl 1

4. [Flight] lvl 7

5. [Gliding] lvl 7

6. [Mana Recovery] lvl 5

7. [Stamina Recovery] lvl 2

8. [Light Armor - Novice] lvl 1

9. [Mana Channeling] lvl 2

10. [Mage Hand] lvl 1

11. [Speak Common] lvl 3

12. [Unarmed Combat] lvl 1

13. [Enchanting] lvl 1

Items:

[Bird Necklace] - Luck +1

[Gathering Ring] - Holds 10 x 10 items.

Really starting to become a long list. I’m making good progress.

Drew watched from the rafters as Damien entered the adventurers guild. The old man shuffled over to the desk, where the guild clerk handed him a bag of mushrooms. Damien took the bag and handed the clerk a stack of silver coins.

Drew flew down to a table to catch Damien’s eye. He cawed and made a “come over here” gesture with his wing.

Drew dumped the silver coins he earned out on the table.

"Caw, caaw..." he said, indicating with his wing that he completed the quest and brought back the mushrooms.

"Where did you get these coins Drew?”

The enchanter reached over and Drew stepped aside so the man could pick them up. After counting them he looked over at the clerk. Then back at Drew.

“Did you complete my quest?" he asked.

Drew nodded and puffed up his feathers.

After confirming with Vivian, Damien returned the silver coins and the bag to Drew.

"Well, aren't you a clever one?" he said. "I suppose I owe you my thanks.”

Then he whispered to Drew. “We can start assigning you these quests directly, and I can save the service charges by cutting out the guild altogether.”

Drew tilted his head and followed Damien, across the street, curious about what the enchanter had planned for the evening.

They checked a few enchantments around town and changed out mana stones. Drew picked at the grass on the ground and practiced making twine but still couldn’t get the hang of it.

Damien seemed to open up completely while he worked. He shared a couple stories about his younger days in the capital.

“It was around that time that the Royal Guard went on the march, and I went along with them. An army had many uses for an enchanter. You can purify water, lighten the weight of wagons, enchant armor to deflect arrows, and enchant tents to resist fire.”

Being an enchanter is kinda a blue collar job.

“It was a busy time for me, far more so than my time working for the royal castle.” He said lost in thought.

A noise near a stack of crates startled Drew and he flew up and in a tight circle around the enchanter to get a better view of the area.

Must have been nothing.

Drew landed on the crates and Damien leaned towards him, his eyes alight with excitement.

"Imagine, a bird who can speak like a Ressian, and craft enchantments. You could be a legend, Drew. The first of your kind to wield such power. What enchantments would a Skurr dream up?"

I am the first of my kind, the first Earthling to come to this world.

Drew let out a low squawk to show he understood the weight of Damien's words.

Damien smiled, patting him gently on the head.

"We'll start with the basics, of course. But I have a feeling you'll catch on quickly. And who knows, maybe one day you'll surpass even me."

With enough time I might catch up to you. My leveling has been slowing down each time I level up. So I can only imagine how long it would take him to get his next level.

“I’ll teach you enchanting to the best of my ability, I’ll pay you for any good quality enchantments you make, and you do all the busy work I don’t want to. Everybody wins.” Damien said.

Drew spent the better part of the day in the workshop with Damien. He practiced his mana manipulation, mage hand, and started to craft the simple mana gathering disks. Drew also familiarized himself with the different tools and materials in the shop but Damien wouldn’t let him touch most of them. He claimed that he had them organized the way he wanted them.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

I was only looking. It’s not like I was going to steal any of them.

All that glitters: (9/19)

But the afternoon his Mana increased by one point. He ended up spending his exp on the next race upgrade point.

“While you are leveling up Mage Hand you should unlock a proficiency called Mana Channeling.” Damien went into a long description as to how all skills are essentially proficiencies but people didn’t call them that.

“Channeling” Drew echoed.

I already got that one fishing. I’ll wait a bit then say I unlocked it when it seems natural.

“Synonymous” Drew clacked job beak, laughing at the success of such a long word and the scowl on Damien’s face.

Proficiency? Isn’t it just a mana powered move like in a video game? Does Damien see the same kind of status screen I do? Or is mine based on earth ideas of video games?

As the evening approached, he felt the urge to go outside and explore. Could be good to spend the afternoon fishing again. Might increase my mana reserves.

Drew cawed at Damien, who looked up to see what Drew wanted.

“Heading out,” Drew easily managed a couple words.

His ability to speak common was halfway to level 4 and progressing steadily.

Drew flew over to the workbench where Damien was sitting, and cocked his head inquisitively.

“Need anything?”

"Actually I do have a favor to ask you. Could you go to Ireal’s Smithy and order some 10 cm medallions?"

“Medallions.” Drew echoed.

Drew nodded his head rapidly to confirm so Damien continued.

"I need you to ask for some 10 cm polished steel disks, exactly 7mm thick. About 20 will do for a while. She will know what you mean if you tell her they are for me. Here's some coins to pay her and a biscuit as a reward."

I won’t be bribed so easily with food old man.

Drew sent the coins to his gathering ring and snapped up the biscuit from Damien's hand with his beak, and then hesitated for a moment before trying for a long sentence.

“Disks,” he paused, “from Ireal’s, 7mm.” Drew choked out.

He cocked his head to the side to look directly at Damien with one eye.

“Two biscuits.”

Damien chuckled and tossed the cheeky bird another biscuit.

“You got it.”

Drew nodded his head again to force out a couple more words.

"almost…leveled" He shook his head, his beak was cramping up.

Damien was overjoyed, "This is excellent progress. We can teach you more words and eventually full sentences.”

I am really spending a lot of time with Damien, yet I haven’t told him anything about my situation. He must think I’m some smarter than average crow. What would he think if he knew I was a guy from another world?

-

The smithy was in the same part of the city as the adventurers guild. Drew had seen many of the children go there to purchase their beginner gear.

To Drew’s modern sensibilities it was a highly advanced shop that worked with a combination of traditional tools and enchanted equipment. They crafted everything from swords and shields, simple banded armor for arms and legs and chests. Also knives, cups and plates and forks for eating.

Ireal was a large friendly woman that had very exacting standards for her smithy, her business, and knew exactly how her two apprentices should conduct themselves. The apprentices had perfect behavior and never made a mistake.

Drew ordered the medallions without issue and was even able to pick up 8 they had in stock. Saying he worked for the enchanter smoothed over the process.

They fit easily as a single stack in his gathering ring.

As he left the smithy, Drew saw Gonnathyn and Gessica follow some well-equipped adventurers into the adventurers guild.

Over the last few days, the children had been following the guard’s workout regimen and they were visibly stronger.

I should find a way to adapt that routine for myself.

He joined the Skurr pecking around for scraps but didn’t find enough scraps to complete another hunger quest.

Drew flew up into the rafters and sauntered down the beam to his nest. He bobbed his head as he passed larger Skurr, and they let him pass without issue.

Home sweet home.

He and his siblings had all grown and their parents had kicked them out a few days ago to make room for more eggs.

Building my new nest wasn’t hard and I like having a place of my own.

Kinda reminds me of my first apartment… hah ha! Drafty, cluttered, but with a good view.

Drew could see the whole mess hall and training areas from his corner of the ceiling. And he could not be seen from Vivian’s desk.

He watched Gonnathyn and Gessica talking with the adventuring team.

They seem like a good group. They already have a tank, striker and switch. With Gessica as a budding healer, and Gonnathyn as an additional Stryker they would have a large party.

Large parties could work out to be safer for everyone but the rewards were spread thinner, the coin and experience both.

Watching the group plan their next quest, Drew could tell that the Tank was their leader.

She might be 2 or 3 years older than Gonnathyn. She looks like someone you can trust.

She was helping the siblings understand their battle tactics and formations over a couple watered down ales.

“Our goal is to track down some rabbits to their warren, thin their numbers along the way.” The tank said. “The area we need to search has been reported to be overrun with them so be prepared for a tough fight.”

Gonnathyn put his hand on Gessica’s shoulder and kept his eyes firm.

“Rabbits can attack suddenly in numbers, and they’ll fight tooth, horn, and claw to protect their own.” The tank said.

“Don’t worry, Gessica.” The Striker said. “I’ll make sure none of them get too close to you.”

The striker was a young woman about the same age as the tank, she had a sturdy frame and steely eyes.

Gessica managed a small smile in return. “Thank you.” She said.

“I’ll take the high ground and provide cover fire.” Their Ranger said. “Once we engage, I’ll target any rabbits that are about to flank you.”

The ranger was a much older man, with gray in his beard. His skin was tanned like oiled leather and he sat straddled in his chair turned the opposite way. He turned and noticed Drew looking at him. Drew quickly looked away.

Gonnathyn tightened his grip on his sword.

Poor kid, he must be eager to prove himself. He has been training diligently, but this will be his first real test in the field.

“Gessi and I will stick together.” Gonnathyn said confidently. “She is good with her sling. We’ll make sure none of them make it out alive.”

“Good.” The tank replied. “Gessica, remember to stay back and keep an eye on your brother. If he gets injured, your healing skills will come in handy.”

She nodded and checked her spell’s details again.

So much responsibility for a child so young. She must know her role is crucial, especially with her brother’s safety on the line.

The striker slapped Gonnathyn on the back.

“Just don’t slow us down, alright? We’ve got a reputation to uphold.”

“We won’t hold you back. We are ready to go, just waiting on you now.” He said and squared his shoulders.

The more experienced team members shared a knowing look.

I should tag along. They are going out after a pack of Rabbits in the northern woods. Having the extra eyes in the sky plus the experienced adventurers on the team would ensure that the group wouldn’t be surrounded.

- 47 -

Gessica and Gonnathyn exited the adventurers hall and ran to join up with their new adventuring party. Drew fell in behind them, gliding along behind and above them.

The sound of cawing and wings alerted him that something was wrong before the first gallow birds started to swoop down on him.

Hey what gives?!?

“Leave me alone jerks!” Drew shouted.

The much larger birds buffeted him with their wings driving him to land on the roof below them.

He landed poorly and scrambled to stand. Looking around at the flock above him he counted over 30 adult Skurr, they circled quickly and it was hard to track a single one in the chaos.

We really are imposing birds. No wonder folks are intimidated by us. What’s this all about…

One bird, larger than the rest, swooped low and Drew had to duck to avoid him as he landed solidly. The rest landed on the roof in a large circle around them, boxing Drew in.

That’s a super hero landing if I ever saw one. This guy looks hardcore. I wonder how he got that scar over his eye?

The large Skurr turned to look at Drew with his good eye and fluffed up his feathers. He shrieked and gestured up the roof with a nod. Drew followed his gaze to the pergola and nest where he had hatched.

This is where I hatched, this is where all my siblings and the rest of the juvenile Skurr hang out.

The large Skurr stomped its claw and snapped at Drew with his beak.

New Quest: Stay in the Rookery: Skyclaw commands that you remain with the juvenile Skurr. Where it is safe. Only the adults hunt. Do you accept? Yes/No

What? This guy Skyclaw can assign quests? Is he our leader or something? Like hell I’m going to sit quietly waiting for the adults to bring me their scraps.

“Skyclaw, I am strong.” Drew croaked. “I fly, I hunt.”

New Quest: Stay in the Rookery: Skyclaw commands that you return to juvenile flock. You have not been tested. Do you accept? Yes/No

No way am I slowing down to the Juvenile Skurr pace.

Skyclaw got the message, either from Drew’s face or posture.

Area Quest: Stay in the Rookery: Failed.

Skurr social standing: Civil (50%) your standing with the ruling faction of Skurr had dropped to Civil.

Skyclaw challenges Drew to a duel. The terms of the duel-

Skyclaw rushed Drew before he could read all the prompts popping up in his view. Drew dodged to the side barely avoiding the cruel beak that clamped down where his leg was a second before.

The circle opened up and Drew threw himself off the roof flying as fast as he could. Skyclaw was right on his tail. He led Skyclaw on a short chase aiming to crash him into other Skurr in mid air. He had to keep pumping his wings to stay ahead of his opponent.

I can’t keep this up forever. My stamina is already below 50%.

He flew through a large tree zig zagging and taking tight last-second turns to throw off Skyclaw. The larger bird took the turns a little slower avoiding the branches that Drew could slip past more easily due to his smaller size.

Drew took another look at the rest of the prompt for the duel as he cleared the tree branches.

The terms of the duel are to first blood or forfeit. Reward: increased standing with-

Drew shut the prompt, dropping down in a steep dive towards the roof and the crowd of Skurr watching the duel.

I can out maneuver him. I’m smarter, and I’m more agile. I should be able to get him to charge me if I can stand my ground. If I can get him first then I win.

Drew mentally prepared his Mage Hand, and pictured his landing in his mind. He flew straight back to the roof.

This plan better work.

Drew snuck a peek back over his should and Skyclaw was closing in fast. As close as his own shadow and twice as dark.

Alright here goes nothing!

Drew landed with barely a second to activate Mage Hand. He reached out to slap aside the diving Skurr. Drew was prepared to nail him with a Peck while he recovered from the surprise attack.

Skyclaw’s form was flawless, his claws outstretched.

Drew marveled at him for a split second as the larger bird easily shifted his wings and corkscrewed around Drew’s attack. At the last moment Drew threw himself to the side but it was too late. Skyclaw crashed into Drew breaking the bones in his leg in two places.

HP: 35%

Debuff: Broken Bone (leg) (2/2)

Debuff: Bleeding: (3:00)

Skyclaw stood over Drew as he bled onto the roof.

Duel Results: Drew Loses by first blood. Penalty: Social Standing with Skurr dropped to Civil (20%)

New Quest: Stay in the Rookery: Skyclaw commands that you stay with the juvenile flock and recover. You have been tested and you failed.

Skyclaw and the flock took to the sky and flew in a circle before heading off to the west.

Shit this sucks on so many levels. What level is that guy?

Drew removed his button buckler from his broken leg and activated his two healing spells.

A couple juvenile skurr came over and sat beside Drew. They checked out his wounded leg and then took his button buckler that was lying loose beside him on the roof.

“Go ahead keep it!” he said.

It didn’t do me any good anyways!

Drew sat there ignoring the pain of his healing bones and replayed the duel in his head.

Well crap, he’s smarter and more agile than I am. Is that it then? Do I have to sit tight and eat bugs?

Drew checked his active quests.

I’ve got the tried and true hungry quest. I’ve got the gather shiny stuff quest, I’ve got the explore the city quest, and the craft armor quest, and the two puzzling quests to learn enchanting and Carving. Can’t do these last two if I’m stuck on this roof.

Debuff Removed: Bleeding exp 35

Well that’s a start. I guess I could always power level by healing if I get desperate.

Debuff Removed: Broken Bone (1/2)

Drew’s leg bone snapped back together and he nearly threw up.

I’m not actually going to sit here and wait to be fed exp. As soon as I’m healed up I’m flying out of here. I need to fix myself some armor, and then start leveling my light armor skill. I need to get to Juvenile 10 before I can rank up. And I could work on my agility and strength too.

Debuff Removed: Broken Bone. exp 50

Officially my least favorite way to earn experience. Yuck.

Drew looked around for Skyclaw and then dropped off the edge of the roof. He stayed below the rooftops as he flew away.