The final night in Creston I decided to finally look at my notifications. I took a deep breath, and with a thought the screens popped into my vision.

You have killed human monstrosity

You have earned Experience

You have assisted in killing Maximilian the guildmaster

You have earned Experience

You have assisted in killing Marin the monstrosity

You have earned Experience

Your level have increased to 25

For each level your base stats in physical and mental attributes

have increased by 2 for a total of 4

For each level your base stats in spiritual attributes

have increased by 3 for a total of 6

Congratulations

Haptic Illusion magic has reached level 21

The ether consumption of spells has decreased Moderately

Congratulations

Unstable footing has reached level 12

The ether consumption of spell has decreased Slightly

Congratulations

Mirror Mirage has reached level 9

The ether consumption of spell has decreased Slightly

Congratulations

Spirit Caller has reached level 5

The ether consumption of spell has decreased Slightly

Congratulations

You have bonded a Spirit possessed item

Staff of endless cycles

Bonuses from bond:

Agility: 1

Ether Affinity: 3

Ether capacity 1

Bond cannot be strengthened; this spirit is not sentient.

Congratulations

You have earned the title:

Spirit whisperer

You have bonded more than one spirit-possessed item to yourself.

Passive effect:

Your bond with spirits grows stronger more easily, and your affinity with spirits in general is increased.

Status screen

Name:

David Wendell

Class:

Illusionary Conjurer (Trickster))

Titles:

Deceiver’s Resilience

Master your fear

Against the odds

Experienced Masochist

Vanquisher of the Goliath

Power is relative

What lurks in the dark

One eyed

Spirit whisperer

Level:

25

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Bonded Spirit possessed Items:

Harlequin’s mask

Level of bond: Friend

Staff of endless cycles

Level of bond: N/A

Physical Attributes:

Strength: 64

Agility: 76

Endurance: 84

Mental Attributes:

Intelligence: 67

Wisdom: 64

Spiritual Attributes:

Ether Affinity: 102

Ether capacity 109

Inner Core:

Awakening stage

Abilities:

Flowing Mirage (fighting style)

Haptic Illusion Magic (Level 21)

Unstable footing (Level 12)

Mirror Mirage (Level 9)

Phantom Images

Phantom pain

Spirit Caller (Level 5)

Conjurer’s wrath

Frozen in fear

Ignore pain

I surveyed all the information presented to me, a wide grin forming on my face as I absorbed it. There were numerous power-ups, though it seemed the rate of acquisition had slightly slowed down. I couldn't help but feel that I should have gained more from those recent fights, but I acknowledged that I had received considerable assistance in both of them. These victories were not solely my own achievements.

Closing all the screens, I commanded the staff, still coiled around my arms, to revert to its original staff form. In a matter of seconds, the flexible strands of wood transformed, and I found myself once again holding a short staff. It resembled a bo staff and felt more comfortable in my hands than my previous one. Leaning it against the wall, I was pleased to see it stay in place this time. Next, I placed the daggers on the dresser before undressing and settling onto my bed. As I lay there, I contemplated my time in Creston.

These past few months had been an exhilarating journey, and while Creston had been transformative, it had also exacted its toll. I longed to leave, to bid farewell to this place and its tumultuous events. As thoughts of departure filled my mind, envisioning myself walking down dirt roads into the unknown with my team, I couldn't help but smile.

The anticipation of what lay ahead filled me with excitement. The prospect of exploring ancient ruins, delving into dungeons, and embarking on true adventures thrilled me. I knew the dangers that awaited, but after the ordeals of Creston, encountering regular monsters would be a welcomed change of pace.

With a smile of anticipation, I drifted off to sleep.

The time had come to depart, and we had everything packed up. Our belongings were gathered near the entrance, a substantial amount by any measure. I had my armor and weapons, intending to wear a few pieces such as arm and shin protectors while storing the rest in Lyra's ring.

Isabel shouldered our supply of potions and practically everything else. Each of us carried a light pack to appear less affluent, ensuring we blended in. Additionally, every member of our group carried at least two healing and two ether potions. Finn had been equipped with comfortable travel attire and wore a pair of sturdy boots we had acquired for him. As a precautionary measure, he also carried a small steel dagger, just in case he found himself in a sticky situation.

That morning, I met Bertrand for the first time. He had decided to join us after discussing it with Isabel. I was taken aback by his appearance. Supposedly a scribe or something of the sort, he possessed the build of a woodcutter—tall, with a bushy beard, broad chest, and strong arms. I gazed at the man in awe as he approached me. "So, you're the one getting my Isabel into all this trouble, eh?" he boomed.

Unfazed and refusing to be intimidated, I grinned back at him. "Not sure I'm the one who dragged her into it. If I recall correctly, I was the one eager to leave, actually."

Bertrand scoffed, "She wouldn't leave just like that." There was pride in his voice, and I glanced over to see Isabel blushing.

I smiled, "She does have more honor than is good for her."

Bertrand nodded, "Damn right she does, so you better not drag her down, eh?"

Isabel stepped in and playfully punched him in the arm. "Stop it, David is a good guy."

Bertrand gently shoved her to the side. "I'm not questioning that he is. But he does seem to attract trouble."

Lyra stepped up next to me, her smile bright. "I know, right? Isn't it great!"

I raised an eyebrow at Lyra, but she just smiled and said, ‘’Bertrand, you can come with us, but remember you are coming with us, and not the other way around.’’

Bertrand frowned for a few more seconds, but then nodded and wrapped a protective arm around Isabel. I barely held back my laughter at her embarrassed expression. Usually, Isabel was the noble warrior, known as 'Indomitable' in the guild, but this large man seemed to have gotten it into his head that she needed protection.

As the odd pair went back to finish their packing, Viktor entered the house, also carrying a pack. He smiled at our surprise, ‘’I am still part of the team, right?’’

Lyra walked over and clapped him on the back, ‘’Of course you are! Although we might need to toughen you up a bit, especially if you want to join us in fights.’’

Viktor shrugged, ‘’Most adventuring teams have auxiliary members, right? I can fill that role.’’

Isabel called from behind Bertrand, ‘’You're hired, Viktor!’’

He grinned, and our team grew by one more. While I knew little about actual adventuring in the world, I had learned that the guild was essentially a mercenary group. Most teams were small groups, but some teams could consist of hundreds of members, effectively acting as small armies.

Creston was a quiet corner of the dominion, and even smaller in the grand scheme of the world. It was common for teams to rent themselves out to towns and cities, offering protection from monsters and monopolizing valuable hunting grounds.

I had asked about the Empire's own armies, but Isabel had explained that they were mostly stationed around the borders. The vast size of the empire made it challenging to guard every corner. The interior regions, like Creston, relied on small garrisons and private organizations like the guild.

Our initial goal was to head south, leaving the mountains behind and venturing into the lowlands. We would travel from village to village, taking on jobs along the way, until we reached Zjelim. Zjelim was situated on the bank of a large inland sea, and from there, we would board a ship to the capital. Our plans beyond that would be decided later.

As the sun reached its zenith, we departed from Creston. Lyra and I led the way, with Grim scouting around us through my images. Isabel and Bertrand followed behind, while Viktor and Finn positioned themselves in between. I wasn't sure of Bertrand's capabilities in combat, but he did carry what appeared to be a woodcutter's axe across his back.

There had been a modest farewell, but nothing particularly grand. Landvin and his team were present, although I only recognized a few faces among the others. Many had already left Creston, eager to escape the chaos that had engulfed the guild.

As we walked along the cobbled road, heading south, I couldn't help but smile. It was a warm summer day, and my spirits were high. My time in Creston had been a rollercoaster ride, and I was glad to leave it all behind. Aethoria still held so much promise, at least according to Lyra, and I hoped to discover the brighter side of my new world. Her hand was warm in mine, and she smiled up at me. At the very least, I wasn't alone.