Liam let out a long irritated breath as he leaned against the side of the building. Frustration and irritation swirled inside of him as he thought about everything that had just happened. As he leaned against the wall he started to organize his thoughts.
He thought about everything that had made him frustrated. His first thoughts were about his friends hiding the news about Zoe. His frustration wasn’t with how his friends tried to hide the fact that Zoe had moved on.
A small part of him thought it was reasonable that she didn’t wait and found someone else who made her happy. It meant he could do the same without worry. So, to say he was frustrated with his friends trying to avoid informing him of her new man was not right. It was annoying, but not frustrating.
What really frustrated him about that situation was who she decided to get with. His first encounter with the asshole elf wasn’t great. Not only did he try claiming that he stole or was trying to steal from him, but the way he treated Gimmel kind of pissed him off.
There was also the small bit of facts that was revealed when he used Strife Inducement on the Beast-kin Chad was talking to. If Chad really did flirt or tried to get with that guy’s girl then that would make him unfaithful to who he is with. Those kind of guys pissed him off.
The next thing that frustrated him was that his friends confirmed that if they were in a position to have to choose between him and Chad, they would pick the asshole. Adding to that, after finding out he was a Crafter, they pretty much said they wouldn’t allow him to be a part of their party; even after all that talk about saving him a spot.
Then they had the gall to say they could have him be their support member, agreeing to what Chad said about having him take care of their equipment and make them potions. He knew he didn’t know everything there was about classes and their roles in this world, but they knew him. They knew he wouldn’t be okay with that.
However, with all of that, he was mostly frustrated with himself. He acted like a child. He had the audacity to ask who they would choose if they had to. Not only that, but allowing his emotions to flare up like they did and try to threaten someone who was higher leveled than he. The interaction with him using his Hubris Aura on Chad and seeing him easily cancel it within a couple of seconds reminded him of how weak he still was.
Liam let out another breath as he internally said to Eri, You were right. They really had changed after being here for a couple of years.
----------------------------------------
“It’s no surprise really. Coming to a new world with new rules, different morals, and different ways of living…it changes people. They adapted to the world and thus their mindsets have changed. – Eri.”
----------------------------------------
I can understand that… Liam sighed again as he looked down at the ground. It’s just frustrating to actually see it. If we were back on Earth, they wouldn’t be friends with an asshole like him. Let alone choose him over their friend.
----------------------------------------
“It can be frustrating, but it’s better that you found out now instead of during a dungeon dive. What if it came down to choosing who to save at a crucial moment? Would they choose to save you, their friend, or that healer, regardless of his shitty personality. I have seen it happen before. It’s best you found out this way instead of the other. – Eri.”
----------------------------------------
Liam thought about that and imagined how it would go if a situation like that happened. If he was back on Earth, that kind of situation would never happen. But here… Liam shook his head trying not to dwell on something that wouldn’t happen.
----------------------------------------
“If you don’t mind me asking…I would like to know more about this Zoe person. Who is she to you? – Eri.”
----------------------------------------
Liam was about to answer, but stopped as a voice suddenly brought him out of his thoughts.
“Um, Liam?” a young male muttered.
Liam turned his head to see Gimmel standing right before him.
Liam scrunched his brows as he stared at the teenager. “What are you doing here?”
“I came out here because I have a question for you,” Gimmel said as he looked at Liam with uncertainty in his eyes.
“What’s your question?” Liam asked as he stared at the boy.
“Where did you get those earring from?” Gimmel asked. “Did you steal them?”
Liam was suddenly taken aback from this boy’s question. Out of all the things he could ask him, that was not one he was expecting.
“What do you mean where did I get these earrings from?” Liam asked as he looked perplexed. His facial features then turned into an offended look as he replied, “No I didn’t steal them. What the hell is up with people accusing me of stealing?”
Gimmel raised his hands up to show he didn’t mean any harm as he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any offense by the question. I guess after seeing the earrings on you and then hearing about your class I was confused as to why you would have earrings that marked you as an apprentice of my uncle.”
“An apprentice of your unc…,” Liam started to repeat the words until the meaning of them sunk in.
At first, Liam was confused as to why this teenaged boy was concerned about the earrings he wore. Then he was irritated and slightly angry when he asked if he stole them. His anger and frustration was swept away shortly after that when he explained why he was concerned.
He remembered in the letter his Dagger Mentor had left for him when he was given a decision to wear them or not. A sentence in that letter had said, “They are meant to signify that you are an apprentice of mine.”
If the Earrings of the Wild Card’s Apprentice was meant to mark him as his apprentice then of course there would be people who would recognize the jewelry. One such person would be a family member of his.
“You’re related to Nabal?” Liam questioned as he looked the boy over again. Taking in all of his features.
While Gimmel had some similar facial features as Nabal there was one that this boy didn’t have that would have made Liam believe or confirm he was related to his Dagger Mentor. Markings of any of the four Suits.
Gimmel nodded.
“Then why don’t you have the same markings as he does?” Liam asked.
Gimmel smiled as he understood what Liam was asking. “Before I answer that question. Can you tell me what all he has said about the clan he and I come from?”
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Liam thought about it. Nabal never really spoke to him about his clan nor about the markings. It was Galin who had talked about it and even then, Galin didn’t have much to say because of the secrets the Suits Clan hid.
“He never spoke about your clan,” Liam answered. “One of my crafting mentors had spoken about your clan and used them as an example when informing me about clans. The amount of information he had wasn’t a lot, but I remember him talking about the way to spot a member from your clan is from the markings.”
Gimmel nodded as he regarded Liam. He then looked like he was contemplating something. He took a few seconds before nodding and saying, “I believe you. To be honest, it would have been alright if he did divulge some information to you since he made you into an apprentice of his, but then again his methods of teaching have always been unorthodox. Even having you as an apprentice is going against traditions.”
“What do you mean?” Liam asked, brows furrowing.
“In our clan, there are rules we must follow. One is when claiming an apprentice. It must be someone from the clan. Since you are not from our clan, that I know of, having you as one already goes against the rule,” Gimmel answered.
Liam grew confused as he listened.
“However, if he has chosen you as one, then my only guess for that is he plans on making you a member one day. That could be the only conclusion I can think of,” Gimmel continued. “So, if that is the case then I believe I can let you know some information. Not a lot, but enough to at least answer your question.”
Liam nodded. He wasn’t sure if Nabal really had planned on making him a clan member, but he wasn’t going to turn down the information.
“The markings you have seen are not given when a clan member is born. They are earned. Our markings are one of pride and can only be gained through stacks of accomplishments or through major contribution to the clan,” Gimmel explained. “The marks given to us are not random, but are tied to both our parents and their houses as well as what we specialize ourselves in with our classes.”
Liam grew confused as he looked at Gimmel.
“Before you ask, no I will not elaborate on that,” Gimmel said as he raised a hand up. “If my uncle plans on making you apart of the clan like I think he is doing, then you will learn more later.”
Liam nodded, understanding what he was saying. Clan secrets will remain a secret until you are a clan member.
Gimmel smiled, glad for Liam’s understanding. A couple seconds later, that smile turned into a serious look as he continued, “Now that I have explained all this, I feel that it is my duty to give you some serious advice. Possibly ones that might keep you alive.”
Liam looked Gimmel in the eyes. He noticed all the relax and calmness in the boy fade as he listened to Gimmel’s next words with full attention.
“As someone from the clan and having a guess at what my uncle could possibly be thinking,” Gimmel started. “I believe, for your safety, that you should take those earrings off and forget about being his apprentice.”
Liam was suddenly taken aback by the boy’s words. With some curiosity, Liam asked, “Can I ask why?”
“Your class is not one suited for the lifestyle my uncle is trying to train you in. I am still trying to understand why he decided to have you with that class of yours,” Gimmel bluntly stated. “A Crafter is not meant for battle. I know you are new here and have yet to understand what you are capable of, but it should be clear from the situation that had happened just moments ago. It is folly for a crafter to take part in any fighting. They are product makers, growers, and collectors not fighters. They are meant to research and make items to help others fight better and more comfortably.”
Liam stared at the boy. He felt his body slowly tense as he listened to his words.
“I am not saying this out of malice nor am I looking down on you. I know plenty of crafters in my clan and have seen the wonders they are capable of,” Gimmel said trying to sound sympathetic. “However, I know that one of those wonders they are capable of making isn’t through fighting, but rather through others fighting. So, I implore you to please not dream of being capable of something you are not. Your class helps define you. And you have been defined as someone who can not fight.”
Liam let out an irritated short chuckle. Once again someone was looking down on him and what he knew he could do. However, as he listened to this boy speak he could feel he wasn’t doing this out of spite or malice. He was trying to be kind and helpful.
Liam could appreciate that. However, he wasn’t going to let him slide with that.
“I hear what you are saying, and I appreciate you trying to be kind. You are right. I am new here and I do not know how things work…” Liam started.
Gimmel looked like he was starting to relax as he listened to Liam. He believed he had gotten through to him and was about to say something.
“However, I wont allow that kind of mindset to define me,” Liam stated. “If this world and the inhabitants believe a Crafter can’t fight side by side with others then I will show how wrong you all are.”
Gimmel gave Liam a disappointed look as he heard what was said. He was about to start up another argument, but was stopped as three people walked out.
“There you are Liam,” Mila said. She then looked at Gimmel and asked, “Is everything alright?”
“Yes,” Liam replied as he gave her a smile. “Gimmel was just giving me some friendly advice.” Liam then looked at Gimmel and nodded while saying, “Thank you for the talk. I will take what you have said and ponder on it.”
Liam then made his way towards Alv, Cindy, and Mila. As he walked pass the boy, Gimmel turned and tried to reach a hand out. He opened his mouth and tried to speak, but stopped as he felt a sudden cold chill run down his spine.
Confused by what had caused this he looked around with a perplexed expression. When he couldn’t find the source he looked back at Liam, who was already out of earshot with the other three.
Gimmel shook his head as slight frustration and disappointment mixed within him. Letting out an irritated breath of air, Gimmel made his way back into the building, trying hard to push the man out of his thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Liam and Cindy stood in the portal room on the first floor of the Dungeon Tower. Mila and Alv had separated from them not too long after they left the Adventurers Association. Mila complained about Knox’s and Waylon’s sudden reverse attitude while making rude comments about Chad. He knew she was doing it to make him feel better about what had happened, so he let her do it.
Mila told Liam to forget about what had happened and just do things his way. She expressed that she had faith in him and that if he ever wanted to join them for a dungeon run he was welcomed to. Alv also offered to give pointers on what he could do to help increase his fighting power.
Liam knew they were trying to help. He knew that, but he could also see a little lack of confidence in their words. He was just grateful they were being this kind to him despite what the others had said.
After they had gone their way, Cindy gave Liam his sandwich and they ate in silence while walking. They had enough time to finish their food before they arrived at the Dungeon Tower.
They were standing in front of the light green portal Liam had seen earlier that day. Painted on the way behind the portal was a picture of a forest with several short green monster-like humanoid creatures that looked a lot like goblins. There were also other beast looking creatures hiding behind bushes or in trees.
A sign stood near the portal that read, “Goblin Forest. Dungeon Type – Free Roam. Restrictions – None. Rules – Defeat 15 monsters and an Elite Monster in order to count as a Dungeon Complete. Current Elite Monsters roaming – 15/25.”
Liam found the information on this dungeon very intriguing. It was completely different from the sign the Seaside Cave of the Water Slimes had. For example, the Blue Dungeon was a Tower type while this Green one was a Free Roam. The restrictions for the Blue Dungeon were the amount of people in a party while the green dungeon had none.
The rules for the blue dungeon were you had to defeat the E.F.M.s and Floor Boss on each floor while the green one informed how many regular and elite monsters you needed to kill. Lastly, the blue dungeon showed how many floors there were while the green showed how many elite monsters were currently roaming around.
The difference between both dungeons really showed how much attention you had to give when choosing a dungeon. If you were someone who rushed through looking at the information they were given then you could screw yourself over, not knowing the requirements needed to conquer the dungeon dive.
After thinking about the differences, Liam suddenly had a question. He looked at Cindy and asked, “Does the sign update on its own when Elite Monsters are killed as well as when they appear?”
Cindy looked at him and smiled. “Good question. Yes, the sign regularly updates on its own when changes happen in the dungeon. And before you ask, it does not list what Elite monster was killed and which are still alive.”
Liam blinked a couple of times as he registered that last part. “Are there different types of elite monsters? They aren’t the same type?”
Cindy shook her head. “No. In Free Roam dungeons, there are a variety of different monsters that roam about. In this dungeon there are goblins, rabbit, wolves, snakes, and other beast like monsters. For Elite Monsters in this dungeon specifically there are five stronger versions of some of the normal monsters. There are Hobgoblins, Dire Wolves, Spike Spined Pythons, Ironed Foot Jack Rabbits, and Vine Hawks.”
Liam’s eyes widened as he heard the names. He was getting a bit excited to see these creatures.
“I would like to focus on killing goblins and get a Hobgoblin killed, but we never know what we’re going to run into while in there,” Cindy said as she looked back at the portal. “Also, we never know who is already killing or fighting certain monsters. Once we get inside I’ll explain some of the unspoken rules Adventurers have made so you aren’t doing something you shouldn’t be. Are you ready?”
Liam nodded. He really wanted to get inside and just forget about the things that had happened earlier and he believed this dungeon would help with that.
“Let’s do this,” Liam said as he followed Cindy inside.