“No, no, NO! I don’t want to get myself involved in this. Killing others is NOT what I signed up for.”
“You didn’t even sign up for this at all… Besides, it’s literally one guy that’s causing more deaths the longer he’s alive. Think, Liberus.”
I swear, this book finds more and more ways to complicate our situation… Why can’t he see the clearer picture? Hell, we’ve been here arguing for so long that the Drunkard is literally about to close.
“Well… I suppose I’ll cooperate-”
“GREAT! FINALLY! WE’VE COME TO AN AGREEMENT! Let’s go already then. No time to waste when clues are on the line!”
“Clues? You’re telling me you're doing this because someone has directions?”
“Well, what else would I do but to oblige? Refuse the offer that might not show up again? I’m not gonna take chances here, Liberus.”
“Ok… riddle me this then. How’re you gonna take on an entire ORGANIZATION?! Do you even have any combat experience??
I didn’t have any unfortunately… The only times I did get into some fights were with Solas and a few other AEGIS members.
“So you don’t? GREAT! Well then let’s throw that option out the windo-“
“Teach me. Teach me how to fight.” Hoping that Liberus would have the slightest bit of knowledge. After all, he was bestowed to me by a literal god of sorts!
“Wha?! Like I have any experience myself… I would love to help but I’ve never been in any situation of any sort!”
Yeah… I knew it… Well, it’s nice to see him try at least…
“For now, we should look for a mentor to teach you. We can’t just burst in the place all willy nilly.”
“Agreed. I think learning how to actually defend myself should be a top priority as it stands.”
It was refreshing to see ourselves come to an understanding on at least SOMETHING. It’s so damn tiring having us constantly argue and argue all the time. Well, no time for all this nonsense. I should look for someone to teach my ass, or else I’ll probably get it handed to me…
“I think Inwell’s board of behest should do the trick. Let’s go, I’ll show you what it is when we get there.”
Keeping this disguise was getting a bit tiring. I was thinking of leaving straight after doing this favor for that chimeran lady. Moreover, my situation with my equipment isn’t looking so hot… especially since a decent set of weapons would probably juice me out of what I have left.
“So, the get up is for avoiding the public?”
“Why the small talk now?”
“Hey! Just don’t like the silence surrounding us, and I’ve been meaning to say this.”
“What is it?”
“Apologies for, y’know, acting out back there. Knowing what kind of place this is now, I can see where you’re coming from.”
This was fairly unexpected… Never thought he would be the first to back down… It was the first time someone ever apologized to me before, excluding my family of course. Probably because robbery isn’t forgiven by a simple apology. Y’know what, let’s… start off with a clean slate. I might as well, considering we should get along or this partnership would definitely not work.
“Thanks, Liberus. I’d like to apo-”
“Well now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to training! Don’t want your ass dying on me!”
“S-sure…
----------------------------------------
The board of behest. Busy as ever, it was the place you would go to if you ever needed anything. It’s been quite some time since I’ve last been to this place too. I guess I haven’t gone out often to go sightseeing. Liberus seemed pretty curious though, since his eye and ribbon were just peeking out of my bag. He really must’ve been from god knows where…
“Liberus, we’re here.” I whispered softly, tapping on my bag.
…
“Liberus! I said we’re here!”
“Oh shoot! Right… right… Sorry ‘bout that.I gotta say though, your world seems awfully… underdeveloped…”
“Is where you lived any more advanced than this?”
“I… don’t know… I have a feeling that it was though, haha!”
“Yeah, keep dreaming. Now, let’s see…”
It’s a good thing this place is drowning our conversation with the constant chatter of mercenaries. There were at least a few dozen pages here, ready to be taken. Most of them were bounties though… Makes sense here. That minister’s lackeys must’ve placed them here. He can’t even hire professionals himself.
“Well? Find anything? It’s getting cramped in this book bag of yours.”
“No… I’m not surprised that there aren’t any mentorships here. This place lacks skill after all.”
“Why the hell did you come here then?!”
“Don’t you know? It’s always better to have a small chance rather than no chance. Well, guess this time was for nothing.”
Can’t say I’m that disappointed. Most aren’t ever gonna bother with teaching some amateur for hardly any pay, rather than seeking the thrill of murdering monsters. Guess I better get going in hopes of finding a teacher-
“Oh? Well, if that voice doesn’t seem familiar. I’ve been searching for you, Ranku Anchria.”
The owner from the bar yesterday?! If my memory serves me right, his name was Vale. What’s he doing here? I was taken aback from his sudden appearance. Nearly slipped on a rock there.
“You need something from me..?”
“Well of course. You forgot something important. Here, take it.”
It was a piece of paper, written from his notebook. I wasn’t sure what to make up of it, since his handwriting was completely dogshit…
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
“What the hell is this? I can hardly read this…”
“It’s your tab.”
…
“OH! Sorry, I’ll get my money right away-“
“Just, before you do. You said you were looking for someone to teach you? Judging by the desperation in your voice, it seems like you’d like one as soon as possible, correct?”
“Well, Y-YES! Yes I would love one. Do you have someone that could teach me how to fight?”
“Follow me back to the Drunkard. I’ll show you.”
HA! I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD FIND ONE SO SOON! I can’t miss this opportunity, since I probably won’t have a second chance with this. Gotta keep myself in check.
“You hear that Liberus? Aren’t I so lucky? It was fate that brought me to Vale!”
“Fate as in… you forgot to pay for your drink..?”
…
“Ok, smartass… At least let me have my moments here and there.
----------------------------------------
The amount of people just laying on the tables was crazy. I can’t believe only those two can manage such a popular joint. Grace took care of the unconscious customers and greeted all of us.
“Hey Grace, I’ll be teaching this person for a bit of extra cash if that's ok!”
WHA?! HE’S TEACHING ME?! AND WITH EXTRA PAY?! I’M NOT MADE OF MONEY!
“Wait wait wait wait… You’re… teaching me…?”
“Yes? I hope you know that this isn’t without pay, not like you’ll… turn down my offer, will you?”
Ugh. He’s got me in a chokehold. Welp, hope he’s a good instructor, or I’m not gonna get my money’s worth. The clanking of pots and pans were coming from the kitchen for some reason, even though Grace was in the dining room while I was with Vale. Odd… He took me into his office. Unlike the other quarters of this place, his own was quite luxurious, having fancy carpet, paintings and many other fancy trinkets that even I don’t recognize.
“Take a seat. Let’s discuss payment first, shall we?”
Great. Money. If he juices me off my last Kol, I might just have to turn him down. Can’t make the mistake of going down the path of crime this time. To reassure myself, I checked my pouch. Shit, I only felt a few coins left in there.
“S-so… How much are we talking about..? Just so you know, I’m not made of money-”
“Not much actually. Just 25 Kols, more or less.”
ONLY 25?! That’s just about enough to only buy a few loaves of bread! No WAY I’m not accepting this deal. Instantly, I slammed my hand, with the sound of coins clinking and rattling on the desk.
“DEAL! WHEN DO WE START?”
“Well, guess you’re pretty eager. Thank you for your business. Now, for us to start, my sister will finish up with cleaning. I’ll be cleaning up the kitchen, so we’ll meet in the dining room once I’m finished.”
The door shut behind me. Wow, I’ve never seen a place that looked so… decorative and elegant. It was almost like I was in a completely different place…
“So, you got someone?” Liberus asks with the top of his cover peeking out my bag.
“Yep! It’s the same bartender from the drunkard. Looks like he knows a thing or two!”
Immediately, he flew out my bag with a very… disappointed look?! WHY!? What did I do wrong? I stood up, wondering what was on his mind.
“Look… so you’re telling me, that a bartender, of ALL PEOPLE, would know how to fight?”
…
There’s no way… I’ve been… scammed?! I SHOULD’VE KNOWN! My brain has been all fried over all of this shit going on. 25 Kols is still 25 Kols. No way I can leave that behind.
“I’m such an idiot… “ Running out the office, yet Liberus stopped me from exiting. What does this guy want now?
“Ok I know I just worded it to make it sound like he was taking your money, but we won’t know exactly if he’s truly lying or not.”
“So? I still want my damn money back. It’s ridiculous to think that some random ass pub owner can run hands.”
“Didn’t you say that it’s always better to have a small chance rather than no chance at all?”
“... Maybe I did say that. But you’re not gonna stop me either wa-”
“DAMMIT WOMAN, THINK ABOUT WHO YOU’RE TRYNA FIND!”
…
“Fine. We’ll wait and see. But if you’re deadass wrong, you’re seriously gonna get it.”
I sat back into my seat, arms crossed. Liberus was taking more glances into the bookshelves, and eventually reading some of them. He was pretty engrossed in them too. I’m surprised he can even read with the only light in this room being this small, floating light in the center of the room.
“Whatcha reading?” I ask, with my elbow on the rail, peeking backwards.”
“Doubt it’s anything of your interest. It’d be best to learn more about where the hell I am.”
“Does it hurt you to ask me anything?”
“Judging from what you know, I don’t think you’re that well educated when it comes to this stuff…”
“WHA- Well, you do have a point, unfortunately.”
“No prior education, I assume?”
I nod hesitantly. Education or applying to any academy here is just simply too expensive… At least dad had some funds left to send Vel to a good school, but I’m not even sure that he’s attending it anymore with the minister potentially out for him and my dad…
As Liberus was continuing to explore Vale’s little library, the question of that noise coming from the kitchen was still pondering in my head. I wanted to take a look, but I knew that Vale was taking care of some stuff in the kitchen, yet I couldn’t hold in my curiosity. I’m gonna go explore around this place for a bit.
“Where are ya going?” Liberus, still reading his book. It’s almost like he can see behind him…
“Uh… b-bathroom! I’ll be back in a bit.”
“You better not be doing anything stupid while you’re gone, Ranku.”
“...Don’t need to tell me twice…”
Of course I might do something stupid! But stupid to him is smart to me, hopefully…
The corridors here in the back were quite dim. I could hardly see anything… Had to move across the halls fast, as Grace could possibly spot me at any moment. The floorboards were also quite noisy. Making too much noise here might grab some more attention.
Finally, the kitchen. Two big doors stood in front of me. That same peculiar noise was coming from the kitchen still, with Vale, seemingly giving out orders. Are there more than just Vale and Grace running this place? It would definitely make sense considering how busy they can get at times. With probably a lot to lose, I got my first glimpse of what was in their kitchen.
There were what appeared to be people made of gusts of wind, EVERYWHERE! Is this his accumulation? To manipulate and create some sort of wind golems?
“You! Take this and put it in the fridge! Quick quick! I have someone waiting for me! Hey! I didn’t say for you to put the ice on the counter! That goes in with the rest of the meat!”
Wow… He’s actually maintaining all of them in perfect order… Normally those who can command golems are only able to command one or two… Vale’s commanding at least six from what I can tell!
“AH!” I felt a tap on my shoulder! My body jolted and jumped back. It was Grace, looking down at me confused. Fuck, I blew my cover… But still, I don’t remember her ever spotting me…
“Anything the matter- Oh. It’s you. Running out of patience, are we? And here I thought I wasn’t taking that long…”
Grace handed Vale a small towel to clean himself off. I can feel their bond. These two are definitely siblings. Their cooperation, covering for each other’s weaknesses, makes me feel quite envious…
“Now, didn’t I tell you to stay in my office? What’s all with the eavesdropping, hm?
“I-I’m so sorry… It’s just… I-I wasn’t sure-”
“That an owner of a bar could teach someone how to fight? I heard you talking to that friend of yours. Is he a companion? Lie to me more and you’re getting charged extra.”
Now I REALLY didn’t know what to do… Why is he so good at keeping me at his whims?! How come he’s willing to teach me, yet he just knows what I want to keep hush-hush? For now, I’d rather not lose any more Kols. I’ll only answer what he asks me, nothing less, nothing more.
“Yes, that’s someone whom I’m stuck with for the time being…”
“Hm. I don’t recall detecting him… Does this friend of yours have some sort of concealing accumulation?”
“You’ll see when we get to your quarters…”
As Vale renewed his golems, I led and opened the door for him, to see a sentient book, reading a book. It’s kinda funny now that I’m looking at it!
“HUH?! RANKU WHAT’RE YOU DOING?! DIDN’T WE SAY TO KEEP MY EXISTENCE A SECRET?!”
“He knows about it already. I’d rather not lose more money anyway…”
Liberus let out a deep sigh. He flew towards Vale and confronted him. Vale, looking quite unfazed and stoic, remained unchanged.
“Well? Where is this person? I don’t feel any sort of movement from the floor beneath me…”
“I’m right here man. Maybe if you were to take off that blindfold, you’d be able to se- HEY!”
Instantaneously, Vale nabbed Liberus with a single grasp. I’d assume he’s using his sense of touch to figure out what the hell Liberus was to begin with…
“What the… I… have never seen a grimoire that has the mind of a person… This is your companion?”
“RANKU! TELL THIS GUY TO GET OFF ME!”
HA! Well isn’t this just hilarious! I bursted out laughing uncontrollably! Seeing Vale scouring his hands throughout Liberus’ cover like someone trying to find a lost Kol in a pile of leaves looked all the more funnier!
“Ok… ok… That’s enough touching.” I announced, taking Liberus out of his hands. Vale took his seat and presented himself with a grin. A grin that didn’t mean anything good to come out of him…
“Marvelous! To think that not only you have a living tome, but your accumulation also! So interesting!”
“Did you say… accumulation..?”