NEW ADVENTURE

I lay motionlessly at the pleasure.

ABIMELECH

I would never expect you to be enjoying this.

PAIN

Are you not?

He kept quiet for a moment, collecting his thoughts, as he massaged my back.

ABIMELECH

There is a pleasure. Even though my sense of touch has long left me in this form.

Hmph, was that why his touch felt like a firm yet soft cloud pressing against me? If I had known this sooner, I would have made this his only task.

PAIN

Who would have guessed being touched as such could feel so blissful?

I sighed.

PAIN

I guess that is what happens after several years of solitude.

ABIMELECH

Several years,

Abi chuckled as he added pressure.

ABIMELECH

Such a precious amount of time,

He stated, and I already knew where he was going.

ABIMELECH

Your next training course will be celibacy for the next five hundred years.

He continued to laugh as he pushed up and tapped my back.

ABIMELECH

Time to resume your training.

As if I could with this distracting arousal. Ever since I had Abi free to watch whatever I was doing, I had been reluctant to relieve myself... I knew it would be too embarrassing and uncomfortable for him. Hmph, what a pain.

But as I pushed myself up, I froze.

ABIMELECH

Have you hurt something? What is it?

I turned to sit as I stared out the eyes of my ghost.

PAIN

My ghosts. They arrived at their limit.

Abi sat his ethereal body next to me.

ABIMELECH

What do they see?

PAIN

They are in the Azure Mountains. Judging this distance and time, it is nearly a seven-day walk on foot... or more.

I also realized that my animal sols, such as my hawks, were also at their limit, akin to the ghosts. They refused to go any further if it meant losing connection with me. Regarding my fiends, such as my soratakas, the distance of my connection with them was several miles less than the animals. But, they could go past the limit only after I gave them a specific order, and after completion, they would return.

PAIN

A ship?

My soratakas glided below the foggy clouds to get a clear view with their keen eyes.

PAIN

Yes, that is definitely an airship.

Nearly a speck at its distance from my ghost was a small airship. With Petty Eagle Eye, the soratakas saw the ship had a slick silver sharp-angled bow that continued onto its metallic hull, which might also be silver. The left and right sides of the vessel were puri strips of orange, green, and blue topaz, which were likely enchanted—but too far to decipher.

A seamless line of shaded windows lined the immense silver and blue cabin that rose two levels off the ship's deck. My soratakas flew up above the clouds to gain another look from above. Furling in the wind upon a post protruding out the back of the cabin was the North Star flag. Annoying... were they already on their way for revenge?

PAIN

North Star again,

I mumbled in annoyance.

ABIMELECH

The nation you mention massacring pitless vampires.

He confirmed with a hint of worry in his voice.

PAIN

We may have time, as they are still a ways away.

I ordered my ghosts to scout within a seven-day radius around me while ordering my blindinus and shadinus into the east and west forests.

PAIN

We will have to keep vigilant.

I smiled at Abi, who smiled nervously in return.

*****

Even after all that I said, Ed had to think about it. He began to come up with excuses and reasons why he couldn't leave his home: no puries, no place to stay, and no job to have. But each one I solved, and yet, he was still reluctant.

DONATELLO

Admit it, Ed,

I confronted him in the kitchen on the evening of my second day.

DONATELLO

You don't want to leave because you don't want to.

With his back to me, he was attempting to fix the broken table and chairs.

ED

I do want to go. I just don't feel ready...

DONATELLO

I see no difference in that excuse.

I muttered as I scratched at my face and rubbed my hands through my hair.

ED

How are you so confident that North Star will compensate me? Sure, I have family up there, but they are getting by because of me and the living I have here.

He tried the same excuse.

Of course, I did not tell him about the troves of treasure I had in my Inventory. I would undoubtedly be cut down by him and looted. The only type of people I would freely inform were nation merchants and couriers from North Star. Those types of people were brainwashed by religious dogma, making them relatively safe to be around... to an extent.

DONATELLO

Did I inform you about the traders?

He shook his head, and I hesitantly informed him.

DONATELLO

Nation couriers, actually. The late chief requested them.

Utterly annoying how Leon assumed he could dillydally behind my back, like a young idiotic brother.

DONATELLO

Once they figure out who I am, they will provide us refuge. I am sure of it.

ED

Those religious zealots?

DONATELLO

We will be invoking our refugee status. As long as you have citizen papers of Dagon, you will automatically be a citizen of North Star for one year.

He continued to tinker in silence as I figured telling him about North Star couriers was a risk. North Star couriers were too boastful and had a superior mindset to standard merchants like myself. If they were to see Ed coming along with me, his smell, his looks, how he is dressed, and his profession would likely put them off.

He exhaled into the silence,

ED

Sorry, my good friend, I need time to process the act of leaving.

He turned and faced me.

ED

I grew up here and...

He looked around, taking in the work he had put into this smelly shack.

ED

...I can't imagine throwing this all away on an impulse.

On an impulse , he claimed!? As if I didn't have to make decisions on impulse! Deciding on the spot and praying to Kari Jokul that I didn't fall victim to a cursed ghost.

DONATELLO

If you say so.

I said, biding my anger. I left the kitchen, scratching at my neck—only to pause and feel several bumps... this place was disgusting.

DONATELLO

I'll take my chances tomorrow morning. Be ready to expect refugees from Dagon clawing at your door.

But that night, I couldn't sleep. Tossing and turning in my bed as my neck and face pulsed with inflammation. I could hear Ed's raspy breathing in the utter silence of the night. Of course, he could sleep—he's used to this.

I rubbed my palms firmly against my face and neck because scratching at the bumps was painful. Annoyed, I sat up and made instant eye contact with a one-eared rat. It froze the second it saw me before skittering into a thin gap in the floorboard that I would have never thought it could fit through.

I looked over at the kitchen and grimaced. Foolish bastard, attempting to hold onto a location because of its wealth. I got out of the dirty bed, messaging my face while realizing that same line of thinking was why I perfected Inventory.

Strolling up to the counter and cupboard of clean silverware and pots, I smiled at how easy it was for me to grab my valuables and flee danger. My smile faded. The memory of spending the city's funds to request an overly expensive weapon from Reh Bekah taunted me.

Strolling my hand against the enchanted cookware, I knew I didn't want to spend the funds, but Leon's childish and immature acts after losing interchangeable commoners—I shook my head—it made me childish. I had to resort to his level of mindset... bastard.

I turned back; Ed was still slumbering, and I grabbed one of the gold-trimmed dishes and Stashed it. I grinned to myself—serves him right. Why should he, a smelly fishergent, have such luxury. Not only that, but the bastard sought to hold on to it.

I Stashed another one, a few forks, and spoons, and before I knew it, I had cleaned out his cupboard of unenchanted silverware. Basic porcelain, especially golden-trimmed ones, still sold for good puries.

I slid open the drawers and began to Stash his highly crafted cooking utensils. I shook my head as I eyed one of the knives with a glinting silver spine. Glinting? A pair of glowing eyes in the reflection of the knife's spine made my heart pound against my chest. The prickling stare of Ed ran down my back.

ED

Don,

He uttered in disappointment.

ED

Why are merchants and traders so darn greedy?

DONATELLO

If only I was a rat.

I mumbled and lowered the knife as he pressed his Steel Dagon Spear +3 against my back.

ED

I still see you as a friend, Don. So, empty out your Inventory, and I will allow you to leave with your life.

I turned my head to look back at him. His eyes were glowing a bright hue.

DONATELLO

Night Vision?

But he ignored me and added pressure. I grunted in pain, and Ed pulled his weapon quickly.

ED

Please. Don, don't make me.

I materialized my (Physical Affinity) Neorite Three-Prong Dagger, Dominion Authority, commanding it to parry his spear.

ED

Dammit, Don!

He shouted, his brute strength overpowering my dagger. He then lunged, but in his hesitation, I was able to dodge, and his spear pierced through his cupboards. It took him a second to recover from destroying parts of his home, but a second was all I needed to command my dagger deep into his back.

He cried out in pain and swung at me. I fell back and scurried away around the dining table while concentrating on my dagger. Ed continued to swipe at me frantically while his free hand reached for the dagger. I focused intensively, forcing it through his seemingly dense skin.

My mind faltered—for but a moment—at the sound of flesh being impaled. But, as tears formed, I shut my eyes and screamed as I commanded the dagger through. The ripping sound of his chest and bones tormented my ears.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

I opened my eyes in time to see his Willpower fading away. His body wobbled and collapsed forward. I scurried out of the way of his lifeless body, falling with a wet thud. I sat there on the floor still. My heavy breathing was the only thing moving in the still shack.

My gaze was grabbed by the enchanted items in his kitchen, one by one, becoming sealed. I grimaced, grabbed hold of the table, and pulled myself up.

DONATELLO

As if I could be friends with a fishergent.

I mumbled as salty tears made their way into my parted lips.

DONATELLO

If I hadn't seen your name...

I spat.

DONATELLO

...every month on a sheet of paper. I wouldn't even know your name!

But even then, killing someone... even if it was someone dismissible... it wasn't easy. It was brutal and wrong. My stomach churned at the sight of the blood, and I angled over the sink. A belly of fish slop streamed from my mouth and slid slowly down the drain.

I coughed in a fit of tears and stomach pain.

DONATELLO

This is why I can't be a damn soldier!

I cried, gasping for air.

DONATELLO

But if I want to be free,

I eyed the remaining silverware and door leading to the pantry.

DONATELLO

I'll need to pick up a sword... eventually.

*****

Another winter storm came the following day, and the numbered lot who decided to join Gate, Otis, and Solitaire took shelter within the Great Galley of the Chief's Estate. I took in the wealth and empty space of the fine dining, only to experience painful memories of home.

I sat in a corner on the floor within the kitchen area and hugged my knees. I stared out blankly as my focus drifted from one person to another. A familiar face interrupted my gaze: Millicent. She smiled at me, and I averted my eyes.

I could still feel her stare as I curled into a ball and shivered slightly at the cold.

I woke up by noon, moments before the storm quelled. A furry brown coat was drabbed over me.

MILLICENT

Otis'...

I heard her voice, and I turned—she was sitting on the floor against the cupboards next to me.

MILLICENT

It was his father's coat.

I grabbed at the coat, feeling its warmth, and sniffed at its soft smell of oranges.

MILLICENT

His father died. He was a guard as well and was proud that his son rose to the Captain—

I stood, sliding my arms through the sleeves of the coat.

HILROY

I'll be right back.

I lied and strolled off.

I stopped at the sight of the dining. They've changed it, removing the long table and erecting a dozen wooden beams—taken from homes, more or less. Warming Crystals, Lighting Crystals, and coats hung off the makeshift beams.

Moving on, I pushed through the commoners and adventurers, finding my way out into the garden. The clouds were gone, and a mixture of warm heat and cold pelted my face.

I needed to look for their corpses, and tears stung my eyes just as I thought about it. The image of Panuka's body flailing about upon the back of a monster tortured me... it was eating her. My legs gave out, but I caught myself and stood with determination.

Whether it was the cold or my weak will, my lips began to tremble. My eyes stung, and I couldn't hold it in. I let the tears come. I let the memory eat me, and the tears began to flow. I clenched my jaws at the pain and closed my eyes to endure it.

I clenched my jaws, refusing to let my sorrows echo through my voice. But it was painful as I shivered in the wind. I will never see them again... the thought of that began to burn within me. We knew this profession was dangerous, but... for me to never see them again!? I wasn't able to resist anymore and wept.

I sniveled and opened my eyes at the sound of voices in the distance. They were near the entrance of the estate, and I figured they were coming here. The last thing survivors needed was a weeping gent standing before them.

I gritted my teeth, inhaled deeply, and took off to search for my party's remains. That was the least I could do—knowing this was all in vain. But, maybe I could find their clothes, Panuka's Inventory, or anything—just something for me to remember them by other than my current last memories of them.

The chill of snow made it through my boots, and my toes began to numb hours into my search. I didn't know what I was searching yet at the same time, I felt like I did. I continued marching throughout the city, shuffling my boots through soft snow. But all I came across were citizens and adventurers alike, mourning the death of their loved ones.

I heard Gate's voice in the wind—he was still shouting for recruits. The few guards that patrolled the city decided to aid citizens in burying their family members, using their shields and any tool they could find to dig away the debris, snow, and ice.

GUARD

My lady, it is too dangerous!

I whipped my head over and witnessed a guard attempting to keep a family of three from entering a skewed and unstable home.

MOTHER

My son is in there!

GUARD

And if you go in—

The father made a break for it while firing off a string of curses. The guard turned and pulled him off the porch of the home. I glanced at the second floor; beams and planks of the second floor were protruding and hanging outwardly over the porch.

The mother charged the home as the guard went for her husband. She climbed onto the porch, and the entire second floor above her wobbled. I Quickstepped, unsure if I was fast enough, but I grabbed the mother and leaped back out of the hail of debris.

It came crashing down, barricading the entire front. As I landed safely on the soft snow, the mother cried and pulled away from me. In a fit of tears, she began to dig through the blockade.

She mistakenly grabbed hold of a splintered piece of wood and shredded the palm of her hand as she pulled. I knelt beside her as she whimpered in pain. I grabbed hold of a beam and pulled it out with Willpower.

I continued to dig, ignoring the stare of the guard, the father, and their other son. The mother looked over at me momentarily as I continued to dig. The family and the guard eventually joined in to help. Meanwhile, my thoughts took me back, standing before Ire. I remembered his face so vividly and how he taunted me.

My conviction grew as I held on to that memory. I wanted revenge. I wanted to kill him. I wanted to kill those he loved. I needed to make him cry and beg for forgiveness! I needed to stand over his dead body and gloat! I needed to make him feel my pain!

I snapped out of it, pulled from my thoughts at the sight of their mangled son, preserved in the snow in a fetal position. He was young, about fifteen years old. The family thanked the guard and me sincerely. I attempted to leave quickly but—

MOTHER

Please!

She begged.

MOTHER

Tell us your name!

I swallowed, my eyes glued to the icy ground.

HILROY

Hilroy,

I mumbled, my mouth numb from the cold.

HILROY

Hilroy Nadorijan.

And as she hurled a stream of thanks, I quickly took my leave in search of Mantis and Panuka's bodies.

After another hour of random marching through the snow, I came to stand before the guild with my mouth agape. It stood with minimal damage while nearly everything around it had been utterly destroyed.

Slightly irritated at the hindsight of fleeing here during Ire's rampage, I strolled into the guild. My annoyance faded as I came across ruined and toppled furniture, broken walls, and a caving ceiling.

A few adventurers were lounging around while guild assessors cleaned, swept, and attempted to tidy up the place. I caught sight of a familiar official with red and pink skin, lounging on a sofa in his tattered uniform, his left side blotted with dried blood.

I approached him,

HILROY

Excuse me, sir.

He looked up at me and smiled briefly with a grimace of pain.

GUILD OFFICIAL

Hilroy, is it?

I nodded as he tried to sit up in the chair.

GUILD OFFICIAL

Good to see you're alive. Your party, did they—

HILROY

How is the guild still standing?

I asked sternly. I was in no mood to talk about my fallen loved ones.

GUILD OFFICIAL

Standing?

He repeated the word and looked around.

GUILD OFFICIAL

Barely.

HILROY

You didn't answer my question.

GUILD OFFICIAL

And you didn't answer mine.

I wondered what would happen if I took out my new sword and stabbed this bastard through the chest.

ADVENTURER

Oh, I know that look.

My heart fluttered at those words, but I looked up to notice a tall, thin adventurer addressing me. He wore a white tunic and was armed with a short sword at his waist. Near him were two more members of his party.

ADVENTURER

Ya wanna stab that cringy bastard.

He spat toward the official, who sunk into the sofa with a smug look.

ADVENTURER

Earth Mages.

He stated to me.

HILROY

Earth Mages?

KRAPHT

Yes, Earth Mages.

Stated the guild officer as he entered with five Mages at his back.

The guild came to life as the few adventurers here rushed him with questions and worries. The Mages shielded him, forming shields of Earth to block their approach.

KRAPHT

I understand—I understand!

He yelled over their voices,

KRAPHT

I understand you lot are tired and worried, but please give me a moment to explain the situation!

We were tired and worried, but as I studied his demeanor and clothing, it seemed as if he had not slept in weeks. He looked aged, his clothes had not been changed, and there was a deep extended cut down his right arm, trimmed with dry blood.

He took a deep breath and leaned against a wall. Was he about to cry? He looked as if he was. His face was stuck as he took another breath, unable to relax.

KRAPHT

As you should already know,

He began, his voice strained.

KRAPHT

The guild is not part of the city. We take our own measures. Therefore, the moment the town was attacked, the mages here, contracted to this guild, came to protect their interest.

EARTH MAGE

Attempted to...

One of them uttered.

KRAPHT

The guild here will remain.

He continued, his eyes darting about.

KRAPHT

It is my duty. And I do hope those of you remaining stay as well.

The guild erupted with questions and demands.

KRAPHT

Please! Okay—since we have a small group here, write down your questions and complaints. My guild official here—

He gestured to the guild official slouching in the sofa at the back.

KRAPHT

—will gladly aid you.

He then fled into the back of the guild with the Mages at his tail. Everyone turned to face the official, and I stepped out of their frustrated gaze.

GUILD OFFICIAL

Seriously...?

He moaned in defeat.

While the adventurers pegged the official with their issues, I took my leave and headed back to the Great Galley. I exhaled as the flood of heat pushed away the cold that bit at my toes and fingers.

Through the depressing individuals of the dining area, I spotted Millicent curled up on the floor at the same spot I left her, toying with a broken knob of a cupboard. I broke right and found a place in the dining area to bide time until it was time to leave.

After a solid two hours, civilians, rich and poor, had smiles on their faces as they shared booze emptied from the cellar of the galley. Rich white beer, orange beer, blood wine, and barley wine were passed about.

I was beyond perplexed at the display of bonding, laughter, and smiling. But beneath it all, I saw the tears in their eyes. Laughing the pain away, I guess. But as I sipped on the sweet, solid barley wine out of a cracked tea mug, I felt no need to smile or laugh.

Gate finally returned and gave the order to head out, but not without being completely thrown off by the friendly nature of the drunken lot. They cheered in response to his news, and we all began to prepare.

Millicent suddenly came to my side with a smile, but it vanished at my somber expression. She averted her gaze as she stood beside me, wobbling slightly. I said nothing as we departed the galley, and neither did she. Rather, she would just follow me in silence as our caravan finally formed; horses, wagons, carts, and bodies, heading toward the north gate.

The sight of the many smiling and cheerful individuals in our group bewildered those who decided to stay.

MILLICENT

It's a...

She started to talk, her voice gurgling from the lump in her throat.

MILLICENT

It's a new adventure, right?

I said nothing, unable to find anything to say. I didn't even know where I was going or what to do when I arrived at North Star. Join the army? Train against a dummy? Sit outside and beg for puries?

I glanced down at Millicent, who hugged herself, tears down her cheeks before her pacing slowed, and she departed from my side. Why was I doing this to her? Clearly, she wanted to confide in me, but I didn't know what to do. I just wanted to be left alone. Maybe...

As we passed the gates, I wondered if I was afraid of gaining a friend just to lose again. Actually, it hurts seeing Millicent cry. When I saw the tears of that mother, I went to help without a thought. I clenched my jaws as I knew deep down why I was avoiding Millicent—she was an attractive, gorgeous lady, and I guess I had no trust in myself.

GATE

Show yourself!

Gate shouted from the front, and I jolted alert before noticing we stopped moving.

We were already over the bridge dam a few feet away before a fisher's hut. Our caravan line began to lose shape as we all sought to see what was going on.

GUARDS

Stay in line! Keep the line! Guards and adventurers to the sides and front only!

Millicent was at my side once again as I paced to the front, my heart beating, my body yearning to cut something down and release my rage. I laid eyes on Gate and followed his gaze into the eastern thicket that bordered the road.

OTIS

It's a lady!

He exclaimed.

I finally got to where I could see a young lady dressed in familiar black robes crawling toward us. She had black skin with thin silver lines running down her body. Her face was slightly deformed, her right arm scorched with burn marks, and her robes and under-tunic were torn, revealing her scarred breasts and torso.

I stared at her as Otis and another guard went to her rescue. I slowly moved in along with a few other curious adventures and Millicent at my side. Why did she look so familiar?

She crawled onto Otis' lap as he materialized a Vial of Healing for her, and she gulped it down in seconds. Her body suddenly jerked uncontrollably, and she began to convulse. We all froze and watched in awe and bewilderment as her body began to deform and gain muscle. Otis carefully laid her down, but she stood weakly. The deformity in her face spread across, and my eyes widen—

HILROY & MILLICENT

Farengar!?

We exclaimed, along with others who knew him.

He took in a deep breath and exhaled in pain,

FARENGAR

It's a long story.