Days until the first Trial: 2
“It went down.”
Esther burst in through the door, a bag in one arm and steaming a carafe of coffee in the other. Wilbur’s Suit stepped through in tow, with four bags wrapped around his arms, a fifth around his neck, and two kegs under his arms. Both slowly put everything on the ground before the Suinah dismissed his card. Right before the doorway was dispelled, Frank saw the face of the Agent that had escorted them turn to him.
Frank suppressed the shiver that snaked down his neck and leaned over one of the bags. Breakfast sandwiches. Snacks. Chips. Wrapped meals for later.
He looked back up at Esther. “What went down? The bounty?”
“Yup,” she said as she sat down, then leaned over and picked one of the sandwiches. She poured herself half a cup of coffee and looked around. “Where’s Salem? I wanna get through the Decks so I know what to pick for my selections. I get that we needed to recover from yesterday, but we’re running out of time.”
Frank nodded. Breakfast first. Then his concerning card selections. Then… a difficult conversation. He couldn’t keep the secret from them. That wasn’t who he wanted to be. No matter what happened, he was going to tell them why a god had put a bounty on their heads.
“Salem should be done with the healer soon,” said Frank. “He’s been in there for close to an hour so far.”
He dismissed the two vines he’d been training with and picked up a sandwich, then passed one over to Wilbur who’d just sat down next to Esther. She bit into hers and groaned.
They ate in silence for a few seconds before Wilbur spoke up. “Is it because of what happened last night?”
Esther nodded as she chewed. She covered her mouth. “Ifsf becof ff waf–”
“Stop. Please.”
Esther glared at Frank and chewed.
Frank rubbed his face and turned to Wilbur. “It’s what happens when people get in a stressful and dangerous situation when they’re not ready for it. It’s called trauma. And I’m glad he listened to us. It’s not the sort of thing anyone should ignore.”
Esther finished swallowing her bite and tapped her mouth with a napkin, eyeing Frank as she did. “Someone’s in a mood today.” Frank stared back at her as he chewed, not responding. She turned to Wilbur. “If there are healers that treat stuff like this, then it’s better to deal with it now. Better than have him still wake up screaming months from now.”
Wilbur bit into his sandwich and hummed thoughtfully. “Is that why people who’ve been in battle like to drink?”
Esther and Frank shared a glance, and Esther bit into her sandwich.
Frank nodded. “Some. But it’s better to find someone who can help you deal with it, instead of drinking to forget. That… usually doesn’t work very well.” Wilbur nodded knowingly, and Frank studied the Suinah. He seemed oddly okay with this. For someone his age. “Are you okay? From the stuff with Tasos yesterday?”
The Suinah shrugged. “I think I’m okay.”
Frank and Esther shared another look. Esther straightened Wilbur’s hat, then rested a hand on his shoulder. “Well, let us know if you get nightmares, or if you worry about things and whatnot. Okay?”
Wilbur nodded and bit into his sandwich.
Just then the door to the sleeping space clicked open, and the healer came out. He nodded to them and kept going toward the door. Seconds later Salem peeked out, saw them, then retreated back in. He coughed, then strode out and took a seat next to Frank. His new bracelet clanked against the wooden table. The same kind Frank, Esther and Wilbur had.
Esther coughed lightly, breaking the odd silence that hung over the common room.
Salem unrolled the wrap of his sandwich in the awkward silence and nodded to Esther. “Thank you for getting this, Esther.”
Esther pleasantly smiled back. The heathen who’d just spoken with a mouth full of food was gone, replaced by the nicest and most polite middle-aged suburban mom that ever was. “You’re welcome! How was your session with the healer?”
“It was good,” Salem said. He paused for a moment, then nodded. “We’re doing it again tomorrow. He recommended me a meditation. And he leant it to me. Well. The Guild of Healers lent it to me. It should help.”
All three nodded to him, and he sighed and turned the sandwich in his hand. He nodded approvingly. “Yes, this’ll do. Until we get our own kitchen.” He bit into his sandwich, and they followed suit.
----------------------------------------
“Alright. Everyone takes a Deck. We loot, write down the cards, then we decide who gets what,” said Esther, pushing a bracelet toward each of them. Frank pushed aside his sandwich wrapper and looked down at the familiar Deck.
He remembered the first time he’d laid his eyes on this one, back when it had been around Tasos’ forearm. On their way to Lumovik’s home.
Three days in this world, and someone was already dead.
It felt… sad. He didn’t regret it. If they hadn’t stopped Tasos, he would have severely injured Wilbur. Hell, he could have killed Frank or triggered his lifeline with that last punch if it hadn’t been for how quick and efficient the rare healing potion had been.
His hope for a peaceful life seemed to drift further and further away. His family was still out there. Jane was still out there. And Sandra was a wanted fugitive, which in this world seemed to mean that he himself was now a persona non grata, just by being her brother.
Salem almost died because of it. Because of him.
It was as if his old life was repeating itself. And it was depressing how easily he was adapting to it.
He tapped the Deck.
Do you wish to collect the contents of the Deck?
* [Enhanced Strength] - 1x Variant unlocked.
* [Enhanced Constitution]
* [Ring of Manasight] - Property of the Guild of Enchanters.
* [Wand of Dispelling] - Property of the Guild of Enchanters.
* [Officer Spell: Command]
* [Healing Potion (Common)] x2
* [Mana Potion (Common)] x1
* 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 8 Copper.
Warning: Lent cards have been detected. You are advised to return the lent cards to prevent retrieval procedures from the proprietors.
Yes, and return lent cards | Yes, and do not return lent cards | No
“Well, that’s disappointing. Anything good for you guys?”
Esther was the first to finish inspecting her Deck, the second Silver-deck. She pushed forward her notes. “I’ve got nothing from the majordomo aside from a couple of potions and his sword. And clothes.”
Frank eyed his old colleague, who looked back at him innocently. He looked down at her emptied Deck, then back to her. She waggled her eyebrows at him.
Next time, I should get Wilbur to collect everything. He was sure she wouldn’t sabotage them or hide anything crucial, but he wouldn’t be surprised if a few coins went missing.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Or maybe the others wouldn’t want him around after today.
Wilbur was next. “It’s from the water mage. [Water Jet], [Fluid Step], and one mana and healing potion each.”
Salem was last. “[Shadow Step], [Quick Dodge], and two common [Dagger]. One mana and healing potion each as well.”
“Tasos had the most, I guess,” said Frank as he pushed his notes forward. “Also, he had a couple of ‘lent’ cards. I think it’s best if we return them. We don’t need to attract more trouble. Agreed?”
Both Salem and Wilbur nodded enthusiastically while Esther pursed her lips. “I saw those yesterday. Don’t they have insurance or something? Finders keepers, anyone?”
Salem shook his head vehemently at that. “We don’t need to get ourselves on the shitlist of whichever Guild owns those cards. They’ll make our life miserable. And they’ll never forget it.”
Esther hummed. “Fair enough,” then she turned to Salem. “So. What’s it gonna be? Can you fight from up close?”
Salem rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head.
Esther nodded. “[Shadow Step] first, then.”
Frank agreed. “You should keep your distance and hit from afar. And in case you get hit… [Enhanced Constitution] is a must as well. It’s probably the best card on the table right now for you. For any of us, really. Tasos shrugged off an open jugular with it. Do you have something offensive in your own cards?”
“No. My cards are–uh. Cooking related. All of them.”
“So we need to get you something offensive. And ranged,” said Esther.
“There’s [Water Jet],” offered Wilbur.
Salem looked at Wilbur’s notes hesitantly for a moment. He seemed to be collecting his resolve when Frank spoke up. “It doesn’t have to be any of these cards. We could sell [Water Jet] and get something you’d prefer in its stead.” Then he looked down at the notes and sighed. “It would be nice if there was a team menu of sorts. We could transfer everything there and buy and sell from it directly. I don’t mind pooling stuff like loot and necessities–”
Enable Team Inventory feature?
Yes | No
The prompt cut him off. And it seemed like everybody else had gotten it as well.
“Ask and ye shall receive,” intoned Esther.
Frank looked up at her, then at the others. “Everybody got the prompt?” He frowned. “How come John didn’t mention this?”
Salem shrugged. “Maybe he thought it was already enabled? Or he hadn’t gotten to it yet. This is probably how quest rewards get distributed.”
They all enabled the option, and a new menu became accessible. It slowly filled up with the looted cards and currency.
“This makes things so much easier,” mumbled Frank. He looked up to Esther. “Try taking a card out.”
Esther raised a brow at him, then she tried. And a new popup appeared, asking him to confirm a withdrawl.
“Perfect,” he said with a smile. Esther shot him a dark glare that he ignored as he turned to Salem and Wilbur. “You both got the confirmation as well? Great,” he said when they nodded, then refused Esther’s withdrawal request.
She shook her head and looked back up in the empty air. “[Enhanced Strength] and its variant look pretty powerful. Anyone want it?”
Frank shrugged. It was good, but he wasn’t a hand-to-hand fighter. Esther turned to Salem who grimaced, and then to Wilbur who shook his head.
Wilbur explained, “My Suit takes all my slots. It’s strong enough… I just need to get better at using it.”
Esther tightened her lips in a line. “Such a good card to sell…”
Frank agreed. He’d been on the receiving end of [[Explosive Burst]]. It was a powerful card. Incredibly dangerous in the hands of someone like Tasos. Or Sabah.
Should we even sell such a card? It would probably go to another Champion… One we might encounter, sooner or later.
Esther moved on. “[Fluid Step]? [Quick Dodge]?”
Frank hummed. “We should at least test those.”
Esther nodded in agreement, then picked up her forgotten mug of coffee and drank. “So what do you want, Salem? Got any idea of what you’re looking for?”
The question took the cook by surprise. He coughed–and Frank noticed blood rushing to the young man’s ears and cheeks. “Something with fire… I think. It fits with my Glyph,” he added in a quick breath. “Water does as well. Of course. But fire seems more effective. Yes. Something with fire.”
Esther clapped. “Well, now that we know what we’re working with, I’m gonna take a minute and decide on what I’m getting for my own levels. Then we can have a little chat. And plan what comes next. Deal? Deal.”
Frank quietly got up and sat on the couch. Take care of the selection, then have the chat.
He’d already looked through his options, but refrained from selecting anything. They’d been in a bad shape yesterday. So the rest of that day had ended up being spent quietly recovering or meditating. Frank even did some reading from [The Little Mage's Spellcasting Primer], which was now sitting next to his bed.
Frank tried to lean against the couch’s backrest, but he couldn’t relax. He leaned forward, elbows against his knees. He could feel his cortisol levels spiking now that he was about to make his decision. Or, more accurately, to commit to the decision he’d already taken.
Frank popped up his messages, and his achievements rolled in front of him.
“Unauthorized bounty”. Another statement that added more questions than answers.
Then he found the card selection messages. He started with the
[Sickle Art: Extended Edge]
Rarity: Epic
Type: Special Arts
Effect: Creates an extended edge out of mana. The more mana is channeled, the larger the wider the edge would be.
Or
[Airstepping Boots]
Rarity: Rare
Type: Armament
Effect: Requires Air-attuned Shells. Allows the user to step on air when willed.
Frank’s heart ached. Both options were amazing. And spending a night thinking about which one to go with hasn’t made it any easier. He tilted his head left, then right.
One would allow him to deal with things such as the Wild Climbers easier. A sickle’s reach was pretty limited, and this could be a way to fix that. The alternative would be picking up a weapon with a longer reach, which is an endeavor he might not have time for.
The second option would allow him to step over thin air. The potential of such an item was hard to grasp. It wasn’t an idea he had ever entertained, even. The card added a whole new dimension to his movements. Everything from dodging, climbing, traversing terrain would become easier. The boots could change everything.
Frank agonized over the option for a few seconds, then shook his head. He could always come back to this. It wasn’t as urgent as the others.
Pick two from the following three rewards:
[Osiris' Sacred Gardens]
Rarity: Epic
Type: Spell
Effect: Opens a portal to the great gardens of Osiris, where the caster is assigned a personal plot to work and nurture for their own benefit.
Or
[Mana-suppressing Veil]
Rarity: Rare
Type: Empowerment
Effect: Hides the user’s mana signature. Quality of the Veil increases with practice.
Or
1x Growth Factor of your choice.
This choice hadn’t been too difficult compared to the others. He should get the mana hiding card. That would be the logical and rational move. But everything in him yearned for the private garden. And even though it was purely selfish, there were some benefits to it.
It was a portal to another place. An emergency escape, maybe. And he wanted it.
His second choice was going to be the Spirit Growth Factor. That wasn't in question. Even though he had gotten one from his achievements already, he needed mana. And he needed to have more cards in his Hand. And as soon as he got the fourth slot unlocked, he might invest in some Endurance points.
Getting spiritually sore after two or three refills wasn’t sustainable in the long term.
Frank breathed out. Yeah. The garden. He could always get a stealth option from the marketplace. Frank made his selection.
[Osiris' Sacred Gardens] has been added to the Deck of Fates.
1x Growth Factor - Spirit acquired.
And now, the one choice that cost him his sleep last night.
[Meditation of the Green Mage]
Rarity: Rare
Type: Empowerment
Effect: Meditation that revolves around the principles of life, growth, and vegetation. Allows for an easier establishment of a Cornerstone Glyph.
Or
[Scroll of Boundless Covert Messaging]
Rarity: Heroic
Type: Consumable
Effect: The content written on the scroll will be sent toward a target of the user’s choice. Name and visage of the target must be known. The message cannot be traced or intercepted.
Frank leaned back. The Agent’s face flashed in his mind, and the question that had been hounding him all night filled his thoughts.
Who picked his rewards? And what were they playing at? He needed to know. Because he needed to prepare for everything that would come next.
[Scroll of Boundless Covert Messaging] has been added to the Deck of Fates.
It felt as if he had just lit a fuse somewhere. And sooner or later, something was going to explode.
With that done, it left the
Frank looked up and found the others waiting for him. Salem busied himself by picking up the empty containers, mumbling about cleanliness all the while.
Frank stood up and exhaled. The others turned to him, and his stomach gained an extra knot with every pair of eyes that met his. “I found out a few things about my sister. And I believe she’s why Hera put a bounty on us.”