Michelle – City #143
Today was a Council meeting day and being the highest leveled adventurers in the City and subsequently having drawn the short straw, she was the one tasked with showing up. And there was no way she could hide from the fact any longer.
Michelle was bored out of her pinche minds!
It wasn’t that what the City council was talking about wasn’t important, it was just that she wished she didn’t have to be subjected to the endless back and forth bickering between the councilor’s in the course of their petty political point scoring.
Another thing that ground her the wrong way was that label her and her friends had been stuck with.
‘Adventurers’
Oh how she loathed the name this City and its residence had nicknamed the active Party’s in the area, as if they were just gallivanting about doing noble cago all day every pinche day.
The abysmal reality of it was that she was part of a group of mercenaries who killed monsters for profit, the need to give them pointless airs and titles? She just didn’t see it.
Which brought her back to why she was sitting here instead of Calvin, they’re not so fearless leader. She had opened her big mouth when he had complained about how he was always stuck with the responsibility of liaising with the council and how it was someone else’s turn.
Naturally she had suggested that they should draw straws for it, one thing led to another and what did you pinche know? She was stuck listening to an almost endless debate about which profession’s building should be purchased next!
If it wasn’t for this recent predicament Michelle would have almost been inclined to sign off on the most recent candidate to fill their permanently vacant sixth slot, Arman. The Iranian was a bit older than the rest of them at fifty and was far too happy for her liking, but the spot needed filling, and being that his main class was level 83 Initiate Earth Mage, it would make their ranged offense much more formidable.
Yet she couldn’t bring herself to agree with anything Calvin suggested for at least a month after having to put up with this mierda.
Attempting to partially stem the boredom, one of her minds pulled up her ‘status’:
STATUS
Name: Michelle
Age: 27
Titles: Survivor
Class 1: Initiate Fire Mage Level: 90 +1 Intelligence Per Level
Class 2: Initiate Lightning Mage Level: 73 +1 Intelligence Per Level
Profession: N/A
HP: 425/279 + 146 (425) MP: 2594 / 849 + 1749 (2594)
Status Effects: N/A
Vitality: 100 + 26 x 1.05 (132)
Strength: 30 Dexterity: 30
Intelligence: 267 + 94 (361) Wisdom: 231 + 11 x 1.05 (254)
Charisma: 9
Luck: 7
Undistributed Attribute points: 0
Passives –
Human: + 5 attribute points per level
Lingua System: Able to communicate verbally with any system integrated entity and be understood
Introspective: + 5% to Wisdom
Survivor: + 5% to Vitality
True Believer: + 15% to damage dealt and -10% damage taken when taking an action or actions that you believe are correct , -20% damage dealt and + 15% damage taken when taking an action or actions you believe are incorrect.
Mind Vault: Once a memory has entered your mind, it may only leave it should you allow it to do so.
Twin Minds: Elevant possess two independent cognitive centers
Skills – Initiate Fire Mage
1) Fire Bolt (LvL 10): Cast a Fire Bolt at a single target causing it to seek the target whilst caster is in line of sight and deal 30 – 70 Fire damage (damage and mana cost scales with skill level). Cost: 15 Mana, Cast time: 1 second, Cooldown: 10 seconds
2) Lesser Fire Shield (LvL 10): Cast a Lesser Fire Shield with a radius of 2.5 Meters around yourself that is able to absorb 1000 damage (Diameter, absorption and mana cost scales with skill level) Diameter: 5 Meters, Cost: 50 Mana, Cast time: 2.5 seconds, Cooldown: 30 seconds
3) Blink (LvL 10): Cast Blink on yourself causing you to disappear and reappear instantaneously at a target location 10 meters from your current position (distance, cooldown and mana cost scales with skill level) Cost: 20 Mana, Cast time: 0 seconds, Cooldown: 20 seconds
4) Fireball (LvL 10): Cast a slow moving Fire Ball toward a target location which will explode on contact with any surface causing a radial explosion of 100 – 110 Fire damage (damage and mana cost scales with skill level). Cost: 35 Mana, Cast time: 6 seconds, Cooldown: 10 seconds
5) Silence (LvL 10): Cast the effect of Silence on a target causing it to be unable to use magic for 10 seconds. If the target is casting while Silence is cast upon it the spell being cast will be interrupted and cause disorientation to the target for 20 seconds. The target has a chance to resist the effects of Silence based on their wisdom and intelligence when compared to that of the caster (Duration of silence, disorientation, cast time and mana cost scales with skill level). Cost: 20 Mana, Cast time: 2 seconds, Cooldown: 60 seconds
6) Fire Nova (LvL 10): Cast a Fire Nova that rapidly radiates outward for a distance of 5 meters, causing 50 – 100 of fire damage (Distance, damage and mana cost scale with skills level). Cost: 25 Mana, Cast time: 1 second, Cooldown: 30 seconds
Skills – Initiate Lightning Mage
1) Lightning Bolt (LvL 10): Cast a Lightning Bolt instantly at a single target, whilst caster is in line of sight and deal 15 – 85 Lightning damage (damage and mana cost scales with skill level). Cost: 15 Mana, Cast time: 1 second, Cooldown: 10 seconds
2) Lesser Lightning Shield (LvL 10): Cast a Lesser Lightning Shield with a radius of 2.5 Meters around yourself that is able to absorb 1000 damage (Diameter, absorption and mana cost scales with skill level) Diameter: 5 Meters, Cost: 50 Mana, Cast time: 2.5 seconds, Cooldown: 30 seconds
3) Lesser Lightning Step (LvL 8): Cast Lesser Lightning Step on yourself causing you to move rapidly to a target location 16 meters from your current position (distance, cooldown and mana cost scales with skill level) Cost: 46 Mana, Cast time: 0 seconds, Cooldown: 25 seconds
4) Lesser Chain Lightning (LvL 10): Cast Lesser Chain Lightning at a single target within line of sight, causing lightning to ark from the initial target to another target within two meters of it, up to 5 times (Number of arks, mana cost and cooldown scales with skill level). Cost: 40 Mana, Cast time: 1 Second, Cooldown: 20 seconds
5) Lesser Lightning Ward (LvL 7): Cast a Lesser Lightning Ward on yourself or an ally within 3.5 meters to protect their mind against mental attacks (Range, cooldown and mana cost scales with skill level). Cost: 55 Mana, Cast time: 3 seconds, Cooldown: 35 seconds
6) Lesser Thunder Storm (LvL 10): Channel a Lesser Thunder Storm at a target location within 50 meters of you with a radius of 5 meters, causing a lightning strike per second to randomly land directly beneath it and deal 15 - 85 Lightning damage (Damage, mana cost and range scales with skill level). Cost: 20 Mana a second, Cast time: Channeled, Cooldown: 50 seconds
As she restudied her skills for the umpteenth time with one mind, her other mind granted from her new passive [Twin Minds] was still unfortunately bored out of its dual occupancy skull.
Its thoughts roamed as always, to the pained longing for her lost love, Svetlana.
Even now the grief of her others passing ate at Michelle like a malignant tumor of loss and regret that no matter how many times it was fed with soporific attention, it would never be satiated.
After the initial outpourings of rage at her own incompetence and sorrow at her new found lights permanent absence, the world had taken on a bland, almost stale tinge. All that had kept her going was the knowledge that without her helping the surviving members of the Party, more would likely never return from the new worlds monster infested wilds.
The mind drew itself away for the well kneaded mental scarring and applied itself to important logistical work in relation to her current predicament.
Breaking her proactively applied mind out of its day dreams of putting spiders in Calvin’s travel blanket again, she heard her name and frantically utilized her other new passive, [Mind Vault] to quickly replay what had just been said in one of her minds.
The motherly looking New Zealander asked of the crew cut, silver haired American.
“I think we should really ask the Adventurers representative what profession would most benefit the Party’s out in the field, don’t you think Harlan?”
Chuckling and nodding in jovial agreement the man of military bearing responded.
“When your right Gloria, your right! So Michelle was it? Of the Enchanters building or the Alchemy building, which one would be the most benefit to you lot?”
With her other mind having promptly closed her status, Michelle had only paused for what to outward appearances would have been a second, when she replied with a self-congratulating smirk.
“That depends…”
Furrowing his brow the man made an encouraging hand gesture, adding.
“On…?”
Having solidified her bifocal thoughts with the stalling tactic she carried on.
“Well it all depends on whether you believe in prevention or cure?”
Quirking an eyebrow as the opposite eye twitched involuntarily, he countered.
“Look we don’t have all day young lady, just say what you mean and be done with it!”
Raising her hand in mock surrender as she smiled whilst supplying.
“Sorry Councilman…us ‘adventurers’ can be a bit of a slow bunch…”
When a mind noted that he was sufficiently annoyed she continued.
“What I mean to say, is that if you have the crafters make decent items and Enchanters improve them further then you can save a lot of lives. But if we are talking about someone who is already pinche’d up with a claw through their ass and no healer in sight? Then Alchemists potions are what you are looking for.”
Receiving a grunt of gruff acknowledgement whilst he nodded, Councilwoman Gloria cut in jovially.
“See what I mean Harlan? No use us politico’s just sitting around here deciding things on a whim. You need to go to the people in the thick of it to find out what’s useful!”
Before the ex-military man could respond a young Spaniard councilor, who answered to the name Cortez spoke up.
“So in light of the information Miss Rodriguez so graciously provided, I think the obvious choice that will do the most good would be Alchemists building no?”
Both Michelle’s minds flared with anger at his deliberate use of her last name and she lost her chance to jump down his throat as Councilor Harlan let out a laugh of incredulity while he pointed at her and prosecuted.
“Hah! I knew I recognized you from somewhere!...My niece used to love that film where you wore that jump suit and said that line…what was it….’not while I’m here?’ No… ‘Not in my universe!’ hah! That’s the one!”
Grinding her teeth in agitation she could only glower at the Spaniard for his deft derailment of the meeting with his blatant name drop. Michelle’s luck being what it was, that was when the matronly Maori Councilor piled on.
“Well I never…..didn’t think we had us a film star in the City! You really should put on a play for the little ones some time!”
Groaning internally at the injustice it of it all, both her minds prayed to whatever cruel god was looking on this new world to smite her right here and now!
However much to her surprise and everyone else’s, Michelle was granted her pious reprieve, and unfortunately for her, uncannily close to the form of her petitioned release.
A guard burst into the round tabled conference room of the City’s Hub they were meeting in to announce in a frantic South African accent.
“Sir’s, mam’s! There’s an army just outside the city walls!”
Ignoring the collective “What!”s that were released, nor waiting for the distressed guard to give further information Michelle ran from the room, and pulled her [Communication Necklace] from beneath her [Elevant’s Essential Gear]. Her robes flapping while she dodged the hallways other occupants, she quickly spoke into the yellow crystal with a breathy voice.
“Payaso’s, we have a situation outside the city walls!”
Darting through the corridors of the Hub to finally burst into the midday sun, Un-Bep’ee’s voice emanated from the exposed item.
“I was just about to contact you, I am already on site. I think it wise the rest of you meet me and Rooq at the southern City gate!”
Quirking an eyebrow at Initiate of The Light’s shortening of Farooq’s name, her other mind noted that a flare arrow had been shot into the air from the indicated location. One of her attentions was diverted when she heard another more relaxed Australian voice, issue forth from the items yellow crystal.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
“On my way guys, be there in a minute or two.”
As she dashed passed the Profession buildings, she had just reached the outer ring of market stalls when a smirk found its way onto her face as an opportunity for redemption popped into one of her minds.
Certain Michelle could beat Calvin to the gate, given he was probably at Giselle’s HU, she unhesitatingly issued the challenge.
“Guess it’s a race then…Looser takes Council duty for a year?”
A Canadian voice then came from the [Communication Necklace].
“Oh its on girl!”
A mind griped internally at the fact that she’d failed to take the Canadian into the equation, she reassured herself of her imminent victory over the poorly positioned Australian and picked up the pace.
Finding the busy main road that lead to the gate, she exited the market district and passed by the rows of two story, almost villa style, upgraded Habitation Unit’s.
Dodging and weaving her way through the crowded thorough-fair, the mind not preoccupied with dodging noticed a contingent of guards attempting to do the same, though far less effectively. Some even going so far as to order the City’s residence to stand aside ‘in the name of the Council’, to which she couldn’t help but release a chuckle.
It took her but a minute to catch sight of the gate through the throng of people as she saw the tops of the 10 meter towers sitting astride it. All the while the guards atop them gestured and pointed to each other and the people behind the wall in a garbled mess of communication.
Noticing a blur dash past her, that she swore had a distorted hand proffered toward her in a rude gesture, she silently cursed their Initiate Templar of a leader for his high physical attributes and then her own stupidity for issuing the challenge.
Reaching the closed gate to find the rest of her Party atop the 6 meter City wall to the right side of its towers, already looking over them. She jumped halfway up the wall and with her free hand easily held her weight on one of the evenly spaced holds imbedded in the wall, whilst taking a moment to tense her arm for another jump.
At the same time Michelle used her other mind to think of the best location to find giant fucking spiders. Taking a moment to pause when she reached to top, her breathing ceased immediately, whilst her eyes went wide at the tableau before them.
Arrayed in the clearing that separated the City from Alpha Zone #195’s Savanah like terrain, were thousands and thousands of motionless skeletons of all manner of monsters.
Turning to her almost as transfixed Party, she demanded of the one who had been present the longest.
“Bep care to ex-fucking-plain!?”
Putting his shield and mace occupied hands up in mock surrender he replied.
“Your guess is as good as mine. When I got here, the clearing was as it is now, they have not moved at all!”
Her minds were looking for someone more knowledgeable to vent her building frustrations on when the sum total of the Council arrived at the gate and Councilor Cortez called the captain of the guard to them. After some tense whispering and exchange of gravely concerned looks between the Councilors a Germanic accented voice cut over the hubbub of the humans in an amplified, almost regal manner.
“Greetings, natives of Phase One Planet 4,273,994,182,891 I am Emissary Puk’Jul of the Trade Amalgamation, here in search of the Forerunner of your world. Any Elevant with knowledge of, or information leading to this individual will of course, be handsomely rewarded.”
Looking out to the skeleton filled clearing once more, she saw there was a purple awning erected in the middle of its statuesque inhabitants. Turing to look back, nonplussed at the thoroughly confused Councilors, she looked instead to her team for an idea on what the hell was going on.
Much to both her mind’s surprise, their leader seemed to have a plan of action already in mind.
“So I know my Intelligence and Wisdom aren’t my highest attributes, but I’ll put Manamotes on it that whatever’s out there in the middle of those bones is after that fucker Benjamin….And I know you’re not gonna like it, but I think we should tell it where the fuck-stains Citadel is at the minimum!”
Sharing alarmed looks at his eagerness to engage in dialogue with a potentially hostile alien, Their Initiate Archer was the one to attempt to dissuade him first.
“My friend, I have been proud to call you such for several years…”
Calvin made to cut in but Farooq held up a silencing hand with a stern expression and continued.
“But this has to be this stupidest idea I have heard since you said we should spend the night in a Mantid warren because it was too wet outside!”
Screwing his face up in annoyance he began to retort.
“That was a go-“
But Emily cut him off.
“Cal, I maybe the newbie of the gang but my vote is a hard N O.”
Looking angrily at the Initiate Sword Adept he opened his mouth, but Michelle thought it time to put this dumb idea of dumb ideas to bed and began.
“Cal, I know you want revenge for Ju-“
But she didn’t get to finish when the voice of Councilor Harlan came from behind them with all the practiced authority of a USMC drill sergeant as he bellowed.
“P2 the Council would like a word!”
Giving a collective resigned sigh while Calvin pumped his fist at shoulder height like the infant that he was, they effortlessly jumped the 6 foot drop from wall to ground to the astonished murmurs of onlookers. Sporting her best scowl Michelle followed her mostly disgruntled Party to the waiting Councilors.
Not giving them a chance to flat out refuse the idea the motherly Councilor Gloria spoke first.
“I know it’s a lot to ask, and we really would like the Guards to do it, but they are not as strong as you bun-“
At this quiet admittance Initiate Guard Captain Samuel’s bristled, turning beetroot red before Councilor Harlan held up a silencing hand and added.
“I know it doesn’t seem right Captain Samuel, but the Guard are just not as strong as the adventurers right now, in the future we can work on getting you some levels, but for now these individuals here are the strongest we have in the City !”
Seeing that Initiate Guard Captain Samuel was about to protest again he continued.
“Sure half of you are trained marines, I even trained some of you myself, and believe me when I say this is totally unfair magical fucking bullshit. But just one of these fine individuals could wipe out half the guard without breaking a sweat!”
Masking a laugh with a cough, Michelle tried to look anywhere but the beetroot red face of the Initiate Guard Captain as Councilor Gloria cleared her throat, picking up where she left off.
“Ahem…So all things being equal, we would like you to go out and talk to whatever is out there, to find out what exactly they want.”
Jumping in before the others could stop him Calvin said in a definitive tone.
“I am almost 100% certain I know what they want.”
Receiving stunned looks from the councilors he continued.
“You remember when we all got that announcement about the first earth faction and Citadel thing about three and a half years ago?”
Receiving cautious nods in response he carried on.
“Well the ‘Benjamin’ guy in the announcements is the one they are after. Now I say w-“
The weathered American held up a hand and said in a warning tone.
“Be very careful now son…I know the world has gone to hell in a hand basket, but if the next words out of your damn mouth are that we hand over a human to whatever godless screwball that is waiting out there, then so help m-”
Laughing in open scorn at the ex-marines threat, he countered.
“For starters if we were in the American state of Texas, the human you’re so ready to defend would have been put to the fucking needle years ago! Secondly, I can say with complete conviction that whatever is sitting out there is the lesser of two evils, period!”
Visibly seething with anger Harmon fixed the young Australian with a look that indicated he was out in the middle of a frozen lake in summer, and he was inclined to tell him to do star jumps.
Raising his hand in a placating gesture Councilor Cortez interjected.
“I can see you both feel passionately about this, however the most pressing matter is to first talk with this ’Puk’…Seeing as P2’s leader is hardly impartial I propose they act as my guards and I liaise on behalf of the council instead.”
Grabbing Calvin’s shoulder before he could respond Un-Bep’ee cut in.
“Our team would find this much more agreeable.”
Having been blatantly sidelined, their Party’s leader fumed silently and while Michelle silently breathed a sigh of relief, the other two councilors conversed quietly before the New Zealand woman spoke up.
“After some careful deliberation, this way seems to be the least problematic…sorry Calvin dear…this is just too important t-”
Unwilling to let her finish their Leader snapped.
“Fine!”
Then turned to his mutinous Party and barked.
“Ready check!”
Sharing relieved looks at having found a non-combative solution, Michelle assessed her gear while the rest of the party did likewise:
Elementalist’s Drake-Bone Staff
Level Requirement: 87
Attributes: Melee Damage + 49 – 72, Magic Power + 405 – 512, +42 Intelligence, +13 Vitality, +641 Maximum Mana +113% Damage to All Elemental skills, +36% to Mana Regeneration.
Durability: 159/166
Description: A mana infused drake-bone staff crested with a minor gem of elemental conflux, inscribed with journeyman offensive runes, intermediate empowerment and support runes. A rare magical item crafted by an unknown hermit.
[Cabalist’s Robe of Thaumaturgy
Level Requirement: 89
Attributes: Increase in physical and magical defenses by 12%, +29 Intelligence, +13 Vitality, +11 Wisdom, +146 Maximum Health, +1042 Maximum Mana, +23% Power to all spells
Durability: 265/271
Description: Expertly woven mana enriched robe embroidered with basic defensive runes, journeyman enhancement and empowerment runes. A rare magical item crafted and inscribed by a dedicated cabalist who was subsequently driven mad from repeated mana exertion and damaged some of its inscriptions.
Communication Necklace
Level Requirement: 50
Attributes: Linked with 4 other identical Communication Necklaces to form a Zone restricted closed communication network.
Durability: 91/100
Description: A mana synthesized communication crystal attached to a mana conductive cord. When activated, enables voice transmission to other crystals of the five piece set, while in the same zone. A necessary but uncommon magical item synthesized for phase 1 worlds.
Fire Mote Ring
Level Requirement: 85
Attributes: +11 Intelligence, +27 Maximum Mana, + 36% Increased Effectiveness of All Fire Skills
Durability: 101/105
Description: Description: A synthesized ring of flame augmentation, inscribed with journeyman enhancement and empowerment runes. A randomly generated yet rare magical item rewarded to Michelle for successful participation in the cleansing of Dimensional Siphon#9935.
Stormbound Ring
Level Requirement: 90
Attributes: +12 Intelligence, +39 Maximum Mana, + 42% Increased Effectiveness of All Lightning Skills
Durability: 106/110
Description: Description: A synthesized ring of lightning augmentation, inscribed with journeyman enhancement and empowerment runes. A randomly generated yet rare magical item rewarded to Michelle for successful participation in the cleansing of Dimensional Siphon#13842.
Signaling their fuming Leader with a thumbs up and mocking scowl of her own. A mind posited that this wouldn’t be the first time they had gone into a hairy situation angry whilst her other mind furthered that it was an almost certainty it would not be the last. But like any true family, they were in it together, no matter their differences of the moment.
So Michelle waited for the others to confirm their own states of readiness before they moved as one to the waiting Cortez.
When the 5 meter high white City gates, swung open with the whisper quiet efficiency of magically enhanced automatic doors. Their Party surrounded the Councilor in a defensive formation whilst they made their way through the unmoving ranks of the undead horde, toward the purple awning in its middle.
Getting to within 20 meters of the wooden tent poled awning, Michelle could make out a lone figure, sitting in what appeared to be an alien equivalent of a white deck chair, drinking from a stout bowl shaped vessel with a straight straw. The see through container had a red substance in it that was being drained quickly as a grey robed and hooded figure clutched it with two pale, purple, yet humanoid hands.
As it looked up when they got closer, she could make out two blue glowing eyes in the depths of the grey hood. The vessel abruptly disappeared as the being stood, holding out a ring adorned hand to catch a bone staff not too dissimilar from Michelle’s, which seemed to have appeared from thin air.
Resting the staff on the ground in a relaxed motion the once amplified voice of the being spoke again in an enthusiastic tone, that she identified as distinctly Germanic.
“This is a welcome development! I was beginning to get worried that I would have to raze this fine City of yours to get some answers!”
The Party tensed at the casual threat while Councilor Cortez spoke in earnest, in a patently obvious bid to stop an outbreak of violence.
“Please forgive our slow response, this is the first time we have received such a request from…visitors. Also if it is not too much trouble could you please tell us how you would prefer to be addressed?”
Letting out a peculiar high pitched giggle that was almost a whinny of a horse, the robed figure lowered its hood to reveal shoulder grey hair with two pointy purple ears protruding through it. An angular male model like face with arrow like eyebrows and a sharp chin rested below the pale hair, and its eyes irises, while sporting a subdued blue glow, were actually pitch black.
Attempting to mask her shock at seeing a Hollywood-esk elf for the first time, Michelle was further confused when it blushed slightly before responding.
“It is so pleasant to deal with polite and reasonable individuals for once. The ones I met in the siphon only wished to do battle, despite my generous offer of a truce until the timer ran out... such senseless waste! As for my preferred moniker? Puk is how I am known to my associates.”
Her eyes narrowed at the mention of the Siphon whilst her other mind staved off a Svetlana related outburst, as her present mind simultaneously noted Calvin was about to speak, before Farooq and Emily interceded by sending death glares in his direction.
Completely indifferent, or unawares of the Party’s turmoil, the Spaniard replied.
“A pleasure to meet you Puk, I am Councilor Cortez and am here to represent the governing body of this City. You mentioned before that you are looking for someone, could you please be more specific about the individual?”
Releasing another odd high pitched giggle Puk responded.
“A government? For a City of this size? How…quaint…”
“Now to the reason for my presence on this world. It is as I stated before, that I am in search of a Forerunner of your world. This Forerunner may also be in possession of a Progenitor class, though that is merely speculation at this point. Information that leads me to him will be rewarded quiet generously by the Trade Amalgamation. Fair warning though…human…if you try to deceive, betray or assault me in the dispensing of my duties as an Emissary, the outcome shall not be in your favor…”
Michelle’s minds went to overdrive when she heard the word ‘Progenitor’ because the last time she had heard the phrase was also a memory associated with the worst day in her life. It was uttered by the accursed lizard’s that took away her Lana!
Sharing looks of fearful understanding with her Party, the councilor seemed to actually take note this time, mistaking such actions for a breaking down of goodwill amongst his protectors. Clearing his throat at the perceived threat the Councilor dialed up his political charm and offered.
“I assure you most esteemed Puk, we have no intention of deception or combat! I must also apologize for our ignorance but we simply do not know what a ‘Forerunner’ or ‘Progenitor Class’ is. If you could also elaborate on the nature of these rewards I would be most grateful for your gracious wisdom.”
Narrowing what she assumed to be ‘his’ glowing black eyes, the purple ‘elf’ replied in a less than impressed tone.
“Very well, I shall give you the benefit of the doubt in light of your willingness to engage in dialogue thus far…What we in the wider galactic community refer to as ‘Forerunner’ is an extremely rare title. The Faction I represent has not deemed it necessary to provide me with more information than this, so aside from the holder of the title being exceptionally strong, there is little else I can say on the matter.
Pausing to make sure Cortez was following his words the being continued.
“The matter of the ‘Progenitor class’ is something I am also not the most knowledgeable about, however to call it a myth or legend would be a more accurate account of its standing, even to the more informed then I about such things….Yet on the topic of compensation I am extremely well versed. As an Emissary it is within my remit to dispense copious amounts of Manamotes to helpful individuals, even going so far as to being able to initiate a membership agreement with the Trade Amalgamation.”
Appearing to take time to digest his words, the Councilor cupped his chin with forefinger and thumb to convey his attention to his ruminations. Then releasing a blatantly fabricated ‘aha’ gesture with raised fore finger supplied.
“Now esteemed Puk, as I have said before, I and my City have no nefarious intentions toward you and while we may not know anything of these titles or classes, there is one such individual that comes to mind when talking of unrivalled…strength..”
Breaking off to look at the Emissary, Cortez was rewarded with an approximation of a smile and encouraging nod.
“This individual resides in a Citadel some 500 kilometers North West of here, to the best of my knowledge. Now I am sure one such as yourself has nothing to fear, however in the spirit of friendship and cooperation I could not in good conscience send you to this…..person….without a word of warning. This individual may not even wish to engage in dialogue and is extremely dangerous.”
Smiling at his apparent good fortune, Puk waved a dismissive hand at the Spaniards warning, apparently indifferent to the aghast looks of all but the grinning Calvin and responded.
“Your candor is a credit to your species Councilor Cortez. As I am sure you understand that while this information may indeed lead to contacting this individual I am not authorized to dispense the mentioned rewards until I have confirmed this fact.”
Smiling as well Cortez replied.
“I would not hear of it my friend. As a further gesture of good faith I would also like to offer the services of this fine party to act as guides to your destination.”
Eyes going wide at the Councilor using their lives as mere bartering chips, one of her minds began to formulate the best form of magical torture to use on the little polla. Meanwhile her other mind opened her mouth to tear the obsequies pendejo another pendejo, but was beaten to the punch by an equally furious Un-Bep’ee.
“Councilor, I would have private words with you….”
The elf’s smile dimmed as he frowned slightly before questioning.
“Is there a problem Councilor?”
Looking like a chile like his hand caught in the cookie jar for a moment, Cortez made a remarkable recovery as he responded.
“Huh? What? No! No problem, I just have to work out some logistical matters with this gentlemen then you can be about your business.”
Nodding slowly as he watched the two walk a few meters away and begin whispering not so quietly for a good minute. A grinning Councilor and defeated Initiate of The Light rejoined the tense ‘adventurers’ and completely at ease Emissary.
In a grudging and deflated tone Un-bep’ee announced to those gathered.
“We would be happy to guide you to the destination honored Emissary. Please let us know if there is anything you require for the journey before we depart?”
Smiling brightly once more Puk confirmed eagerly.
“This is a most welcome development! I must admit I look forward to some more talkative companions… Now let us not waste any more time sitting about wasting precious hours of your stars light! Please lead on!”
And with that pronouncement the unwilling guides left a smug Cortez to return alone to City #143 while the swiftest, yet most nerve wracking journey of Michelle’s 26 year life commenced.