Chapter 3 - The Beginning
Reminder:
-" Things spoken by someone. "
“ Quotes “
-' Things thought out by MC. '
(Comments)
[ Narrator Comments ]
*Emotions, names or sometimes things that are in bunny marks*
* * * *
After brief visit outside, for basic necessities, I was back in the game. I had just appeared in a main room of *The Fool and Mug*, the Inn to which I got introduced after unfortunate incident involving employment in the tavern, I unwittingly shivered at the memory.
-' At least I got a discount thanks to that. ' I tried to console myself while ordering some stew to stave off hunger.
-' Hmm, venture into the Training Centre proved unexpectedly fruitful and have given me some new ideas. I think that it’s time to get some gear. '
I went shopping around the city employing my *Assassin 101 knowledge*. Ten coppers allowed me to buy ten long cords made of leather and two wooden dowels. Convincing a carpenter to make a small hole in each dowel was dead easy.
All that was left was to tie three leather cords together, making a big knot every inch or so and then affirm the ends to the dowels. I snickered to myself while loosely tying my new *bracelet* around my left forearm.
Next thing on the list was a simple leather belt and a pouch, which I tied to the small of my back and filled with sand.
Last two things were easily obtained as well, grey bolt of linen cloth was quickly used as a scarf by wrapping it around my neck with loose ends swinging behind my back.
-' What? Scarves are cool, especially on assassins. ' I thought to myself, while squinting eyes in satisfaction.
As for a dagger, or rather, due to the lack of funds, something stabby I bought an arrow with a metal arrowhead. I broken it in half and made something similar to a handle by using a bit of cloth, from my new scarf, and two leather cords.
I inserted my stabby invention into the pouch, in a way that the handle would stick out and was easily retrievable.
-' Ok, preparations done. Now it’s time to start the real deal. The hunt is on. ' I thought while smiling, trying to get myself in a predatory mood.
I made my way to the Slums district, which seemed like the best place for beginnings.
-' One needs to start from the bottom to reach the greatest heights. ' I thought idly.
While the sunset neared I started to prowl through a back alleys. It didn’t take me long to find a possible mark.
From a shadowy alley I observed three thugs mugging an owner of some run-down workshop. I watched as they extracted some paltry sum from the owner and left.
I approached the poor guy while saying:
-" Hey there, could you tell me something about men that just left? ".
Burlap clad guy looked my way and responded with a bit of hesitation, using some strange slang:
-" There naught tell, they be thugs and they be collectin them dues. " He shrugged with resigned expression on his face.
-" I see. Shouldn't city guard be taking care of them? " I continued knowingly.
-" You be from afar, guard care naugh and thugs would gone far even if they come " He said dully.
-" Tell me then, if per chance, one would catch the thugs would there be a reward? " I inquired.
-" Don't be thinkin that, those be rough men - truly evil for such a lass. " I rolled my eyes upon hearing the hated word, my mood instantly turning sour.
I moved my hand behind my back and retrieved a weapon, while saying:
-" That sounds like they wouldn't be missed even if they were to die? "
He looked up, surprised by my words.
I smiled, as I suddenly bent forward and pressed the arrowhead to his windpipe.
-" Pray to tell me all the details, while I am asking so nicely? " All of the color seemed to drain from his face when he finally registered my words and the situation he was in.
He swallowed loudly and said:
-" They naught be missed, thou the killer be known by the killer mark. Guards naught be friendly to them, marked ones. "
-" Would there be a reward if the thugs were caught? " I continued smiling.
-" Them guards would pay some be you given them thugs in. " He said quickly, visibly shaken.
*Ding*
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Quest: Catch the Muggers
Difficulty: F
Reward: 2s per thug arrested
Time Limit: None
Failure state: Undetermined
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-" You see, it wasn't so hard, you can do it if you try. " I said cheerfully as I walked away. He looked like he wanted to retort, but thought better of it and remained silent.
I made my way down the street looking for the thugs, whom I soon found in a nearby tavern. It was still rather early in the evening and I could see few ragged workers inside.
After considering the options, I concluded that taking all three down would require whole evening spent on waiting for one of them to go out and take a piss.
I was in no mood for waiting, so I decided on something bold and showy. I approached the tavern and went inside, heading toward the thugs.
One was big and bulky, I determined that he was their boss during the earlier mugging. Another one was small and ratty, while the third was just big and stupid looking.
I smiled brilliantly when three pairs of eyes rested on.
-" I so wanted to meet you, please you must come with me. " The group was befuddled by what was happening. -' Of course thugs are weak to female attention. ' I thought.
-" Oh, don't make me beg, you would rather spend the night with those two rather than with me? " I continued to cajole him, while weakly pulling on his hand. For a second, I thought about invoking the usual homo joke, but managed to stop myself.
It didn’t take much to break boss's resistance and single him out from the group, in no time at all we were walking together on a street. I had been trying my best not to retch or scowl at the smell coming from his body. -' They might have passed on that detail... ' I complained silently.
It appears that my act totally broken thug's guard and he wasn't even a one bit suspicious when I lead him to a nearby secluded alleyway.
He laid a hand on my ass, but I somehow managed to endure it while thinking desperately about the nearby alley.
-' Almost, there. Keep calm... you almost have him. ' I hugged him to hide my scowl.
As we entered the dim alley, I unwrapped the *bracelet* from my arm. Then, while moving myself behind him, I traced his chest with my right hand. It seemed to make him happy and expectant...
In that moment, when a lax smile of superiority spread all over his face, I suddenly moved the knotted leather over his head and crossed the cords behind his neck. Afterwards I twisted myself to secure the cords further, an action that made us stand back to back. My hands, desperately locked on wooden handles, were pulled over my left shoulder.
Without pause, I bent forward and pulled on the garrotte with all my measly might, bending the thugs back over mine.
He didn't know what was happening until it was way too late. In panic, he tried to grab the leather string but it was buried and secured into his neck, robbing him of his lifeblood. Thug's monstrous strength failed to save him as his arms flailed around uselessly.
After a moment I felt his struggles weaken and then his weight started to bear on me. I twisted a bit to the side to let him fall to the ground, face first, meanwhile I made sure that the garrotte was still securely tied around his neck.
I counted in my mind.
After reaching ten, I loosened the bind and felt for his pulse.
-' Still alive. Perfect. '
I quickly bent his arms behind his back and tied them with leftover leather cords from earlier. Next, I tied his ankles, leaving some slack so he would be able to walk but not run.
Finally, I sat on his back and took a stabby thing out. It struck me as surreal. A small, lithe girl sitting on almost a seven foot tall, bulky man.
Without further delay I retrieved my water jug and poured its contents on the thug's head.
He awoke with a snort and started coughing. Sudden movement almost thrown me down, so I stabbed him in the back, to forcefully calm him.
-" Not so fast big boy, stay still if you don't want to get stabbed again. " I said as I brought the bloodied arrow to his face.
-" *Cough* Wh... *Cough* " He tried to say.
-" Shh. " I said as I smiled down on him, he was trying to look at me over his shoulder.
-" Be silent and listen, unless you want to lose an eye or two. " That somehow got his attention.
-" You have angered very important people and you might feel honoured by my personal visit. " I continued while tracing his cheek with an arrowhead, leaving a tiny red line on it.
-" I do not know why, but it’s meant as a warning. Therefore we are now going to the City Guard's post where you will confess all your sins and beg for forgiveness. " I was very happy with a ruse that I had just thought up. -" Then you will gladly take them up on their generosity to provide food and shelter for you. "
I bent down, ignoring the stench, and whispered:
-" Unless you wish me to break you slowly. " I punctuated the statement by pressing the arrow into his ear canal.
He went very still and looked really pale in a dim light of the alleyway. I stood up and ordered:
-" Lets go. We don't have the whole night and don't even think of running, or calling for help, it would take three days of my time to make an example out of you. " He shivered visibly, then stood up and started stumbling after me due to cord being too short.
It took a while, but eventually we have arrived at the garrison where I spoke to some Lieutenant of the watch. He was visibly surprised by me and my companion.
-" Greetings Miss, might I know the reason for your visit? " He said while looking at us suspiciously.
-" Greetings Sir, I am merely accompanying this fine man who realized the error of his ways and decided to confess and atone for his misgivings. " I said smugly and looked intently at my companion.
He quickly took the cue and started talking about his petty muggings and some other things that weren't so petty.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Afterwards the Lieutenant said to me:
-" I do not wholly comprehend the situation, but it appears that you have indeed brought a wanted man to justice. Therefore please accept this reward and have my thanks Citizen. "
-" Thank you Sir, I am always happy to help. Please do excuse me as I have other things to attend to. Goodbye. " I said after collecting the reward.
-"Farewell." said the Lieutenant while ordering watchmen to take the thug in.
*Ding*
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Quest Completed: Catch the muggers
Difficulty: F
Reward: 5s for bringing confessing criminal
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I left the building and checked my status:
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Name: Almisha
Alignment: Neutral
Race: Half-Elf
Profession: None
Title: None
Level: 3
Fame: 23
Infamy: 1
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Unused Attribute Points: 20
Health: 50
Mana: 110
Strength: 6
Agility: 16
Vitality: 5
Wisdom: 11
Intelligence: 12
Charisma: 17
Luck: 10
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Magic Resistance: None
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Skills:
-Art of Conversation(Passive) - B2 - You are skilled in the art of affecting others with words.
Improves your negotiation, barter, intimidation, deceive and charm skills.
-Charm - B4 - the power of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others.
-Intimidation - B3 - the power of frightening, daunting or alarming others.
-Deceive - B1 - power of causing others to believe in something that is not true.
-Anatomy(humanoid) - B3 - Ability of discerning vital points of the humanoids.
-Dagger Mastery - B1 - Ability of wielding short bladed weapon.
-Assassination, Takedown - B1 - Power of executing deadly surprise attacks. Takedown improvement allows use of nonlethal attacks instead.
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-' Hmm, I don't really get it, but as expected charm advanced again. ' I thought while confirming my expectations.
-' And now, without picking a class, we have a really decent assassin set-up. It might be a good idea to focus on a profession that is actually different from a rogue, since I have most of the important bits anyway... '
I liked what I was seeing on my status window so I decided that it’s time to dig up some interesting facts, mainly what exactly is that red killer mark everyone was crying about.
Without any reservations I located a young guardsman nearby.
-" Excuse me, Sir " I said as I approached.
-" Yes, Miss. Is there anything I can help you with? " He asked while looking at me intently.
-" I am from a far away land and I am not really knowledgeable about the matters of this kingdom. Could you explain to me what exactly is the murderers mark that I keep hearing about? Are the ones bearing it allowed into the city? " I asked trying my best to look as helpless as possible.
-" Its a magical mark automatically given to those who commit murder. Don't worry Miss, while ones bearing a mark sometimes do appear in the city, they are also easy to spot due to a red gem on their forehead. I am told that adventurers are able to tell such a person’s name just by looking at them. City Guard will deal swiftly with ones found encroaching on city's goodwill, so you needn't worry. " He replied, trying to soothe me.
-" I see, so it’s not possible for such a person to hide, even if the individual were to conceal his identity? Is it really true? " I kept inquiring.
The guardsman had a look of uncertainty on his face before finally answering:
-" Well, it is indeed possible for such a person to conceal oneself that way, but City Guard is on lookout for any person using items or magic with incognito power and we would arrest anyone found swiftly, also that person would need to hide its appearance fully. "
I cheerfully replied after hearing those words.
-" That's great, I feel soo~ much safer after hearing that. Thank you for your kind explanation. Please do continue with your duties. " I smiled at him before leaving, meanwhile a determination to find any item or spell with mentioned power blossomed in my mind.
As I was leaving a young guard seemed red and flustered.
-" Goodbye Miss " He whispered a farewell softly.
With clear course of action I opened the status window and applied all of the stats to charisma. Then, I made my way to the thieves guild.
-' Haa, I am so lucky that rogue based classes also get to have an official guild. It would be a pain to get through the underworld to finally find one. ' I thought while humming happily and almost skipped to my destination.
Some time later I arrived before a big wooden building with a black roof. Its whole look just screamed that it was shady.
After entering, I was greeted by the darkness which was only sparsely lighted by occasional candles. Several tables were put in a seemingly random manner, there were also dark alcoves in the walls which just begged to be used for illicit businesses and dealings.
Around the middle of the room there was a rectangular area two floors in height. Towering over it was a dark gallery from which everything below could be seen. Across the door, from which I entered, there was a counter covered by looming shadows.
I noticed several shady looking people sitting around the tables, but decided to ignore them.
Deciding that confidence is the key, I made my way to the counter. There I met some tough looking, bald guy. He gave me a look of contempt before saying:
-" This is not the place for girls to play with their dolls. "
I gathered all of my resolve and responded with all the confidence I could muster:
-" My thoughts exactly, care to tell me where I can find something called incognito, as there are things I do want to kill today? " I smiled lightly, seeing that the initial reaction of the guy changed from contempt to surprise, though he was quick on the uptake.
-" Go to the gallery and you might find it yourself… if you can reach it. " He continued in a loud manner while putting a mug of ale in front of me. -" That will be one silver for the drink. "
I nodded and paid up before dutifully picking up the ale.
I made my way to the left from the counter, where a staircase, hidden by the darkness, was located.
-' Hmm, low light vision of elves do come in handy. '
[ Half-elves technically, but oh well ]
While I was heading for the stairs I noticed someone hidden near them. I paid that presence a cursory nod before going up, undisturbed.
On the gallery I noticed that it was extremely dark, light was coming only from the room below and the place was enveloped by darkness so thick that even elven eyes couldn't pierce it.
I moved forward and did my best to appear unconcerned, while trying not to fumble into anything silly, like a stool. I managed to notice a presence several meters ahead. It was a stroke of luck that the person chose a place near the railing, light from below shouldn't have left the area he was sitting in in such a deep shadow.
After painstakingly uncertain steps I somehow managed to arrive at a table without bumping into anything. I wasted no time and sat on the stool settling the mug before me. I did my best to appear comfortable, which was not that easy on that stool.
The silence continued for a while. I had steeled my resolve, I knew the game we were playing after all.
-' Whoever speaks or shows nerves first loses. '
I began humming the tune soundlessly, concentrating on parts of the lyrics that fit all too well.
-' ... '.
Silence continued, sometimes broken by humans below.
After quite a while, my companion spoke out in a soft and quiet voice, which was actually harder to overhear than a whisper.
-" What do you want, Young One? "
I kept indifferent attitude, but responded with mischievousness using one of my favourite quotes:
-" My body is young, but my spirit is ancient by the things that I have lived through, though I still experience new things " A moment of silence continued, so I spoke again. -" I want to know how to hide murderers mark. "
-" That's a dangerous and unusual request. " I heard in response.
-" But a necessity for those determined to walk the shadow of knife's edge " I continued citing the quotes again, I liked the sound of them.
The silence fell upon the table again, some assassin-wannabe interrupted it by barging into the room below and demanding to know whom to learn *Assassin Class* from.
Afterwards he stormed up the stairs, though he never reached the gallery. It seemed like he disappeared somewhere on the way. -' Tough luck it seems. '
-" Very well, I shall test your determination... " My companion stated abruptly and, in turn, I received a notice.
*Ding*
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Quest: Something Shady - The Beginning
Difficulty:
Reward: Incognito skill
Time Limit:
Failure state: Undetermined
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-" ...thoroughly... " He continued. -" ...First off, prove to me that what you just said is true. " Suddenly his presence was no longer with me.
-" Very well. " I said dutifully into an empty air and thought:
-' Standard quotes, standard answers and standard vanishings, at least the quest’s easy. ' With a smile I rose and made my way to the stairs...
...and fell, face first, after bumping into one of the damn, invisible stools. Cursing under my breath, I cautiously went out, mildly limping due to my aching shin. Angered, I was determined to vent myself on the quest objective. I had a fitting person in mind after all.
[ Here's forecast for tomorrow (next chapter)- Sunny with a chance for death.]
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Hey~, Authors Here~
and today I even brought you whole 1000 words more than 2000 I promised. Aren't I thoughtful~ ? Smile
Please do share what you think about today's developments.
NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 4 - The Experiencing