Chapter 33 - The Running

The cobbled road was wide and framed by a tall, two stories high, houses. My quick glance traveled across the frontons, which seamlessly joined with each other, and rested on the lanterns, which basked the street in a soft, yellow light.  I couldn’t find any openings between the buildings that would allow me to leave the main road. I ran, my hurried steps brought me closer and closer to the crossroad intersection, clanging steps of running guardsmen were resounding from behind each corner. I risked a hurried glance behind me, it only urged me to sprint forward even faster, as Hammet was just few steps away.

My escape had only just begun yet my heart was already bursting in my chest, beating like a hummingbird. There were less than five yards to the street corner, and I felt my panic spiking, I couldn’t control my breath and the shallow intakes of air threatened to make me pass out on the spot.

But I had not time to worry about my breath. I felt the doom approaching, in a quick steps that brought me closer and closer to the street corner, behind which the guards closed in.

Two yards away, I knew that I won’t be able to get past the intersection fast enough. -’ I have to buy time! ‘ I thought hurriedly as I jumped into the air, spinning, my hand extending in the direction of my pursuer.

Hammet raised his left hand in response, making some sort of gesture.

I concentrated, instantly twisting a large amount of mana into a barely controlled burst. A pain erupted in my hand, which felt as if it was being ripped apart. Unconstrained electricity shot from between my extended fingers, exploding into a wide, linear lightning headed for Hammet.

A glowing, water-like bubble of amber energy appeared around the Watcher. My attack struck the barrier directly, lightning hissing and coiling around it like an angry snake, though leaving nothing more than a dent. It was disheartening to see the energy parting and breaking into forked, impotent arcs of electricity.

As I was turning away, our gazes met and I was chilled by Hammet’s slit eyed, hostile gaze.

-’ At least he stopped for a second! ‘ I tried to console myself, while I landed, falling back into a run. I looked around just in time to see two pairs of guards rushing at me from both sides. I felt hopelessness descending on me, as I was cornered on all sides.

In desperation, I dropped down, tumbling in the direction of the left pair. -’ Please, let them be at least a bit susceptible! ‘ I cried out in my mind as I jumped to my feet with my hand extended and glowing with mana.

Guards in front of me panicked upon seeing the glow and tried to shield themselves with their weapons. A bit of hope appeared in my mind as I released the lightning in a wide, electrifying arc.

Forked energies struck like lashing whips, jolting the guards, who stopped where they stood and tried to endure the attack. I continued the onslaught while I ran past them, into a street they came from. Most of the energies seemed to shy away from them and it looked to me almost as if I was pouring water on a duck.

-” Urgh! “ Closest guard huffed in pain through the clenched teeth and tried to attack me with his halberd, but his muscles were forced taut by the electricity and his heroic effort was way to slow.

I easily ducked under the halberd and dropped into a sprint again. I didn’t have to look back to know that Hammet was close, I could almost feel his breath on my back. I could hear that his relentless pursuit was joined by other two guards.

I felt my breath easing a bit and my heart changing its rhythm slightly, wonders of the adrenaline working their magic on me. I continued forward, while looking for a possible way out, distant whistles informing me that I had to worry about more than pursuers on my back.

Orderly built, illuminated houses didn’t offer any alleys or shadows that could be used as an escape route or distraction. -’ This must be a district where well-to-do townsfolk live. ‘ I thought while running past the surprised people, who were numerous despite the late hour. No one tried to stop me and I didn’t know whether I should be happy about it or not, because the murderer’s mark was shining brightly on my forehead. The hat was lost during the cartwheel.

I could hear that I was gaining some distance on Hammet, who was almost able to keep up despite the armor he was wearing. Before me there was a group of workers, they were hauling some crates, and didn’t realize what was happening until I was already between them.

-” Hey! “

-” What? “

I ducked under a crate, then sidestepped to the right. When another worker appeared on my way I push him, but he stood firm, so I used the impact to change my direction and get past the last two workers.

-” Ey! Damn your… “ The pushed worker cursed loudly but faltered, he must have realized who he was talking to - a murderer. As I was getting away from the group I could hear new array of curses and the sounds of crashing.

-” My wares! That was my most expensive vintage! “ A loud, stuck up voice rose in the air. -” Who will recompense… “

-” Silence! “ Hammet’s raised his voice to outshout the merchant, I risked a glance behind me. Watcher was standing next to a fat individual clad in a richly decorated purple robe. -” You are obstructing Holy Flame’s purs… “

-” I don’t care about it! Who’s going to pay… “ The merchant interrupted and I could see Hemmet rising his hand threateningly, almost as if he was going to backhand the guy, but, instead, he suddenly looked in my direction, with hostility painted on his face. Without a word he started running again, forcing his way past the fat merchant, who erupted into litany of impotent threats and curses as he was pushed back.

Despite the distance I was able to hear that the city guards who were following Hammet were held up by the angry merchant. Despite first signs of fatigue I was extremely jubilant about thirty yards of distance between me and the Watcher.

-” Stand down and accept the judgment of Light! “ Hammet suddenly broke the silent act and shouted after me; anger and hatred evident in his voice.

-’ Who would? ‘ I retorted in my mind smugly, but the thought was forgotten instantly. I noticed a small group of people ahead of me. On look at them did let me know that they were going to try and stop me.

By a telltale marks I could tell that they were players. The first one was a warrior, with a sword, shield and chainmail, the second one was a rogue, as indicated by daggers, short sword and leather armor, the third one was a cleric, as he had a staff and brown robes with big symbol of the sun embroidered on the chest, the fourth one was obviously a mage, as he was wearing a robe matched with a wide brimmed hat, and it made perfect sense for him to be a mage as he fit into the standard MMO team composition.

I continued forward, unsure on how I should handle them. Despite being twenty yards away I was able to listen to their conversation, somehow my hearing had gotten really sharp recently.

-” Wait, is that a...mark? “ The rogue exclaimed softly, his hand reflexively stroking on his goatee. -” Why can’t I see the name? “

-” Doesn’t matter, Ray. “ Priest interrupted, his eyes burning with greed. -” If we stop the murderer it’s going to count as a holy deed! Imagine the heals! “

-” I can’t disagree if you put it like that, Flynn. “ The warrior chimed in and reached for the long sword, he was square jawed and had a short, black hair fitted into spikes.

-’ I wouldn’t be surprised if he called himself Guts or something… “ A distracting thought appeared for a second, but I banished it, focusing on the situation.

-” Isn’t this a bit too dangerous? “ The rogue voiced his doubts, but was instantly chastised by the priest.

-” Stop being a worrywart. We have a Watcher coming, what can go wrong? “ Cleric gave the rogue a smug smile and opened his arms in a papal gesture. -” Oh, Holy Flame let the courage burn in the hearts of the meek, so they can become your might. “ The priest intoned and gave a mocking, jovial bow to the rogue. -” That should make it all~ better. “

The anti climatic behavior was off putting and infuriating at the same time, I could feel my blood boiling despite the dire situation I was in. Though it didn’t stop me from prudently exploiting the comedy routine to shorten the distance between us.

-’ I need to disable the spellcaster, and I should be able to outrun a priest and a warrior… ‘ I meticulously weighed my options, but, somehow, I just couldn’t let their ungraceful behavior slide.

-” Um, guys, she’s already here! “ The warrior exclaimed a warning when I was five yards away from him and started charging at me with his shield raised.

I felt unsure, as any offensive move against the warrior had some chance of failing and then I would get bull rushed with his shield. -’ In the face… ‘ My imagination quickly provided me with a most disastrous outcome. Instead, I decided to recklessly put my faith on my untried but evident athletic ability.

I didn’t stop as we were rapidly charging at each other. The warrior seemed surprised by my move, but happy to oblige - his big size and large shield gave him the confidence. I tried to stay calm while it seemed like I was heading head on a speeding truck, the figure of rapidly approaching warrior was giving me second thoughts, but it was too late to back out at that point.

With my breath held tightly in my chest and my heart drumming in my ears I changed my step and extended my arms to the sides. I exhaled and closed my eyes briefly, putting all my faith and willpower into one powerful spring of my legs.

A weightless feeling enveloped me as my feet left the ground and passed over my head, making everything turn upside down. I opened my eyes and was struck by the view, the warrior was passing under me, the sword he had above the head passed inches away from my face.

My back was rigid, and my legs began to draw an arc down, if I continued the motion it would probably lead to me landing on my feet upright, but I needed to know what was happening in front of me. I bent my arms, abruptly bringing them close to my body in a circular motion, and the momentum somehow turned my body to face forward.

I saw a bunch of people looking at me in wonder, but my gaze focused on the three adventurers who had a stupefied look in their eyes. Only then I realized that my last maneuver might not have been a good idea, as I was heading straight at them, face first!

For a brief moment I was paralyzed. I didn’t know what to do. The moments before unavoidable collision seemed to pass in a slow motion.

Suddenly the panic penetrated my stupor. A spike of fear urged me to act and I did the only thing I could think of. A fleeting memory made me recall people jumping into a water, from heights. I brought my legs to the chest and curled into a ball, a move which changed the angle of my descent.

Adventurers seemed to come out of their stupor and started to jump to the sides, though that didn’t apply to the rogue. He deftly reached for the short sword and began drawing it dauntlessly…

...but he was too slow. Just before the impact I kicked with my feet and hit him squarely in the chest, knocking him down and using him as a soft landing pad.

I tried to ignore the sounds of cracking ribs, while the momentum carried me into a backward tumble. The world spun and I kicked the ground, rising to my feet and facing the two remaining adventurer’s.

-’ Courage spells, gotta avoid those. ‘ Fleeting thoughts passed through my mind as my gaze skimmed over the rogue, who seemed relatively unhurt considering the impact. -' Oh, right, I am much lighter now... '

-” Gods, please grant prote… “ My attention turned to a pale faced priest who was clenching the staff in front of his face and mumbling a prayer with his eyes closed. It was a surprising sight as he seemed really genuine this time around.

-’ I have to finish the caster, then it's… ‘ I thought and began to gather energy in my hand, but I hesitated in surprise. The wide eyed face, hidden by a hat’s brim and framed by a frizzy blonde hair, belonged to a girl. Her eyes were almond shaped and had a vividly green, emerald color, they fit well with her pouty lips and small nose. For one enchanting moment we stared at each other.

-” Ai! “ She let off a small yelp upon seeing my glowing hand and it brought me back to reality, without thinking I let off the gathered power. Only then I realized that my lapse in concentration caused the mana to flow freely, coalescing in much greater amount than intended. The lightning struck…

… On a shining wall of golden light that appeared between us, spanning the whole street. The lightning crashed into it with a thunderous roar, accompanied by panicked screams of the onlookers. The effect was staggering as the unleashed energies flowed on the wall in all directions, turning into waves of living electricity.

Despite the mighty strike the shining wall held strong, seemingly unaffected. I looked through it and saw Hammet with one hand outstretched, while the other held something near his chest. I blinked and turned away, paying a quick glance to a cute mage girl who fell down and was sitting on a cobblestones with shocked expression on her face.

I felt as if I was made of jelly, my muscles were all wobbly, still, I persevered in my escape. The Watcher was far, more than forty yards away, and I had to use that chance to escape. I began to run paying no heed to the panicked citizens.

Conflicting sensations fought over me, a rush of the while from the intense jump warred with feeling of emptiness left from unleashing the lightning, which probably took most of my mana. I noticed that the sound of whistles changed, it was less urgent and more menacing.

Two new guards, who came from the front, stopped and began retrieving something from their pouches. The composed reaction of the guards, changing tones of the whistle and Hammet’s effort in stopping my attack suddenly made me realize where exactly I was standing. -’ That means that this level of power is considered... common. ‘ I thought and shivered upon remembering all the powerful people that I have met.

-’ If that’s common… ‘ I swallowed hard. -’ ...then other classes are bound to be equally strong too... ‘ It was an unsettling thought and it made me feel like I was deftly playing in the sandbox, that turned out to be a middle of the minefield.

As I gotten close to the guards I gathered some power in my hand and, as expected, they responded with taking on defensive poses, while trying to quickly gulp down some sort of potions.

I used that lapse in attention to run past them, though it was getting harder and harder for me to keep up the pace. -’ I need to find a hideout soon… ‘ I thought with determination as a bone deep weariness began to settle in and my run had started to resembled a wobbly jog, not to mention that I was out of breath.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

As I approached the crossroad resounding whistles did let me know that there were guards approaching from every direction. At the intersection I turned right, leaving chasing guards behind the corner. -’ This is ridiculous, almost like if there's a patrol posted on every corner! ‘ I thought in desperation and my determination spiked, I could practically feel my focus sharpening.

Almost absentmindedly I gathered a ball of frost and water, in a similar way that I did with fire earlier but on a smaller scale, then dropped it. Moments later I was awarded with a soft wheezing sound followed by a loud thud of the guards who unexpectedly ran into a patch of ice after passing the corner.

I continued down the street while trying to ignore the curious gazes of the onlookers who kept away from me. In a distance I could see several halberds towering over the people’s heads, so when I spotted an opening between the buildings I jogged into it without hesitation.

-’ Even if it’s a dead end it’s the same as running into a bunch of buffed up guardsmen. ‘ I thought while relief washed over me, I could see that there was a junction ahead. The alley was narrow, dark and empty, though covered with cobblestones and unexpectedly clean, still, it was totally different from busy main street that I left.

I jogged forward and took a left turn, which should lead south, I made a mental note to avoid the north leading turns as much as possible, they were bound to lead to dead ends. On the next junction I turned right, which should lead me deeper into the backstreets.

Soon my assumptions were confirmed as I ran into a small, deteriorated plaza. compared to main streets it was like a totally different district, the houses were worn and scarcely illuminated by stray lamps, and there were long lines of laundry hanging above the packed dirt. The people were scarce, most wore brown, dirty work clothes and skulked around, though on a occasion I spotted some cloaked silhouette in the doorway, it was almost like they were announcing that they were criminals or enforcers of some kind and that they were watching.

I quickened my step. Somehow, despite all the things that were happening, I felt more exposed and endangered at that place than when I was openly being chased by the guards on the main street. On the way I inadvertently noticed a well that was in the middle of the plaza, the puller was broken and the buckets were missing, but there was muck around it, somehow it felt like it was the core of the place - foreboding, broken but still usable.

I almost breathed a sigh of relief as I passed the plaza, but then, as if waiting for that particular moment, a door down the road opened and three people went outside, blocking the way. Two were big, clad in leather armors and armed with sizable clubs, while the third man was wiry, mean looking and clad in a cloak that seemed too big for him.

I noticed several people gathering behind me on the plaza. I stopped and tried my best to look calm despite my racing heart and short breath, both of which weren’t really caused by all the running that I did.

-” What are you doing on Snake territory, assassin girl? “ The wiry man asked with a thick accent and hostility. -” You lot said clearly that you're done with us and will handle the business yourselves… and yet you're here… “

I was surprised by the rapidly unfolding situation and haven’t responded immediately, which thief took as an answer and drawn his own conclusions. -” You lot think that you can bring us dirt and pay naught for it? You take us for the fools!? “ He raised his voice and put up his finger threateningly, despite the darkness I could almost see his cheeks reddening in anger under the hood of the cloak.

I had no idea what was the situation between the thieves and the assassins, but it didn’t seem too friendly. I had nothing to use as a bargaining chip, so I settled for what I had on hand - trouble. -” I was just passing through, but if you are so inclined I can kindly accept your help in handling the Watcher, who is getting closer with each passing second. “ I tried to sound as indifferently as I could while assuming a nonchalant pose. -” You up for that? “ I asked mockingly.

-” Spiky eared bitch! “ The thief practically spat the venomous words and gave me a hateful glance, though it didn’t change the fact that he waved his hand in some sort of gesture that caused his minions to start dispersing .

-” Tell your boss, chief, head or whatever the prissy bastard’s called that the Snake Guild will not stand by idly when he’s playing both sides. “ He turned to leave, but stopped. -” We will talk differently next time! “ He reached down and squeezed his crotch suggestively. -” The last one’s for you. “ He added unnecessarily and spat on the ground before leaving.

When the realization that I was out of danger struck I felt a wave of relief washing over me, draining the tension together with my strength. It felt like I was going to pass out at any moment, but somehow I was able to clench my teeth and force myself to walk forward, eventually, after a time, the dizziness subsided seemingly defeated by my dauntless effort.

As my steps brought me farther and farther I was struck by the duality. My real body was strong, relatively, anyway it was much stronger than the current one, and yet despite all the abuse, exhaustion and weakness I was able to keep going way past what I believed were the limits of my original body. It was mysterious how such a small and fragile...girl... could keep it up for so long.

I was vaguely aware that part of it could be probably attributed to adventurer’s special traits and to going purely on willpower, but that still left a wast difference between the image that I had in my mind and what happened thus far. With shaking hand I reached out and thought about a status window.

The letters coalesced for a moment and as soon as I read them, disappeared. Disbelieving, I tried to summon them again, but they did not show up again. Nothing showed at all.

I replayed the message in my mind. -’ The beginner stage has been cleared, hand holding options(like status window, activity log and quest system) were therefore removed. Please enjoy the adventure as you normally would. ‘ I was baffled by the peculiar design choice, it was bound to spark a controversy in tried and true core VMMORPG crowd.

-’ Not that I used or missed it. ‘ I smirked to myself and focused on putting one foot in front of the other. Such an action seemed to become a second nature to me, recently I always seemed to end up in a messed up state having to walk to somewhere.

What annoyed me the most though was the smell, I could still somehow smell the thick stench of the Dirt Town… Peeved I quickly unfolded the scarf and started checking myself fervently. The mystery was quickly solved and the answer was… myself. The scarf, the clothes and the hair, everything reeked with the hateful smell.

I wanted to let out a hysterical, solemn laughter at my predicament. Especially, considering the noise of pursuing guards that I didn’t want to register but could hear for some time already. -' I have no strength left to run. ' I thought in defeat.

I turned back to where I came from. -’ Soon the alley going to get swarmed. ‘ I thought and pitied that my last stand was to be made in an unbearable stench… I shook my head and looked at the strangely silent book. -' Why hasn't it come out right now and offered one time save, eternal slave type of deal? 'I mused and was about to ask about it...

-” Giving up already? “ Abruptly someone’s voice resounded from behind me, interrupting my line of thought. It almost made me jump as I didn’t notice that someone was there. -”I thought you are more feisty than that, princess. “

I spun around and saw Oliver’s silhouette leisurely leaning against a nearby wall. I almost chuckled, due to the relief and my less than regal state. A sliver of energy seemed to return to my deflated spirit as I responded. -” I thought that their persistence was worthy of a praise and decided that I would mete out some. “ I racked my brain and came out with a satisfying banter in return.

-” Ha, I am unneeded then. “ He gave out an over dramatized answer and bowed mockingly. -” Pardon my interruption, I will leave you to your devices then. “

-” On second thought I think that I will accept your kind offer. I am sure that the pursuers wouldn’t mind getting off the hook. “ I responded instantly, nervousness permeating my voice. I was quite sure that he wouldn’t leave me, but at the same time, I could never guess how much pull I had on him. I didn’t want to find out the hard way that he left me because he knew that I would return after three days.

To my surprise he didn't answer with another banter, instead he approached the middle of the road wordlessly. When I saw a hooked metal bar in his hand I realized what he was going to do and I felt dread descending on me.

The bar fit snugly in the crack between the stones, with a slight sound of stone grinding against stone the slab was pulled up revealing the darkness underneath. A waft of a stale, foul air reached me, bringing tears to my eyes. I wanted to protest, but sounds of approaching guards were really close. Instead, I just froze, paralyzed by a dreadful prospect.

Oliver was seemingly unaffected by the stench and reached for me, still without a word. I stiffened and covered my mouth and nose, doing my best to stay calm.

-” Sorry princess, but today’s parade scheduled in the Undercity. “ I barely registered his words and the fact that he effortlessly picked me up and carried me to the hole. I was surprised when he somehow squeezed through it together with me and then went down the ladder, which was made of bent metal bars coming out of stone, while holding me with his left arm.

Though my surprise was quickly overshadowed by noxious miasma permeating the sewer. I felt almost as if I was being exposed to acid fumes, my eyes burned while my throat and nose ached with dry, acrid sensation which forced me to cough. The cough led to further exposure and only worsened my state. I put my all in trying to endure the scratching sensation and not to cough anymore.

Everything turned into a blur, the air inside was foul beyond belief, and I did my best to stay still while Oliver closed the stone slab and took me into a princess carry again. Somehow, I was able to hear his small sigh and a mumble when he started to walk. -” That’s the problem with the elves, more susceptible to some things than the bloodhounds… “

-" What... " I started to ask him about what he just said, but my inflamed throat clenched painfully.

Oliver must have misread my question as his answer was about entirely different topic. -" We had people watching the gates, not only for you of course. " He started in a monotone voice and I realized that he just said whatever, trying to offer something to distract me from the unpleasant sensation. -" I just happened to be around and took it upon myself to pick you up. I am glad that you managed to shake off the Watcher as I wouldn't have been able to act otherwise. "

I concentrated on his calm, lulling words, though I haven't really registered the meaning behind them anymore. I just wished to pass out, but nothing merciful like that happened and I had to endure the cruel ordeal for what was seemingly an eternity. Eventually, we arrived somewhere and I registered a sound of grinding stone when a part of a sewer wall was pulled to the side, revealing an entrance.

At that point I felt like an allergic person, my eyes were swollen and teary, my head ached and my throat burned mercilessly. -' Who expected elves to be allergic to foul things? ' I brushed away a mocking thought and gave out silent thanks that the adventurers were resistant to pain. I wondered about the answer to the mystery on why I was being affected so much this time around while I felt next to nothing the first time I ventured into the sewer. Certainly being of elven blood had something to do with it, but there were still things that didn't add up.

Abruptly, I realized that we were on a familiar corridor, which was filled with decorative treasures at even intervals, and that we have stopped. -” We have arrived, you will be able to clean yourself up in there. “ Oliver said impassively as he started to put me down.

My mind raced and I quickly shoved the book at him, I didn't want it anywhere near me if my assumption was correct. -” K-keep it f-for me. “ I whispered pleadingly through my sore throat, which burned vehemently.

Oliver realized that I was barely able to stand and gently seated me against the wall. He took the book and did a double take upon realizing what it probably was. Before he had a chance to ask any questions I motioned to him calmingly and spoke softly. -" It's safe. " He gave the book a final glance before losing interest and giving me a strange, evaluating look.

Suddenly, he reached into a pocket and retrieved something from it. He then took my hands and handed me a small bottle, making sure that I was holding it steadily.

-” Drink it. You will feel better. “ He said warmly and rose up. Then he whispered soft words that chilled me to the core. -” I guess that this was a bit too much for the punishment. “ I was sure that he meant to be overheard, and I quickly grasped some of the motives behind the recent events.

-” I will report to the Master. You have plenty of time to get presentable and rest. “ He said officially and pointed at the door next to me, then he walked away with the book in tow. I looked after him in dull shock, somehow I felt betrayed by the mismatch between his friendly and official attitudes. In my mind he took a role of a friend or an ally, but I wasn't blind, I could see under his mask, and what I saw was another mask. It made me realize that his actions, our banter, meant nothing at all, just that he was very good at acting, but probably hollow inside...

-' It's not that I wasn't expecting it... ' I thought sorrowfully and whispered with quietest of whispers. -" ...but it still hurts. " A different kind of tears came to my eyes...

=============

Hey~, Author's here~

as you can probably tell I have gone all out while writing this chapter, hopefully you will like the plot as much as I do. Anyway, I wonder what is your take on today's unveiling of strange phenomena :P

Also, we have finally reached the point where the bonus chapter is supposed to be. I am going to release it soonish (ie somewhere before chapter 34 is up).

Cheers,

Mea

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 33.5 - The Exploring (Bonus)