Chapter 6 - The Scheming (Extended)
I went downstairs and headed for the counter.
-" I heard that you might be able to provide some details pertaining the curious guardsmen. " I said to the *tough guy* standing behind the counter. Somehow the *bald guy* didn't strike me as appropriate.
-" That I might. " He affirmed and looked around to make sure that we cannot be overheard. -" Quentin Barstein, Captain of the City Guard, is snooping too close to one of our smuggling warehouses. There's a whisper on the streets that he hired adventurers to investigate, therefore we cannot move the goods easily. " He said in a low voice..
-" In which area is the warehouse located? " I asked, receiving a wary look in return.
I gave him a ridiculing look while rubbing my bloodied sleeve ostensibly, he sighed at that and continued:
-" In northern part of the Merchants Quarter, near the Magic Academy. "
-" Is there anything that you can tell me about the goods? I need to have a general idea on what the City Guard might be looking for. " I asked.
-" Hmm...lets say that it can be consumed. " He said after a slight pause.
-" That's all that I needed to know about it. What can you tell me about the Captain himself, also do you know anything about the adventurers who were hired by him? " I inquired further.
-" The worst combination, competent and incorruptible. He isn’t as smart as he thinks he is, but he’s no fool. He has a bad habit of creating convoluted intrigues, using people as his pawns. He's especially fond of adventurers because of that. “ Tough guy scowled in disapproval. -” He usually can be found at the City Guard Headquarters near the Castle. As to the adventurers, who he had hired, there's not much to go on. Our informants reported that he met with a few, but details are scarce. “ He sighed in annoyance. -” Most noticeable one, who we managed to identify, seems to be a warrior bearing a strange sword that doesn’t have an edge. He must be remarkably skilled, for an adventurer, to use such a blade. " He concluded.
-" Are you sure? " I said and frowned. I tried to remember something fitting the description. -" Would that sword, by any chance, be having a sharp point, smooth triangular blade and rather long handle? " I asked to confirm my suspicions.
-" Hmm, possibly. It’s not like I have seen it myself " He replied.
-" Understood, that was all that I needed to know. " I said and a notice appeared before me:
*Ding*
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Quest Accepted: Something Shady and the Curious Guards
Difficulty: E, E+ or D
Reward: Contribution Dependent
Time Limit: Tomorrow’s Night
Failure State: Guards finding out about the whereabouts of the contraband
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-" Also, I will need a cloak and a place to stay. " I said while looking at the Tough Guy.
He frowned and our looks met. I maintained a neutral expression while slightly tilting my head.
We stared at each other for a good while and until he sighed and said:
-" I got a spare one in the back. “ He pointed behind him. -” As for the lodging, go to the street parallel to this one and find a building with a mistletoe. Knock exactly four times and say that Brewer sent you." He turned and went to retrieve something from the back room.
He returned with an unusual looking, black bundle.
-" What's your name and how much do I owe you? Mine's Almisha... " I said while he handed me the bundle. With surprise, I noticed the quality of what was being handed to me and tried to give it back, but he grabbed my shoulders quickly and effortlessly turned me around while whispering in my ear.
-" Nothing, just take this and go! " He whispered lightly and pushed me away. -" Name’s Nasir, but don't be saying that to anyone. "
I looked over my shoulder, hesitantly, but haunted by Nasir’s strange expression I dutifully went away.
-' What's gotten into him? ' I thought unsteadily.
I went outside and quickly moved to the nearest alley.
I was baffled by the cloak that was given to me, especially when I checked the cloak’s stats, which confused me even further:
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Mist Assassin’s Cloak
Silk cloak used by an unusual sect of elite assassins. High quality material and design allows one to quickly blend with night or terrain, also it can serve as noble’s cape during the formal dinner. Its lightweight form and stylish cuts, to the skirts, allow for unimpeded motion during combat.
The cloak starts with an adjustable hood, thanks to several ribbons sewn inside it, and then flows in form fitting manner. The material splits, at chest height, into a multitude of tassel like strips of silk, each around half an inch in width. There's a small, cushioned wooden disc at the end of each tassel, it is responsible for the unusual, flowing motion of the garb.
Grade: Unique, Rare
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I raised the hood over my head and had the cloak envelop me. It was a strange feeling mainly because the cloak seemed to flow around my body in a way similar to a comfortable embrace. Unconsciously, I matched my step to the flowing motion of the garb heading in the direction of the street to which I was directed.
The building, for which I was looking, was easy to find. It was old looking and worn down, with thatched roof on which mistletoe grew. Barred windows were dark and uninviting. Heavy wooden door was a single, solid part of the building. I knocked on the door with my fist, four times.
Soon a peep hole opened with a clang, and someone looked at me, hidden by the darkness inside.
-" Brewer sent me. " I said in a deadpan voice and waited.
The peep hole closed loudly, followed by another clang, this time of a heavy bolt being moved.
Bulky looking man opened the door and looked around before motioning me to enter. I complied and went inside finding myself in a small, dark antechamber, illuminated only by a barest hint of light coming from below another thick door.
The man closed the door behind me and then opened the other one, which led to a sizeable wooden room. Several benches, chairs and round tables were in the room. Illumination was provided by small oil lamps, which were hanging on the walls. Opposite side of the room was occupied by two rectangular tables serving for a makeshift counter. I noticed several kegs and a wine rack on the wall behind rectangular tables.
I went into the room, while trying to be as calm about it as possible, my nervousness was mainly caused by eight pairs of eyes that focused on me. The men inside didn't look like your typical thuggish sort, they were more akin to veterans. Scars, multiple weapons, worn but customized leather armours, and to hell and back kind of attitude.
Each step required a lot of nerve, but somehow, I managed to remain calm by matching my step to the flow of the cloak. When I stopped before the rectangular table I was faced with the bartender, if he really was a bartender.
He was grey haired and old, and had a small twig in the corner of his mouth. His face was worn down by the years and scars, but that didn't dim the light in his eyes which were still bright and blue. He had an intense air about him and I couldn't stop myself from imagining where the best setting, in which one could meet such a character, would be.
Instantly a vivid vision of losing battle against xenoid invasion unfolded before my eyes and image of Emperors Chosen falling from the sky, on the wings of fire, came to mind.
-’ Yes, he would be perfect, as a grey haired sergeant, commander of the first ones to land to save the day. ‘ My GM habits reawakened.
Suddenly, I realized with embarrassment that I was just standing there, looking at him from under my hood… doing nothing.
The awkward silence was suddenly broken.
-" I am too old for that, just kill me now or state your business! " The old man said with a strangely serious and fearless attitude.
Totally embarrassed, for spacing out, I removed my hood and said:
-" I am sorry, I didn't want to surprise you... " I think I heard some gasps from behind me.
Veteran barkeep looked surprised as well.
-" By the gods! ", he said and I began to wonder:
-' Was the Murderers Mark really that unusual? '
I decided to try and explain myself before situation escalates any further. I raised my arms and started talking quickly:
-" It’s just that I need a safe place to stay and I was told that I should go here, so I could rest and get clea... " While I was in the middle of my speech, I realized that I was babbling and that I was really out of it. It has been a long day after all and I was in a sorry state, drenched in blood.
The Veteran Barkeep, as I began to call him, interrupted me for some reason by raising a hand in my direction..
-" Just calm down and come here. I have a free room and bath, that you can peruse. " He said while clasping his hands awkwardly.
[ I wanted to pat her too
He led me through a dark corridor, which was lined with several doors. He led me to the last door, one which was directly opposite to the corridor’s entrance. It turned out to be a bathroom with a stone floor, a drain and several buckets of water. There was a small fireplace, which still had smouldering cinders in it, and a small cauldron was hanged over it.
-" You can use this place to refresh yourself. Do you want to eat? " He asked.
I had shaken my head in response, I ate Samantha’s gift not that long ago. I was feeling out of sorts, but considering recent events and how long I was playing that was to be expected.
-" When you are done you may use first room from the right. " He said before leaving. I absentmindedly watched as the doors closed… after a moment, I remembered that it’s not the time to be idling and started moving.
With effort, I managed to fill the cauldron with water from a bucket. Then I added some wood to the fireplace and waited for water to heat up.
I removed the cloak, folded it and placed it on a stool, which was in a corner.
-" ... ".
-" ... ".
[ ... go~ on~ ... ]
[ Edit: Here is the bonus chapter that was requested in the poll:
Bonus Chapter 6.5 - The Bathing ]
[ Some...embarrassing...time later...]
I went to a room indicated by the veteran barkeep and logged out.
* * * *
After getting out of the capsule I was really numb and had problems moving. Everything seemed small and delicate, also my coordination was rather bad as well.
-' This is bad, don't mind the embarrassing details, but what's with the impaired movement? '
I was dead tired and in need of many things, so it took a while to clear all necessities and go to sleep. My movements soon returned to normal, so I ignored the happenstance.
-' At least I still have two more days before I have to work. Though it seems that I am not doing anything other than playing lately - not that it is anything unusual. That time dilation just fcks the clock I guess. '
After a good night's sleep and some preparations I went back into the Capsule:
-" Enter World: ArCiel ".
[ MC is naturally resistant to many embarrassing things ]
* * * *
After finding myself in a simple wooden room I confirmed that all of the clothes were miraculously clean. After putting the clothes back on I fiddled a bit with adjustable ribbons of the cloak’s hood. I managed to set the hood in a way that it didn’t obscure my peripheral vision too much and didn't slide down my head easily.
I left the room and moved through the corridor to the main room. When I entered the main room I saw some unfamiliar faces, but I ignored them and went to the counter.
-" Good morning. How much for a room and something to eat? " I asked.
-" Mornin, how much do you have? " The barkeep asked back.
-' Umm, good question. ' I thought and quickly checked my pouch. -" Almost six silvers. " I said and noticed that the barkeep was taking a hand from his face.
-" Sit down, I will get you something in a moment. Everything will be for a silver. " He said and then continued in a mumbled voice to himself:
-" How could such innocent little thing become...better not to ask too many questions. "
He probably didn't expect me to hear or understand him from where I was sitting. -' Better to let sleeping dragons lie. ' I thought.
Soon the meal was handed to me - scrambled eggs and sliced tomato bits, both peppered and salted. There was also buttered bread to top it off. It was simple and delicious, and I consumed everything in seconds.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
I left the money on a table and made sure that my hood was propped properly.
I turned to the veteran barkeep and said:
-" Thank you for your hospitality, how may I call you? " I asked, trying to get to know him.
-" Your welcome, but next time try to show up properly. It does not look good if the best ones come with nothing to show up for it. Also, the name’s Letho. " He replied in a warm voice, which didn't match the words.
-' Ahh, I finally got it. ' I thought as I made the necessary connections. -’ This is obviously a safe house, but they had assumed that I am some big shot, due to the cloak, and that I must have fumbled the job due to measly sum that I had on me and my look yesterday. ‘
-" Don't worry, I already have a plan to salvage the situation, name’s Almisha by the way. I will be back. " I said confidently and started to leave.
Big man, from before, rose from his chair and let me out.
I was back on the street again and the sun was close to the noon.
There weren't many people on the street, which made a perfect sense since it had been chosen as hideout's location.
I made my way through the back alleys of Merchant’s quarter. I was thinking, while looking around, searching for a promising warehouse. I made sure to avoid the main streets and only crossed them when necessary.
It took me a while, but I eventually arrived next to a group of sizeable warehouses in southern part of the Merchant’s quarter, near the docks.
While I was observing, from the alley, I saw a newbie walking through the main street. I smiled, when I thought up a plan to get the necessary information despite the Murderer’s Mark that I had.
I hid behind broken crates and waited.
When the newbie was close to my alley I thrown out a silver coin. As planned, it made a clinking sound on the cobblestones and rolled close to the entrance. I wasn't disappointed when the newbie looked sharply into the alley and came closer, lured by the sound.
Newbie spotted the glinting coin and came into the alley to pick it up. I used that moment to get behind him.
-" Not so fast, you haven't earned that... " I said from behind his back.
He yelped in surprise and fallen on his butt, tripping when he tried to move away from the voice that suddenly sounded from behind him.
-" ...yet " I stood over him and tried to look just a bit menacing. -" If you want to earn it, there's something that I do require from the area. " Suddenly, I was startled by a surprising message which appeared before my eyes:
*Ding*
Do you really want to offer a quest? Yes/No
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Quest: Find information about warehouses
Difficulty: G
Reward: 1s
Time Limit: N/a
Failure State: None
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-' Wha...that’s great, I didn't know that was possible. ' I thought and I quickly made adjustments to the message:
*Ding*
Do you really want to offer a quest? Yes/No
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Quest: Find information about warehouses
Difficulty: G
Reward: 1s-2s (if you do quick and thorough job)
Time Limit: 1 hour
Failure State: Mention the person in the alley, there will be consequences
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When I was sending off the quest I noticed a disclaimer:
Please be aware that any misuse of the quest system will be penalized by the system. This includes, but is not limited to: deliberate or not avoidance of the quest taker, incorrect or unfair Failure State manipulations and ...click #more for further details.
Please plan and act accordingly.
The newbie looked up in surprise. He relaxed slightly upon receiving the message.
-" So it’s just a quest! Pff and here I thought I am going to die... " He said to himself, apparently taking me for NPC.
I smiled to myself when I said:
-" You still can, you have fifty nine minutes left to get back with a good info... ".
-" Whaa, this quest’s no joke! " He exclaimed and started running.
I bent down to pick up the coin, tassels of the cloak moved around me and made me think.
-' Nasir’s a really great guy, but I can't figure him out. Why would he give me such an item? I haven't spoken with him that much after all. Was there some hidden condition for getting a cloak? ' I thought. -' I mean, I expected to get some rag when I asked about the cloak... '.
I sighed at the riddle and resigned myself to the cloak's embrace. I decided to concentrate on more practical matters instead.
Parts of the plan started to fit in together.
-' Next, I need to find the adventurer that was mentioned. It shouldn't be too hard. ' I thought.
-' Then I will need this and those… it should be manageable. '
I had been thinking for some time when I noticed the commotion at the entrance to the alley. The newbie was back and he was looking for me. I left from the cover of boxes to meet him.
He did a double take when I suddenly made my appearance in front of him.
-" What do you have for me? " I asked commandingly.
-" Ahh...um...this one. " He said and pointed to the building on my left. -" Belongs to a merchant, Ribald the Huckster, who is mainly dealing with weapons and accessories. The next one, behind it, is said to be filled with cloths and silks, but I do not know to whom it belongs to. Warehouse further down the road, from the clothing one, is full of foodstuffs and belongs to the restaurants from the Central Plaza. The big warehouse that is opposite to Ribald’s belongs to the Merchants Guild, there's a lot of things in there. Next to it is a personal warehouse of the Merchant Guild Leader, I was chased when I started asking about it too much ".
-" You did very well indeed, take those and forget what happened. " I said and handed him two coins. My eyes widened slightly under the hood when I received a notification that my quest was completed and I got some experience.
I turned away quickly and walked away, deeper into the alley, matching my movements to those of the cloak. It really started to grow on me for some reason.
Afterwards, I went to the Central District. It took me a lot of time because I had to move from alley to alley cautiously, because I had to be wary of the guards who could catch me when I was crossing main streets. Eventually I arrived near the City Guard Headquarters, which was a big, military looking building located on the same plaza where an entrance to the Castle was.
While I was thinking on how to find the strange warrior, I saw a familiar looking newbie walking across the plaza.
I retrieved Gerhard’s Knife from the Pouch and looked around to make sure that there weren't any guards nearby. I saw none, apart from ones at the Castle’s entrance. Satisfied, I left the alley and moved through the crowd. Soon, I sneaked behind slow walking newbie, who seemed to be sightseeing. I put my left hand over his shoulder, hugging him, and rested the knife near his throat.
-" We are going to that alley over there, your life's at stake. " I whispered into his ear and led him in the direction of the alley. Luckily he didn’t try to resist. When we disappeared from people’s view I unhanded him and took a step back, making sure that we were standing at arm's length, with my knife still resting near his throat.
Newbie had a funny look on his face because he was taking a cross eyed look on the knife.
-" I need someone found and you seem qualified for the job. " I said directly and sent him a quest:
*Ding*
Do you really want to offer a quest? Yes/No
-------------------------
Quest: Find a Strange Warrior, that is using an edgeless sword, he is known to be in the area
Difficulty: G
Reward: 2s 50c (if you do a quick and thorough job)
Time Limit: 1 hour (might take longer if needed)
Failure State: Mention the person in the alley, there will be deadly and painful consequences
-------------------------
He accepted the quest.
-" If you can't find me when you are done leave the info at the Thieves Guild, don’t forget to mention that it’s related to curiosity. " I said in a commanding tone.
-' Better to be on a safe side, in case I get chased out of the alley. ‘ I thought. -’ It would be lame to get a penalty for failing my own quest. '
I found a hiding spot in the alley and waited. I was impatient as there was nothing to do apart from waiting.
[ Sometime later - longer than one hour if you need to know ]
I noticed that a newbie entered the alley, he was hesitantly looking around and yelped in panic when I suddenly left the cover and appeared near him.
-" Have you found him? " I asked matter-of-factly.
-" Yes, he's asking for some information in the taverns of Merchant’s quarter. He said that his name is Blair. " He responded in calmer voice when he recognized me.
-" Very well, this seems to fulfil my request. " I said and took out the coins.
While I was handing him the money the newbie suddenly asked something that caught me off guard.
-" Why did you need Instructor’s knife? "
-' Wait, isn't he the one from the Training Centre yesterday? No wonder he seemed familiar. ' I thought. I was feeling kind of bad for what I was about to do, but I didn’t want to take any chances.
-" Please put the money in your Beginners Pouch. " I said and used my left hand to stealthily retrieve a knife from my Beginner’s Pouch.
-" Ok, but why? " He asked naively, though he put the money in the Pouch anyway.
I took a step forward and he reflexively taken a step back. He had an uncertain look on his face.
-" Um...and why do you have a shining red gem on your forehead? " He kept asking all the wrong questions...
I swung my right, empty hand at his face and he reacted on instinct, hiding it behind his crossed arms. I grabbed his forearm, to make sure that he can't escape, and made an upward thrust from below using the knife in my hand. I was aiming for a spot just above his stomach.
He didn't even see the blow until it pierced his diaphragm, robbing him of his breath, negating any chance to call for help or run.
-' Damn, couldn't he raise his elbows a bit higher, I wanted to kill him as painlessly as possible, but I couldn't reach the heart from that angle. ' I thought in annoyance while the miserable beginner slumped down and held the blade in his gut.
He looked at my face that was hidden under the hood. Pain and surprise were sharply painted on his face. It made me feel a bit bad, so I wanted to ease his suffering. I bent down to grab his head and our gazes met, then I suddenly twisted his head, making his neck snap with a sharp sound .
The body immediately turned into a grey mass which fallen to the ground. -' Hmm, so that's what happens when you kill a player... strange. '
A moment later few copper coins clinked on the cobblestones. I retrieved the knife and cleaned it on the greyish lump, before putting it back into the Pouch. I hesitated while looking at the coins, I felt bad about taking them.
-' But he won't have them anyway... '
-' And it would be wasteful... '
After silent battle with myself I decided that it would be disgraceful to his sacrifice, if I haven't retrieved the coins.
I clasped my hands together and gave him a silent prayer before walking away.
I went to the Merchant district, while making sure to avoid the City Watch. After examining two taverns I found my mark in the third...
Last part of the plan started getting into place.
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Hey~, Authors here~
I had various things interrupting me through yesterday and I wasn't able to finish the chapter...but worry not as this one was extended to compensate.
Also, big thanks to Owlbear General for his work on the new cover that I put on the site yesterday. I hope you like the look, I think it's fitting(much more than previous one).
Also we had some arguments with the narrator - silly thing even challenged me to a duel...
[ Don't mock me! I know its this dastardly owlbears fault! Just tell me where is it and even his atoms won't know that they ever existed after I am done! ]
anyway as indicated in the chapter please vote whether bonus chapter should be made.
Cheers,
Mea The Overlord
Ps As always comments are greatly appreciated.
NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 7 - The Tricking