Chapter 40
We finished off the goblins without much issue after that. And then we killed the rest of the pink mounts they’d used. When they were added to our inventory, I learned they were called pigs. I’d heard of pigs, and I’d eaten pork before. But I’d not realized just how… ugly and smelly the creatures were. Still, I couldn’t help but grin. Pigs made bacon. And bacon was delicious.
“You really couldn’t stand the thought of me beating you, huh?” Nyle asked as we walked back to the fields where Ryker and the farmers were.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said with a smirk. He wrinkled his nose and motioned towards my clothes. I was covered, from head to toe, in stinky, slimy, goblin mud. Lyn had finished off the other goblin rider, bringing our total killed to eight. With Nyle having already killed two, and Lyn six, that meant there were only four to go. And in order to ensure Nyle didn’t get any more kills, I’d, for lack of better words, gotten down and dirty in the battle.
“I’m half tempted to kill you,” Lyn said with a laugh, “just so we don’t have to smell you the rest of the day.”
“Try it and I’ll make sure your cloak ends up covered in my dirt and grime before I die.” I countered. She let out a strange high-pitched sound and moved a few feet away from me, out of my reach.
“I’d never forgive you.” She said once she confirmed she was far enough away I couldn’t easily reach her.
“Then don’t try to kill me,” I said with a laugh.
“I have to wonder what the goblins were doing with that camp.” Nyle commented as we continued walking. “I was trying to figure it out, but what was the purpose of all that mud? And what were they doing? And what was the mini-boss like?”
“I want to know what the loot would have been in that hut.” I said wistfully. “After seeing the Den Mother loot, I’m curious to see what else the tower has to offer us.”
“Whatever it is,” Lyn began, “did you see Ryker’s face when he mentioned it? I can’t imagine what would make someone as strong as him act like that.” She shivered, “what has he seen?”
“He could have been acting,” I offered. “Ryker likes to be dramatic at times. Maybe he was just trying to scare us, to make sure we didn’t get ourselves killed again.”
“Could be,” Nyle confirmed. “Or it could have been something utterly disgusting.” He glanced back. We’d already gotten far enough away that we could no longer see the camp. “Regardless, knowing you, you’ll make us challenge the mini-boss sooner or later.”
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I grinned. “You know me so well.”
“Unfortunately.” Nyle said with a smirk. “Its how I know you’re nowhere near done getting us killed in the Tower.”
“It was an accident.” I said defensively. “And we learned a lot as a result. Now we’re going to be max level for the floor and can head to a higher floor tomorrow. We have to remember to find Flint so he can tell us what we need to do in order to take out the Den Mother this week as well. Oh and, of course, getting my new daggers made tonight.”
I beamed at that last part, my pace picking up quickly. There were still a few hours till dusk. I’d figured out mentally checking Climber’s ID showed what hour it was within the Tower, mimicking the glowing orbs from the outside of the Tower. Eight of the twelve orbs were currently glowing. How much longer did the farmers have? And how long would it take for us to finish everything after that? I also found myself wondering how the other new climbers were faring. Would Ryker ensure all twelve of us hit level seven today? That would be huge.
“Rub it in why don’t you.” Nyle grumbled as we kept walking. “Lyn got some new gear; you get new gear. And all I got today is a silver freaking coin.” He kicked at the grass. “Feels a bit unfair.”
“You got free potions from Ryker,” I offered, “and who knows, maybe you can buy something in the city at the blacksmith? A silver coin is worth a lot. Maybe Ryker can give you some advice on what to buy? Especially since you’ve decided you want to use mostly magic.”
“I suppose,” Nyle trailed off. “Do you think it’s a good choice?” He asked after a moment.
“What? Asking Ryker? Why wouldn’t it be?”
“No,” Nyle shook his head, “using just magic?”
“I wouldn’t say picking just magic seems smart,” I said slowly. “You’re limited by your MP right? And how do you get more spells? The only people I’ve seen use spells other than heal and fireball are the acolytes, right?” I shrugged, “I’ve no idea if just using magic is even possible.”
“I think it is,” Lyn added. “But I agree we never really got much information on such things during training. But if it wasn’t, why would they have us fill in healer and support roles? If magic wasn’t a viable option for Climbers, I don’t think they would have had us all learn about it like we did.” She offered a small smile to Nyle, “I think Ash is right though. Ask Ryker. He’ll help you out.”
“I hope so,” Nyle said, trying his best to smile. That look was back in his eyes. The shadows from before. “I don’t think I have what it takes to be a front liner. Not after today…” he trailed off and glanced at Lyn’s bow, “and honestly, I’m not the best at firing a bow.”
“I’m a natural.” She said with a smile. “Commander Phyr said so. He said I had the makings of a Deadeye, whatever that is.” She moved closer to Nyle, though I noted she was careful to keep her cloak away from his grimy clothes. Then she patted him on the shoulder.
“You’ll figure it out,” she said with a gentle, comforting tone. “And until you do, Ash will be kind enough to keep tanking the monsters with his face for us.”
I started to protest, but stopped, realizing what she was doing. Instead, I joined in on her laughter, and after a moment, Nyle was laughing too. With the heavy mood lifted, and the shadows in Nyle’s eyes drifting away, the three of us cheerfully made our way back to Ryker. All in all, our first day, while it had started out more than a little rough, was turning out to be a great day. And I could only hope this was the first of many with Nyle and Lyn.
What type of Climber do you wish to be?