Since Batara hasnt eaten, he decided to splurge a little and bought a good quality meat and other ingredients on his way back to Lorelai’s Reverie. Upon arriving at Lorelai’s Reverie, Batara walked up to the reception desk to found that Isha was invested in reading her book as usual. Batara then talked to Isha “Hi I would like to-“ before Batara finished his sentence Isha jumped a little in shock, dropped her book, but managed to catch her glasses. Batara was impressed that she managed to catch one thing this time. Isha said “I-I-m verry sorry I didnt notice you coming in!” Batara waved his hand gesturing that he didnt mind and said “I want to prolong my stay here for a week.” Isha replied “Sure. Since you are staying for 1 week the price will be discounted for 1 silver per night.” Batara thought that its a very good deal since its the same price with the inn back at Obenvale. Batara then handed her the coins. Isha replied “Thank you.” Batara was about to go to his room when Isha called him and said “Hey, the book in the library just got restocked. Just letting you know if you’re interested.” Isha remembered Batara looked interested when she first mentioned the library to him so she thought that maybe Batara is a kindred soul who loves to read books. Batara replied “Thanks I will check later.” Batara hasnt got a chance to use the library even though he always liked to read books.
The reason Batara was into books is because the only memory he has of his mother before she fell ill was when she taught him how to read a book. He didnt remember much else about his childhood, but its the only memory he recalled that isnt all that bad.
Batara then headed back to his room to put his stuff before heading to the kitchen to cook. He cooked his meat on a pan and with some herbs and butter. He then drizzled it with some wine sauce he bought. After he finished cooking, he served the cooked meat on a plate and put a piece of bread beside it. He then put his plate on the table in front of the library and browsed the library’s bookshelves before eating. Almost all the books in the library looked old as if they were used for a long time. He then found a book that piqued his interest titled “Anomalies of Mana”. The book looked really old and worn out and the title was almost unreadable. Batara then picked up the book and returned to his table. The moment Batara’s turned to his table, Isha was already standing looking at Batara’s food with a drool on her face. Batara then asked Isha “Are you hungry?” Isha gasped a little and replied “I-I-m Sorry! Not at a all I have eaten earlier. It just looked so appetizing I couldnt help but stare.” Batara then replied “Okay.” he was actually glad because he didnt have any leftover this time. Seeing Batara was holding a book, Isha commented “I’m sorry the books here are all in bad shape. Its the book that were supposed to be disposed from Quarzith main library to clear up space. But it got put here instead since I requested a friend of mine who works there.” Batara replied “I see.” Isha then noticed Batara was still standing listening to her talk and said “I-I’m sorry to bother you while you eat. I only came here to return my book.” Batara replied “Its okay.” then sat on the edge of the table.
Batara proceed to eat while slowly reading his book. He has read a lot of books on magic back in Obenvale, but this is the first time he saw the book on Anomalies of Magic. After reading through the whole book Batara learned some new unconventional things. First, he learned that meditation while thinking something peaceful can make his mana output more efficient. But, meditation while thinking things that trigger emotion can make him able to withstand Mana Depletion better and even create a new mana pool after his current mana is empty. This new mana pool is called “Sakthi”. The correct use of this technique may reduce and delay the backlash of Mana Depletion. However, the book mentioned that if Sakthi is used just a little too much, it could cause his body to shut down. This phenomenon is called Sankthi and is marked by the sudden change of hair and eye color. Batara understood why it is called an anomaly and nobody ever mentioned it in modern times.
The second thing he learned is about Mana Marking. The concept is apply mana residue and cast magic from where the mana residue landed. However it is very complex as it requires a person to be able to actually “see” the mana. Batara thought that it was too vague and complicated to learn. The book mentioned practicing by casting a magic coated by another magic which is named “Magic Coating” then use your imagination to form it as desired and target it to an object to create “Mana Marking.”. The instructions are vague and hard to follow but Batara was still interested because it can be applied with any type of magic including utility.
By the time Batara finished reading and eating, it was already midnight. Batara was about to ask Isha more about the book he just read but Isha has left the reception table. So he went to his room and sleep. The next morning he woke up a little later than usual and headed straight to the Adventurer Guild to meet Pamme. By the time he arrived, Pamme had already been waiting beside the quest board. Pamme noticed Batara and immediately smacked his shoulder and said “Oi Ive been waiting for hours where have you been!?” Pamme actually arrived just 10 minutes before Batara, he was late too but got lucky since Batara overslept. Batara didnt react to Pamme’s smack and only replied “Sorry, I overslept.” Pamme was annoyed by Batara’s unbothered reaction and sighed. Pamme then said “Here I have picked some quests for us.” Pamme pointed to a quest on the board. Batara was surprised and replied “Wyverns? That monster is too strong… it even requires a B rank party.” Pamme then replied “Cih how about this one?” Batara replied “Its a one month expedition A rank adventurers. We obviously cant.” Pamme then replied “Okay this one then. This one’s gotta be good.” Batara starting to regret his decision of forming a party with Pamme. Batara sighed and replied “Its a job vacancy for guild reception. You need to work for a month to get that.” Pamme was frustrated and said “Agh, what are we supposed to do then. Those are the highest paying quests.” As expected, Pamme only saw the reward of the quest. Batara took over and browsed the quest board himself. He then pointed to a quest and said “Here. A Faerie subjugation in the village south from Quarzith. It is not that far away and requires a minimum of 2 E rank adventurers.” Pamme replied “But the reward is soo small…” Batara replied “But we wont die from it” Pamme sighed and replied “I guess its better than nothing then.”
The two then register the quest to the adventurer guild staff. The guild staff said to them “Looks like this is your first time taking a posted quest.” Batara nodded while Pamme suddenly quiet. The guild staff continued “Okay, let me explain how it works. I will give you a magic scroll containing the quest information. After you have completed the quest, go ask the requester to infuse their mana on the magic scroll and return it to us for proof of completion. That’s all, do you understand?” Batara nodded. Pamme took the magic scroll while holding the guild staff hands gently and replied seductively “Nevermind that lady, do I know you from somewhere? You seem familiar.” The guild staff replied matching Pamme’s energy “Ofcourse you’d remember me. We had fun that night no? But I’m working right now.” Pamme replied “Oh silly me ofcourse I will never forget that night. Ms…?” The guild staff replied “You dont even bother to remember my name. Your friend has left you know.” Pamme replied “I know. I need to get going then.” Pamme kissed the guild staff’s hand and said “See you when I see you.” The guild staff replied “I’ll be waiting.”
Batara left because he cannot handle hearing the flirtatious talk anymore. Pamme said “Sorry to make you uncomfortable pal, she was one of my night job Clients.” Batara replied “I didnt mind. I’m just getting some air.” The fact that Batara lied made Pamme glad because Batara was considerate enough of what he do. However, Pamme took that chance to annoy Batara instead. Throughout the quest Pamme deliberately told Batara and joked around about that guild staff and what they did. Batara regretted his decision to ever act considerate towards Pamme. The two then finished the quest and returned to Quarzith Adventurer’s guild before sundown. Pamme then said to Batara that he needed to prepare for his night job and wont be able to go on a quest tomorrow. So as Batara really needed a break from Pamme and his entire being, he decided to meet again with Pamme at the same time he was supposed to meet Klaus. Pamme got over exaggeratedly surprised to hear that Batara had a friend and looked forward to meeting Klaus. The two then went separately.
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For the rest of the week, Batara decided to practice Mana Marking while doing general collection quests to get by. Thankfully the innkeeper at the Cedar Village always let him stay for free during his general collection quest and even gave him free meals occasionally so his money condition was quite good. Batara for a moment thought that he could actually live decently if he kept doing this routine. However, he wouldnt be able to fulfill his ambition which kept him going.
By the end of the week, Batara was able to cast Magic Coating with his utility magic but still couldnt quite do the forming or targetting part to create Mana Marking. He decided that he will search for more information about it at the main library later when he got time. Since adventuring comes first, Batara went to the Adventurer Guild to meet Klaus and Pamme. The moment Batara entered the Adventurer Guild, Klaus approached him while waving “Oi Bats! Good to see you again!” Batara replied “You too Klaus.” Then, two figures stood up from the chair and stood beside Klaus. Klaus then introduced them to Batara “Oh right, let me introduce these two. This is Raha, a D rank adventurer and a Barbarian whom I met during my training. And this is, Veera. You should already know her, she is an E rank adventurer Magician. We attend the Adventurer Academy together back at Obenvale.” Batara replied nervously “I’m Batara.” Raha replied with a strong tone and a wide smile “Hi Kid! Lets work together!" Veera asked Klaus "Klaus, I dont remember seeing him back in Obenvale Magic Academy." Klaus smiled awkwardly and said "Eh really.." Batara remembered that Veera was a girl who always followed Klaus back around all the time back at Obenvale and it seemed that she liked Klaus.
The atmosphere felt awkward as everyone expected Batara to further introduce himself but he just went silent. Klaus broke the silence and said "So Bats! these are our adventurer party members like I told you before." Batara just nodded in approval. Batara was actually so nervous that he just responded in auto-pilot mode. Suddenly, Pamme appeared behind Batara and said "Hmm so these are your pals Tara." Klaus and his party looked at Pamme in confusion. Pamme then introduced himself to them while bowing "Nice to meet you lady and gents. My name is Pamme the Great Acrobat. An ex-circus member and now a wandering adventurer." Pamme then continued while facing Klaus "You must be Klaus. Tara told me about you. I am Tara's party member and while I am a mere Beastman, I would like to join the adventurer party too." Klaus replied "Wow what an introduction! Is this really your party Bats?" Batara let out a long sigh before replying "Yes." Pamme said to Batara "Hey whats with that reaction!" Klaus replied to Pamme's introduction "Ofcourse! Your race doesnt matter, we'll be happy to have you!" Klaus was surprised that Batara's acquaintance was very unique, but since Batara confirmed it Klaus chose to trust him. Veera immediately pulled Klaus and asked “Are you sure Klaus?
Klaus then said "Its settled then, lets register our party and take on a quest." Klaus and the rest of the member then walked up to the adventurer's guild reception desk and registered their party. The guild's staff asked "Since your party has more than 2 members, I will need a name to address your party. What would be the name of your party?" Klaus then asked the others "You guys have any idea?" Pamme replied "I know! How about "The Amazing Spectacular Showmen!" Veera replied "Its too over the top and long. I think we should go with a more simple name like "Klaus Party" right Klaus?" Klaus replied awkwardly "Ehh.. I'm not sure using my name-" then Raha suddenly said with a loud voice "WE SHOULD GO WITH "MOUNTAIN BOYS." Veera immediately opposed "Excuse me!? I never lived on a mountain and I'm not even A BOY!" Batara didnt care at all about the name and chose to be silent. However, the other members suddenly stared at him as if they needed someone to choose. Batara then felt uncomfortable and said whatever came to his mind "The Spectacular Klaus". The guild's staff heard it and said "Okay then so your party's name would be the Spectacular Klaus?" Klaus immediately rejected and shouted "NO! ANYTHING BUT THAT! Lets just go with Mountain Dwellers." The guild's staff replied "Okay it has been recorded. Your party's name is "Mountain Dwellers." Raha seemed satisfied with the name. Pamme let out a loud laugh and said "HAHAHA what the fuck is that. Its so ridiculous I cant stop laughing. We sounded like literal trolls." Veera said "Hey dont be too rude, Klaus picked that name!" Klaus felt very embarassed and looked at Batara as if it was his fault. Batara just turned his face away.
After the registration was completed, Klaus asked the guild's staff "We were about to search for a quest. Do you have any recommendations? The guild's staff said "Sure. An investigation quest is being posted by our guild, and our guild official party (the officials) who is in charge of it needs more people to help them. The pay would be 1 gold and 5 silver each person. Would you like to take it?" Klaus replied "But will it be okay though? We are still quite new." The guild's staff replied "Dont worry our guild's party consisted of higher rank adventurers, they usually just need help to do small tasks while showing the ropes to new adventurers. It will be a good experience for you seeing them in action." Klaus then discussed with the other party member "I’m curious to see high rank adventurers in action. What do you think guys?" Since the pay was good enough, all members agreed. Klaus then said to the guild's staff "Alright we'll take on the quest." The guild's staff replied "Okay I will record your party for the quest. Let me call the officials first, you guys wait here" The guild's staff walked to the back and came back with three other people. The guild's staff then said to the Mountain Dwellers party "Thank you for waiting. Here are the officials." The officials, which consisted of 2 men and a woman, took over and introduced themselves. The first one is a male around mid 30s wearing a large sword on his back "Hello my name is Theodore, I'm a B rank adventurer and a knight. I'm the leader of this party. Lets work together!" The second one is a male around late 20s with daggers on his back "Hiya, my name is Russo, I'm a C rank adventurer and a rogue." The last one is a female around late 20s with a staff on her back "Hello everyone I'm Kija, I'm also a C rank adventurer and a magician. I hope you can learn good things from us." The Mountain Dwellers party then introduced themselves too.
After introducing themselves, Theodore said to the Mountain Dwellers "We will be investigating the Murloc Swamp east from Quarzith since there is a report that a newbie adventurer party was missing there weeks ago. Are you guys ready to head out?" The Mountain Dwellers said that they are ready and Theodore replied "Okay. Since you guys are tasked to accompany us, I will be in charge of command. Is that okay?" The Mountain Dwellers all agreed. Theodore then replied "Great! now lets get going." Theodore has a very strong leadership aura that made everyone trusted him easily. The guild's party and the Mountain Dwellers head out to the swamp. Batara suddenly remembered that what Theodore said about the quest was similar to Isha's story about his brother. But since Batara wasnt very sure he decided not to ask until he knows for sure.
As the party walked to the swamp, Pamme asked Klaus “Hey good lookin’ guy. What do you think about Ms. Kija over there?” Klaus replied “Huh? She looks kind.” Pamme replied “Not that dummy. I meant her looks. For me, I would rate her 8 out of 10. Her curves are damn bad.” Pamme somehow just knew that Klaus had the same playboy aura like him. Klaus caught on what Pamme was trying to do and decided to entertain Pamme “Whaat? Thats too low. She’s like a 9 at least with her mature aura.” Pamme felt glad that Klaus understood the assignment and put on a proud face before replying “Now we’re talkin’! How about Veera? She seemed to be into you.” Klaus replied “Yea she’s pretty. But…” Pamme was curious and replied “But what?” Klaus replied “I dont know man. She’s kind of aggressive for no reason. I just dont feel it.” Pamme then laughed and said to Klaus “Hahaha this guy gets it! We should hang around sometimes.” Klaus replied “I’m up! Lets go to Malvin’s Tavern later. I’m friends with the owner.” Pamme felt excited and replied “Its that famous tavern in southern Quarzith right? Sweet! We could get free drinks and party all night then!” Pamme then turned to Batara who had been walking in silence behind them. He quickly wrapped her arms around Batara and said “We three should go together right Tar?!” Batara immediately replied “No way.” Klaus sighed then said to Pamme while tapping his shoulder “Believe me I tried to invite him a lot of times but he always answered the same.” Pamme then wrapped his arms around Klaus' shoulder too and said “Dont worry I will drag him with my beast strength and make sure we go together! Kikiki.” Klaus replied “Haha Good idea!” Batara sighed loudly and replied “Please dont. I’d rather die.” Veera heard the three talking and immediately ran up to Klaus before saying “Hey dont leave me behind! Lets go together Klaus.” Raha also joined in and said “Lets all go together and watch me drink up a whole gallon in one go!”
Batara actually tried his best to avoid getting caught up in the conversation by walking inconspicuously. However, he cant beat Pamme’s sharp senses and got noticed regardless. Despite all that annoying treatment, Batara couldn’t help but feel an odd sense of comfort. It felt really weird for him so he brushed it off and focused on something else.
The guild’s party who led the way, heard the Mountain Dwellers laughing and sighing loudly in the back. Russo commented “What a cheerful bunch.” Kija replied “Haha they remind me of our youthful adventuring days.” Russo replied while putting his hand on Theodore’s shoulder “Yeah, before this strict old man showed up.” Theodore felt embarrassed and replied “Hey, I can be fun too you know. And I’m not that old!” Russo replied “Whatever you said old man.” Kija replied “Haha dont be like that Russo. We wouldnt have gone this far in rank without him.” Russo replied shortly “Facts.” Theodore felt more embarrassed and said “Stop it guys. Flattery will get you nowhere.”