Sir, the raids were successful.
So, it was the Baldwin Brothers.
Yes, sir, just as our sources in Greatsby had sold us.
Damn, bastards.
I said, mad at the greed and stupidity that seemed to become commonplace with the coming times.
Their inventory puts us at nearly ready to begin the next phase.
Damn, I thought to myself…
Two years have gone by and I had figured that more would be needed. And now I'm being told that it's time to move forward.
Shouldn't I be happy?
Then why am I not?
Or am I?
Is this happiness?
Pressing my hand to my face, I felt for it like a child.
Shaking my head I apologized to Kafka for seeming out of it.
No need to worry Sir, that's why you have me.
He smiled a smile that every bit hid the trauma of his past. Of the dungeon delve gone array, of being left for dead, or worse: goblins don't just kill, they play.
Saving that boy gave me this man.
And what a useful man at that.
Kafka wore his guild attire pressed and cleaned, not a speck of dust on it, which would be impossible given our current circumstances; but I knew it was cloaked in some cosmetic transmog of sorts.
Anything else I should know?
Muller is currently investigating the odd boy.
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Ahh yes, him..
During the raid, which I had overseen from afar, I had noticed much too calm and much too cautious young man. That is, for someone caught in his position.
Anyone capable of staying mentally balanced under fire is worth investigating.
So I had ordered for him to be allowed to sleep in and investigated on waking up.
Also, Sir, today is the beginning of the month. Everything is prepared and the mob has begun surrounding the ring.
God damn it….
Are you sure she wouldn't like to postpone it? Maybe rest up a bit.
We just raided hours ago…
Sir…she already gave me an earful.
She's already begun warming up.
You know keeping her waiting will only make matters worse…
I know… I know Kafka…
Doesn't make things any better knowing.
Still have to do the damn thing.
On the wall to the East, rested my blades.
These last two years had turned that once bare wall into an armory of sorts.
What to choose…I muttered…
If I went daggers she would insist on Reiglyn's Claws…and I did not want the strain of wielding those…my neck still cracked from last weeks dungeon…
Looking past an array of options my eyes rested on a simple short sword.
It held nothing that would tell you it was of legendary status.
It was calm and silent and quiet.
When the roaming rogue with his wares of unknown attributes offered me the blade at a monstrous price, everyone thought me a fool for purchasing it.
But I could feel that it was worth it.
Not an aura
Not a presence
Not a force.
Just a feeling.
After appraising it, it was revealed to be a legendary one of lower quality, not worth the price.
But, it contained a hidden attribute.
One locked behind a gray icon.
The quiet held a power that I still hadn't unlocked.
Maybe today was the day, I thought as I grabbed the blade by the rough leather hilt, unfastened the leather scabbard, placing it and then the sword in place, clipping the silver fastening lock, and was moving out and towards the ring.
Without a second guess.
I no longer guessed.
I answered.