(Muffled sound...muffled sound.)
"...Wa....or....S....en..."
"Soren, please wake up!"
Soren slowly opened his eyes. Disoriented, he lost all memory of what had transpired. His face was bloody due to his head wound. With his vision focusing, he sees the girls battered, bloody from bites, and bruised. Both girls, happy and relieved to see him awaken, asked, "Are you ok?" He asked, "What happened?". Looking around, he saw two empty vials on the floor.
Runa: "We managed to take down the giant muridae, thanks to you."
Beatrice: "Though you did scare the crap out of us."
"Huh," Soren said in confusion. He looked around and saw the giant rat lying lifeless on the hard floor. Starting to remember what happened, he asked the girls if they were ok? They assure him they are ok. Soren asked, "What happened?". The girls recount what transpired while he was unconscious.
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Soren: "NO YOU DON'T!". He plunges his sword into the giant rats side. The giant muridae shrieks in agony, swinging Soren around and smashing him into the wall hitting his head knocking him unconscious and is then thrown aside. "Soren!" The girls scream.
Runa: "W-What do we do!?"
Beatrice urging Runa to stay calm notices that the giant muridae, having a sword and dagger plunged into it, is acting erratically from the pain. "We can do this, Runa..", Beatrice affirms, "..and then we can help Soren! I'll keep its attention while you hit it with the rest of your daggers and then when too sluggish to put up a fight we'll finish it off! Just stay on guard and try to not let it touch you."
"O-OK!", Runa agreed. Beatrice grabbed a container from a shelf, "HEY!", she screamed and threw the container at the giant rat, getting its attention. She then ran and the muridae gave chase. "Runa!", she then screamed. Runa grabbing a couple daggers from the scabbards strapped to her thigh readied herself to throw when she saw an opening. While Beatrice was being chased around the basement, moving between shelves, knocking over its contents, Runa sees an opening and throws a dagger managing to hit the muridae. It shrieks again and turns its attention to Runa, charging at her. Runa, too scared to properly aim throws another dagger, and, missing the muridae, is rammed into shelves, destroying them. The harsh impact knocked the wind out of her causing her to struggle to breath.
"RUNA!", Beatrice screamed, jumping on the beasts back and running her sword through. With the beast screaming, Beatrice is thrown of its back managing to hold on to her sword. She charges in and is swiped away with the beasts tail. Struggling, she manages to get back on her feet. Beatrice, attempting to heal herself, did not realize the giant muridae was in front of her, and before she knew it, the muridae chomped down on her right shoulder.
Hearing Beatrice scream in pain, Runa was able to catch her breathe. She uses one of the two potions she has on herself and was able to get back up. "HEY!", Runa screamed. The beast, turning to Runa with Beatrice still in its mouth, was breathing heavily and snarling in the process. Beatrice, unable to free herself, notices the dagger Runa initially threw and grabbed it with her left hand.
"AARRGH! LET ME GO YOU DAMN BEAST!!", Beatrice pulls out the dagger and begins to stab the giant rat repeatedly. It attempts to claw Beatrice and Runa seizing the opportunity charges in and stabs the beast in the eye. Letting out a wailing cry of pain the rat dropped Beatrice and started thrashing around. Unable to take anymore the beast collapsed to the ground, struggling to breathe.
"Beatrice, are you ok!?", Runa ran to aid her comrade after making sure the beast was not getting back up. "I'm ok, don't worry about me, finish it off.", Beatrice said. Runa cautiously walks to the beast. Noticing Sorens' sword is still plunged into the beast. She retrieves the sword and moves to the beasts head. Staring at the beast, she realized she was no longer afraid of muridaes. She thrusts the sword into the beasts neck and holds it there until the beast stops moving.
She removes the sword, retrieves the dagger in its eye and walks back to Beatrice. "Come on, Beatrice", Runa helps her up putting her left arm around her shoulder, dagger still in hand, and walks her to Soren. "Is it over?", Beatrice said. Runa confirmed and Beatrice attempts to heal Soren but is unable to, "I can't focus enough to heal him", Beatrice said. "Don't worry I still have one potion left", Runa said. As she reaches for the potion she realizes the vial is broken. "Oh no! The potion!", Runa said.
Worry comes over their faces but Runa remembered she gave Soren two of them. She starts searching him and finds that both potions are intact. Let's turn him over, Beatrice said. The girls turn him over, and with one them on each side of him, they prop him up on their legs. Runa gives one potion to Beatrice and administers the other to Soren.
-------------------
With a heavy breath, "I'm glad you're both ok", Soren said. "When you're ready to get up, we'll exterminate the remaining muridae", Beatrice said.
As they leave the basement the receptionist sees how distressed the trio look. In shock, "Oh my, are you all ok?", the receptionist said. "I am, thanks to them", Soren said. "What happened?", the receptionist continued. "We encountered a giant muridae", Runa said. The receptionist was horrified.
"Well I want to express our utmost appreciation for exterminating those beasts and will recommend a bonus for the trouble", the receptionist said as she stamped the request to confirm its completion. "Thank you!". She hands them the completed request.
They leave the library and proceed back to the Guild. "I'm sorry I failed to protect you two", Soren said. "Don't worry about it, that could have happened to either of us", Beatrice replied trying to comfort Soren. They reach the Guild and enter. Chatter, chatter, "Hey, aren't they beginner adventurers?". Chatter, "I believe so, I wonder what happened?". Alulia gasped at the state of the trio, "What happened? Are you all alright?". "We're fine, their was a giant muridae in the basement", Beatrice said.
"That wasn't in the report when the request was submitted. Well why not relax here? We'll send someone to retrieve the slain beasts so we can tally your reward", an aggravated Alulia said. The trio hand over the request and decide to go outside and get some fresh air. "So can you tell me more about magic?", Soren said. "Do you not know about magic? Well guess not since you asked about my bracelet the other day", said Beatrice.
"Y-Yeah I don't know much. I wasn't really interested in it until recently" Soren said. "Then lets go to the association. It will be awhile before we can get out reward." Beatrice said. Soren began to recall the fantasy games he used to play and shows he enjoyed in his old life. "I wonder if the magic here is like some of the games I used to enjoy like Last Fantasy playing as Rock and with his party they try to stop the insane Jericho from destroying the planet or...wait that receptionist shot lightning from her hand, maybe I'll be able to do the same and shoot lighting like the Arni in those Space Knights movies!", Soren sticks his hand out imagining he's shooting bad guys with lightning. "Uh, what are you doing, Soren?", Runa said. Soren snapped out of his daydreaming, "Oh uh, n-nothing just.. daydreaming.", he replied. "Please try to not make a habit of that, especially when on a quest, you can get caught by surprise at any moment." Beatrice said.
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They arrived at the Mages Association. It's a large building much different from the Guild. The interior is much more beautiful than Soren could have imagined. Winding trees along the walls and strange looking flowers. Particles reflecting the sunlight, and magic dust floating like fog though out the building. It was truly it was magnificent. Soren was in awe. "It's always so beautiful in here", Runa said. They wandered around for awhile when, "Hi welcome to the-, oh did you come here for healing?", a woman approached the trio. "Oh no its just our clothing that's in bad a condition. We came back from a rough quest, but we recovered", "I'm happy to hear that, so how can I help you?", the woman said.
Soren: "I'm interested in learning magic".
"Great! It's always exciting to introduce someone to the Arts. I'm Cecile, nice to meet you". The trio introduce themselves and Cecile continues, "Let me give you and introductory lessen". She pulls a short staff lined with an intricate design and a shimmering black gem.
"This as you know is a mages staff. The standard staff is made of bronze which acts as an energy conductor. Many adorn their staves to give them a personal touch. It helps mages control their magical output and precision. Many mages can control magic without a staff but that requires many, many years if not decades of training to achieve. The crystal at the end is a black onyx. It is an excellent stone for use in scrying and magical work. By using black onyx stones as the medium, we learn the appropriate amount of power to use by feeling the necessary required energy needed to transmute into a force. Its excellent for those who are working to develop their magical abilities."
Soren was intrigued, "Oh, so your staff is like Beatrice's bracelet?", he said. "Oh? May I take a look at it?", Cecile asked. "Of course", Beatrice holds up her right arm. "Hmm, this is a healing bracelet, and it looks ornamental. In a tactical sense it may be useful as a last resort", Cecile stated as she inspected the item. "It was a gift from my mother before she passed away", with a sad look Beatrice stated. "I'm sorry for your loss", Cecile replied. "So, would you like a demonstration?", Cecile holds out her staff toward the group. "Yes, please!", Soren said excitedly.
"With magic nearly anything is possible, from the extravagant to the mundane. With mana control, spells to attack, defend, support, buff, create and destroy and nearly anything else are possible. Everyone in the world has mana and like how adventurers train their body's, mages train their minds. Magic requires a lot of mental focus as it takes a toll on the users mind. Those who don't use magic but have some degree of mana control, when used in conjunction with magic and elemental items, can do the do the same but to a much less degree. This is most common with adventurers. Both spells and magic items use the same principle of mana control.
As Cecile was explaining the principle of mana control her staffs onyx crystal began to glow. A small glowing circle with designs and symbols appeared in front of the staff. As she finished explaining, Soren's clothing began emitting the same glow. Soren looked down in shock to see his clothing being repaired, torn fibers mending together. After the spell was complete not only were his clothes as good as new but he felt clean. He checked his face and head to see the dry blood was removed and was no longer dirty. He was speechless.
"Those were simple Mend and Cleanse spells I used to repair you outfit and clean your body simultaneously. I chose to slowly imbue my staff with mana so you see the spells in action. With enough training..", she begins the spells again but this time, almost instantly she cleansed and mended the clothing of Beatrice and Runa, "..you can do this at a near instant rate with little to no mental focus required." Cecile said with a smile on her face.
"If you would like to take lessens we offer courses and training but it's not cheap. Most notable mages usually come from nobility and affluent households. We have many books for those who wish to learn on their own for a fee. Membership also has a fee but a staff will be provided and don't worry about your clothing, it was part of the free introduction", Cecile explained.
"Magic is amazing right, Soren?", Runa said
Beatrice: "I would like to learn myself but I don't have the coin."
Runa: "Same, but maybe someday."
"Well then we have something to look forward to. After we gain enough coin, we should learn together!", Soren said with a determined look on his face.
"Yeah!", the girls cheered.
Beatrice: "Oh, we should probably go back to the guild, our reward should be ready." Cecile seemingly disheartened that the trio is planning to leave so soon asks if they would like a tour before departing. Soren reassures her that they will return soon for the tour as the lessen she gave only increased his curiosity. They thanked Cecile for mending their clothing and set off , once again, to the Guild. Soren wanted to ask about Beatrice's parents but felt it he would be prying into her personal life. "Hey, so if you don't mind, I'd like to repay Dalic first if that ok with you two?", Soren felt they girls would find insult in the request as Hilda has not only fed him but gave him a place to stay for the night, but they agreed.
They soon arrive at the Guild and as they're opening the door, "You got alotta balls you little bitch!!". Three men were accosting a guild girl at the front desk. In fear, she stumbles to get any words out, "You think it's ok to send your lackey's to kill those beasts we put in that stupid basement!?", the goon in the middle pounded on the desk, "Ah!", the guild girl squealed. "Who was it that killed them beasts?", the goon screamed, interrogating the terrified girl, "W-W-We're not allowed to s-say, thats c-classified information".
Goon 2: "You don't wanna piss off the boss, just tell us who ya sent and we'll leave".
Goon 3: "Maybe she don't want us to leave, I think she likes the attention, hehe".
Goon 1:" If you don't tell us now we're gonna-"
Alulia: "Excuse me! Is there a problem!?"
Goon 1: "Yeah there is!, This bitch wont tell us what we want! And after we've been such gentlemen", Goon 2 and 3 start laughing.
Goon 1: "Tell ya what if you two ladies (the goon is looking the girls up and down), hehe, make nice with us, we'll forget this disrespect ever happened. (Licks his lips)
Alulia: "Ugh disgusting!"
Goon 1: "The fuck did you say!?"
Alulia: "You can either leave now or keep blustering until the Guard gets here".
Goon 1 growling, "Fine! Let's go! The boss ain't gonna be happy you didn't tell us what we wanted! We'll be back!". As the goons are leaving, Goon 1 stares at Soren with a look on his face like he's ready to kill anyone.
Alulia: "Juna, are you ok?". Juna the other guild girls says she fine but was terrified, she's still shaking. "Anytime something like that happens you immediately come get me!", Alulia hugging Juna trying to comfort her. The trio ask if those goons were referring to the library basement?", Juna nods in confirmation. Just then the front door flies open and the library receptionist comes running, panting and out of breathe. "I'm so sorry!", said the receptionist. Alulia asked what was going on but before she can explain, Alulia interrupts and asks everyone to go upstairs while she brings up tea so everyone can calm down and unwind.
Now with everyone upstairs, Alulia, "OK, whats going on, Yuli? Why were those thugs here?". Yuli the library receptionist explained that the leader of those goons took a fancy to her and she rejected him. Turns out he was trying to seduce her and use her as a way to smuggle in contraband. He has been putting pressure on her for awhile having his goons follow her, having them break into her home once to intimidate her and then the library basement issue. Many old tomes and scrolls that were in there were destroyed by the muridae. Beatrice explained what happened while exterminating the beasts, including Soren being knocked unconscious.
Yuli: "I don't know what to do. He won't leave me alone."
Beatrice: "Have you reported them to the guard?"
Yuli: "I have but they said haven't found any proof as of yet"
Alulia: "What a wretched man!"
"I didn't think gangs would exist in a fantasy world like this, I guess anything is possible", Soren thought to himself. Alulia told her not to worry as she will be placed under the protection of the Guild in the meantime. She will put out a round the clock bodyguard request and petition the government for financial assistance, considering they are being taxed even though the guilds are individual bodies not associated with any nation.
Yuli apologized to the trio for not reporting the whole story. She submitted the request once she saw the muridae and it never crossed her mind they would be brazen enough to release a giant muridae into the basement but now understands why there was such a large hole in the outside wall. The trio accepted her apology and are just happy everything worked out and they apologized for not staying at the guild or returning sooner, stating they went to the Association to inquire about magic. Alulia insisted they have no reason to be apologetic and that this issue would have eventually came to the guild one way or another. Everyone went silent, presumably mulling over the current situation and though no one has said it out loud, everyone is wondering..
..what do we do next?