The two men were sprawled out, their bodies heavy with contentment after devouring a meal fit for kings. Qalo, with his bulging belly, let out a contented burp as he loosened his pants, struggling to contain his gluttonous appetite. His eyes shone with pleasure as he looked at the empty crates, evidence of his impressive gastronomic feat.
Ferdinand leaned in, his voice a hushed whisper filled with awe and curiosity. "How is he able to eat that much?" Talax simply shrugged, equally amazed by the sheer volume of food that had disappeared before their very eyes. "I have no idea, but his appetite seems insatiable.”
The scent of the food still lingered in the air, tempting them with its rich aroma. Talax savored the last few bites of his meal, the flavors dancing on his tongue and leaving him feeling satisfied in a way he hadn't experienced before. Being a noble seemed to have its own advantages, he hoped that Ferdinand would be willing to share more of his meals in the future.
Talax’s attention was diverted by the sight of Talax's satchel. It was an impressive bag, and he couldn't resist asking about it. "Hey, I meant to ask you. What’s up with your bag?"
Ferdinand patted his satchel affectionately. With a proud smile, he explained. "It is a dimensional bag. It was given to me by my lord father upon my eighteenth birthday. It is truly a marvelous gift; you can store numerous items without being burdened by their weight."
Talax's eyes widened in amazement. He couldn't help but think how useful such a bag would be. The thought of such a useful tool left him slightly envious.
"I wish the bandits had one. It would have come in handy." Talax muttered.
Ferdinand chuckled, amused by Talax's ambition. "Those lowlifes could never afford such an item," he remarked. "And the ones that could, would have an army with them for security."
“Speaking of which, how did you end up bound and beaten?” he asked, and Ferdinand sighed dejectedly.
“My good intentions were the reason for my downfall. I had separated from the rest of my party, so that I could, um... relieve myself, when I heard shouts. I stumbled upon two bandits attacking a hapless merchant and his daughter. I foolishly thought that I could overpower them alone.” The noble shook his head in recrimination. “It was a grave mistake. The rest of their band was hiding in the woods and upon spotting me, they attacked en masse. Before I knew what was happening, I was bound and dragged to their camp, they had brought along the merchant’s daughter...” For a moment he felt silent and then his voice turned hushed. “They did things to her...” Ferdinand's hands trembled slightly as he spoke, his voice heavy with emotion.
As he relived the memories, Ferdinand's eyes turned haunted, and his face was etched with pain. For a few moments, the space was filled with a heavy silence as Ferdinand stared off into the distance, lost in his memories. Talax gave him time, knowing that the man had witnessed atrocities that would remain with him for the rest of his life.
Finally, the nobleman shook himself out of his reverie and took a deep breath. He tried to compose himself, but the pain and horror he had witnessed lingered on his face.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to bring the mood down."
Talax shook his head, his expression sympathetic. "Don't apologize. I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."
Ferdinand nodded, his eyes grateful and continued. “They were about to kill me too. When they realized though that they had someone who was rich and powerful, their greed won over, intending to sell me to my previous party. Then you came along and protected me from a horrible fate.” He shook his head glumly. “I don’t think that I would have survived the night if not for you two.”
With the corner of his eye Talax watched as Qalo swung a shovel with determination, the sound of dirt being displaced punctuating the stillness that had fallen over the clearing.
As the hole deepened, Talax's heart swelled with appreciation for the big man's kindness. When he saw him pick up the poor girl, he felt a surge of emotion. The way he cradled the young woman's body, his massive hands surprisingly gentle and delicate, was a stark contrast to his intimidating appearance. It was clear to Talax that there was more to Qalo than meets the eye.
Their eyes met, and Talax could see the sincerity and compassion in the orc's gaze. He nodded his thanks, feeling a deep sense of respect and admiration for the big man. Qalo's heart of gold shone through even in this small act of burying the young woman, a reminder that appearances could be deceiving.
As he reflected on their travels together, Talax realized that he had witnessed many such acts of kindness from Qalo. Whether it was sharing his food or insisting on rest breaks when Talax was exhausted, the orc had always shown a level of concern and care that belied his fearsome exterior.
Ferdinand sat back; his mind lost in a world of its own. He had initially seemed unaffected, but the events of the previous night had taken a toll on him, his previously confident demeanor was now replaced with a look of uncertainty and doubt.
Talax observed Ferdinand, his heart aching for the man's suffering. He knew that Ferdinand had likely lived a life of luxury and privilege, sheltered from the harsh realities that most people faced on a daily basis. But now, faced with the brutal truth of the world, Ferdinand seemed lost and overwhelmed.
Talax hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. But as he watched Ferdinand's unfocused gaze, he knew that he had to do something to help ease the man's suffering.
With a gentle touch, Talax placed a hand on Ferdinand's shoulder, breaking him from his reverie. The well-groomed man looked up, his eyes meeting Talax's with a mix of confusion and gratitude.
As he opened his mouth to speak, a sudden flash of light momentarily blinded him. When his vision cleared, he saw a radiant golden wreath perched atop Ferdinand's impeccably styled hair. The man's eyes widened in surprise as he realized that a divine being had chosen to grace him with its presence.
Trembling with awe, Ferdinand reached up to touch the shimmering wreath, his fingers lightly brushing against its luminous form.
For a moment, Ferdinand's expression went blank as he processed the overwhelming knowledge that had been bestowed upon him. But then, as he regained his composure, a sense of excitement and wonder washed over him.
Talax couldn’t hold himself from asking. “Well? What boon did you get?”
The man ignored him and kneeled. he made a fist and touched his forehead and with a reverent voice said.
Mighty God of Courage, I offer all,
My sword, my blood, my fearless call,
Guide me with your unwavering light,
In your name, I'll stand and fight.
For bravery and strength, I exalt thee,
My loyal heart, for all to see.
With your blessing, I shall overcome,
Mighty God of Courage, I am your faithful son.
When Ferdinand finished his little chant, he stood up with measured movements and touched the golden wreath. Upon his touch, the divine relic vanished, leaving behind nothing but small golden motes of light that in turn faded away.
The noble’s face transformed from a mask of stoicism into that of an exuberant child.
“I can't believe it! Avass took notice of me! Me! I can't wait to tell Father! He will be so proud of me! What an incredible boon! When I return, I will have a feast prepared to honor the Indomitable One!”
“What was the boon?” Talax asked again, unable to hide his curiosity.
“It's called Fearless; I will be able to resist combat skills and abilities that cause fear!"
As Talax extended his hand to congratulate the nobleman, his mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder if such a boon was appropriate for the sheltered nobleman, or if he needed a wake-up call to reality. Despite his reservations, he couldn't deny the allure of protection against the insidious attacks that brought fear and panic, an impressive blessing indeed.
As he pondered the nobleman's new ability, Talax's mind drifted to thoughts of his own wreath. Even though the two boons were similar Talax realized that his own wreath seemed to be far more versatile than Ferdinand's, offering protection against a multitude of effects rather than just fear alone. With a sly smile, he realized that he held a secret advantage over the nobleman.
As Talax approached the young man, he noticed the man's eyes were glazed over with an almost childlike wonder. The sun's rays highlighted the golden motes of light that still seemed to linger in the air, creating a halo around Ferdinand's head. Talax cleared his throat, snapping the nobleman out of his daze.
Ferdinand's face contorted for a moment in confusion, as if trying to remember where he was. But then his eyes brightened as he turned to Talax. "I can't wait to see what else Avass has in store for me! I feel invincible!"
Talax sighed inwardly. This was not the reaction he had hoped for. He decided to gently bring the man back to reality.
“Ferdinand, I heard from the bandits that your uncle was searching for you at the clawed hills.” Ferdinand’s expression shifted as he finally remembered his current situation.
"Really?" the nobleman asked with a perplexed frown on his face. "That's quite puzzling. Our adventuring group was camped at the edge of the road. Why would they travel all the way to...," he trailed off before shaking his head urgently. "Regardless, I urge we join them at once. My uncle will be beside himself with worry."
"Oh, so you and your uncle are close?" Talax inquired with interest, but the man scoffed dismissively.
"No, I've barely seen him twice in my life. He's only worried because if my father finds out I was lost, he'll have my uncle beheaded or worse... Thrown into the playhouse," the nobleman explained urgently.
Talax’s eyes widened at the mention of the playhouse. "And I'm guessing it's not a very pleasant place," he inquired, shaking his head in disbelief.
"You have no idea," the nobleman replied with a shiver. "It's where the borrowing worms are kept. They possess a unique and numbing poison that allows their victims to remain alive while they consume their insides. It's not a pleasant way to go. However, their poison is highly sought after by alchemists. It's a crucial ingredient in regenerative and health potions, such as Ludvig's bone-strengthening solution or the yellow-molted skin rejuvenating potion."
Talax’s face had contorted in disgust as Ferdinand recounted the many uses of the borrowing worm’s poison. Just the thought of worms inside his body made him want to hurl.
"Anyway," he interrupted, "we had better get going. All we know is that the man was heading towards the Clawed Hills because that's what the bandits told us," He explained, glancing at Qalo to see if he agreed. However, Qalo looked quite ill and had a horrified expression on his face as he watched Ferdinand. He guessed that borrowing worms were not on Qalo's list of preferred foods.
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"Yes, you're right. However," the nobleman said as he rummaged through his satchel, "this may be of use to us." He pulled out a small crystal sphere and examined it closely. "My uncle has one just like it. It should show us his general direction."
As the nobleman fiddled with the small orb, it glimmered faintly, casting a soft glow across his features. He concentrated intently, his eyes fixed on the device, until it started emitting a pulsating light. With each step he took, the orb's colors shifted and changed, signaling their direction.
When he moved forward, the orb burst into a brilliant yellow light, illuminating the surrounding area. He then took two steps backward, and the orb's color shifted to an intense orange. Ferdinand grunted, interpreting the signal as a sign to turn towards the west.
With an intense frown, the nobleman took a step forward, and the orb glowed bright green, signaling that they were on the right path. A broad smile spread across his face as he glanced back at his companions. "This way!" he exclaimed triumphantly, the excitement in his voice palpable. “Green means we're on the right path." He supplied helpfully.
"Hey, nobleman, don't you want to put on your armor?" Qalo asked, and Ferdinand laughed awkwardly.
"I completely forgot," the nobleman admitted. "Yes, it would be wise to have some protection against the beasts that roam this forest. However, I regretfully have to ask for your assistance once again. I need help with my armor." Ferdinand looked at him with an embarrassed smile, while Qalo simply raised an eyebrow in mockery.
"Very well," Talax responded, narrowing his eyes at the orc. "But while we are busy, you should search the camp for anything valuable." He emphasized the word 'valuable,' knowing that Qalo had a tendency to take anything that he thought edible.
Talax and Ferdinand spent the better part of an hour carefully preparing. Talax deftly tied strings and connected links, while Ferdinand meticulously adjusted his equipment and gave cutting remarks on Talax’s sub optimal performance.
When they finished, Ferdinand looked like a knight straight out of a fairytale, his steel armor gleaming in the sunlight with intricate, golden details that caught the eye. The emblem of his family, an imposing tower in front of a golden sun, proudly displayed in the center of his breastplate. But it was the ruby on the pommel of his sword that caught the most attention, sparkling with every movement he made. The only thing that looked out of place was the shield on his back, which looked old and neglected, the steel having dulled and clouded over time. Ferdinand, however, regaled him with tales of his father's heroics and proudly declared that it was his father's first shield, which he had used to defeat a chimeric lion.
As Ferdinand recounted another of his father’s impossible feats, Qalo searched the camp with a determined expression.
The half orc, finished with his search, approached the duo interrupting Ferdinand's story with a gruff voice. “Here take them.”
He handed Talax four gleaming silver coins and a handful of coppers, which the young adventurer quickly pocketed. He also gave him two potions, one a vivid blue and the other a deep red. Ferdinand peeked over the orc's broad shoulders to examine the potions and commented. “Oh, health and mana potions. Hmm, although they seem to be the weak variant given their color and clarity. Helpful all the same, though. My father’s alchemists only produce fortified potions and above...”
Before the noble could complete his sentence though, Qalo elbowed him in the chest eliciting a pained grunt. Ferdinand glared at the big man and Talax gave him a reproaching stare, but the big orc wore an expression of innocence.
The tusked man then ignored the noble protestations and unstrung a gleaming bow that had once belonged to the chief bandit. Talax took it reverently. It was a thing of beauty, emanating a steady hum of mana that seemed to pulse through his fingers. Talax looked up at Qalo, unsure if he should keep it. After all, the orc had been the one to slay the bandit leader.
Talax looked up at the orc with questioning eyes. “Are you sure you don’t want to keep it? You were the one to kill the leader after all.” Qalo shook his head. “No, I am no good at archery. You will put it to good use.”
Talax felt his face split in half from the smile that had formed. “Thank you.”
“Pff.” Was all the orc said, gesturing with his hand that it was not a big deal. Even though a small smile played on his lips.
Ferdinand broke the moment of the two new friends, when he darted around the orc and went to inspect the bow. Talax went to protect his new toy but restrained himself when he saw the noble inspecting the bow without touching it, admiration evident in his eyes. He whistled softly. “I wonder where that cutthroat found such a valuable weapon.” And under his breath commented. “Thievery was the culprit, no doubt about that.” With his fingertips he traced the elegant curves of the wooden bow and then looked at Talax.
"I don't have an identification skill, but ever since I was five, my father had me train with a wide variety of weapons, including bows. This bow is made from ash-grey oak, which provides extra durability and improves aim. It's also enchanted, although I'm not sure which enchantment it holds. However, the mana emission clearly indicates that there is an active enchantment of some kind."
Talax was practically bursting with excitement. He was eager to try out his new weapon as soon as possible. As his companions left to retrieve the bedrolls, he eagerly took the chance to try his toy. His hands shook with anticipation as his fingers closed around the smooth, polished wood of his new bow.
With his heart racing, he equipped a quiver full of arrows he had looted from one of the scouts. The weight of the quiver felt good against his back, and he savored the metallic clink of the arrows as he fitted one to the bowstring.
Positioning himself just so, he drew the single string back, feeling the tension thrumming through his arms. He closed one eye, inhaling deeply before releasing the arrow with a whoosh of air. His heart skipped a beat as the arrow whizzed through the air, but his excitement quickly turned to disappointment as it missed its target.
Determined not to be defeated, he gritted his teeth and drew another arrow, repeating the same process. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he focused all his attention on the task at hand, his eyes never leaving the tree trunk in the distance. With each arrow, his aim improved slightly, until finally, on the fifth try, his arrow struck true.
A rush of pride surged through him as his companions applauded his efforts. Turning to face them, he could see the excitement mirrored in their eyes. Qalo's face was twisted into a wide grin, a strip of salted meat dangling from his lips. Ferdinand's nodded in approval like a proud father.
A surge of mana prompted him to check his skills, and sure enough a new bud had emerged in his core.
Archery skill, level 1
1% to damage, 1% to aim
Talax was practically bursting with joy. He made a fist and threw it towards the sky, letting out a whoop of triumph that echoed through the clearing.
Turning back to his companions, he ran towards them with a wild grin on his face, his feet pounding against the ground. As he approached Qalo, he presented his palm for a high-five. The big man went to slap his palm with all his might, but upon seeing Talax's narrowed eyes, he connected with a feather-light touch instead.
Despite the lightness of the gesture, the force of the high-five was enough to make Talax's bones rattle. He nodded in response, the excitement coursing through him like electricity. And then, without a second thought, he jumped in front of Ferdinand, who looked at his new friends with confusion.
"Just slap your palm to mine," Talax urged the young nobleman, his voice filled with excitement. But to his surprise, the nobleman looked at him with a perplexed expression, as if he had just asked him to do something outrageous.
"Why?" the nobleman asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Talax felt his frustration mounting. "It's what we do when something awesome happens! Now slap it!" he exclaimed, raising his palm once again. Finally, the nobleman obliged and slapped his palm, but it was with such a weak force that Talax felt unsatisfied with the outcome.
Determined to show him how it was done, Talax grabbed the young nobleman's hand and slapped their two palms together with enough force to hear the satisfying sound. "That's more like it!" he exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
But before he could revel in his victory, Qalo interrupted them with a stern tone. "Okay enough with your games, we have to go. The sun will be at its peak soon."
Talax nodded, still feeling the excitement of his recent accomplishment. He quickly retrieved his discarded arrows and equipped a small pack they had found in the camp. He stuffed it with his potions, a canteen, and some other random items he had found, like flint, rope, and cutlery. And with one final look back at the camp, he joined his two companions at the edge of the clearing.
"Ready," he announced.
Excitement coursed through Talax's veins as they marched through the dense vines and lush undergrowth of the forest. The canopy overhead filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Ferdinand led the way, his glowing orb illuminating their path like a beacon in the dark.
Qalo walked at the rear, scanning their surroundings with a watchful eye. His massive frame seemed to dwarf the thick vines that tangled around them, and Talax felt a sense of safety knowing that the big orc was there to interfere with any potential predator.
As they walked, Talax's mind raced with anticipation for what lay ahead. He felt well-rested, better equipped, and ready to finally join Ferdinand's expedition. His heart swelled with a sense of purpose, and he couldn't wait to see what the dungeon had to offer.
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As Avass looked down on the mortals, he couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority. The clouds beneath him churned and roiled with the promise of a storm, but he remained aloof, hovering in the air with a flick of his boots. The boots were the stuff of legends, made by Hertious himself and crafted from the finest materials in all the realms. They were made of phoenix gold and mithril that had been touched by titans, imbued with power that was envied by all his brethren.
As he moved, the boots hummed with energy, as if they were alive and eager to unleash their full potential. Avass felt the power coursing through him, invigorating him with a sense of invincibility.
With a single step, he could summon a tempest that could level entire cities or extinguish the most ferocious of hurricanes. Turbulent gales danced around him with the edge of bloodthirsty swords that caressed his skin like a gentle lover. He gave a mocking smile as he remembered Ournia, the goddess of storms and winds, and how she seethed with jealousy at the sight of his boots. She saw them as an affront to her domain, a challenge to her supremacy. But Avass was undeterred, for he knew that he was a God among Gods.
As he floated in the air, the wind whipped at his hair, which was as golden as his armor. The armor was a sight to behold, reflecting the light of the sun in a thousand different ways, sending fragmented rainbows across the snow mountains of the north and the sandy plains of the east. It was said that the armor was made from the scales of an ancient greatwyrm that had once dared to cross him. He smiled, remembering the fear that had crossed the dragon's face as he defeated it with a single blow.
Avass surveyed the mortals below him, their tiny figures scurrying about like ants. He felt a sense of smug satisfaction that they couldn't even see him, so blinded were they by their own limitations. He knew that he could destroy them all with a single flick of his wrist, but he chose not to. After all, what was the point of destroying something so insignificant? He was a God, his pursuits extended far beyond such frivolous endeavors.
Besides they had their role to play. The noble youngster descended from a long line of devout worshippers. His ancestors had left a lasting legacy, one that had been carefully crafted over centuries. Monuments and temples dotted their fiefdom, testaments to their unwavering faith and dedication. The noble youngster had inherited their ingrained piousness and obedience. His ancestors had granted him immense reserves of mana through the centuries of worship and had urged the commoners under their rule to follow his teachings.
A divine gift from his radiant self was essential to win the hearts of the younger generation, despite the fact that the mortal had yet to prove himself worthy of such a boon. Avass knew that the gift would not only foster a sense of camaraderie with the youth, but also serve as a symbol of his divine authority and power. With this gift, he would be able to inspire and motivate his followers and lead them to greatness.
As he prepared to depart, his keen senses detected a sudden flash of light emanating from a small clearing below. With lightning-fast reflexes, he launched himself into the sky, streaking through the clouds with a blur of motion.
As he descended towards the ground, his speed was so great that he kicked up a billow of dirt and a shower of small rocks. In a matter of seconds, he went from being a speck in the sky to standing before a young man who looked barely in his teens. The youth was engrossed in playing with a gleaming gold coin, seemingly unaware of his sudden arrival.
“Tichos, what are you doing here?” He demanded.
The young man looked up at Avass with big, innocent eyes, his attention momentarily diverted from the accursed coin he was playing with. His face lit up with excitement as he spoke.
"Great Avass, you are as magnificent as ever! I love your new shoes, by the way! So shiny!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration.
Avass raised an eyebrow at the young man's flattery, he hoped this little trickster wasn’t vying for his champion’s favor.
"I am surprised to find you in this backwater region," he said, his voice calm and measured. "I seem to recall that you prefer the bustle and hustle of the big cities, where you can prey on the desperate and impetuous with ease. A city rat, hunting in the sewers."
The young man's expression faltered for a moment, but then he quickly regained his composure.
"You wound me, Avass," he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I am merely passing through on my way to more... lucrative opportunities. When I spotted the fight, I couldn’t help myself. I was merely looking for some entertainment.”
Avass glared at the young man, his patience wearing thin. He was tired of these games, and he had no patience for Tichos' antics.
"Well, you better stay away from my champion!" he declared, his voice rising in anger. "His bloodline belongs to me!" He finished, stomping his foot for emphasis like a petulant child.
The youngster seemed unable to hold back his mirth, and he burst into raucous laughter. With a hand in his belly, he responded in between chuckles.
"Oh, I would never cross the brave Avass!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "For his sword is indomitable and his fury is ruinous!"
Tichos succumbed into another fit of laughter, infuriating his fellow God even more.
"Listen here, you little..." Avass began, his words laced with anger.
But before he could finish his sentence, Tichos interrupted him with a wave of his hand.
"Yeah, your company is much appreciated, but I am bored of you now. Bye!" he said, tossing his coin into the air.
Avass watched in disbelief as the other God vanished into thin air, the coin remaining suspended midair for a few long seconds before dropping to the ground. Before it could hit the ground, however, it too vanished, leaving behind a fuming God whose temper made the ground shake and the forest tremble.