Age 15, Day 509
It was sad, I was leaving the Mercenary Hall to report for my first year of school. Since it was my last day to say goodbye to all my friends I had made over the past six years, I made sure to make the most of it. Through all the sparring, jests, pranks, and every mission I had been on had only strengthened the bonds of friendship. These were people I would fight and die for once I graduated the Academy. I only hoped that when I returned everyone would still be here. As I bid my last adieu, the Call to Assembly sounded. According to rumors there were five openings to be filled by recruits. Three for the Royal Wolves, one for the Sharks, and one for the Owls. I mentally wished the recruits the best of luck and headed towards the gates.
“Where do you think you are going, Logan? That was the Call to Assembly, and that means everyone within the compound is required to attend. You know better.” Called Chiron from the Assembly Hall. “Get in here, or do I have to drag you in.”
“But, I have to get home to pack for my trip.” I tried making excuses, but I knew the rules. If the horn sounds you come running, it applied here and on the battlefield. “Never mind, I’m coming.” Entering the hall, I squeezed through the crowd to get over to the recruit section and waited for Makorov to make his announcement.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank everyone for coming. Today is both a joyous and sorrowful occasion. We mourn the loss of five of our brethren who gave their lives over the past month in various endeavors. We shall keep their names in our hearts and remember the times spent with them. They shall not be forgotten and will live on in the annals of our Hall. We have mourned them, but now is the time for us to rejoice for the new blood that will be stepping up and carry on our traditions. As I call out your name please take your place with your new company.” One by one the names were called out. Thunderous applause came after each announcement. These new mercenaries had trained for a least a year without quitting. They had faced all challenges, undergone at least five missions, and met the approval of all the Captains. It was good to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as the greeted their newest brother-in-arms. “I wanted to make one final announcement, but Marion requested that he make this one in my stead. Marion over to you.”
“Makorov had said that there were only five openings within our ranks, and that is true. However, upon great discussion we have decided to allot one more position. This will not affect our current numbers as this person will not join our ranks for several years. This person has performed above and beyond all expectations and deserves to the title of a Royal Wolves Mercenary. Recruit Logan, Front and Center.”
The howl that went up was ear shattering, as I went forward my back and shoulders were slapped raw from all the well-wishers. “Recruit Logan, Reporting Sir.”
“Recruit Logan, it is my honor and privilege as the Captain of the Royal Wolves to formally extend an invitation. Will you don our Crest?”
“I do.” I couldn’t say anything else. To become a Mercenary in my father’s company before graduating the Academy was more than I could ask for.
“Then I charge you with the following: Will you uphold the ideals of guild? Will you follow the leadership place above you? Will you defend your comrades, and perform all duties assigned you?” With each question, I responded in the affirmative.
“Then I welcome you to the Royal Wolves.” I saluted, right fist over the heart, and shoot my Captain’s hand. “Take this as a necklace as a symbol of your rank, and your ties with this hall.” One of the other Captains brought a tray over with my necklace on it. From here I could see it was made out of steel with a wolf’s head medallion. The necklace was unadorned, no jewels, no filigree, just plain metal. With each promotion, there were elements added to show the authority bestowed upon an individual.
Solarisian Mercenary NecklaceSymbolizing your acceptance into the Royal Wolves.
Level 1
Effects: +10 Agility, +10 wisdom, Will evolve upon promotion.
Durability: N/A, will remain with your until death, or disenrolled as Mercenary.
“Well done, I am so proud of you. Wear this with pride at the Academy.” Marion pulled me in for a quick hug, before taking me down back down the stairs to take my place with the Wolves. With one final round congratulations, everyone dispersed to celebrate. The other newly minted recruits and myself made a beeline for Kiath’s place to get our crest’s upgraded. As we walked we compared our medallions, the Owls stats were intelligence and wisdom, the Sharks were agility and strength, and the Wolves was agility and wisdom. I guess each one was a representation of the characteristics of the company. This was reinforced when Kiath updated our crests.
Royal Wolves Coat of Arms.
+15 Defense, +10 Agility, +10 Wisdom, +5 Resistance to dark, 5% Movement in the dark, +5 to Leadership
No additional tattoos were added this time. I gave a formal thank you to Kiath, and then began my run home. This would be the final night I would stay at the ranch, but not just for me. My whole family had decided to move back into the city now that I no longer needed a place to train. I felt sorry for the twins, but they did not have the advantages I did. To make myself clear, they were not imbeciles or incompetent, just still learning about the world around them. Speaking of which, I had to do a quick duck and roll as I made the last turn into the courtyard.
It had started when the girls had turned four. After I had told Dad about my several lapses in situational awareness and asked if there was anything he could do to help me out. His answer was to pick up two stones and hand them to Artemis and Atlanta.
“Okay, you two throw them at Logan anytime you see him. Do not call out, do not warn him. You can hide, you can throw more than one at a time. Logan, you cannot throw anything back at them. You can catch whatever objects they throw at you, you can knock them out of the air. The competition will not be over until the girls hit you or you tag them.”
The first few weeks were easy wins for me. They were four years old and their aim was terrible. I think I gained a point in agility and that was it, until Lionel got in on the action. He showed those girls how to hide and sneak. That turned the battle their way for several months. That forced me to start looking for changes in my environment. A rock upside your head is a great motivator to learn something I have found. One tool I started to use in the game was Erebos. When traveling around the ranch or on the road we never traveled side by side anymore. A minimum distance of 6 feet was kept between us at any time. This provided a staggered setting so that if one of us got hit the other would survive. Or, if using our Avatars, send a quick message if something is seen. For example: Bush, 3, close or Corner, 5, medium. Meaning bush at three o’clock position, 1 meter out and Corner of a building at 5 o’clock 10 meters out. The code also worked for objects flying at us. After several weeks of practice, a welcome site appeared for both of us.
Syncopation (Beginner lvl 1)By working together you have learned how each other’s body moves, and can direct them to dodge attacks.
Effects: You can see through your companion’s eyes.
Duration: 5 seconds
Cost: 200 mp
Situational Awareness (Beginner lvl 1)You are in tune with the area around you and can sense living things
Effects: 1 meter radius
Cost: 10 mp/min
My battle record against the twins is almost even these days and will be missed. But, let’s see if I can notch a win for us one last time. Erebos melted into the shadows and would standby as over watch for me. I walked out into the middle of the courtyard to get a clear space surrounding me and waited. Patience is a virtue that I have long held dear. The girls had yet to master it and it was soon evident. I activated Syncopation and my vision doubled. The best way to imagine it was to think of left eye right eye. My right eye was normal vision, while my left eye showed myself in a fight stance. There was no loss of depth perception and there was no blindside that I had to worry about. Working hard over the past three years has brought the level up to Intermediate levels and we can hold it for three minutes at a time. The only downfall is when the skill releases and whoever is receiving gets slight dizzy from the loss of information. The answer to that was to have our Avatars give time hacks. Also, before it would expire I would perform a barrel roll and Erebos would do a Stomp. This allowed us to recover and stay semi-safe through the fight.
Using Erebos’ viewpoint, I saw an object flying at my back at roughly kidney level. Spinning around I used an overhead swipe with Gungnir to knock the rock straight down. Another attack was soon incoming from my left which I easily avoid with a simple sway to the right. Remember when fighting minimal movements are essential. It conserves energy, and thus you have a greater stamina pool to pull from. Slowly turning in place I was on the lookout for the next attack and decided to spread my situational awareness out in front of me. (Note: Once your Situational Awareness reaches Intermediate levels you can manipulate the fan.) In this fight, I trusted Erebos to watch for any attacks against my back, and changed the parameters to 10 meters in front and 2 meters behind, bringing the sides in close as well. Spinning in place allowed me to find everyone within a 20 meter radius and decide my next move.
Artemis was the first one I found hiding behind a shed with three stones posed for tossing. She must have sensed that I had homed in on her because she stepped out and threw the first stone. Using triple jump got me out of range of that attack, but she had thrown the other two stones along my path of travel. I cut my momentum off before committing to the third jump and slid underneath her toss. The speed I had been traveling allowed me to slide right pass Artemis and tap her feet.
With the first foe vanquished I looked around for Atlanta. Out of the twins, her sneaking skills were rather scary. The only way to combat her was to keep your eyes on her. Once she hid herself, you were in trouble. Today I was going to go all out and I had a surprise for her. She might not realize it, but she was very predictable in her attacks. Attacking from the roof or any raised location was her preferred method of attacking me. In our previous sessions, I would get out of her throwing range and force her to come down to fight. Not today. Activating Triple Jump one more time, I used the gap between the storage shed and the house to get up on the roof. Once there I sensed her on the other side of the roof trying to find me. Now, our roof is pretty substantial and can hold my weight which gave me courage to do the next attack. I jumped up on side and slide down the other. She must have heard me impact on the top of the roof, because she jerked around to attack. It was too late though, I had slide down the roof and grabbed her in a hug. Gravity was still in work though, and my momentum was carrying us to the edge.
Going with the momentum, I placed my feet underneath us and jumped straight out tucking Atlanta into my body. Rolling in mid-air, I had Atlanta on top of me and my back to the ground. We bypassed the chicken coop like this, but did not travel far enough to land in the haystack.
You have lost 300 hp from hitting the ground.
You are stunned.
You are having trouble breathing.
Hitting your back against the ground was no fun, and having Atlanta’s weight slammed down on my stomach knocking the air out of me was no fun. However, once I gathered my breath I burst out laughing. We were safe, and Atlanta was laughing as well. No parents were around to scold us and it wasn’t like we hadn’t done stupid things like this before. Dusting ourselves off, we went inside to get ready for dinner.
Age 15, Day 510
Forty miles is what I needed to do over the next two days. I wasn’t worried, as it was a straight shot south from Solaris to the Academy. There was no rough country to cross, and merchant roads the whole way. Even so it would be my first two day marathon, and I was looking forward to the challenge.
Running (Journeyman lvl 1)Running is second nature to you. You blaze a trail where ever you go, terrain is no hinderance.
Mile = 8 min 32 sec
Cost = 20 sp/min
Waving goodbye to the family, I shouldered my bag and set out. Tears had been shed, hugs exchanged, but my mind was on the future. The goal for tonight was to arrive at a inn at the 20 mile mark for grub and a good night’s rest. Then hit the road once more and arrive at the Academy the next night. Now, when I say Academy, please don’t think of a High School or a College of several hundred kids. Think more of city of 50, 000 that has for its backyard more than hundred thousand square miles of forest, hills, rivers, lakes, caves, and practices fields. This was all used to support the Academy, Sunhaven’s representative in a worldwide network of inter-dependent schools, where young men and women like me go to understand their place in the world. Our academy is slightly smaller than those of the main continent with approximately 1400 students each year. To me this reminds me of my high school days, back in Ohio, so if I use terms like semesters, freshmen year, and other jargon please forgive me.
The semester starts off on the 1st day of the Summer, but everyone is required to show up on the last day of Spring. That last day is hectic in so many ways. Arriving on the outskirts of the Academy and trying to obtain a room at a local inn is nigh on impossible. It was a stampede of people coming in and out of the city and every step of the way there was push and shoving from all angles. However, it was a festive mood and no one was getting angry or frustrated. I almost wondered why there were so many people here, but then I realized that everyone was graduating to the next year or receiving their 4 year diploma. Families were coming to see how their son/daughter did over the past year, and tomorrow the standings would be revealed.
For me the most pressing need was to get a room for the night. Makorov had given me a letter of introduction to an Innkeeper at the Wandering Minstrel, a water hole frequented by the Solarisian branch when they were in town. The Innkeeper was happy to meet me, but didn’t have any rooms that I could have to myself. He did say that there was a spot with one of the students if I wanted it though. That night I had the joy of meeting up with what would be a true friend in the coming years. It was quite apropos for where we met who this student was. Not even one minute after I walked into that room, I pegged this guy for an aspiring Bard or a Musician. It was almost a nervous twitch for him, always drumming up beats of one sort of another on the beds, walls, or whatever surface he could find. Fortunately for me, I could appreciate a good rhythm and could join in. However, my measly attempts were no way on par with Fidel’s tempo. He didn't laugh or mock me, he just took my attempts and built a staccato beat around them allowing for a nice blending. That night we stayed up until 0100 sharing stories, and wondering what the school would have in store for us.
The next morning we woke bright and early with the sun and trudged down the rickety stairs to get our complimentary meal. It wasn’t my mother’s cooking or even my own, but it would suffice. After eating our fill, we headed out and towards the courtyard of the Academy. The crowds got thicker and thicker until it was a river of men, women of all races and creeds. As we approached the gates, the crowd was divided by soldiers into five groups. New entrants, second, third, fourth years, and the graduating class. Walking into the courtyard, the sound grew exponentially, as the spectators filled the stands surrounding us. Fidel and I were slightly overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of folks that were around us. All told there were approximately 1600 students ready and waiting for the commencement speech. As we watched, a fanfare of trumpets was heard and an individual ascended the podium waving his arms to quieten us.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to welcome everyone to the 96th graduating ceremony and induction ceremony. As headmaster of this Academy it is an honor to present these students before you as they take on the next stage in their lives.” The headmaster went on for another 20 or so minutes extolling the virtues of each class until finally he stated “and now it is time for each class to present their three top individuals one for each of the following: Combat, Education, and Challenge Winner.” (I later found out that each year an individual or individuals can receive bonuses from the Creator through the academies for each title earned.) As each student was presented, starting with the freshman year, the crowd roared with excitement. In the past, a couple of the students have received awards in two of the three categories, but I didn’t see any this year.
“Everyone once in a while, a student does get all three, but it hasn’t happened here since General Tris went through 44 years ago. Even then that was only his Senior year during the group trials.” Fidel replied after I had wondered aloud if anyone received all three.
“Once again, Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the 96th graduating class. May the Creator shine down upon you as you go out into the world.”
With the exception of the freshman, meaning Fidel, me, and 500 other students, the upper class-men dispersed to their families and friends for day of relaxation and determining if they should apply for the next year. The way the Academy worked was that anyone is allowed entry, Pauper or Lord; however, everything is earned along the way. Some students easily get through the first year of having a class assigned (warrior, healer, warder, or some such), but do not pursue subsequent years thinking they know it all. These students take their first year diploma and head out in the world after formally dis-enrolling from the Academy. The teachers warn us again and again that if you dis-enroll from the Academy you cannot re-enroll again. It seems harsh, but students are warned of this. Those that dis-enroll usually are satisfied with just the basics of whatever craft/class they receive and do not have the imagination or drive to excel in the world. So, unless they have a rich family, they have a very slim chance of becoming high class mercenaries, middle-class to upper-class merchants, or even a General in the Army. Each year that a student stays in the academy, shows their dedication and grit and allows for better opportunities within the system. Another way for students to leave the Academy is to fail a year twice. Everyone is given a second chance at a year to learn and strengthen their knowledge (so technically as student could stay for 8 years before graduating). If at the end of the year, the student does not meet the requirements, they are dis-enrolled but with a diploma of that year dictating their strengths and weaknesses.
Back to where Fidel and I were standing in the crowd of other plebes/newbies/fresh fish or whatever you want to call us. We were conducted to a hall where we were told that we would be again be divided up by but this time by race and assigned a class best suited to us. Being the only Aos Si in a sea of humans, dwarves, hobbits, and elves, I knew I was in for an interesting selection. As I approached the registration table, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Excuse me, but would you happen to be Logan, son of Marion, Captain of the Royal Wolves, and Esther, the Royal Librarian.” Asked a rather distinguished but elderly gentleman.
“I am, and who may I be addressing.”
“I am Triton, Sea-farer, but also this year’s Master of Inductees. I am to conduct you to your choosing interview, and provide any assistance to the new students of the Academy.”
A quick side-note, all adults, ages 20 and up, must volunteer to teach at the Academy, at least once every 10 years if they want to maintain their citizenship. It seems like a good method fostering a sense of community involvement and allows students to interact with people that have seen the world. Also, for that year, you are immune from taxes. That being the case, the Academy has no problems with its permanent staff (longer than 1 year) and its migrant staff.
As we walked down a corridor, Triton filled me in on the upcoming interview. I tried several times to interrupt and explain that I already had a class and did not need an interview, but he seemed so delighted to talk to an Aos Si.
Upon entering the room, one thing that came drew my attention was a single chair in the middle of the room. About 10 feet in front of the chair in a semi-circle facing me were 8 individuals with placards in front of them. My footsteps echoed through the hall as I approached the chair. I used all my old skills from the military to maintain my bearing and posture. It was so tempting to look around the room and see the art and décor and especially see what those placards said. However, not knowing whether or not this would set the tone for my next four years, I put on the proverbial blinders and stared straight ahead. There was no chance in hell I was going to let them intimidate me. After what seemed like an eternity, I arrived at the chair and waited for direction. Too many times, have I been part of a panel and some young Airman or Soldier just come in and slouch in the chair. Plus, I didn’t want to embarrass my parents.
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Triton took his seat at the center and stated “Logan, please introduce yourself a little before we start asking questions.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Logan, an Aos Si, a Royal Wolf Mercenary, son of Marion, Captain of the Royal Wolves, son of Linsette the Royal Librarian. As of tomorrow, I will be16 years old and have obtained 30 levels in that time. I am have Intermediate Levels in pole-arms, tailoring, cooking, and several other skills. Furthermore, I was given the class of Grand Beast Master by the Creator and I currently have one familiar, Erebos.”
Stunned silence met my introduction. After a minute of people trying to figure out what to say, everyone started shouting and exclaiming at once.
“Aos Si, whats that I thought he was an elf.”
“Level 30, that’s impossible, stop lying you little punk.”
“Already has a class, never heard of it, you pulling a fast one on us Triton.”
“Mercenary, they don’t accept anyone before finishing their first year at least.”
“Intermediate in so many skills, hmm, this must be an amazing individual.”
This went on for a couple of minutes and when there are 10 people yelling back and forth trying to understand what is going on, it can get loud especially in a hall like that one. Triton, who had remained sitting the whole time, slowly pounded his gavel on the table. One by one the other teachers and masters of various trades sat down and tried to put a visage of calm across their faces.
“Ethan, I was told by your old Crèche Master that you were something special. Yes, he and I used to sail together many moons ago. Where are my manners? Please take a seat.” Triton gestured towards the chair charitably.
“First off please assuage my fellow colleagues of your claims.”
“Sure, Lourdes share just my status with the people you see before me.”
By working together you have learned how each other’s body moves, and can direct them to dodge attacks.
Effects: You can see through your companion’s eyes.
Duration: 30 seconds
Cost: 200 mp
[/td100][/tr]You are in tune with the area around you and can sense living things
Effects: 19 meter radius
Cost: 15 mp/min
[/td100][/tr]
Status WindowNameLoganAlignmentNeutralAge15Level30RaceAos SIClassGrand Beast MasterStrength165 + (1.65)Vitality200+ (2)Agility235+ (2.35)Luck80 + (.8)Wisdom302 + (3.02)Intelligence268 + (2.68)Health (Vitality*10)2020Health Regen ((Hp/100)*2)60.2 hp/minStamina ((Str+Vit+Agi)/3*10)1465Stamina Regen (Sta/100)24.65 sp/minMana (Int*10)2707Mana Regen (Wis/10)50.32 mp/minCritical Chance6.09%ResistancesFire10Heat10Ice10Cold10Poison0Venom0Dark15+ (.05)Light10Nature25+ (.2)Wind10Racial Benefits-Receive an additional point to Vitality per level
-Health Regeneration is doubled
-Low light vision
-Nature Affinity and Nature Resistance: +20
-Dark Resistance: -5%
-Elven relationship: Friendly
-Dwarven Relationship: Suspicious
-REQUIREMENTS NOT METBlessingsDo to being of the Aos Si race you are favored by the Aspects
Blessing of the Aspects: +1% to all stats and resistancesSkillsSummon Familiar (Apprentice lvl 9)Summon period: 21 hrs 24 min
Cost: 250 mpCall of the Wild(Apprentice level 5)Number of Animals: 5
Duration: 3 minutes
Cost: 100 mana per animalAura of the Familiar(Intermediate level 1)Percentage: 5%
Cost: 10 mp/minJumping(Apprentice level 5)Jump distance = 145 inches
Jump height = 69 inches
Cost=30spSkillsClimbing(Apprentice lvl 9)Climbing weight = support your own weight + 140 lbs (300lbs)
Climbing type = need partial hand holds
Cost=5sp/minImagination(Apprentice lvl 9)The ability to imagine scenarios in greater detail and see it play out before you.
5 Scenarios at a time
4 components (people, time, scenery within 120 feet, weapons)
Duration: 9 minutes into the future
Cost=8 mp/secRunning (Journeyman lvl 1)Running is second nature to you. You blaze a trail where ever you go, terrain is no hindrance.
Mile = 8 min 32 sec
Cost = 20 sp/minFirst Aid (Apprentice lvl 8)You are able to seal medium cuts/abrasions and set basic fractures. Applies to surface wounds, broken bones, and burns.
1 hp/min reduction per level. (Bleeding out at 18 hp/min apply first aid now bleeding out at 1hp/min)
Cost = 50 sp and 50 mp
Requirements: 1 silk bandagePole Arms (Beginner Lvl 1)the ability to learn a wide range of pole arms.
Effect: Skill mastery is hastened by 1% when using a pole arm.Spear (Intermediate lvl 1)Effect: + 25 Atk, +15% Atk speedConcentration(Apprentice Lvl 5)The ability to concentrate on a single task.
Effect: Skill mastery is hastened by 4%.Balance(Apprentice lvl 5)Effect: Footing is assured in battle. 20% chance that knockback attacks will fail.Tailoring(Intermediate lvl 3)Capable of manipulating leather and cloth. Can disassemble clothing to learn patterns. Can repair to full durability any material.
Effect: 15% chance of failure, material loses 0% durability
Effect: 5% chance of producing an Journeyman item,Cooking(Intermediate lvl 9)You have learned all Tony can teach you. Seek more specialized training to advance in levels.
Effect: Various.Enchanting(Intermediate Lvl 10)Restricted to inanimate objects only, allows for the combination of 3 separate enchantments. Can also strip Enchantments from objects of equivalent skill level or less to learn
Effect: Various.
Cost: 20 min cast time, 100 mp/minSyncopation (Apprentice lvl 7)Situational Awareness (Apprentice lvl 9)Triple Jump (Apprentice Lvl 7)Effect: If opponent’s level is lower, 60% chance they will lose sight of you. If opponent’s level is higher, 15% chance they will lose sight of you. If any jump is interrupted, the skill will fail.
Cost: 25sp
Whiplash (Apprentice Lvl 8)Effect: Damage is halved, but opponent is stunned for 1sec from receiving an attack from an unexpected angle
Cost: 100sp
“I will give you some time to look at Logan’s status, please bear in mind that a student’s skill set is not to be shared with anyone without his permission. Now, Logan let me explain why these individuals here were so surprised. A student that enters here normally will have obtained level 4 or 5 at most from hunting with his/her family members or neighbors. Their stats and skill sets are nowhere near advanced as yours as they would be busy playing or goofing off in the streets. Can you give a brief synopsis of why you were able to get to where you are?” Triton gestured as if to say the floor was mine.
“Hmm, where do I start?” I began to tell them of my encounter with Johnny the Rat and how I got my first levels and later my class. Of how I was adopted by the Mercenary Captain and his Enchanting wife (pun intended) and how I was given free reign of both the Mercenary hall and the Library. From an early age, I knew I should learn as much as possible of this world and strengthen my position in any way possible. I further told them that, there would be other Transferees like myself who would excel in this world. I kept to myself the fact that some of those would also be imbeciles, and would think everything was due them.
The panel one by one began to ask me questions, trying to see my strengths and weaknesses. I want to say I did my parents proud with my general knowledge and my practical skills. The second to last individual had a huge smile on her face once it was her turn to speak. The placard in front of her said “Druid”. Instead of staying seated like the rest of her fellow panelists, she got up and walked around to me. She was a human in her early thirties with a slight twinkle in her eyes and she walked toward me.
“Young Ethan, I am Altha, could you please summon your familiar. I would like to see what type of beast would seek to become your traveling partner.”
“Madam, he is already here, I try to let him have as much leeway as I can, and he followed me in.”
“Where is he, is he perhaps inside your jacket?”
I let out a good laugh at that “I apologize, I shouldn’t have laughed, but you will see why I did. Erebos, come one out and introduce yourself.”
As soon as I called, the shadows behind me began to coalesce and lengthen. A darkness within those shadows began to take on a life of its own and two golden eyes shone forth. Erebos lumbered out of the room’s shadows and up to my side. The panel was visibly shaken at such a large beast. I didn’t think much of it but the final gentleman had a jolt of recognition and his face went abnormally white and then turned crimson red.
While everyone was busy trying to keep the table between Bos and themselves, the Druid was positively dancing up and down with joy. “A Shadow Bear” she exclaimed, “what is he six or seven feet at the shoulders, and how much does he weigh? How old is he, what’s his level at? How do you share your experience? Tell me, tell me, tell me.”
“He is six feet at the shoulders, close to 350 lbs. He is 12 years old by my reckoning, but besides getting bigger he doesn’t seem be aging. He aged until he was 5 years old and then his age just froze. He is level 30 as well. Whenever we do missions, quests, or simply hunt our experience is split evenly, otherwise one would get ahead of the other.”
“Oh, his age will stay the same as long as you’re alive. For him being 5 is being an adult of his species. As someone with a familiar, your familiar will age normally until they become adults and then stay that way. This is a great reason for them to become our familiars, as it will greatly extend their lives. It means a lot that you think about…Erebos, was it?....sharing your experience that way. Most summoners or those with familiars only give their familiars the minimum 10 percent.”
“10 percent that ridiculous, how will they help out if they are such a low level?” I asked.
“Exactly, it’s the mentality of levels is power not skill. Sharing experience means more power later on, I am glad that you understand delayed gratification. I look forward to working with you in the coming year. Also, if you want to know more about your Shadow Bear please come find me.”
With that the Altha went back to her seat and yielded the floor to the final gentleman.
“Well, if you are the luckiest little brat I ever did meet. Again, I ask you Triton why we are wasting our valuable time with this student. Our other students come here to learn and be molded into upstanding citizens and this guy comes in and pretends to know everything. Not only that, he brings a dangerous animal into our midst. I say give him a one year diploma for past experiences and kick him out.” This came from the final panelist a rather pretentious looking gentleman with a collar so tight I am surprised he could breathe let alone talk. I could almost see “Teacher of the Dark Arts” on the placard in front of him; alas, it stated “Swordmaster”.
“Lord Belvadear, I understand your concern. However, did not your own son enter this morning boasting of reaching level 15 this summer after going hunting with you. Should we not do the same thing to your son as well?”
“How dare you compare my son to this son of a bloody merc. A Belvadear has never quit or been expelled from the Academy, either here or on the main continent in the past 400 years.”
“Excuse me, may I respond.” I asked of the panel as I stood up. I had done nothing wrong and it might come to bite me I wasn’t going to take this sitting down. “Lord Belvadear, I don’t know what I must have done to anger you so, besides being myself. I was blessed by the Creator to have saved Erebos here from continued life of pit fighting and a possible early death. I have a small inkling of what my class is capable of, however there is so much more I need to learn about him and what I can do. Please do not throw me out of here without giving me the chance to earn a place in your world, no our world.”
“Hmmph.” Snorted Lord Belvadear (henceforth to be called Belladonna).
“Well said Logan,” said Triton “If only your fellow students could enter here with the same sentiment. Well, ladies and gentlemen of the panel, we have a choice to make. Which school shall he be placed in: the Melee School, the Hybrid School, or the School of Magic. What say you all?”
It was a school vote down the line with the exception of Belladonna who abstained. In the end it was 3 for Hybrid, 3 for Magic, and 2 for Melee.
Triton took one look again around the room to see if anyone wanted to change their vote, and then turn to me. “Which school would you like to go to Ethan?”
“I can guess some of the implications of each school, but what is the benefit of each one?
“The Melee school is primarily for your warriors, weapon masters of various types, rogues, archers, and support classes such as merchants and artists. The Hybrid, which suits you very well, consists of nature wardens, bards, various weapon mages, and other casters that like to mix it up with the enemy. The school of Magic has your clerics, magicians, summoners and enchanters. Also, if a student should stay until the third year they can cross train with the other schools to augment their class or even specialize in a particular skill. Nature wardens can focus on summoning and strengthen their warders. Archers can train as nature wardens and become rangers. Warriors can learn healing or clerics can learn fighting either way they both can become paladins. Just a warning, the specialized training will add bonuses to your class, but your primary class will still be dominant. There are several ways to blend your specialized training into your class. In your case, you have a pretty specialized class already; you just need to figure out what additional training will benefit you the most.”
“If I were to go to the Hybrid School, I would be trained as what?”
“You would be best suited as a nature warden. Each warden bonds with an animal to best assist him/her in the wilds. From the mountains to the ocean, wardens assist folks in traveling, hunting wild animals, and exploring uncharted areas.”
“If that is your council, I accept tutelage with the nature wardens.”
Age 15, Day 512
As I walked out of the interview, I could still feel the sharp glare of Belladonna boring into my back. I shrugged it off once the doors were closed behind me, and went back out to the courtyard. The crowd in the courtyard was in a constant state of flux, as first years came in and out of their interview. Walking down the stairs wondering what to do next, a shout rose up to my right.
“Ethan, over here.”
It was Fidel and he had a grin worthy of a Cheshire cat. “On the Bard train here, let the sweet music flow.”
“Congrats man, Nature Warden here.” I replied, but as soon as I did Fidel winced.
“Nature Warden, who did you piss off.”
“Piss off, what do you mean?”
“Really, you’re an Mercenary, and you don’t know about the schools internal hierarchy. First off you have your year group, we are bottom feeders already compared to the fourth year group. Then it is broken down by class. Warriors and healers are the top tier, then the mages, archers and other true classes, then weapon mages (the only hybrid to get any status) and finally there are the hybrids, even merchants are higher than us due to their support capabilities. The bottom of the barrel is us bards and nature wardens. Bards are looked at a little favorable for the music and group buffs we can do, but nature wardens are made fun of because of their low damage in a fight. Also, be prepared for jokes about you and your warden.”
Another laugh shot out of my mouth before I could stop. I had no qualms about the damage I could do in the fight, or the massive amount of damage that Erebos could do. Then and there I decided to keep my abilities on lock down until I absolutely needed them. They could come in handy if everyone is looking down on me and my class. Let them think I am a Nature Warden, and when push comes to shove I will fight tooth and nail, literally and figuratively, to protect me and mine.
“No worries, I think I have an idea of how school hierarchies work. Let us just say, I am confident that over the next four years there will be some surprises. Enough of that doom and gloom, you still seem happy about your class as a future bard.”
“Well, never was the popular boy growing up and I figure since I love music so much, might as well do what I like.”
“Good on you, so where to now?”
“Dormitories, the hybrid dorms are that way” he points to the east “let’s see if we can bunk together, us lowlifes need to look out for each other.”
As we wandered down the passage way to the east of the courtyard we picked up a group of other hybrid potentials. As I looked around at my future friends and competition, I noticed one strange thing. Back in the courtyard there were many students that had brand new uniforms, shiny shoes, luxurious cloaks, but in this gaggle I think I was the only that stood out that way. Even Fidel was lacking in that type of material wealth. After quietly and kind of embarrassingly asking Fidel about it, he replied that hybrids are the red-headed step child and nobility frown on their offspring being associated with such degenerates as us. Every family wanted the next High Cleric or General to come from their family, not some roaming troubadour. I made yet another checkmark on the chalkboard of my mind why I dislike the upper crust.
Upon arrival at the dorm, we were assigned our rooms that would take us through the next four year voyage of learning blah, blah, blah. Since, Fidel and I had clicked so well, we requested to share rooms. Trudging up the three flights of stairs carrying our luggage I almost offered to carry Fidel’s but thought against. Those stairs made me glad of the countless hours I spent running around town and working out at the mercenary guild. We arrived at our room and looked in to see a standard dorm room that could be found in any university on this world or in any universe. He took the left side bed and I took the right. There were no closets, but two armoires were there for our clothes and personal items.
I set to, putting my various outfits and uniforms in their place. Once done, I took out the enchanted bag my mother gave me. I pulled out my two items that I need wherever I go for a good night rest. First and foremost, my spear. A man’s weapon is always by his side. Secondly, my pillow. Don’t judge me; a good pillow is essential to a good night rest.
Fidel jumped when he turned around and saw me with a spear in one hand and a pillow in the other. I quickly tossed the pillow on the bed and placed the spear at the head of the bed within arm’s reach.
“What is that?”
“Can you keep a secret? I will take that head nod as a yes. That my friend is Gungnir, a weapon given to me on my tenth birthday and soul bound to me.” I did not want to tell him the other functions it could do, but I could at least share the basics. I even told him about how my parents receive it fighting that black dragon.
“I can see why you were not too worried about the hierarchy if you have a weapon like that.”
“Fidel, remember this, it is not the weapon, but the one who wields the weapon who is dangerous.”
“Yes, oh great and mighty Sage of Eternity.” Fidel bowed as he mocked me.
I turned around grabbed my pillow and swatted Fidel upside his head. Now a feather pillow packs a wallop if you swing it just right. Fidel caught the brunt of it and went butt first onto the floor.
“Have at you, you varmint” Fidel came swinging back with his own pillow and we traded blows until we both fell over laughing onto our own beds. Thus, our first night came to an end at the Academy.