I woke up late the next day and was still a bit tired, but at least I felt well, considering what had happened yesterday. Catherine waited in the entrance room and asked me:
“Are you feeling well again?”
“A bit tired, but aside from that I am fine again.”
With that she went into the storage and returned with the syringe. I guess when you have healing potions to speed up the bodies regeneration, it is possible to take blood in much shorter intervals and even after receiving a light wound just the day before. I didn't complain, because she had been patient with any irregularities that had occurred in the last few days.
It didn't take me long until I felt as ready as I would be this day. Most of my weariness was in my mind anyway. I had used the recuperation time to eat and then left for the town, skipping exercise because I was already late.
I took no liberties and dispatched of the wolves in the most efficient way possible. The only other thing I did, was to work on keeping up my aura.
Before my employer could even say anything I already said:
“Yes, I am late, I will just stay longer today.”, getting an incredulous look, but no objection. I started out on some more power cells to keep him content and only after lunch did I ask for some new instruction. He showed me some of the control cells that were put in front of the power cells to control the way they would be drained. I even combined some of them, putting the exits over each other and fusing them. After that I anchored them to another scroll.
Scribe has increased to level 4.
The shop didn't get many customers a day, but those that did come were probably leaving behind greater sums. I was almost exclusively in the work shop, so while I could hear them entering and talking, I never met them face to face and most might not even be aware of my existence here. So I could already guess who was asking to talk to me up front.
“You have a visitor. Keep it short, this is not free time.”
Richard was waiting in the shop.
“You know, if you had told me you lived that far outside the city before you rushed off yesterday, I could have come along to make sure you arrived safely.”
“So now you also know where I live?”
He at least had the decency to look a bit ashamed at that.
“It's not that I was particularly asking for it... After you left I couldn't really get out of the conversation for a while. It is also difficult to avoid hearing about various things when talking to Arienne...”
“I would appreciate it, if we only meet for business and you don't suddenly come visit me on my free time.”
“Well, I won't just make that long way for nothing. About tomorrow, I asked around and we can all make it. We meet in front of the guild an hour after sunrise. We have to travel some distance and you probably don't want to stay out the night, so we can't start later than that.”
“I guess if I hurry a bit and nothing keeps me busy tonight I should be able to arrive in time. Is there something I should prepare?”
“Just some provisions. It never hurts to have a weapon along as well just in case. We have a priest along, so you don't need to prepare any healing potions. You won't be involved in the real fighting, so it shouldn't concern you anyway. We should be back around evening.”
“Sigh, until tomorrow.”
“Great, see you then.”
After he left Mr. Heart turned to me:
“It's your business what you do on your free time, but don't let them talk you into enchanting or refilling their weapons. They should come here to do that.”
“Of course I won't. I am going to use all of my mana to refill the crystals I am using at work.”
It is actually funny to take stabs at him. Sadly he always has some boring chore just waiting for me. The rest of the day was spent refilling simple enchantments on the weapons and armor that were turned in here for maintenance. When an enchantment had become inefficient over time I had to replace it, but that was about the most interesting thing left to do.
I took a short break from work and headed out to buy myself a backpack of my own, some food for tomorrow, and a canteen for water.
After this short shopping trip I had to work quite late to make up for it and for arriving late in the morning. When I left, Mr. Heart was still in his shop, filling up a scroll of his own while standing at the counter. He wasn't using any crystals and whenever I returned for work all the crystals I had emptied were already refilled. His mana pool must be vast, and the way mine is increasing in such a short time, I would not be surprised if he can do all his work just with his own mana regeneration.
That evening was not spectacular. I put my mana into crystals and intended to take them with me as reserve. Then I went to bed especially early to wake up in time.
It was still night when I woke up, but the horizon showed first signs of graying. The combination of being a bit nervous and catching a sufficient amount of sleep had gotten me out of bed in time. I depleted my mana reserves again and now held three fully charged crystals ready. As long as I kept drinking potions I was now able to completely recharge in about two hours. Counting in the crystal reserve, I had a short-time capacity of one thousand mana. Satisfied I did some short morning exercise and then left. I feared that I might still be late, so I jogged every now and then, but didn't overdo it to reserve my stamina for the rest of the day.
Even while hurrying it was a close call, because I still had to run through a large part of the city and had almost forgotten where the adventurer's guild was. In front of the building a party of five was waiting. I recognized Richard and the other guy from the bar. There might have been more of them at the bar that day, but I couldn't recall seeing them.
Arienne appeared just about at the same time as I did. I was then introduced to the group. They consisted of the two warriors Vina and Tarvek, a priestess named Brinnia and the guy from the bar was called Orlund. Richard was a hunter and warrior and their group leader at the moment. The constellations often changed in this business, but they had been working together the last few months. They seemed to have a balanced group, but I would yet have to see them in action.
We left to the northeast, where lately an increasing amount of strong monsters had appeared. It might have something to do with either the pillars or the strong aura I had seen that night, but I kept it to myself. We would hardly be going out that far and I didn't want to spread information about the way I could travel around almost undetected.
When we left the town we were just walking in a random formation, but once we got a bit into the forest, the group started to position themselves. Richard was up at the front and at times left us to scout ahead. To our sides the two warriors of the group were walking and in the middle the priestess, mage and me were placed. Arienne just went wherever she liked and didn't take this serious.
Right now she was busy with Vina at our right, so I had some peace.
Brinnia the priestess engaged in a light conversation:
“So, how did you end up joining our group? Has Richard taken an interest in you?”
“I hope not. I don't have any in him.”
Orlund: “He charged right at her table the moment she appeared in the guild. But by now I know that Richard does have a good eye for people. Just a bit later I overheard that she is a sorceress as well as an enchanter, and I am curious to see what she can do.”
Me: “I am just an apprentice. I was actually hoping to learn a few tricks by observing you in action. Did you listen in to the entire conversation?”
Orlund: “Only most of it. And I paid a high price for every bit of information.”
He stealthily gestured over to Arienne without alerting her.
Orlund: “Well, if you are interested in combat magic, there are many ways to use it. Neither I nor Brinnia join directly into the fighting if we can help it. Instead it is better to assist wherever possible. Before we even start a fight I can detect enemies earlier by enhancing my ears as you may have guessed, but also my eyes. Richard is the better scout, but sometimes I can detect things that might be too far away otherwise.
In the fight I can assist with ranged firepower, but that is often more problematic than it helps. The warriors are often in the way and hitting a moving enemy can be very difficult. Instead I use my favourite trick. I can use some minor telekinesis. If I let a monster trip at the right time or distract it for just half a second that is often enough to help out one of my teammates finish the fight or get out of a difficult situation.”
That really sounded like a very useful trick. If I used it while fighting with the sword, I might be able to create openings. Perhaps I could even push myself out of the way, but to use it in the heat of a fight appeared to be very difficult and would I would have to practice it a lot before using it in combat.
Me: “Perhaps I will try that out when I have the time. Today I have to use Analyse. What do you expect to find out here?”
Brinnia: “Just the basic strength of a number of beasts. There has been an increasing amount of strong ones, and the guards are too busy with clearing them out to collect much data from further away. Depending on our mission today they might even send for reinforcements from the capital.”
Me: “If this is so serious, are you sure you want to have someone as inexperienced as me along?”
Brinnia: “Our group is actually really capable and can handle anything that we come across here. I sometimes even feel a bit useless when we return and I haven't done any healing. In a way it's a good thing, but when everyone does their job right I am just along for the ride.”
Orlund: “But if something happens we are even more glad to have you along. Also, you are the one complaining that too few priests go out into the field and only stick around at the hospital.”
Brinnia: “They don't have to go out on really dangerous missions, but a lot of situations would be even easier to handle if a healer is available right away.”
Me: “Are you not afraid, that if too many priests are competing, that you won't find any more missions?”
Brinnia: “There are hardly enough priests around, and I always have my job at the hospital. In contrast to the others in our group I am doing this only part time.”
Me: “I didn't have much to do with priests until now, are there other things you can do besides healing?”
Brinnia: “Because of my job at the hospital I have mostly specialized in healing, but there are also arts to enhance the body. It's kind of funny that Orlund knows such enhancements, but didn't get the priest class.”
Orlund: “I would have taken it, but my outside perception is really bad. I was lucky enough to get training in the mage class at all. Might have ended up as a woodcutter otherwise.”
I hadn't been aware that there was a specific healer class, but there should have been at least a profession in any case. I was afraid that to become a priest I would have to join some religion, and that was something I didn't want. This way there might be a possibility to learn it quicker.
Me: “What do I have to do to get the priest class?”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Brinnia: “If you want to help out at the hospital, I will show you gladly.”
Orlund: “Just now you were complaining, that there are too few trained healers in the field, but now you insist on keeping the class to yourself.”
Brinnia: “It's not that easy to become a priest. You at least need to have a good perception of what is around you and some connection to the light. Well, it is possible to use other sources like nature energy, but those are connected to other classes. If you fulfill all that, you still need to understand what the wounds or illnesses are that you want to treat. And you need to know how a healthy person feels in comparison.”
I had successfully used some simple healing on myself before, but the effect had been very meager. That was partly due to the little mana I had used for it, but I had also lacked correct knowledge of the body.
Me: “Those requirements sound much higher than what it takes to be a mage. Why don't you use some magic in fights then?”
Orlund: “Because she is too shy.”
Brinnia: “As if. I am a mage actually. I can't really do much in the class, because I rarely practice. It's also to conserve my mana for any necessary healing.”
While we were walking along a few different animals attacked us, but our flanks wiped them out without effort. I felt like I was just on a stride. The way Brinnia must often feel slowly became more understandable.
The beasts became quicker over time and looked more intimidating. Vina, who was fighting with sword and shield took on the hit of a bear and the impact was very heavy, although she was able to withstand it. I fear I would have been crushed easily, even if I was holding a shield. Curious, I tried Analyse. The mana cost was a bit higher than I was used to, but not by much.
Bear
Beast Level 30
Strength 47
Dexterity 15
Vitality 49
Endurance 41
Intelligence 10
Vina made a few more attacks while blocking the bear's strikes and it finally fell down.
Orlund: “I am always glad that I don't have to fight with them toe to toe. I wouldn't stand a chance if one of them came close to me. Perhaps we should start paying more attention from now on, we can't depend on the warriors for everything.”
After a short while Richard returned from one of his scouting rounds.
Richard: “We are not all that far out yet, but please check up on some of the beasts for reference. Don't use too much mana, I will tell you once we start the real information gathering.”
We continued on, but stopped talking and observed our surroundings. I watched a fight between Tarvek and an extremely quick wolf. It might even be able to dodge my sword swings, but it was unable to stand up to Tarvek's glaive. Whenever the wolf got into range it was punished with another cut, but it was able to avoid taking any critical hit so far. Another use of Analysis revealed his stats.
Wolf
Beast Level 22
Hunter Level 15
Strength 32
Dexterity 45
Vitality 31
Endurance 55
Intelligence 13
This animal actually had a second class! It was a very good thing for me to come along and learn about such things. I would have been easily overwhelmed if I had gone out on a stroll on my own. Now I had at least some idea what was lurking a bit further away from the city, not to mention the powerful beasts in that dreadful garden.
A push of energy from Orlund delayed the next step the wolf was going to take. By the time it got steady it was already too late for it. Tarvek had immediately taken the chance to take a fast and very deadly swing at it. The wolf was almost split in two and collapsed.
The only one who wasn't acting serious was Arienne. She had just returned from where Richard must have been scouting and arrived right on time to run into yet another wolf. She didn't even draw her sword, sent it flying with a kick and joined our center group. I didn't see the wolf return afterwards.
Arienne: “I hope we meet some stronger beasts soon, this is getting boring.”
Orlund: “It's reassuring to have you along, but I prefer it if things are under control. And we are making a target out of ourselves, if we talk too loud.”
Arienne: “That's okay, there is nothing dangerous nearby. Shalyne, come, lets take a little stroll away from here and look around.”
Me: “I feel safer here. Is there anything that I won't see by staying in the group?”
Arienne: “You are missing the excitement! This is no real adventure, if you don't stick out your head a bit. And it's not really any more dangerous as long as you stick close to me.”
Me: “If I just run around, it will be difficult to scan the beasts. I'm sure there will be enough excitement later on. Watching the fights is actually enough for me.”
We went on without a break. The only times we stopped were for the short fights, or when I wrote down the stats of the beasts I analyzed. Their strength didn't rise in any significant way, but the stats might differ depending on the specific beast. The way moved steadily uphill. A few obscured views through the tree tops showed small mountains rising before us. At the foot of either a high hill or small mountain, it was difficult to say from where we were, Richard was waiting for us. We all met up there.
Richard: “From now on we need to be prepared for a serious fight. Arienne, stick with the center group in case something sneaks past Tarvek or Vina. I will seek out monsters that might be of interest and direct you to them. Follow roughly in my direction and I will be able to keep track of you. Shalyne, try to analyze as many monsters as you can, but focus on the ones I point out. We are going to be around here for a while, so manage your mana.”
We began to climb the mountainside. I had been observant before, but now I paid really close attention. After a while I got an ominous feeling of being watched. I tried to find the source, but whatever it was kept its distance and kept itself hidden. A few times I saw some movement in the distance, but could never make it out.
The forest out here wasn't really different from before, but perhaps because of Richard's instructions, or because of our watcher I was worried. It was too silent. Even after a while there were none of the usual animal attacks and I still hadn't used Analyse even once.
Richard returned to us and also seemed to be a bit irritated.
Richard: “Something is not right here, the beasts are avoiding us. My instincts tell me that we are walking into a trap. We should be safe with Arienne at our side, but still have to be very careful. This behavior is not normal. Orlund, can you track anything down right now?”
Orlund: “Be very quiet then, I will try if I hear something.”
We all tried to keep from making any noise and even Arienne kept silent. She hadn't been talking for a while, so she even she could be professional in such circumstances. Orlund's aura concentrated around his ears and he kept looking around. He didn't improve his eyesight, but with this many trees he wouldn't have been able to watch further than normally anyway.
Orlund: “I believe there are two or three creatures nearby. I can't get a look at them, they are keeping out of sight really well. At least one is ahead of us, but there is also another one somewhere in our back.”
Richard: “It would be best if we don't get surrounded. I still want to fulfill this mission, but we will try to get a look at the one who is observing us from behind. Depending on what we find out we will then decide how to continue or if it is better to abort. Orlund and Shalyne, the moment either of you can get a lock on that watcher, get out an Analyse immediately. I will sneak there and try to get it stirred up. Perhaps I can also get some more information of what we are dealing with here. Keep on moving in the same direction as before, but stop immediately if something seems off. I will take that as the signal to return and we will then discuss again what to do.”
Richard went up ahead, and then disappeared again. He must be trying to mislead our watchers and circle around undetected. Meanwhile our group proceeded forward, but we kept throwing looks to our back. The trees were blocking all sight, so I didn't get to see anything. Did I even need direct sight to use Analyse on a target? I had no target for it, so I tried it out on one of my companions. Looking ahead, but targeting Arienne in my mind I cast the spell.
Invalid target for Analysis.
There was next to no mana consumption, and no information either. I had never tried to confirm that monsters where the only possible target, but at least it seemed the spell would have activated, if it were possible. So I tried to switch to an increased perception of energy. Like I had done once before I sorted through the different sensations around me. I kept myself centered in my body and didn't stretch out too far this time. I was still here, but was reaching out further. I couldn't quite sense it, but got a vague feel for something silently stalking us. It was far from enough to pinpoint it or use Analyse, but I was now able to determine the rough direction it was in.
I took a look around and then the terrain offered an opportunity. The mountainside was a lot steeper from before and alongside it the trees were a bit further apart, allowing for a look into greater distance between them. If we walked through that area, it would be easier to take a look at our back, as long as our pursuer didn't take a long way around it.
“Can we go along in that direction? I think the gap through the trees here might allow me to get a short look if I time it right.”
Orlund: “Did you find something? Tell me shortly before you think it will come out and I will try my luck, too.”
We followed along the way I had chosen and if my estimate was right, whatever chased us should soon come into the open.
“I think it might come out soon.”
Constantly glancing backwards, finally a wolf peaked out of the trees. I instantly used Analyse, before it almost immediately disappeared again to take cover.
Wolf
Beast Level 27-29
Hunter Level 24-25
??? estimated Level 10-11
Strength: 35-38
Dexterity: 69-73
Vitality: 36-38
Endurance: 62-65
Intelligence: 22-24
Orlund: “Did you see the same thing just now?”
Me: “I have some estimated stats. Was that an unknown class? And those stats were really high compared to what I have seen so far.”
Tarvek: “Could you please tell us others what you just saw?”
We recounted the data Analyse had returned to us. The values Orlund had seen were a wider range than mine, which might be because I could draw more information from my targets aura. Perhaps a longer look would improve the precision.
Tarvek: “We will wait for Richard now. If those values are true we have to deal with an extremely fast and dangerous wolf. If this is really a trap and there is a pack of them waiting out there...”
Orlund: “I am more worried about that unknown class. The archive has always returned definite information to me. This is the first time I have encountered an unknown.”
Arienne: “I have been in a group once where we saw a few beasts with an unknown class. They were interesting to fight. It took a lot of damage to put them down, but they were not really stronger than the other beasts there. I remember after that a woman from the archive came by and often scouted the area. She must have assigned the Defender class, because after a while the witch who was with me at that time saw a few Defenders, when she used Analyse, but no unknowns anymore. I haven't heard of any Defenders aside from that place though.”
We chose a place nearby that protected us from the back and made for a good defensive position. Arienne went to a nearby place to make herself visible to Richard, if he was looking for us. The rest of us prepared for a possible fight and kept watch.
A short while later Richard and Arienne came running back to us.
Richard: “I heard of the unknown class, we will head back immediately. There are more wolves closing in on us now, and I want to avoid a fight if possible. The information we got is already more than enough.”
Returning on the same way, we walked down the mountain again. We stuck together as one group this time, Tarvek and Vina on our side as usual, Richard up front and Arienne kept watch over our back. None of us talked, and Orlund was listening in on our surroundings. I kept my hand on the grip of my sword. It gave a calming feeling against my nervousness. I don't think it would help me though, considering the speed of the wolf I had seen before I would not be able to keep up at all.
We were getting closer to the foot of the mountain, when Orlund spoke up:
“They are getting close. I can't tell how many there are, but it is a whole group.”
Richard: “It looks like we can't shake them off. We will choose a good place to fight and make our stand.”
Sadly the entire space was open and left no advantages. Since we couldn't find a proper place to stay, we just kept going. We were far slower than the wolves, so it didn't take long for them to catch up to us. The pack included about 15 wolves. The scary thing was, that they didn't blindly charge at us like the wolves I had met so far. One especially large wolf barked, and they split up to surround us. I took him for the leader and wanted to get a bit of information before the fight. I had decided, that I would not use Analyse after this and instead try to support the group the same way Orlund did.
Wolf
Beast Level 29-32
Hunter Level 23-26
??? estimated Level 4-5
??? estimated Level 8-10
Strength: 43
Dexterity: 68
Vitality: 41
Endurance: 42
Intelligence: 38
Me: “The large one has two unknown classes! It's similar to the scout we saw before, but has close to 40 Intelligence.”
Richard: “That explains their strange behavior. Don't bother getting more information and look out for the fight.”
Turned to the entire group he added:
“Don't let them surround us, we strike first. Stick together. Arienne, take out as many as you can, so they can't close the circle.”
Arienne rushed out like the wind and headed for some of the wolves that were circling around us. Richard drew his bow and shot one who was advancing on the other side. His target was hit, but could still move. The wound must have aggravated it, because it began to charge right at us. It fell a moment later from a shot into the head.
Arienne had engaged one of the wolves and already landed a heavy wound on it. Two more were running at her. Before Richard could take another shot I felt something strange coming from the leader. It was manipulating mana!
Me: “The leader is casting a spell!”
Before we could react a heavy wind fell down on us, combined with a loud howl. While we still struggled against the wind the entire pack charged at us.
Richard: “Arienne, take out the leader!”
This situation was serious, and it might be best if I didn't leave everything to the group. The wolves had gotten very close, but were still not engaged in battle with us. I stepped out of our formation far enough to avoid hitting one of us and took out my sword. I pooled my entire pool into the same cleave attack I had used before and sent the swing at the advancing beasts.
My consciousness blurred right after and I could only feel being pulled back into the middle of the group. It took me a moment to steady myself until I could take in the situation again. We had gotten into a wild melee. Richard was using a sword now and Tarvek and Vina tried to hold off the wolves that came at us from all sides. They weren't just content fighting with the warriors, but also made attempts to rush into the core of our formation.
Orlund threw direct telekinesis blasts at them that could at least deter them for a moment. I took out one of the crystals and drew in its mana. My aura surged up again. I took another one into my free hand and kept it ready. In the heat of the fight I wanted to avoid becoming incapacitated, so I didn't use another all out attack again.
It didn't take long until I got a feeling for directly using my mana for attacks. I just let it form into a heavy blow and landed it on my targets. I couldn't throw the wolves off balance as well as Orlund, but it helped out a bit. It was difficult to describe the situation, it was chaotic and we could barely hold our position. Vina stood unharmed, but couldn't hurt the wolves either. At least that side seemed to be safe. Richard had taken a wound on his arm, but was still holding his position. Brinnia sent healing light at him.
I blew at one of the two wolves that were attacking him right now to get a little weight off of him. Before I could watch how Tarvek was doing I felt another wave of energy form. I looked into the direction it came from and saw the leader wolf preparing another spell. I could sense another gust of wind forming and slashed out at the spells intent that almost hang in the air.
The spell wasn't under my control and it was difficult to get influence over it. I emptied the crystal I held in my hand and continued attacking the energy. It was possible to keep it from taking its final form and when it was finally released, a wind blew over us, but didn't hit us directly. It also seemed much weaker than before.
Sorceress has increased to level 5.
The leader gave out a loud bark again, just when I searched for my last remaining crystal. The wolves began to keep attacking the gaps in our formation even more than before. Orlund's aura had weakened considerably and he couldn't keep up much longer. When I found the crystal, I immediately filled myself up again, and took over what I could in protecting the circle. I was left with no time to consider anything else and we only just kept the formation in place.
Finally I heard a miserable howl, which seemed to dishearten the last few wolves that were still keeping us pinned down. They began to withdraw and ran away.
Taking a more thorough look around we were all still more or less in one piece. Richard and Tarvek both had a few wounds, but none looked too dangerous. Arienne returned to us, a light limp visible, but other than that seemed to be in good health.