Nathaniel checked his luggage for the last time. This was an important trip, and he didn’t want to leave anything behind. He pulled out the tickets from the inner pocket of his suit jacket, nodding as he saw the extra ticket for his return trip. The generic ring of his work phone sounded from his other pocket.
He answered the phone, “This is Nathaniel,”
“Hey Nathaniel,” the voice on the other side said, “We have a problem with the prototype robot.”
“The one for the conference,” Nathaniel said scratching his head, “What’s wrong?”
“Don’t know. All I can tell you is that the grippers aren't grabbing properly, like the gripper actuators aren’t maintaining pressure.”
Nathaniel’s personal phone chimed a cheery tone, and he pulled it out seeing a text notification.
From: Mom
Have a great trip sweetie, love you. BTW (by the way) your dad wants you to install the new ceiling fan.
Nathaniel smiled at his mother’s text. “Are there any leaks?”
“No leaks.”
“Then there may be air in the hydraulic lines,” Nathaniel said putting away his personal phone, “Recharge the lines and I’ll take a look at it when I arrive.”
“See you then.” Nathaniel pocketed his work phone and grabbed his luggage.
He opened the door, but a blinding white light caused him to turn away. Cheers assaulted his ears, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the center of a large open, sandy field. Large stone walls stood in front of him that turned into stands filled to the brim with people. Nathaniel recognized he was standing in a colosseum.
“What the hell?”
Nathaniel turned to see four other people standing in line with him. Two men and two women. They wore white military style uniforms with golden buttons and braids draped against the left side with golden shoulder tassels. Nathaniel noticed he was wearing a similar outfit.
“Welcome heroes!” Nathaniel turned to see a middle-aged man in regal blue and white robes with a large crown, “The kingdom of Gilbrant calls upon you in our greatest time of need. Terrible monstrosities from the north and west ravage our lands, and we are in dire need of your great prowess. I need you. My people need you. The world needs you. Please lend us your power, and I swear you will have everything your heart desires!”
Nathaniel stared up at the King, Is he serious?
“Are you serious!” Nathaniel turned and saw the man at the other end smiling. He was muscular and athletically built with sandy brown hair with blond highlights. “We help fight off some monsters, and in return we can ask for anything?”
“Yes!”
The man turned to look them over, “We’ll do it!”
“Don’t make decisions for us!” the woman closest to Nathaniel sneered.
“I am truly grateful to be in the presence of a upstanding hero,” the king said smiling at the blond man. The gates on either side of the colosseum opened and five carriages filed in, “You shall be brought to the castle where the divine oracle shall bestow you with heroic classes. I look forward to seeing you all there.”
The carriage door opened, and a young man in a fine suit stepped out, “Please step inside hero,” he said with a bow.
Nathaniel noticed the other heroes enter their respective carriages and followed suit. The attendant closed the door and sat on the other side of Nathaniel. The cheers started up again as the carriages left the colosseum.
“My name is Helmer,” the attendant said with a bow, “And as of today I am your personal servant.”
Nathaniel stared at him for a moment, “I’m sorry, but I’ll need some time to grasp what’s going on,” he said.
“I understand,” Helmer said, “And please take you time. It will take thirty minutes for the carriage to finish the parade.”
“The parade?” Nathaniel said, and Helmer gestured to the window. Nathaniel pulled back the curtain to reveal swaths of people standing along the road waving and throwing rice. “I see.”
“It is a momentous day after all,” Helmer said, “It’s been about…a hundred years since the last heroes were summoned.”
“How often do you do this?”
Helmer scratched his chin, “About once every four generations,” he said, “It can vary depending on the need.”
Nathaniel looked back out the window. It looked like a picture from a history book. Women wearing simple dresses and shawls. Men wearing tunics and hosen. Even the architecture reminded him of historical buildings found in Europe.
“Is this…”
“Another world?” Helmer said with a smile, “Yes. It seems that for whatever reason, legendary heroes can only come from a different world.”
Nathaniel leaned forward, “Magic?”
“Exists,”
“Elves?” Helmer nodded, “Dwarves?” another nod, “Orcs? Goblins? Dragons?” Helmer nodded for each one. Nathaniel scratched his chin then smiled devilishly, “Cute cat girls?”
Helmer gasped, “Sir, I am appalled,” he said, “To even suggest that a Lycan is cute is downright preposterous. What with their disgusting snouts and course fur.”
Good thing I’m not a furry. “I’m sorry Helmer,” Nathaniel said, “I wanted to see how much knowledge from my world I can rely on.”
“Are there people in your world attracted to such monsters?”
Nathaniel gave a pained smile, “Yes, but they’re not looked on fondly.”
“Good,” Helmer said with disgust.
Nathaniel cleared his throat, “So, the king mentioned classes. What’s that about?”
“It’s better to show you,” he said, “Think the word status.”
Status. A window appeared before Nathaniels eyes.
Nathaniel Light
(Health: 150/150) (Mana: 25/25)
• Class:
• Stats:
o Strength: 15
o Dexterity: 13
o Constitution: 17
o Intelligence: 105
o Wisdom: 20
o Charisma: 12
• Talents+
• Skills
• Condition
Nathaniel scratched his chin, “All of my stats are in the teens, except for Intelligence which is in the hundreds,” he said, “Can you explain that?”
Helmer gave a crooked smile, “That’s common,” he said, “Most people stop increasing their stats around fifteen, but certain classes do max out stats in the mid-twenties, like soldiers maxing out strength,” Helmer’s smile brightened, “But your high intelligence must be due to one of your talents. Perhaps you’ll be a powerful spellcaster.”
“Talents?” The Talent window opened.
Talents:
• Innovation (Legendary)
• Intuition (Legendary)
“It’s common to have two talents, but some are blessed with three while others are cursed with one.” Helmer said, looking at him in anticipation.
“My mana maxes out at twenty-five,” Nathaniel said.
Helmer’s smile broke, “A pity,”
“But my two talents are Innovation and intuition,” he said, “Both have ‘legendary’ marked after them.” [Intuition activated] appeared before his eyes.
“Innovation, that explains the high intelligence,” Helmer said dabbing his face with a handkerchief, “Legendary is the ranking of you talent. The rankings go basic, intermediate, advance, heroic, and legendary. Basic is the most common ranking,” he tapped his knee, “Innovation is a special talent that is responsible for all societal advancements, even the basic ranking is found in about one and fifty thousand people, and even then, they’re only responsible for one advancement in their lifetime. Intuition is a more common talent that provides additional information to the individual.” [Disappointed] appeared above Helmer’s head.
“I can see that,”
The carriage slowed to a stop, “We’re here,” Helmer opened the door and stepped out, “Please proceed into the castle.”
Nathaniel stepped out of the carriage and stared up at the castle. The large dark stone fortress consisted of three large keeps with six towers all around it. Marble trimmed the castles entrance to showcase a sense of wealth. A single large stained-glass window sat over the entrance. Nathaniel climbed the steps alongside the other heroes.
The interior of the castle portrayed wealth far better than the exterior. The clean whitewashed walls were decorated with masterful painting and tapestries with golden candelabras spaced evenly to provide the maximum amount of light. A large red carpet led them directly into the throne room.
The throne room was filled with richly dressed people who were eyeing the five heroes. The king sat on the throne at the end of the hall with a woman sitting next to him looking down on the hall. [Queen] hung over her head. Another woman stood at the foot of the dais. If a man could design the perfect woman, it would be her.
She was of average height, but she had the largest breasts Nathaniel had ever seen with a thin waist and wide hips. Her long, golden hair shined in the sunlight that bathed her. She looked like an angel in her flowing white dress. There’s no way those are natural. [Natural] appeared alongside the woman’s bust size.
“Men,” someone said in disgust.
Nathaniel saw the two other men practically drooling as they stared at the woman in front of them, while the women looked at them in disgust. The blonde woman held up her hand signaling for them to stop a few feet away.
“Welcome heroes,” the woman said bowing, “I am the oracle of the kingdom, Ophelia DeMare. Would you please grace us with you names, valiant heroes.”
The blonde man stepped forward, “Duncan O’Donell,” He turned looking at the crowd and winked at a group of noblewomen causing them to blush. Duncan looked the stereotypical jock character from a teen movie. All muscles and style, but no brains.
The next man stepped forward. He drew attention with his dark skin, and although he wasn’t as muscular as Duncan, he was easily over six feet in height. [6’5”]. “Shawn White,” he said, then turned to Duncan, “Save some for me man,” They both laughed as they smiled at the same group of women.
The first woman stepped forward. The noblemen took an interest due to her caramel skin and silky black hair. Her uniform did a good job of accentuating her curves, “Maria Gomez,” she said turning the men next to her, “Will you two stop that.”
Shawn chuckled, “You going to start cursing at us in Spanish,” he said getting a high-five from Duncan.
“Just because I’m Hispanic doesn’t mean I speak Spanish.”
“Can you all stop making a scene,” the second woman said with a deep bow, “I’m Shizuka Tobishi.” Her black hair was braided into two pigtails, and her delicate skin was nearly pale white. Of all the heroes she was the shortest, which along with her petite frame gave her a mousy appearance.
All eyes turned to Nathaniel. He took a deep breath and stood up straight with his hands clasped behind his back, “Nathaniel Light, at your service,” he said. The crowd mumbled and nodded approvingly.
“Such wonderful names,” Ophelia said gesturing for an attendant holding a book to approach, “I will now bestow upon you a blessing that shall reveal your class.” She approached Duncan, “Please bow your head,” The oracle pushed herself up to kiss Duncan’s forehead. Duncan lowered his head then at the last moment raised it so that he kissed Ophelia on the lips. The crowd gasped, and Ophelia pushed herself away giving Duncan a disgusted look. Duncan laughed as he looked at his menu, “My class is Champion,” he said. The attendant wrote that down. Ophelia moved to Shawn.
Shawn bent down for Ophelia as she struggled to reach his forehead, but he pulled the same stunt as Duncan. Ophelia tried to push away but Shawn had an arm around her waist. Eventually, Shawn released her with a smile, “Looks like I’m a Ranger,” The attendant recorded the class as Ophelia moved to Maria.
“I’m so sorry,” Maria said giving the men next to her dark looks.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
“It’s fine,” Ophelia said kissing her on the forehead.
Maria looked at her menu, “My class is Saint,”
Ophelia awakened Shizuka’s class, “Archmage,”
Ophelia stood in front of Nathaniel, but she didn’t approach. Her sharp glare made him a bit uncomfortable. [Untrusting] I’d be untrusting too after those two. The awkwardness grew until an idea came to Nathaniel. He gave Ophelia a small smile and kneeled with his head bowed. It looks like the kiss is the only catalyst for the awakening. Hopefully she understands. Two hands pulled Nathaniels face upwards, and warmth spread through his forehead. Ophelia backed away with a warm smile. Clucking noises came from the other side of the room.
Nathaniel pulled up his window when he rose to his feet. His eyes widened when he saw his class. Seriously! Ophelia stared expectantly at him.
Nathaniel cleared his throat, “My class is Inventor.”
Ophelia cocked an eyebrow, “Can you please repeat your class?” she said, turning to her attendant.
“Inventor,” Nathaniel said looking worried as the two consulted the book. The gathered crowd started mumbling.
“Inventor?”
“Never heard of it before.”
“Must be a new class.”
Ophelia clapped her hands causing everyone to go silent, “Sir Light, can you please give us the description of your class,” she said. She whispered, “Focusing on the class will bring up the description.” The class window expanded.
[Inventor (Legendary): An intelligence-based crafter class with the focus on the advancement of modern technology through the application of academical theory. The inventor specializes in a number of crafting skills based upon the ranking. *Legendary: Inventor can specialize in all crafting skills.]
The crowd groaned in disappointment.
“He’s a crafter class.”
“What a shame.”
“A waste of lives it is.”
The last comment caught Nathaniel’s attention, “What do they mean ‘a waste of lives?’” he said, looking at Ophelia.
The king spoke up, “The summoning ritual requires vast amounts of mana that is beyond a casters ability, so an external resource is required,” he said, “Souls are both an excellent source of power and easy to come by. This allows all citizens, no matter who they are, to aid the kingdom.”
“You sacrifice your own people!” Maria said, staring at the king in disgust.
“It is an honor to sacrifice one’s life for a greater cause,” the king said, “It’s no different from a soldier dying in battle,” He turned to Nathaniel, “It’s just a shame that a hundred souls were wasted for a crafter.”
A hundred souls! Nathaniel looked to the other heroes, “You sacrificed five hundred people!” the king nodded. Nathaniel felt sick to his stomach, “Well, if you don’t want me then send me back.”
“We can’t,” the king said, “The only way a hero can return to their world is for the original world to summon them back.”
“Our world doesn’t have magic!” Shizuka said, her shriek echoed throughout the room.
The king smiled, “A pity.” [Aware] appeared above the king’s head.
“We already knew,” Ophelia said with a bow, “One of my abilities as oracles is that I can see through the many planes. I used this ability to find your world and provided the wizards with its location to summon you.”
“Regardless, what’s done is done,” the king said tapping his staff on the floor, “Please show the heroes to their rooms. They should get some rest before the banquet tonight.” He rose from his throne and walked through one of the side doors with his queen.
“This way heroes,” Helmer alongside the other attendants bowed.
They followed the attendants up two flights of stairs and down a long hallway until they came to a corridor with six rooms, three on each side. The attendants led the heroes to the respective rooms, and when Nathaniel opened his, he found a man in a fine coat waiting for him.
“Pardon me hero,” the man said, “I need to get your measurements.”
“My measurements?”
“Yes sir,” the tailor said, “The royal family commissioned several sets of gear for you,” he gestured to a small platform in front of three full body mirrors, “Please step up here.” Nathaniel stepped onto the platform and the tailor quickly took his measurements. After he wrote down the length of Nathaniel’s inseam he stepped back, “Thank you sir. These will be sent to Fort Cadarn right away.” The tailor quietly stepped out of the room.
“I take it that’s where we’re being sent?” Nathaniel asked Helmer who was standing at the door.
“Yes sir,” Helmer said, “The five of you will be travelling with a contingent of soldiers to Fort Cadarn. It’ll be the staging area for the kingdom’s retaliation against the Horde.”
“The Horde?”
“Yes sir,” Helmer said, “It’s the most imminent threat, but I’ll leave it to the generals to explain,” he walked over to the second set of double doors, “Your bedroom is in here,” he said opening the doors to reveal a large room with a walk-in closet and a king-sized canopy bed. “Would you like to rest, or perhaps refreshments?”
Nathaniel started unbuttoning his coat, “Can I get a glass of water please?”
“Of course, sir,” Helmer said quickly coming over to help Nathaniel out of his coat. He gave it a good shake before hanging it on the mahogany coat rack, “I shall have your drink up shortly.” He said closing the doors to the common room behind him.
Nathaniel looked at the common room. A luxurious rug sat in the center of the room with a large couch and two plush chairs circled around a dark coffee table. An unlit fireplace filled with firewood sat on the exterior wall in between two glass windows with the curtains drawn bathing the room in natural light. A liquor cabinet and books shelf sat on the interior wall with a small table in between them. A silver platter with crystal tumblers sat on the table.
Nathaniel walked over to the bookshelf and perused the books. Most of the books looked to be light reads. Clearly these were meant to entertain over educate which disappointed Nathaniel, but he picked one and sat in one of the chairs.
“The Fall of the Infernal Dragon’s Dungeon,” Nathaniel read out loud, “Do they have dungeons in this world?” He immediately realized he read the title, “Do I have an innate understanding of the language?” [Yes] Nathaniel shook his head at the message and started reading.
Nathaniel quickly skimmed through the book and discovered that this world did indeed have dungeons. More so, these dungeons were powered by a dungeon core that could create materials within the confines of the dungeon along with living creatures to populate it. It appears that the kingdoms of this world seek out these dungeon cores to power their cities. There was a knock on the door and Helmer entered with a rolling cart carrying a pitcher of iced water.
“Here’s your water sir,” Helmer said pouring a glass and putting it onto the table with a coaster. “An excellent choice sir,” he said noticing the book.
“Question. These dungeon cores, do they consistently produce power even after mined?” Nathaniel asked while taking a sip of water.
“Yes sir. Although it is possible to overtax the dungeon core, in which case another will be needed to offset the cost.”
“And I take it one of our…I mean their responsibilities will be to clear out these dungeons so the kingdom can claim these cores?” Nathaniel said setting the book down.
“Yes sir,” Helmer said, “Whereas you’ll most likely be responsible for implementing the core into the castle’s mana chambers.”
“How many hours until the banquet?”
“Four, sir,”
“Is there a book that can educate me on the basics?” Nathaniel said, “Stats, talents, etc.”
“Of course, sir. Would you like me to bring it to you?”
“Please,” Nathaniel said with a smile, “I’d hate to go into this banquet completely ignorant.”
“I shall fetch it right away.”
Nathaniel was completely immersed. The book gave a thorough explanation of how this world worked, and it was like some games he had played as a kid. The stats determined his overall physical capabilities. Strength was physical power, dexterity was his reflexes, and constitution his overall health. Intelligence didn’t determine how smart he is, but rather affects his memory and understanding of natural law. Wisdom and charisma are a bit vague. Wisdom is best described as common sense while charisma was how likable he is. Then there was the leveling.
To increase the class level, one had to increase the level of an appropriate skill. Since Nathaniel was a crafter, he would gain levels faster by increasing crafting skills. He could learn other skills, but they wouldn’t affect his main level the way crafting skills did. Increasing his main level would in turn increase his stats based upon the skills he had.
“Sir, the banquet will be starting soon.” Helmer said, drawing his attention. Helmer held Nathaniel’s coat for him.
Nathaniel slipped on his coat, “So, how is this going to go?” he said buttoning up the coat.
Helmer smoothed out a few wrinkles, “The heroes will be the last to enter,” he said, “You will enter one at a time giving each of you your moment to shine. Then it will be up to you to socialize with the other nobles.”
Nathaniel stepped out of his room at the same time as the other heroes. The attendants led them to the ballroom. Duncan spit into his palms and ran his fingers through his messy hair. Maria, however, glistened.
“I’m impressed,” Maria said, “The baths here are amazing!”
“The beds too,” Shawn said with yawn, “I took a nap since I probably won’t tonight.”
“Same,” Duncan said, “I’m hoping to have some private time with Ophelia.”
“Pigs,” Shizuka whispered then looked up at Nathaniel, “What’d you do?” she said with a dark glare.
“Studied,” Nathaniel said, “The first thing we should do is learn about this world. I don’t like how quickly they’re moving us into this hero role.”
Shizuka gave him a small smile, “What did you find out?” Nathaniel passed on all he learned. “Interesting, thanks.”
“Here we are heroes,” an attendant stood next to the double doors, “Will first start with the Champion followed by the Saint, Ranger, Archmage, then Inventor. Champion, please stand right here please,” the attendant gestured to the front of the door.
Duncan stood with a charming grin and the doors opened with a loud fanfare, “Introducing the Champion Hero, Duncan O’Donell.” The crowd inside cheered loudly as Duncan stepped inside. A minute later Maria was introduced to another round of applause. Shawn and Shizuka were given similar if lesser cheers. Finally, Nathaniel stepped up to the door.
“Introducing the Inventor Hero, Nathaniel Light.” The fanfare rang but the cheers were almost nonexistent.
Helmer led Nathaniel to a section of the ballroom floor away from the others. Nathaniel looked and saw the other heroes evenly spaced out around the room. Duncan, Maria, and Shawn had the largest groups gathered around them. Shizuka had a small group of elderly men with well groomed white beards, fancy robes and ornate staves. The mages were oblivious to her dark frown. Nathaniel stood off in his corner while Helmer ran off to get him some refreshments.
Nathaniel’s intuition went into overdrive. Intuition showed him the ranks of each noble with a cursory glance, and when his gaze lingered it went into deeper details. The constant flow of information gave him a headache, but the information was useful.
Most of the higher rank nobles gathered around the other heroes, leaving the kingdom’s hedge lords on the edges of the ballroom. Occasionally, one of these lords would approach Nathaniel with a customary greeting, but none stayed to engage in conversations. He was mostly left alone to snack on his food and wine. They must really be disappointed that I’m a crafter.
“Are you enjoying yourself Inventor hero?” Nathaniel choked on his drink. Ophelia looked worried at him, “I sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” she said.
Nathaniel got his coughing under control, “Don’t worry about it,” he said with a final cough, “I wasn’t expecting anyone to approach.” His eyes fell onto her exposed cleavage which caused her bust size to appear.
“Are you sure,” Ophelia said getting closer, “You look flustered.”
“My [Intuition] is…drowning me in information.”
Ophelia laughed. A soft melody to his ears, “I can fix that,” she said, “Open up your talent menu then focus on intuition. You’ll eventually learn to control it.” Nathaniel followed her instructions.
[Intuition deactivated] Nathaniel sighed in relief, “Thank you,” he said, “You’re truly an angel.”
Ophelia blushed, “You flatter me,” she said taking a sip. She looked out onto the ballroom, then a frown appeared on her lips, “How deplorable.”
Nathaniel followed her gaze. Duncan had his arms wrapped around two beautiful women with his hands resting on their breasts. He didn’t need intuition to see that the women were uncomfortable.
“Why don’t they stop him?” Nathaniel said.
“They’re wanting to earn his favor,” Ophelia said with a deep sigh, “You must understand, it’s impossible to give birth to children with talents of greater ranking than your own, unless one parent has a higher rank,” she cleared her throat and blushed deeply, “For example, I have an advanced ranked talent, and if I was to have a child with a hero then the child would have a talent of heroic rank.”
“So, their houses are hoping that they can use the heroes to empower their bloodlines,” Nathaniel couldn’t help but laugh, “Somehow I don’t think Duncan would mind.”
“Still, he should show some decorum, like you,” Ophelia said twirling her hair, “I can’t believe the advances he’s made towards me.”
She’s cute when she’s flustered. Nathaniel remembered something, “Lady Ophelia, do you know when we’re leaving for Fort Cadarn?”
“You can call me Ophelia,” she said, “We’ll be leaving tomorrow morning. Personally, I’m a little excited.”
“You’re coming with us,” Nathaniel said, “Won’t it be dangerous to have you there with us?”
“It’ll be fine,” she said with a bright smile, “It’s my responsibility to aid the heroes in their training, since I have a deeper understanding of how your classes work,” she started blushing again, “Well, most of you. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help.”
“It’s fine,” Nathaniel said, “I’m pretty sure I know where to start.”
“That’s a relief,” Ophelia said, “But I’m here for you as well, so please come whenever you need.” Nathaniel nodded in understanding, “If you’ll excuse me,” she said with a heavy sigh, “I need to check in with the other heroes again.” She took a step forward then turned back to him, “You’ll come save me if I call, right?”
“Of course, my lady.” Ophelia gave him a smile as she walked off.
Nathaniel watched as Ophelia joined the group around Duncan. He tried to wrap an arm around her, but she expertly dodged it with a strained smile, and a response that made Duncan dumbfounded. Looks like you don’t need my help. Nathaniel laughed at the display.
“You must be quite the man to have the oracle’s favor.”
A lord with grey hair and a well-trimmed beard along his jaw approached. A beautiful woman with fiery red hair clung to his arms. Nathaniel was thankful that his intuition was turned off since her gorgeous figure was already hard to ignore, but he did notice that both had the same sharp dark green eyes.
“Thank you for the compliment, but I don’t think lady Ophelia is treating me differently from the other heroes,” Nathaniel said with a polite smile. The woman giggled at his comment.
“You should turn your intuition back on,” the lord said, “Forgive me, I’m Marquess Ermon VuRant and this is my daughter Gabriella.”
“A pleasure, Inventor Hero,” Gabriella said with a curtsy.
“Nathaniel Light, if you please,” he said holding out his hand. Ermon stared at his hand with a cocked eyebrow, “I’m sorry, this is how we greet people where I’m from. I hope I didn’t offend you.”
Ermon gave a deep laugh, “Don’t worry son,” he said, “You haven’t offended me. Unlike the others.” His eyes turned to Duncan.
“A truly vile man,” Gabriella said, “Trying to treat me like a lowly prostitute.”
“I’m so sorry for his behavior,” Nathaniel said with a bow, “Our world has different morals, and it’s appalling how he’s acting.”
Gabriella leaned over to her father and whispered loud enough for him to hear, “I like this one.”
“So do I,” Ermon whispered back.
“I don’t mean to offend, but…is there a reason why you wish to speak with me?” Nathaniel said, “Most of the other nobles are either giving quick introduction or outright ignoring me.”
“That’s exactly why though,” Ermon said smiling at his daughter. Gabriella released her father and latched onto Nathaniel, “The other nobles are too busy trying to get into the other heroes’ good graces, they left you, all alone,” Gabriella tightened her embrace, “A hero with a new, never before seen class. That’s an opportunity I simply can’t pass up,” Ermon held out his hand which Nathaniel took, “I look forward to working with you.”
“Looks like you’re being summoned,” Gabriella said gesturing to the crowd. Ophelia stood amongst the crowd around Duncan waving him over. “I hope we meet again.” Gabriella kissed his cheek and let go of his arm. Nathaniel watched as the VuRants left.
Nathaniel shook himself out of his stupor and crossed the floor. As soon as he was close Ophelia latched onto him.
“You kept me waiting,” she said with a pout.
“Sorry.”
“You enjoying the party Inventor?” Duncan said from his gaggle of admirers.
“Actually, I am,” Nathaniel said with a smile resting his hand on top of Ophelia’s, “How about you Champion?”
“I guess,” Duncan said, “I wish the booze was stronger, but the women easily make up for it.” He slapped the butt of the woman on his left causing her to squeal, “Hey Ophelia,” he said, “How about we go back to my room. I could use some education on my class.”
Ophelia gave a strained smile, “I’m afraid I can’t,” she said, “It’ll be a long trip to Fort Cadarn, and I need to make sure everything’s ready, but I’ll gladly make sure your attendant is up to the task.” She turned to Nathaniel with a polite smile, “It’s getting late. Would you please show me to my room, Inventor?” Duncan stared in disbelief.
“Gladly, lady Ophelia,” Nathaniel said waving to Duncan, “Good night, Champion.”
The crowd started mumbling as the two of them left the room. Nathaniel found the quiet of the castle halls more comforting than the loud ballroom. The halls were lit by the light of the moon, and the starry sky was unlike anything Nathaniel had seen. It was beautiful.
“Enjoying the sights?” Ophelia said with a soft smile.
“I am,” Nathaniel said looking back to the sky, “I barely got to see the stars back home, too much light pollution.”
“Light pollution?”
“The cities in my world produce so much light that it makes it impossible to see the stars,” he said, “Kind of like how you can’t see stars during the day.”
“That’s a shame,” Ophelia said. They continued in silence for a moment. “I saw you getting familiar with Marquess VuRant’s daughter. What did you think of her?”
Nathaniel looked at her, “She’s beautiful, and she dislikes Duncan,” he said with a laugh, “But I can’t say much more than that,” He remembered Ermon’s words and cleared his throat, “W-why do you ask?”
“I’m looking out for you,” Ophelia said looking away, “You should know that the VuRant family is losing power in the kingdom. His lands are constantly attacked by the Horde which has been making it difficult for him to support the kingdom.”
“Then shouldn’t he be trying to impress Duncan?”
“Ermon’s a smart man,” Ophelia said stopping in front of her door, “He isn’t going to rely on one small team to fight his battles, but rather on someone that can improve his own forces. You must have a talent he really likes.”
“How does he know my talents?” Nathaniel said remembering that Ermon mentioned his intuition.
“It’s one of his talents, [Appraiser’s Eye],” she said with a chuckle, “It’s a rare talent, even at basic rank, that let’s you see other people’s information.”
“Good to know.”
Ophelia stretched and kissed Nathaniel’s cheek on the same spot as Gabriella, “Thank you for escorting me,” she said, “I look forward to speaking more with you during the trip.” Nathaniel nodded as she slipped into her room.
He stood there for a moment trying to process what happened.
“Sir?” Helmer said getting Nathaniel’s attention, “Would you like to return to your room?”
“Yes…please,” Nathaniel said. He was still trying to process what happened.