The Adventurer Brigade is a few klicks from the inn. Lee decides to get to know the city better.
“So what else can you tell me about the Citadel for the Courageous?”, the boy chimed in while petting Viola again. The Ant was missing the mead already.
“Well, this used to be a corrupt wasteland. Many centuries prior, a Golden Era did exist. It was established by a hero who had tamed the most formidable dragon in the sky. However, despite all we had achieved together, the dragons were never fully satisfied. In the eyes of many, they were playing second fiddle. Several dragons looked at us as scrawny anomalies who should all face slavery or death. However, our skills kept those at bay.
Then came the great betrayal. King Luther was a figure who sat on the throne 60 generations after the passing of the hero. The ruler of the humans was always elected by a conclave. This gathering included humans and dragons. Luther was viewed as a champion by most of us. What we didn’t see coming was a deal he did on the side. You see boy, this one was always wary of the dragons, as he had noticed how treacherous some of them were.
The newly elected king quickly dispatched a band of nifty assassins to remove those nefarious elements (amongst the dragons) from the equation. It just so happened that the leader of this particular group was the Dragon Emperor’s brother. By the time the information regarding his identity reached the King, it was already too late.
The Dragon Emperor unleashed a wave of hellfire upon us. The war lasted for over 2 years, and most of San Uber was decimated during that conflict. Most of us had to go under the surface to preserve the human race. Scorched terra is not exactly ideal for breeding. In the end, the Dragon Emperor took pity on us.
The Emperor is a special kind of dragon. While most of them live for around 3 centuries, the Emperor has been around since the time of the first hero. Perhaps the memories tied to his old friend led to him stopping the war. Either way, we shall forever be thankful that he did choose to spare us.
King Wilhelm was the one who led us out of the Abyss. It remains still a safe zone that civilians use during wars. Wilhelm was resourceful, but some found his methods too tyrannical. They rebelled, and he crushed that movement swiftly. Because most realized that his way was important for us to find meaning in a world that was hostile to its very core.
But it took him years before the empire was finally stabilized. His band of mercenaries were certainly his most prized specimens. I count myself lucky that he chose me to be part of that group.”
For the first time since the meeting at the gates, Lee notices something. The light in the eyes of the shieldmaiden and the life in her smile. This man must be something incredible huh, Lee wonders to himself.
“Would you like to know more about King Wilhelm, the defender of the human race and all those who wish to serve true power?”, the system barked curtly.
Maybe later, the boy grumbled back.
“The King must mean a lot to you, ma’am. Most of my old rulers back home are utter scum. They take money to bomb women and children, and never run out of dough.”
“Dough, is that what you call paper tender in your world?”, asked Valkyrie.
Lee: I guess so. That’s the informal term we use. They are also called notes.
Valkyrie: Ah that makes sense. By the way, how is it that you can speak our language so fluently? Is it also the work of that demon?
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Lee shrugged, ”I think so. This sure makes the journey a lot easier too. Language learning can be a pain in the butt.”
Valkyrie bites her lips as she realizes something, “Oops I called him a demon. He won’t be angry, right? I can’t afford to be haunted by that thing. In battle my aim will be off, my performance will falter, my place in the Band will be taken by some other ambitious…”
Lee: You know something shieldmaiden. I have always felt that worrying about something that hasn’t happened takes the fun out of life. You should lighten up. If he does create a ruckus inside your head, let me know and I’ll talk to him alright?”
As Lee speaks, he sees that they have reached the Adventurer Brigade.
Once they head in, the girl at the reception waves. She seems excited.
“Oh, Valkyrie thank you so much for visiting. Have you finished the assignment that you took last week? The turtle shells need to be fetched as soon as possible. The army needs them, and you know how Wilhelm gets when his demands are not met.”
The girl notices Lee. She does not recognize him.
“This is an odd one you have picked up. He has an unusual scent.”
“I bet he does”, Valkyrie says with a slight snort.
“Hello, my name is Raven. I am one of the captains of the Brigade. You are a human yes?”
Lee: A captain’s job is to sit behind a desk and greet newcomers and seasoned fighters. Jee, that must be awful, don’t you feel miserable?
The brunette girl turns red. Literally. For a second or two it seems that all hell is about to break loose. The rest of the adventurers inside have uneasy looks plastered across all of their faces.
Valkyrie: Raven here is an Ogre. Their special ability is they can grow strong at will. She has been grounded by the Chief of the Brigade.
“STOP IT!”, Raven looks exasperated.
Captain Raven: I am going to let that comment slide. This is your first time here, right? You will need a card if you wish to operate inside the domains and also if you are looking to build your career extensively as a gladiator.
Unless you are a healer in which case a badge will be given to you. Also, you need to take a test. We must determine your Class before sending you on your first mission. Do you comply with this condition?
Lee: Does not seem to be too much of a hassle. What do I have to do?
Captain Raven: Just a minute.
She rummages through her desk and picks up a black cube. The opaque object does look something straight out of the ordinary. But Lee has to take the test. He hesitates and asks the system (internally), “It is ok if I do this right? They will not let me become an adventurer otherwise.”
Cthulhu: I have performed a complete scan of the device presented in front of you. There seems to be nothing wrong with it. It is harmless and will not cause any harm to you or any of the bystanders. Proceed.
“I have to just touch it huh? That’s it?”.
The captain nods her approval. “Go ahead, young man. Nothing to fear.”
Lee touches the cube. A purple glow appears for a few seconds, then dims away gradually.
Captain Raven: Ah so you are a Knight just like our very own shieldmaiden here. I am sure she will take good care of you. Hey, how about this, you can take him with you. Shell hunting is the perfect way for him to watch you in action. During my training days, I realized that hands-on experience (in combat) is the best way to learn how to deal with single or multiple foes.
Lee: What is your class, Captain? I hope you don’t mind me asking.
“I work as a Caster. I am good with fire spells. But my true abilities are better visible when I use my other form. Let me just get your card ready….what is your name lad.”
“Call me Lee ma’am. Meeting you was a truly delightful experience.”
“Here you go. From here onwards, you will be one of us. It was a pleasure meeting you. Remember that there are 6 levels of adventurers. You shall start at Level 1. Working your way up to 3 should be relatively easy. If you do what Valkyries asks of you in the field. You’ll be up there in no time.”
Card Details -
Name: Lee
Adventurer Class: Knight
Race: Human
Level: 1
Mentor Assigned: Valkyrie
The Captain waves towards them again as the three leave the Brigade building.
“You are ok with this right? I do not wish to clog up your schedule in any way.”
“Nonsense. It is my job to keep an eye on you. Besides, it is always safer to keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. I know that you are a good kid, but I do not trust that thing lurking inside of you.”
Lee: Hey, I do not trust him completely either. But so far, he has not driven me astray. Are we really going to kill turtles? Do you truly wish to take their one defence mechanism away from them?
Valkyrie: Hold on now. What sorta turtles have you run into boy? Let’s go to the swamp, we’ll see what you are capable of. On the plus side, we will get you a shield. Ugh, I hate collector jobs.