Salvos Volume 2

0. Daniel’s Dilemma

Daniel blinked his bleary brown eyes as beams from the sun seeped into the room through the blinds of the window. He got up with a sigh, clutching at the invisible wound on his side. He wasn’t hurt— no, there was only the vague feeling of an injury there.

The black haired man had been burned, bruised, and cut up by the Greater Demon called Lucerna, and yet, with healing potions he was now left without so much of a scratch. Well, at least physically he was fine. Mentally speaking, he wasn’t really sure how he felt. Sure, he was ok now, but wasn’t he on the cusp of death just yesterday?

It was a strange thing to think about— it was something that sometimes kept him up. He had never thought that it would ever be possible to recover from that much blood loss. And yet, he continued fighting. He had been able to pick himself up from the rubble and rocks with a nearly broken body, and healed himself completely with the last of the healing potions Salvos had given him. Then Mistshard picked him up, carrying him to the battlements where Druma was already at.

After that, everything had been a blur. They managed to catch Lucerna in their trap, strangling him until his neck or spine broke. Daniel wasn’t even sure if Demon’s had spines, but something happened to paralyze the [Djinn]. With that, Edithe finally got her revenge, and Salvos her answer:

She can’t return to the Netherworld.

The young man remembered seeing her face when she heard that. He had never seen her look so shocked since he met her; even as he got out of bed, he couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about seeing her in the common room of the inn.

He packed his things and got dressed as worrying thoughts raced through his mind. Will she still be broken up about it? Will she be even more confused than before? Will she be lost, without a clue on what to do? Or will she…

Daniel hesitated, chewing his lowering lip as he considered the last possibility.

Will she hate you, for lying to her? You promised her, after all. You said you would help bring her back to the Netherworld, and now she thinks it’s impossible. She might even kill you—

He shook his head and pushed the door to his room open. That wouldn’t happen; Salvos was not the kind of Demon— or uh, person— to attack someone unprovoked. She had made it extremely clear. Daniel tried to reassure himself as he walked down the stairs. And yet, the thought remained: what if Salvos went mad? What if she had some kind of Demon instincts within her that suddenly took over? What if those ‘wild Demons’ she talked about were really the true forms of a Demon, and he would come down to find a bloodied inn—

“Took you long enough!”

Salvos marched up to the young man and jabbed a finger at his chest. He blinked as he looked her over.

“How long do you Humans need to sleep? Seriously, the sun is already high up in the sky! You must have slept for, uh… 200 hours!”

“That’s… I don’t think there’s that many hours in a day, Salvos.”

Edithe sighed as she walked up to the two. The red haired [Summoner] dressed in her usual robes placed a hand on the Demon’s shoulder and lowered it.

“Give us a break. And don’t be so loud. I know the innkeeper is out right now, but what if someone passing by hears us?”

“Don’t worry. They won’t suspect a thing.”

Salvos grinned and twirled around. The cloak that used to loosely hang over her shoulder was now almost a proper fit to her body, its hood no longer masking her face too. Daniel just stared at her as she turned to a stop.

“I look just like a Human now, see? You think so too, right Daniel? Uh… Daniel?”

She cocked her head and Daniel blinked. He quickly turned his gaze to the wooden floorboards as he felt his face burn up.

“Yeah… you do.”

Previously, Salvos had an impish look to her. She had been short, not even up to his shoulders at five foot two inches. Her skin was pale— almost like that of a dead body, which was hardly her most inhuman feature. She lacked any… parts, for the most part. She had no chest, and nothing below her waist. It had reminded him of the most simple and plain mannequins, ones that only had the vague shape of a woman— he thought she had been more androgynous than anything. And that was everything about her that had even seemed ‘Human’ .  

Seeing her clearly back then, it was unmistakable she was a Demon. Two small horns had protruded from her gray-silver hair. Her face had been rather rotund, without much of a jawline under her sharp teeth. And while her black nail-like claws were not that terrifyingly long and usually hidden under her cloak, Daniel had seen what they could do and he didn’t want any of it.

But now, after her recent evolution, he was staring at a Human woman standing on a pair of long, sculpted legs letting the top of her head reach past his chin. Her waist was tapered, curving up to a slim figure that would draw all eyes— male or female— to it out of lust or envy. She had her arms folded across her chest, which now had the men’s shirt wrapping around it tighter than the loose garments of before.

Her golden eyes were enchanting, almost like there was something magical to it— in fact, there probably was something magical to it. Her chin was sharper too, like a sleek steel knife after it had been delicately washed and polished. When she curled her fuschia-pink lips up, Daniel could almost see his own reflection on her mirror-like pearly whites. And he only saw himself gawking.

Salvos no longer had anything about her that screamed ‘Demon’. Her hands were normal— she had no claws, no sharp nails. She even now had a pale-olive skin complexion that matched how alive she normally carried herself.

Daniel caught himself as she nodded, eagerly turning to Edithe.

“See? I told you.”

Edithe simply gave Daniel a judging look which he tried to ignore. He failed, feeling the embarrassment take over. Fortunately for him, Salvos didn’t pick up on this, instead spinning around and heading out of the inn.

“Come on, Betty and Chase are waiting for us! I can’t wait to race them back to Hazelbury and beat them again. I’m much faster now, you know?”

The two exchanged a glance. Daniel shook her head and Edithe just rubbed the bridge of her nose. She hasn’t changed at all, huh? He followed after her, scratching the back of his head.

“You know, Salvos, since we don’t need either Druma or Mistshard to be with us now, you can just always ride on the horse with us.”

“With me.”

Edithe shot him a sharp look and he blushed.

“I didn’t mean it like that, but yeah. You’ve already proved yourself faster than them, right?”

“Huh. I didn’t think of that.”

Salvos paused, thoughtfully tapping a hand on her chin. The three continued down the busy streets of Silvergrove. People were up and about, already trying to rebuild their city from the destruction caused by Lucerna’s attack.

A few faces turned to them, pointing and whispering to each other. However, none approached them, which Daniel was grateful for. He wasn’t really someone who could handle too much attention, although Salvos seemed to be the opposite.

She noticed the hushed conversation and nodded in the direction of a group of carpenters. Immediately, they quietened. Salvos scowled, before turning back as she heard a chuckle.

“What?”

Edithe suppressed an amused look.

“Nothing.”

Salvos raised a brow but said nothing more. They finally reached the stable holding their horses and saddled on to leave the city. There would be no celebrations today— there had already been plenty on the days before. But now, they needed to go back to Hazelbury… mostly to return the horses they borrowed from a stable in the other city. And once they were back in Hazelbury—

Daniel frowned, looking over at Salvos.

“So, uh… what will you be doing now?”

She glanced back over at him, seating behind Edithe.

“What do you mean?”

“You know, you can’t… go back to the Netherworld, right? So what will you be doing?”

Salvos blinked a few times, registering his words.

“I can’t go back? Why not?”

“Lucerna said you can’t. He said you needed a summoning collar, and you don’t have one. So…”

He trailed off, wondering if he made it awkward. Why did you have to bring that up? Moron! However, Salvos didn’t seem offended by it. Instead, she scoffed.

“If Lucerna says I can’t go back without one of those summoning collar thingies, then I just have to get one, don’t I?”

“I… I don’t think it’ll be that simple.”

She shrugged and turned away from him.

“I didn’t say it will be simple. I said I just have to do it. I like this place— the Mortal Realm. But I need to return to the Netherworld. Haec is there. He can wait a little longer, but not forever.”

“And Haec is…”

“My companion.”

Salvos spoke simply, as if that told him was supposed to tell him everything he needed to know. And maybe Salvos thought it was enough— that this ‘Haec’ was reason enough to try so hard to go back to the Netherworld. But honestly, was there a need for a deep  reason to want to go back home?

Daniel didn’t think so. In fact, he thought he understood how Salvos felt. She might not see it in the same way he does, but the fact of the matter was that the Netherworld is  her home. Of course she would want to go back. He smiled.

“Well, it’s probably going to be difficult is all I’m saying. But I made you a promise, and I’m going to keep it.”

Salvos nodded as if she hadn’t expected him to say anything otherwise. And maybe for her, it seemed that way. He told her he would help her, and he had done so thus far— why would he suddenly change his mind?

That was something she was going to have to learn about Humans— or well, mortals— from spending more time in the Mortal Realm. But for now, Daniel would help her in her quest to go back home.

It was not for any particular reason. He just understood the feeling— he could empathize with her. The longing to return to where you belonged was something he knew all too well.

After all, he was a [Hero] from another world.

1. Journey Back

I sat just behind Edithe on the back of Betty, the Level 13 [Traveler Horse], as we rode to Hazelbury. I felt the wind blowing at my face— my now longer hair flowing with the wind. I was in my Human form now. I had evolved and become a Greater Demon. My Subspecies was now a [Midday Changeling]. I had chosen it because it was the best Subspecies to help me blend in and survive while I was stuck here in the Mortal Realm.

Everything felt different. This body felt different. It was bigger than my previous, yet it was somehow more lithe. I slowly glanced down at myself, clenching my fist as I took in this new feeling. I softly closed my eyes, curling my lips while leaning back. This body, this new form—

I hate it! It sucks! I feel so weak!

Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)

Species: [Greater Demon] ( Mortal Form - Human )

Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 40

General Skills:

[Advanced Mana Manipulation] - Lvl. 1

[Identification] - Lvl. 4

[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1

[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1

[Rest] - Lvl. 2

[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 10]

[Vitality]: 40 (+5) ( -7 )

[Strength]: 27 (+5) ( -7 )

[Endurance]: 53 (+5) ( -7 )

[Wisdom]: 63 (+5) ( -2 )

[Agility]: 79 (+5) ( -7 )

Skills:

[Available Skill Points: 15]

[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 1

[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Flame Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 1

[Self Haste] - Lvl. 1

[Passive - Blue Flames] - Lvl. 1

[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1

[Unused Skill Slot] x2

I had so many new Skills. My Status was almost completely different now, with a Title that provided me with additional Stats and even a General Skill. However, I was stuck in this Human form which severely inhibited me!

Not only did it just take away most of the benefits I got from my Title, I didn’t even have claws anymore! What am I supposed to do now? Punch people?! That’s stupid!

I sighed and slumped over onto Edithe’s back. The Human woman turned back slightly and raised an eyebrow.

“Is something wrong, Salvos?”

“I don’t want to be a Human anymore…”

I murmured under my breath. Daniel looked over at me from his horse before quickly darting his eyes away. He hesitated.

“Wh— why not?”

“Because it sucks. Everything about it sucks. I don’t have my claws, I don’t have my horns. I don’t even look like myself anymore. And... why do I even have these things on me?”

The Human man immediately averted his gaze as I gestured down. Edithe laughed, shaking her head.

“Salvos, you have to understand it’s necessary for your own protection. Demons are treated as… monsters, I guess. Sure, not everyone will immediately attack you if they see you as a Demon, especially if you’re higher leveled than them, but still, what happens if they do?”

I scoffed, replying simply.

“I’ll fight back and kill them, of course.”

“Then you’ll get in trouble with the authorities. And there’ll be a lot of complications because of that. Trust me, it’s better for you to stay like this, at least while in the cities.”

I narrowed my eyes hopped off Betty, landing on the dirt road as the two continued on for a moment longer. They whirled around, giving me a confused look.

“What are you doing, Salvos?”

“We aren’t in one of your Human cities anymore, right? I’m going to change back.”

“Wait—”

I ignored the two as they protested. I focused on the General Skill [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] and deactivated it. Immediately, I felt my body growing and turning whiter. The ground suddenly shrunk below me as I felt my clothes tighten around my body— except for my chest, it actually became looser there. My hair didn’t recede, instead growing even longer than before.

There was a cracking sound, like that of rocks being broken on each other, as one last ripple went through my now lanky body. Two horns sprouted from my head— and they weren’t just small protrusions peeking out of my hair. These were long, crooked horns. Almost like the one that Demon who made the Spear of Flames had back in the Netherworld.

My arms were much longer now too, nearly falling down to my knees when standing upright. Which was harder to do now; my body felt like it didn’t want to be straight. I looked down at my clawed hands— my white hands— and smiled. Sharp. Sharper than as an [Imp]. I turned to Daniel who I was now taller than even, and shot him a thumbs up.

“See? I feel much better already.”

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 10]

[Vitality]: 40 (+5)

[Strength]: 27 (+5)

[Endurance]: 53 (+5)

[Wisdom]: 63 (+5)

[Agility]: 79 (+5)

No more of those… debuffs. I felt satisfied at that. However, I noticed that both Daniel and Edithe visibly paled. I folded my arms.

“What’s wrong? Are you two really scared by this? Come on, I’m still Salvos! You weren’t afraid of me back when I was a [Zelus Imp]!”

The Human man swallowed, exchanging a look with Edithe.

“We know, uh, that. But this is just a bit… much.”

I frowned.

“You weren’t scared of Lucerna.”

“Lucerna wasn’t as terrifying as you.”

He muttered, facing away from me again. I brightened at that.

“Really? You think so?”

“That’s… not a good thing, Salvos.”

Edithe pointed out with a sigh.

“Not for you Humans, maybe. But I like it. I’m sure even those [Hellhounds] would think twice about messing with me!”

I paused, looking up. If they can even think at all, I added in my head. I spun around, feeling my cloak get swept up by the wind as I spread my clawed hands out wide.

“This is who I am. Maybe being a Human is better for whatever reason, but it’s not me. I don’t like it—”

I turned to a stop and stared. A family of three stared back at me. A Human man, a Human woman, and a Human child. They stood on the dirt path coming from Hazelbury, eyes wide open in shock. I hesitated, then waved a clawed hand.

“Uh, hi…?”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Demon! Another Demon is attacking our country!”

The woman screamed and the man shouted. The child cried as her parents picked her up and ran away. I grinned nervously, turning back to my two Human companions.

“...maybe this wasn’t a good idea.”

“You think?”

…

“Did I mention I can only change my form every hour?”

Edithe sighed and Daniel just smacked his forehead.

—--

We waited out until I could transform to a Human again by hiding deep in the forest, away from any Human life. Edithe chastised me for a moment, mulling over having to deal with any possible repercussions from this. I didn’t see why it mattered— this wasn’t the first time I had been seen by Humans. As far as Silvergrove and Hazelbury knew, a wild [Imp] was still running around somewhere in Falisfield, plotting something completely and totally evil.

And perhaps they were right. I might be planning something evil. However, I wasn’t an [Imp] anymore, so actually they’d still be wrong.

During this hour wait, I decided to finally spend my available Stat and Skill Points, while figuring out what my evolution entailed. The first thing I did was distribute 5 Stat Points to [Agility], because it couldn’t hurt to be even faster than I already was. Then I spent 2 on [Endurance], 2 on [Vitality], and the remaining 1 on [Strength].

For now, I neglected my [Wisdom]. My Subspecies evolution had given me quite a nice boost to it, and it being in my Mortal Form didn’t decrease it as much as the rest.

As for my Skills, I had to figure out what each did. [Advanced Fire Creation] seemed rather self explanatory, so I just dumped 4 Skill Points straight into it. The new Skill I gained while fighting Lucerna— [Passive - Blue Flames]— seemed to drastically increase the damage of my fire magic, while only draining a little bit more mana than usual.

I raised a hand, watching the bright blue wisps coalesce, forming a fire the shape of a raindrop on the palm of my hand. It did not flow with the wind like my regular flames had— instead, it seemed to almost hold still, like a solid rock bracing against a strong force pushing it. I grinned, thinking of how powerful this new Skill was, and added 4 Skill Points to it. That left me with 7 more to spend.

I moved on to see [Passive - Weapon Mastery] would do. I turned the blue flame into a deadly fire longsword. It no longer took all my focus to create a weapon longer than a dagger now— I held up the glowing blade in one hand and swung it around. I frowned as I realized this was hardly different to [Passive - General Tool Proficiency]. Sure, I could swing the weapon better than before, but… not that good.

I only gave it no Skill Points.

After that disappointment, I didn’t really have high expectations for my remaining two newly changed Skills. And sure enough, [Scorching Wave] didn’t seem any different from [Fire Blast]. The only difference between the former and the latter being how I could change the intensity of the attack depending on the mana I poured into it, and how the flames came out as a wave and not a quick blast that lasted only a few moments. Decent, I thought.  A better use of mana than doing the same with [Advanced Fire Creation].

I left [Scorching Wave] at Level 2 for now, seeing no reason to spend more on it. Next up was [Self Haste]. I activated the Skill without expecting much from it, and was surprised to immediately feel it take over me. It was as if the world suddenly became slower.

I slowly lifted a clawed finger up, only for it to snap straight into position in an instant. I glanced around, realizing how much slower Daniel and Edithe were moving. The two spoke with slurred speech, like they had a few days ago after we defeated Lucerna and they drank a lot of that ‘alcohol’ liquid.

I walked up to them at a casual pace, however they jumped when I suddenly appeared by their side.

“Salvos! Don’t run at us like that.”

“Is there a problem?”

The two looked at me and I grinned.

“Nopethere’snoproblemIjustusedthisSkillcalled[SelfHaste]andapparentlyitmakes—”  

Daniel blinked.

“Woah, slow down there. Could you repeat what you said?”

The Human woman narrowed her eyes as I nodded eagerly.

“OfcourseIsaidthatthisnewSkillIgotmakeseverything—”

“I don’t understand what she’s saying at all. Do you?”

“Not a word.”

I frowned, annoyed. I waved a clawed hand at them and pointed at myself.

“Justwatchthis!”

I dashed forward, running as fast as I could to a nearby tree. I whirled around, talking excitedly as wind blew at my face while my feet carried me forward, closing half the distance to my target in an instant.

“Everythingissomuchslowernow— aw.”

I stumbled to a halt.

“It ran out.”

Daniel just stared at me in shock.

“Wha… what was that?”

He sputtered, turning to Edithe. She looked at me for a moment, then shut her eyes.

“It’s a [Haste] Skill. Very rare. Even rarer than the potions and spells that can imitate its effects.”

The Human woman shook her head as I walked back up to them, arms widespread.

“Did you see? That was amazing right?!”

“Yes, Salvos. That’s actually amazing.”

She nodded, and I felt my lips curling up. I turned to Daniel who averted his gaze.

“Uh, can you not smile at me like that? It’s terrifying.”

I crossed my arms and glared at him. It only made him look away from me more. I sighed, deciding to do him a favor as I felt enough time had finally passed for me to use [Racial Skill: Mortal Form] again.

A ripple ran through my body, and a few moments later, I appeared Human again.

“It was not as much of a speed boost as with [Double Step]. But it seems to last longer than it— and also affects more than just my running speed. I like it.”

I quickly spent 2 Skill Points on it, saving the rest for my two potential new Skills. I was about to choose the Skills I had available to obtain, when Edithe smiled.

“Well, it seems like you had your fun. And you’ve managed to test out a few new Skills. Now it’s time for us to actually go back to Hazelbury.”

“Why the rush? Can’t we stay here for a bit longer?”

I turned to the Human woman, giving her what I recognized was a childish pout. I had seen Human children use this to convince their parents to give them what they wanted. Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.

“Well, other than the fact that it’s getting dark and I don’t want to camp out in the woods when we can easily sleep in a nice inn—”

She looked me over once, then glanced over at Daniel. The Human man nodded and he faced me.

“Salvos, we’ve been discussing it with each other for a few days, but... what do you think of becoming an adventurer?”

2. Adventurer

“Salvos, we’ve been discussing it with each other for a few days, but... what do you think of becoming an adventurer?”

The Human man spoke slowly and nervously, unsure of his own words. Daniel looked back at Edithe for some support, and she nodded in affirmation.

“We know you might be… averse to this idea. You don’t have plans to remain in this realm after all. And being around adventurers all the time might be dangerous to you, since you’re a Demon. However we think it’s currently what’s best for you.”

I blinked, glancing between the two Humans as Daniel took over for Edithe once again.

“You can earn actual money for yourself while fighting monsters. It’s actually really good for you, since you can do what you enjoy the most— leveling— while giving yourself the opportunity to live a comfortable life while stuck here. It’s not really any massive obligation, so I think you should at least consider this.”

The two exchanged another hesitant look as I considered this. I saw Daniel open his mouth slowly.

“Sure.”

“Of course, you don’t have to make your decision now— wait, sure?”

I grinned.

“Yes, sure. That sounds interesting! I want to be an adventurer!”

“But… it could be dangerous for you, Salvos.”

“I don’t really know how your Subspecies works, but if someone can see through your [Racial Skill: Mortal Form - Human], they could expose you!”

“And?”

I cocked my head.

“And if that happens, they could try and get you killed—”

I gave him a look and he snapped his mouth shut.

“...ah, right.”

I shook my head, looking first at Edithe then at Daniel.

“I know you think being an adventurer is dangerous and all, for whatever reasons, and maybe it is. However, I survived in the Mortal Realm so far as an [Imp]. Back then, I couldn’t even disguise myself as one of you Humans who keep attacking me for my looks, but now I can. Furthermore, the dangers here are nothing compared to the ones I faced in the Netherworld. You think it’s bad here because a few Humans might want to kill me? Almost every single Demon I met in the Netherworld tried to kill me. Yet, I survived. And most of all—”

I spun around, facing away from the two. I raised a hand, pointing it forward and up at the sky as a grin spread across my face.

“I want to do it! Do I need any other reason?”

I paused, letting my words sink it for the two. Then I had a thought.

“Plus, weren’t you two the ones trying to make me become an adventurer?”

—--

“We weren’t against the idea of you being an adventurer, Salvos. We just wanted to make sure you knew the consequences and dangers of being one.”

“I know about danger. I know about adventurers. I think it’s simple enough.”

I crossed my arms and stared at Daniel. He sighed, shaking his head.

“Maybe you know each individually. But Salvos, sometimes you can be quite… impulsive. Immature. As in, make bad decisions that could have potentially devastating effects.”

“I don’t do that.”

“You don’t?”

Edithe looked at me with a blank face. She gestured behind her— at the road leading out of Hazelbury— then at my clothing.

“Explain what happened earlier with that family. And explain your clothes— if these hadn’t been too big for you, you’d be walking around naked right now.”

I scoffed, keeping my head up and my gaze away from the Human woman’s judging look as the three of us strolled into the Adventurers Guild of Hazelbury.

“So what? I’ve scared Humans multiple times before, and it’s never turned out bad. Plus, what’s wrong with being naked?”

The two Humans exchanged a glance. Daniel raised a hand defensively.

“I’m not going to explain it to her. You’re both women— you do it.”

Edithe did not grace him with a retort. Instead, she led me straight past the sea of staring adventurers and to the receptionist. I tried to catch what the Humans were saying— they were whispering and pointing at us— but unfortunately I could only make out a few nonsensical words.

“...defeated the [Djinn].”

“...no way, how did...”

“...it’s that bitch—”

I glanced over at the voice that said that. I saw Blake— the tall adventurer from the local Iron Champions Company— sitting over at a table towards the edge of the room, surrounded by a group of adventurers dressed in similar clothing as him. They all wore the same crest on their chest— a sword and a pickaxe crossed together.

I frowned as I considered his remark. A bitch? I am not a female dog. I’m a Demon! I wanted to pull away from Edithe and confront him, however the Human woman’s grip did not let up. She stopped me right in front of the receptionist.

“Hi.”

She placed a few silver coins on the counter and gestured over at me.  

“I’d like to register her as an adventurer, please.”

The receptionist blinked, glancing between me and Edithe. She squinted as she looked at me— was she identifying me?— then smiled slowly.

“Of course. And will you be signing with us as a part of any company, or would you prefer to be independent?”

I cocked my head.

“Uh…”

“Independent.”

Edithe spoke over me before I could decide. I decided to go with it, although the receptionist seemed insistent on me joining a company.

“Are you certain? Joining a company comes with many benefits. For example, the fee to sign up as an adventurer would be halved, since most companies will take up the cost for you. And—”

She leaned across the counter, eyeing Blake and his group with a sidelong glance before whispering.

“You don’t have to join the Iron Champions Company. As long as you have a member of a company— any company— to vouch for your recruitment, we’d cut the price upfront and bill the company instead. Like, say, the Valiant Dreamers Company?”

The receptionist gave Edithe a look. However my companion shook her head.

“I’m already paying the fee for her. And if she wants to join my company, she can do so in the future. For now, she should experience what it’s like to be an independent adventurer first, before she decides on joining any company.”

“Suit yourself. Let me just fill out these documents— your name is Salvos, correct?”

“That’s me! I’m Salvos!”

I grinned at the receptionist and jerked a thumb at myself. Edithe quickly lowered my hand and spoke quietly into my ear.

“You said you’re not immature, right? Don’t be so loud. I’d rather us not draw anymore attention to ourselves than we’re already getting.”

“Why not?”

I looked at her, confused. I like the attention. But apparently she didn’t, and she didn’t seem like she wanted to explain why it was bad. So I just obliged.

“Fine.”

“Thanks.”

I turned back to the receptionist who was now scribbling on a piece of paper and smiled normally, speaking softly this time.

“I am Salvos, and as my companion said, I would prefer not to be a part of a company.”

“Uh… right.”

She raised a brow and gave me a weird look. I shot my companion a wink, to which she simply pinched the bridge of her nose. Did I do something wrong? I spoke as proper as I could! I heard Daniel sigh, muttering under his breath behind me.

“...sounded like a robot…”

I wanted to ask him what that even was, but the receptionist was already proffering a piece of paper.

“Just sign here, and you’ll be set.”

“Alright.”

I picked up the pen— and frowned.

“How do I… sign this?”

I trailed off, giving Edithe a pleading look. I heard an adventurer sitting close by guffaw and spill his drink on the floor. The Human woman just closed her eyes and pinched her nose harder. Before either she or the receptionist could respond, a voice interrupted them.

“So these are the heroes of Silvergrove, huh?”

A man that had been sitting at Blake’s table got up and strutted over to us. His companions immediately followed after him, keeping a small distance behind from him as they made their approach.

“Equipment seems rather mediocre— shabby, even. Levels are decent, but nothing particularly impressive. I’m surprised you three managed to take out that so-called Destroyer that rampaged through Falisfield.”

The receptionist shrunk in her desk as he came to a stop just before us. He wore the same clothing that Blake and the others wore, however it was different somehow. It seemed more… decorated? As in he had jewels adorned into parts of his vest, and the crest on his chest had a helmet added in between the pickaxe and the sword. He produced a gleaming silver badge and smiled.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms Salvos. I’m Stephen, a Platinum Rank adventurer from the Iron Champions Company.”

I blinked and identified him.

[??? - Lvl. ???]

Does he have a Necklace of Obfuscation too? No— I didn’t see anything hanging around his neck. I had a feeling his level was just too high for me to see.

“I had heard about the havoc this Greater Demon had been causing to my home province, so I rushed back as quickly as I could. But it seems I arrived a little too late, since I came back to hear only the singing of praises for the three adventurers that slayed the [Djinn].”

He brought a hand forward with a smile and I stared at it. It took me a moment to remember Edithe’s lesson on Human courtesy and how you should always shake an outstretched hand, but I quickly recovered and took it.

“Hi, I’m Salvos.”

“...I know.”

Stephen’s lips twitched as he brought his hand back after we shook. He gestured at us, then back at the group behind him— adventurers who I assumed were part of his company with Blake.

“I’ve heard many things about you, Ms Salvos. Nothing good, really. That you’re rather brutish and prone to violence, causing trouble in the guild even though you weren’t— and still aren’t— an adventurer. Especially your unpleasant run-ins with some of my… company members.”

He gave Blake a sharp look at the tall adventurer flinched.

“However, I’d like to confirm such things myself: are any of these rumors true? Did you, perhaps, hit my friend  here in a rather demeaning place when you two first met?”

I nodded and replied simply.

“I did.”

Stephen quirked an eyebrow, looking me over.

“And why exactly did you do such a thing?”

“He deserved it, that’s why.”

“Hm, perhaps.”

The Platinum Ranked adventurer turned around, evaluating Blake who blanched at the offhand remark from him. Then he faced me.

“Such things are possible. I do admit that our criteria for accepting new members aren’t very strict. However, I’ve heard other things about you too. For example, you broke into our company building here in Hazelbury and stole a rather important resource to us and distributed it to the public. Is that true?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but Edithe stepped in front of me and brought an arm out.

“Alright, cut it out. What do you want?”

“Hrmph, Ms… Edithe, was it? Gold Rank adventurer from that annoying Valiant Dreamers Company. I take it that that theft was your doing then?”

“So what if it is? Hoarding the location of dangerous Dungeons is not something the guild likes.”

“But it isn’t banned by the guild either, is it not?”

He chuckled as Edithe just glared at him. At this point, Daniel thought to join in.

“Just because it’s allowed, doesn’t mean it’s right.”

“And the knight in shining armor   decides to step in to save his ladies. Tell me, Mister Daniel, how many people do you think you’re fooling with that artifact of yours? Or did you think hiding your level also hides that Necklace of Obfuscation hanging around your neck?”

 Blake’s eyes widened and Daniel clenched his fist.

“Leave us alone. We’re just minding our own business.”

“Ah, but your business is my business, you see?”

Stephen walked around Daniel and Edithe and approached me with a smile. He gestured at me before turning back to the two.

“What you have here is someone special. Someone extremely rare. Or did you think no one noticed how she has doubled her level in the span of two months since she first came here?”

A susurration broke out in the crowd of adventurers watching this scene; Edithe grimaced and Daniel glanced around with a frown. Stephen continued, ignoring either of their reactions.

“Of course, leveling at such speeds is only possible in the lower levels. However, to do so requires a level of risk and talent, something which over 99% of adventurers at even Gold lack. So I’d like to offer this deal to you, Ms Salvos: join the Iron Champions Company, and not only will all your past transgressions to us be forgiven, but you’ll have access to all resources we can offer. Locations of Dungeons, Medium Grade and even High Grade equipment, and even the best mentors anyone can offer. It will all be free, specifically for you, as long as you decide to join our company here and now.”

I stared at the Human man, blinking as he went on.

“It is a generous offer, Ms Salvos. Something we don’t give everyone. We’d be treating you as we would a Platinum Rank, despite you having only just reached Gold. It’d be wise to accept this if you truly wish to reach such high levels in no time. Additionally, if there’s anything you might want, we’ll be able to pool together our vast resources to help you get it. We might not be one of the Honorable Companies, but I’d say we’re getting close to their size.”

“In your dreams. The Iron Champions Company is nowhere near large enough to stand amongst those three—”

“Was I talking to you?”

Stephen spoke over Edithe and gave her a dark look. She flinched, instinctively raising her staff. He did nothing else, turning back to face me.

“So Ms Salvos, what about it? Will you join us?”

I looked at Stephen’s outstretched hand, before directing my gaze over his shoulder. Edithe was chewing her lower lip, and Daniel had nothing to offer me either: both seemed resigned, unable to say anything.

I turned back to the Platinum Rank adventurer. If I join the Iron Champions Company, I’d be able to level faster. And maybe I can make them find a way to reach the Netherworld. There was almost no downside to this offer; everything about it seemed right to me.

So I smiled, raising my hand and accepting the proffered handshake by Stephen. Daniel sighed, and Edithe averted her gaze. Stephen was smirking, while Blake had a look of terror on his face. I opened my mouth—

“No.”

“...pardon?”

Stephen lowered his hand as I brought my hands back to my hips. I spoke again, slower this time.

“I said no.”

“Uh, but you took my hand—”

“Because it’s common courtesy to do so, of course. However, I do not want to join your company.”

The Platinum Ranked adventurer slowly blinked. He sputtered in indignation.

“But why? You have only things to gain from joining us! I am literally offering to give you a VIP treatment that only the closest friends of our founders get. What sane reason could you give to reject such a deal?!”

I shrugged.

“My companions don’t like you, and I don’t like you either. Also, I’d probably have to leave them if I joined your company. I don’t want that.”

He opened his mouth in fury— then slowly closed it. He shook his head, resting his forehead on the palm of his hand.

“I should’ve known you would say this from the way I saw you act. You’re like a child. A petulant, bratty child.”

“I am not a child. I am a Gr—”

Daniel and Edithe snapped their gazes to me. I quickly corrected myself mid word.  

“Grown woman!”

Stephen stared at me as I shook a fist at him. He just sighed.

“Alas, such potential is wasted on a fool such as you. Unfortunate.”

He turned around and began to stalk off. However, he paused right at the edge of earshot distance and craned his neck fractionally to face us.

“You will regret this decision, Ms Salvos. And as for you, Ms Edithe. Your Valiant Dreamers Company will get what’s coming for them. Or did you really think our company will take all your interference in stride?”

Edithe grit her teeth, biting back a reply. Then the Platinum Rank adventurer and his group left the guild hall. And all that was left was silence.

…

“So, uh, how do I sign again?”

3. Weird Human Things

With Daniel’s help, I managed to scribble my name down on the piece of paper the receptionist of the Adventurer’s Guild slid over to me. The hall remained deathly quiet after Stephen left, and there was not even a snicker from the closest adventurers tracking my every move.

I should probably worry about that. What if they try to steal my name? I huddled over my signature as I handed it back to the receptionist.

She looked it over a few times before nodding.

“Alright, you’re all set. We’ll just get your guild badge ready, and you’ll be good to go.”

“Guild badge?”

I cocked my head. The receptionist produced something from behind the counter.

“It’s what we use to identify your Rank. Whether you’re Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond. Elites— those above Level 150— use the same badge as a Diamond, but they’re usually  famous enough that they don’t even need an adventurer’s badge in the first place.”

“And I am…”

I gave her an expectant look. She gestured at the yellow stripes at the edge of the metal badge.

“You’re a Gold Rank.”

“Aw, only?”

My shoulders sagged. I immediately straightened however, remembering that Edithe told me to behave proper.

“Well, I guess I just have to get to Level 70 quickly. That’s what Platinum is, right?”

The receptionist gave me a weird look.

“Uh, yeah.”

I nodded and accepted the badge gratefully. I muttered a ‘thanks’— once again keeping to my proper behavior— and hurriedly turned back to Edithe and Daniel. The two were still distractedly staring after Stephen, even though he had left quite a while ago.

“Look!”

I presented my badge to the two. I had expected them to step back, aghast. Shocked. Blown away by my high Rank despite having just become an adventurer. Neither one batted an eye.

“Ah, you’re finished.”

Edithe commented as she glanced out the door of the guild one last time; I scowled, although she didn’t notice it.

“Well, it’s about time we return to our inns. We’ve had a long day of travel, and after that last encounter, I don’t think I want to be staying around the Adventurers Guild in Hazelbury for the next few days. Or weeks.”

We made our way out of the guild hall, tracked only by the prying eyes of a few curious individuals. I nodded at one, and they all immediately spun away, pretending to be preoccupied with something else. Daniel spoke thoughtfully.

“Yeah, that guy just gives me bad vibes. Think he’ll try something?”

“Not immediately.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think he has something planned but it’s not anytime soon. We’ll just have to wait and see. It’s not like we can do anything about it anyway.”

“Right…”

The Human man trailed off as we came to a stop a few streets away from the Adventurers Guild. He glanced over at me and scratched the back of his head.

“You know, I’m surprised you were so composed throughout that, Salvos.”

I cocked my head, confused. He elaborated.

“I expected you to punch him in the balls or something. Honestly, that would have been quite the sight to see.”

I stepped back and stared at him with wide eyes.

“What? No! Are you serious?”

The two Humans gave me a look as I raised my hands defensively.

“He would’ve killed me. Why would I do such a thing?!”

“Ah…”

“So you do have common sense, huh?”

Edithe remarked with a raised brow.

“It’s a survival sense. I’m not going to fight a Demon a hundred levels above me. I’ll die!”

“Don’t you frequently fight monsters higher leveled than you?”

Daniel looked at me dubiously. I scoffed and crossed my arms.

“Only if it seems like I can beat them. If I attacked every single monster or wild Demon stronger than me, I’d be dead right now— in fact, when those Centinels attacked us in that Silkfall’s Crevice Dungeon, the first thing I did was run!”

Daniel simply shrugged while Edithe laughed.

“It was a joke, Salvos. Don’t take it so seriously.”

“...how does that work? You were saying I’m dumb enough to get myself killed!”

“There is a truth to it. It’s not the whole truth, but an exaggeration of it. That’s how jokes work.”

“Huh.”

I paused, considering this. Jokes— humor. Another curious thing about Humans. I had seen Haec, my companion, laugh once; he found how I acted to be funny. It felt demeaning at the time, but perhaps he didn’t mean it that way. Just like how Edithe and Daniel meant no harm in their words now.

“Anyway, it’s about time we split off. Salvos, you’ll be staying with me again tonight.”

“Wait, why?”

I peered at Edithe, perplexed. She glanced over at Daniel who flushed, although neither exchanged any words. She sighed.

“We don’t want you to have any accidents. You’re still not used to a Human body, and I’d rather you not strip yourself naked or do anything compromising to yourself until you learn how to take care of yourself fully as a Human.”

“I’m not even a Human though. This is just my Mortal Form.  I’m not a real mortal.   I don’t even have to eat or sleep like you two.”

I put in happily; Edithe shook her head.

“But you have at least one Human feature— or well, a pair…   listen,  we’ll have to talk about things eventually. But in private, with just the two of us. For now, you’ll also be staying with me since we’ll be going shopping tomorrow.”

“Shopping?”

“Yes. These clothes you’re wearing are Daniel’s right? They’re still too loose for you. We need to get something that fits you better.”

“Oh, that sounds interesting. Let’s do it!”

—--

“I hate this.”

I scowled as the Human woman— not Edithe— wrapped the tight piece of garment around me. She pulled it back as now Edithe peeked in through the curtains.

“How’s it fit?”

“Oh, dear, it fits perfectly. I don’t know why she hates it.”

“Because it’s too tight!”

I threw my hands up in the air. The woman— a tailor and the owner of the shop we were in— jerked back, not expecting the sudden move.

“Please, keep your hands down. There are many sharp needles here, we wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself on one now do we?”

“They can’t hurt me…”

I murmured under my breath as I grudgingly crossed my arms across my chest; it was not just me saying the opposite of her out of annoyance— I really couldn’t be hurt by such small needles. My [Vitality] was too high for that. Not unless someone else with high [Strength], like Daniel, jammed them onto me. But even then, it would just be a little bit painful and nothing else.

“How about this?”

The tailor lifted up a single frilly piece of clothing and held it over my body. It was not like the clothes Daniel had provided me which had two parts to it— this could cover me entirely by itself. Edithe frowned and placed a hand on her chin.

“It looks good but… I don’t think she’d want that.”

“I think she’d look perfect in a dress.”

“Unfortunately, Salvos is an adventurer. A [Rogue] at that. It’d be inconvenient to wear such restrictive clothing.”

“Oh please, I’ve seen [Rogues] run across rooftops dressed in more restrictive clothing than this.”

“Well… Salvos isn’t your typical [Rogue], alright?”

Edithe gave the tailor a pleading look. The tailor huffed, turning around.

“Fine. We’ll get this lady here some [Rogue] clothes. Although I don’t see why anyone would like those types of clothing. They’re always so dark and broody looking...”

Eventually, the tailor came back with a pair of shirt and pants that fit me better; it was still tight. I preferred Daniel’s loose clothing. But maybe that was because I was used to wearing them. Whatever the case was, I left the shop with Edithe with my shoulders slumped.

“Ugh, this is terrible…”

“Don’t be so down, Salvos. You look good. Stand tall and proud.”

“How can I stand tall and proud when these annoying shoes are so tight?”

I gestured at the brown shoes at my feet. I could barely even move my toes!

“I think it’s a good thing, really. You aren’t running around barefoot any more like some kind of… I don’t know, weird barefoot runner?”

“Then how about these clothes then? They’re like a Giant Spider’s strings! They’re tying me down!”

“Don’t let them tie you down. How can you be caught by some low leveled Giant Spider? You’re Salvos, aren’t you? The Savior of Falisfield!”

The Human woman giggled as I shot her a look.

“Hey! You got that Title too. And I told you, I didn’t accept it.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m still mad that I didn’t get the Title Death of the Destroyer. Technically speaking, I was the one who finished off Lucerna, the Destroyer.”

“But I made the plan.”

“Your plan was just to tie him up by the neck. There was no real substance to it.”

“It worked against the large Demon.”

“Which was Level 6 as you said. Hardly the same thing as a Level 68.”

“Well, uh… it worked, didn’t it?”

“That it did.”

Edithe smiled as she led me down the street into a restaurant. We took a seat at a corner table, and she ordered some food for herself as I gave her a judging look. While waiting for the food to arrive, I finally decided to inquire on what was in my mind.

“Where’s Daniel? I haven’t seen him all day.”

“He’s busy dealing with selling the loot we got from Silvergrove. Remember when the city let us pick out from that pile of items? We can’t use everything we picked out, but we can certainly sell them.”

After we saved the city from Lucerna, they threw a feast— which I didn’t attend because of how disgusted I was by it… also because I was evolving— to celebrate. They gave us a lot of rewards, but there honestly wasn’t anything of use for me. The only thing I had wanted was my Spear of Flames that Lucerna stole back, however it had dissipated shortly after we killed him because it had run out of mana from overuse.

I was still kind of upset about that.

A Human woman came back with some food, placing the food at the table. I pushed the ones closest to me away towards Edithe; she watched me do it with a smile.

“You really hate food, huh?”

“It’s just so weird. What do you even do with it?”

“We eat it for energy. It helps us survive.”

“That makes no sense.”

Edithe shrugged, leaning back on her chair as she took a bite of meat.

“You’re a Demon, not a mortal like us. So you wouldn’t know. But try it, at least. It’s delicious.”

I hesitated, eyeing the steak she was eating; I slowly reached out, grabbing the fork and quickly put a piece of it into my mouth. I immediately grimaced and spit it out.

“Gross!”

Edithe stood up.

“Salvos! Don’t do that!”

“But it’s disgusting!”

“You—”  

The Human woman cut herself off and sat back down. She softened her gaze as she faced me, speaking slower this time.

“You can’t just spit something out because you think it’s disgusting.”

“Why not?”

I cocked my head. She hesitated, chewing her lower lip for a moment before she continued.

“Because… people will then think you’re disgusting. You don’t want that, right? To be like food to you.”

I found myself nodding as she explained the logic to me; it made other Humans think lowly of you— which might not seem like it mattered, but it did if I wanted to pretend to be a Human well. After Edithe finished her explanation, she quickly added that I shouldn’t take off my clothes in front of Human men too.

Then she quickly changed subjects.

“Still, Salvos, I think you have to learn to pretend to eat. It’s not really normal for a Human— or any species for that matter, be it the Elves, Cyclops, Dwarves, or even Kobolds— to go without eating. Well, there are rumors that at the higher levels you can forego food. And great [Mages] can learn spells to feed themselves without meat. But still… you’re only Level 40.”

“I’m only Level 40 right now.”

I corrected her. She waved a hand dismissively.

“Doesn’t change the fact that you’re Level 40, and if you’re around other people, they’ll think you’re weird for not eating.”

I considered this for a moment.

“Wait, why would I be around other—”

“Hey.”

A voice interrupted me. Edithe and I glanced up as two men approached our table. The first one— the one that spoke— smiled and put out a hand.

“Would you ladies mind if we joined you?”

4. Emotions and Stuff

“Would you ladies mind if we joined you?”

A tall, lanky man asked as his shorter, more rotund companion followed behind him. Edithe glanced up at them, not even batting an eyelash.

“Apologies, but we are rather preoccupied with ourselves.”

“Oh, come on. I see that you’re both adventurers too. Can’t you spare some time for us fine gentlemen?”

I narrowed my eyes. Adventurers? I quickly identified them.

[Mage - Lvl. 27]

[Archer - Lvl. 24]

I blinked. ‘Too’...? What do they mean by ‘too’...? They’re so weak! I opened my mouth and raised a finger, but Edithe stopped me. She gave me a telling smile before simply shaking her head at them.

“Unfortunately, we are busy. ”

“Let your lady friend speak— what do you say?”

He turned to me, ignoring the red haired woman as her smile disappeared off her face. He leaned closer to me.

“If you can convince your friend to join us, we’ll treat you both to a fancy restaurant not in this dull part of Hazelbury. Just give us a chance.”

He spoke with a wink and a grin, holding out a hand. I cocked my head.

“Huh?”

“There’s no need to be coy with us. We have the gold, don’t worry.”

“No. I don’t get what you’re saying at all.”

The man blinked.

“Uh, excuse me?”

I nodded, standing up.

“How are you going to ‘treat’ us to a restaurant? Don’t you eat in a restaurant, not get eaten by the restaurant? Plus, you’re both low leveled. Even if you try to force feed us to a restaurant, we won’t let you.”

I raised a hand menacingly.

“Not without a fight.”

He stared at me. Edithe smacked her forehead. The man turned to his shorter companion.

“What is she on about?”

“I don’t know man. We should just leave. I told you it’s not worth it.”

“But look at them, how can you pass up this chance?”

The lanky man looked back over to me. He reached out and lowered my hand, tugging me with him.

“It’ll just be a quick meal. We can find a place to stay after if you want—”

Edithe finally stood up. She placed a hand on the table quickly but gently, fixating them with a gaze that slowly turned to a glare.

“Excuse me, boys— no, not gentlemen, because gentlemen introduce themselves first— my friend and I are not in the mood to deal with either of you. I’ve tried turning you down nicely, but now I will have to ask you to leave.”

“Oh, how scary. I like my women strong.”

“You should be scared of Salvos, not me.”

He blinked.

“Wait, isn’t that—”

I punched the man in the nether region. He screamed— it was a high pitched scream, losing all of the deepness to his voice. He doubled over, letting go of my right hand. I grabbed his arm before it could fall limply to the ground and pulled him up into the air.

He hovered there for a moment, before I slammed back down to the table.

The lanky man groaned on the now splintered wood, with food and drinks covering him. Heads snapped to us and his companion stepped back. I turned to the other man.

“You want to try it too, huh? I will not let you treat me to a restaurant!”

“H-h-what?”

He paused for a second to give me a confused look, then the sound of a food slopping to his companion’s face drew his attention. He stared at the state of his companion then me.

He ran.

Other Humans in the room turned to stare at us. An angry man burst out of the back, screaming and yelling at me.

“What is going on?! Someone call the guards!”

A person scrambled for the door, shouting for the Human guardsmen attention. A patrol of armed men and women came in, weapons drawn and aimed at me as I tensed. Then the man leading them paused.

“Aren’t you… the Savior of Falisfield? The one who slew the Destroyer?”

I eyed his weapon, lowering my hands slowly.

“Yes.”

“Why would you attack a random Silver?”

I shrugged as the lanky man groaned on the floor, wiping the sludge of disgusting food off his head.

“He wanted to feed me to a building!”

Edithe burst out laughing.

—--

“So how did you think a restaurant was going to eat you?”

“I don’t know— it could be a building monster? A wild building? No one ever told me that rocks can attack you, but they can!”

“That’s a fair point, I guess.”

Edithe chuckled, wiping tears out of her eyes. She had explained the situation to the guards, telling them that the two Human men were ‘harassing’ us. However, due to my overreaction we were fined quite a bit of money— two gold coins.

I wasn’t sure how much that was worth, but it was apparently worth a lot.

“I probably should have stopped you, to be honest. I feel a little bit bad. But I just wanted to see what you would do and how you would react.”

“And you found it humorous?”

“It’s nice seeing assholes get what they deserve. Sure, he was only ‘bothering’ us. However, we’re both over 10 levels above him. Imagine if it was two poor Level 15 adventurers here— what would he have done?”

I thought about it for a moment, then shrugged.

“I don’t care.”

“Well, let’s just say he’d have been more insistent.  So I’m glad I let you have at him.”

The two of us strolled down the streets of Hazelbury; she was still hungry— having not had enough to eat. We stopped by a small wooden box and she bought some food on sticks from the man inside of it.

“These market street vendors are always so good. Do you want some?”

She grabbed a chicken wing and scrunched into it, gesturing at another one still on the stick. I grimaced.

“You eat a lot.”

“Hey, are you calling me fat?”

Edithe laughed and I cocked my head. She waved a hand off.

“And before you take me literally and say ‘no I am not’,  it was a joke.”

“Huh.”

The red haired woman continued chewing into her food as we just walked and talked.

“These are good, but honestly they can’t compare to the street food you can find in a Cyclops city. Those are phenomenal.”

“A… Cyclops city?”

“Well, I say cities, but they’re more like small settlements? Only the coastal ones even get as big as Hazelbury. Cyclops don’t live in very dense populations. And to add to it, many of them travel and leave their homes.”

She turned her gaze up, sighing wistfully.

“I was in Ajih— one of their bigger cities. I had these squishy white things on sticks. They called it fishballs, I think. You should try it— and with the sauce too. It was so delicious.”

I grimaced, imagining the thought of biting a small white rock with some black ooze over it. No— never. Edithe just smiled at my reaction.

—--

“What are we even doing, anyway?”

I turned to her half an hour later. We were now passing by street merchants— [Traders]— people selling their wares and goods, shouting and clamoring to be heard over all the noise.

“What do you mean?”

The Human glanced back at me, holding a necklace up around her neck.

“Does this look good?”

“That looks like a red rock wrapped in metal.”

“It’s a ruby pendant. But do you like the way it matches my hair?”

Edithe raised the jewel up slightly, putting it just next to her fiery locks. I nodded slowly.

“I… yes. I think it looks kind of… nice?”

I wasn’t really sure how to articulate it, however I thought it was pleasing to the eye. She grinned, turning back to the merchant.

“I’ll take it.”

She returned to me moments later and looked at me inquisitively.

“So, what were you saying again, Salvos?”

“What are we doing? We’ve just been walking around doing… nothing.”

“What do you mean? We are doing something.”

“Which is?”

“Relaxing. Spending a girl’s day out.”

Edithe paused as I cocked my head, confused. She averted her gaze slightly.

“Plus, I’ve got to teach you a few things about being a girl.”

—--

“Guys like those two earlier are quite common. Many men think that just because we’re women, they can push us around. You can’t let them do that.”

“Of course— if they push me, I’ll punch them back!”

“No. Not that kind of pushing. It’s the kind where they make you do what they want to do. You’ve got to stand your ground and do what you want instead.”

I cocked my head.

“Huh.”

She sighed.

“I can see how this is kind of confusing for you. Of course it is. But you’ve got to know how to protect yourself as a girl. Not as an adventurer and not as a fighter. As a Human woman.”

“But I’m not a Human woman.”

“Still, I’d rather you not do something stupid or something you’ll regret in the future. You probably won’t ever care for it— this is more for my own conscience, I guess.”

Edithe mused to herself as we sat on the edge of a fountain. I could feel some light droplets trickling onto my face from the constant splashing of the water. Nodding, I smiled.

“I think I can understand what you’re saying. It’s like Lucerna— when I met him, he was trying to make Haec and I do what he wanted us to do. He didn’t care for what we wanted at all!”

“That’s… not exactly right. But close enough.”

She giggled. Not annoyed, not angry. She seemed happy— she was enjoying herself. I looked at this and… I felt my lips curling up. I found myself laughing with her, not really sure what she found so humorous or entertaining, but finding it nonetheless.

After a moment longer of just staying there, relaxing, Edithe spoke up.

“So, Salvos, what will you be doing?”

“What will I be doing?”

“Yes. You can’t really get to where you want to go for the foreseeable future. So, what now?”

I didn’t even think to respond.

“I’ll level, of course.”

Edithe shook her head, muttering under her breath.

“I don’t know why I expected anything else.”

I grinned and she chuckled.

“Well, if you really do want to level, there’s still the Silkfall’s Crevice Dungeon. It’s not that far, and it’s a place you already know. It won’t be too dangerous for you, plus it's still a good place for you to earn levels.”

I nodded slowly as she continued.

“I’ve spoken around. Talked to adventurers. It seems like that while not a lot of adventurers are swarming to tackle this newfound Dungeon, a few high Silvers are trying their luck. You could probably team up with them if it gets too dangerous.”

I raised my head up and down— and stopped.

“But why would I team up with them when I’m with you, Daniel, Mistshard, and Druma?”

The Human woman sighed. She looked over at me as her gaze shadowed over. She chewed her lip hesitantly, but eventually spoke out.

“Salvos… I’ll be leaving in a few days.”

“Leaving?”

I cocked my head.

“To return to my company. The Valiant Dreamers. I’ve already accomplished what I was sent here to do by them— and more. But now, with the Iron Champions Company threatening us— or at least, Stephen did— I need to go back. Tell them about what happened with him. Just in case the company really tries something.”

I stared at her, not really processing what she was saying.

“I wasn’t really sure how to tell you this. Honestly, telling it to Daniel was pretty easy. We’re both adventurers, so he simply took it as it is. But you? I wasn’t sure how you’d react.”

“Wait— but why?”

I blurted out, mind racing. She’s leaving? Aren’t we companions? Why does she have to go?

“Why can’t you stay?”

“I told you. I’m needed back home. And my team… is dead. I have to go back. Talk to their families. Their friends. And we need to grieve. Together.”

I opened my mouth and Edithe hugged me. I flinched, reflexively reaching out to push her back. Then I stopped, slowly embracing her.

“I’m sorry, Salvos. I know it’s sudden. And I know you wouldn’t want to come with me. It’s more weird Human stuff you can’t possibly understand. But I have to go. Return home.”

“Let me follow you!”

I sputtered, not even knowing what I was saying. Edithe cocked her head.

“Are you sure about that? It’ll be full of boring Human stuff. We won’t be fighting, or leveling, or doing anything in particular. There’ll be lots of sleeping and lots of eating. I don’t think you’d like that.”

“I… uh, nevermind.”

I slowly deflated. She sighed, grinning.

“Thought so.”

Slowly, the Human woman let go of me. I spoke up first.

“I… good luck.”

Edithe blinked. I hesitated, but managed to continue.

“Going back… it’s tough. Takes a long time. So, good luck.”

She looked at me, perplexed. Then her eyes widened, and a reassuring smile formed on her face.

“It’s not like your whole ordeal. It’s very simple. I’ll be back in less than a month, don’t worry.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. I’m more worried about you anyway. Just focus on yourself. Don’t jump into a Lair of Centinels because you think you can take them all. If there’s a Level 70 or 100 Centinel— they can get dangerous.”

I lifted an arm up.

“I’ll only do it if I know I can take them.”

“That does not inspire any confidence in me, but I do trust you. So I’ll take your word for it.”

I smiled. But I still felt uneasy.

“When will I see you again?”

“Whenever you want, Salvos. Just come visit me at the Valiant Dreamers headquarters at Viechester. It’s a large city west of here in the Sunmere Republic— not the Capital, since that’s where the Rising Veterans are located.”

“The Sunmere Republic?”

“Yes. Salvos— you’ve only been in the Mortal Realm for a few months. And you’ve mostly stayed around Falisfield. But this place is much bigger than you can imagine. Go explore it, and find a way back to your friend. We’ll meet again in the future, I promise.”

I nodded, looking at the red haired woman one more time. She had the pendant she bought around her neck— and it really did suit her. She shook her head and chuckled.

“Anyway, that’s enough of that for now. It’s not like I’ll be leaving immediately. It’s still a few days. I need to go to the temple and send a relay message back first…”

—--

And yet, a few days came quickly. It passed like the wind carried by the breeze— not like an unmoving, static rock. It came and went, and so did Edithe.

Daniel and I bade her farewell. She left through the gates of Hazelbury with Mistshard by her side. I had already spoken to Druma— the [Yaksha] hadn’t evolved yet, but he was close. I hoped he would be a Greater Spirit the next time I saw him.

And as for [Elemental]— she nodded my way and I nodded back. That was more than enough for the two of us.

I watched as Edithe’s figure disappeared as the night did with the sunrise; she waved at us on the back of a horse, until she was no longer in view. I stayed there by the gates until it was noon, and Daniel returned to usher me away.

“She’s gone, Salvos. Come on, let’s go.”

“For now.”

I spoke softly, following the Human man as he led me away from the city gates and the staring guards.

“But I’ll meet her again. Just like how I’ll meet Haec again. I know it.”

5. Gold Rank

“Absolutely not!”

“But why?”

I stared at the Human man as he vehemently refused me; he stamped his foot to the ground, not budging even as I gave him a pleading look.

“The last time we went to the Dungeon, I almost died— multiple times. And then again with Lucerna.”

“And?”

I stared at him, blank faced. Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples.

“I need a break. I can’t deal with fighting and almost dying on a daily basis. Besides, you had already gotten your evolution, but I still haven’t got my Class advancement. I just have a little bit more to go— I was thinking of doing simple, easy jobs around Hazelbury until I become Gold Ranked.”

I narrowed my eyes, trying to identify him. Nope, only Level 30 to me. He was still hiding his levels— although I had no idea why he would even do that at this point. Most people knew he was one of the ones involved in saving Silvergrove. So why pretend he was weaker than he actually was?

“Well if you have only a little bit more to go, let’s go to the Silkfall’s Crevice Dungeon then! You’ll hit 40 in no time!”

“I just told you—”

He shook his head.

“Listen, Salvos, if I go with you to the Dungeon, I won’t be able to research more about Demons and the Netherworld. I know you’re excited to fight and level, but if you and I are both out there, how will you ever go back?”

“Uh…”

I tilted my head back.

“I’ll… summon Haec here instead?”

“He doesn’t have a summoning collar.”

Daniel spoke simply. I grimaced. Right, I told him that, didn’t I? I threw my hands up in the air.

“Then I’ll summon another Demon here and steal their collar!”

I nodded affirmatively to myself. That’ll work. I can just take two of those collars and put one on. Then I’ll go back and give Haec the other collar. We’ll be able to come and go from the Mortal Realm whenever we want together! I thought it was a good plan. Daniel however, wasn’t as enthused about it as me.

“That’s not a bad idea, but the problem remains: how are you going to do that if you don’t even know how a Demon summoning ritual works?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

“Exactly.”

“Fine.”

I scowled, crossing my arms.

“If you don’t want to go with me, then stay here! But you better not be gone when I come back, alright?”

“I’m not going anywhere— I did promise you I’ll help you, remember?”

“First Haec, then Edithe. And now you too. All my companions keep leaving me!”

I murmured under my breath as I turned to leave. Daniel watched me go. Just as I reached the door however, he called out.

“It’s something you’ll have to learn, Salvos. People come and go— even if you don’t want them to leave.”

I turned around, eyeing the Human man standing there. His gaze was longing— facing something that wasn’t there. I jabbed a finger in his direction.

“Well too bad for you, I’ll be leaving you behind! I’ll be Level 100 when I come back next month!”

“...that’s not going to happen.”

“We’ll see.”

I grinned and threw the door to our room open. I was staying with him once again ever since Edithe left; although she made sure to tell me a list of things I should and shouldn’t do in front of him. And for whatever reason, Daniel profusely begged me to listen to her instructions with utmost care.

But now, I didn’t have to worry about that any longer. Because I was not going to see him as well— for a little bit. It was only until I returned from the Dungeon, satisfied with whatever gains I could get from it. That was one of two reasons for my insistence to go.

The other reason was… well, it was what impelled me to want to go now.

Skills:

[Available Skill Points: 4]

[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 5

[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Flame Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 2

[Self Haste] - Lvl. 3

[Passive - Blue Flames] - Lvl. 5

[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1

[Unused Skill Slot] x2

[Charge of Embers]. [Fiery Hail]. [Ignition]. [Passive - Deadly Instincts].

Let’s test out my new Skills!

—--

I ran down the streets of Hazelbury, dodging and weaving through the crowd of Humans that filled it. There were gasps, there were curses, and there were shouts. But I ignored them, and eventually reached the gates of the city. Too bad for you! I need to get used to moving in these clothes!

I dashed past the group of onlooking guards stationed there; a few of them called out to me, recognizing me from when I fought alongside them to protect the city from the hordes of monsters that came after Lucerna attacked. Well, they recognized my cloak billowing behind me. It was dark— black. Not that notable. However, I was certain my speed and level was.

“Ho, Salvos! Good luck on your journey!”

“Off to save another town in danger, eh?”

I simply nodded back at them, feeling my boots impact the ground with a thudding sound. It was uncomfortable— restrictive. But I would get used to it. Like I got used to wading through the ocean of rocks in the Netherworld.

I continued speeding past travelers, [Traders], and other Humans on horseback as they came for or left the city of Hazelbury. I was supposed to be heading to Silkfall’s Crevice, which was… from what Daniel told me, in the mountain right next to Bouldergarde. Unfortunately, I didn’t know where Bouldergarde was.

“Hey!”

I stopped right in front of a family of three.

“Wha—”

The father jumped as the mother stepped protectively in front of the child.

“What do you want?”

“Wait, don’t I know you?”

I squinted, forgetting my question for a moment. Then I shrugged.

“Actually, nevermind. Do you know the way to Bouldergarde?”

The father blinked.

“Uh, yes. It’s on the other side of Falisfield. About… 50 miles?”

He pointed in a vague direction. I nodded.

“Thanks!”

“Wait, before you go you’re a Gold Ranked adventurer, aren’t you?”

I paused mid step and turned back to them, brightening.

“How did you know?”

“Oh, uh, because you’re Level 40. So I just assumed you were.”

I grinned at them and pointed a finger back at myself.

“Well, I am Gold Rank. My name is Salvos, nice to meet you!”

“Salvos— as in one of the three adventurers who defeated that ghastly fiend rampaging through the country?”

I nodded excitedly. The child’s eyes widened, staring at me in amazement. I felt my lips curl up as she pulled away from her mother and up to me.

“You’re the one that saved us!”

“I am?”

“Yes! That scary Demon was attacking our city, and you defeated it!”

The mother walked up to the child, pulling her back slightly away from me.  

“Now, don’t be rude. But yes, we couldn’t evacuate in time because it was all so sudden. And we heard you fighting. We weren’t there when you beat it, but we were close. We only came out when we heard the cheers— then we knew it was over.”

The father nodded, bowing his head slightly.

“Thank you, for saving us.”

I grinned.

“Of course!”

I wanted him to continue praising me, however his face turned serious.

“I’m sorry to ask you for so much, even after all you’ve done for us, but we spotted another Demon— a Greater Demon, just like the last one— somewhere between Silvergrove and Hazelbury. We went back to Silvergrove to report it, and they sent out an alert. If you see it, please, don’t let another disaster happen again.”

“Please, Ms Salvos.”

The girl tugged at my arm. I cocked my head. Another Greater Demon? Why would I attack one for no reason? But… since they’re asking me to.

“Sure!”

Then maybe I could steal his or her collar and use it to go back. It would save me some time. I stood there, chatting with the family for a while longer, until I noticed that the sun was now high up in the sky.

“Oh! It’s noon! I have to go now. I’d like to get to Bouldergarde before it’s dark.”

I started to leave. Don’t want to get lost. Everything looks the same when there’s no light! I thought to myself. The father smiled and waved at me.

“Thank you, again. And for spending the time to talk with us. Stay safe, and good luck on your journey!”

I waved back, now resuming my run to Bouldergarde. A while later, I realized I forgot where the father said the city was and that I was lost.

—--

“Hey, is that Bouldergarde?”

I called out to a group of [Traders] as they passed me on the road. I pointed at the city in the distance, and they turned to face it.

“Nope, sorry Miss. This is Silvergrove.”

“Silver...grove?!”

I stared at him, aghast. Isn’t that on the other side of Falisfield?! I sighed, looking over at the sun as it made its way down the sky, on its way to the horizon.

“Do you know which road takes me to Bouldergarde?”

I looked at the [Traders] pleadingly. One of them nodded and handed me a map.

“You just got to follow these lines here. It’ll take you straight to the city.”

“I see… thanks!”

I was about to continue on my way when another [Trader] spoke out.

“Actually Miss, you’re a Gold Rank adventurer, aren’t you?”

“Yep! I’m Salvos.”

“Salvos? Oh, you’re the one who killed that [Djinn] that attacked Silvergrove. We just heard a lot about you, you see.”

“Really? People are talking about me?”

I perked up, thinking about what they could be saying. The [Trader] however, interrupted my imagination.

“They were. You know, it’s still kind of dangerous around these parts. We hear talks about more Demons. Tell you what— you don’t need to pay for the map if you just help escort us to Cliffglen.”

I wrinkled a brow.

“...pay you? Escort you?”

“The map would’ve cost 8 silver. It’s quite detailed. But if you just come with us for a little bit, we’ll give it to you for free.”

“I…”

I hesitated, glancing down at where Bouldergarde was marked on the map. Then I looked back up at the [Traders]. I can just run away. They won’t be able to catch me. But no— Edithe told me that stealing should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. It would make me get in trouble, which could cascade into me getting in trouble for being a Demon and dying to a lot of angry Humans.

The [Trader] continued.

“It’s not that far, just to the next town over. Promise!”

I sighed.

“Sure.”

—--

“Is this Bouldergarde?!”

I came to a stop right in front of a man dressed in armor. He looked like a city guard, although they weren’t as well equipped as the ones in Hazelbury were. He jerked, straightening when I appeared and rubbing his eyes.

“Hu— what? Oh this? Yeah, this is Bouldergarde. What do you want? Passing through or looking to stay in the city?”

“Oh, finally! And neither of those. I just want to go to the Dungeon.”

“The Dungeon— you mean the new one? Silkfall’s Crevice? It’s right up that hill over there.”

The guard pointed at the lumbering mountain in the distance, plastered over the dark sky. A road went up the slope, leading to a small crest before it continued further up.

“But are you sure you want to go there? It’s a Gold Rank Dungeon, Miss. It’s not a place for someone like you—”

His eyes widened as he pointed at me.

“Wait, Level 40? You’re a Gold Rank adventurer?!”

I looked at him— then at the direction of the Dungeon. I smiled back his way.

“Nope!”

“But you’re Level 40, aren’t you? And you’re going to the Dungeon! If you could—”

“Nope!”  

I spoke over the man, still smiling. The man blinked, slowly lowering his arm.

“I… uh, see. I must be mistaken.”

“You are!”

I helpfully added. The man shyly scratched the back of his head.

“Well, uh, good luck with the Dungeon, I guess.”

“Thanks!”

I waved at him once, then spun around and dashed up the road. I found myself standing on flat ground quickly enough, and broke off from the road in the direction of where I remembered the Dungeon to be. But it was night now. The sun had set. And I realized… I was lost again.

That was, until I saw the smoke rising in the distance. Bright light shone and illuminated the night sky from below. I felt relief was through me as I saw what it was. A camp— a large one, with a few dozen Humans. But it was not just located at any random part of the hill.

It was right next to Silkfall’’s Crevice.

Finally, I’m here.

6. New and Familiar

I strolled into the camp set up around the large crack running through the ground that was the Dungeon. It was Silkfall’s Crevice. A Gold Rank Dungeon. And here were the adventurers who dared to challenge it.

Dozens of rugged, tough Humans clumped together in their own small grounds, around their own campfires, and feasting on their own food. But they were all here for the same reason— the same goal. They were the only ones who had the gall, who had the courage, who had the strength to face the threats inside the Dungeon…

Why is everyone so weak?!

[Warrior - Lvl. 24]

[Mage - Lvl. 29]

[Warrior - Lvl. 21]

[Rogue - Lvl. 30]

[Archer - Lvl. 19]

…

I stared at those who have gathered here, and I found myself especially unimpressed. Isn’t this a Gold Rank Dungeon? Aren’t these Humans Silvers? I thought for a moment. Then I remembered how I had only been around Level 20 when I first entered Silkfall’s Crevice. Maybe they’re strong, we’ll see.

It was not like levels or power really even mattered to me; I was here to test out my new Skills, and gain some levels while I was at it. It was exciting— I couldn’t wait to jump straight into the Dungeon. In fact, I waltzed past all the adventurers, ignoring the closest faces that turned to identify me before hurriedly whispering to their teammates.

I stopped just before the hole in the ground, about to jump in. Isn’t that dangerous? I thought for a moment. Then I shrugged. I’ll just climb then. I stepped forward—

“Oi!”

A loud, booming voice called out to me. I whirled around and saw a group of three approach me. I cocked my head as they approached, led by a bulky man at the fore.

The man leading them was not a Human. He had dark green skin and no hair, with four thick arms and two legs. His large jaw bit over his upper lip, revealing two sharp teeth protruding from his mouth. I narrowed my eyes as he turned a single eye towards me. He’s… a Cyclops.

He looked me over as I identified him and his two companions.

[Warrior - Lvl. 51]

[Mage - Lvl. 46]

[Archer - Lvl. 47]

The [Mage] and the [Archer] were both Humans— one was a man, the other a woman. These adventurers were Gold Rank. The first ones I had ever seen outside of Edithe.

The Cyclops loomed over me, his two companions standing behind him with their arms folded. They focused their calculating gaze over me— as if they were trying to pry me open with their eyes open.

I took a single step back, readying a clawed hand, only to realize I had no claws. Would a [Fire Strike] work that well as a punch? I wasn’t entirely sure. And that's what I came here to find out. I just hadn’t expected it to happen even before I entered the Dungeon.

The tall, one-eyed man folded his arm and released a loud grunt. He opened his mouth as I tensed… and spoke softly.

“I apologize for that. I didn’t mean to shout and scare you. I just panicked when I saw what you were doing.”

His voice was gentle— almost like how I imagined a delicate flower would sound like. If I could hold his voice, I was sure I would snap it in half by accident.

“What was I doing?”

I gave him an inquisitive look. Panic? Why would he panic? He didn’t elaborate, however, instead giving me a wide, crooked smile.

“Miss— if I may call you that— I see that you’re a Gold Rank adventurer. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors of Silkfall’s Crevice not actually being a Gold Rank Dungeon, with its threat level being blown out of proportion. But I can assure you that it is dangerous down there. If you were hoping to scout ahead of your team, I suggest you wait for them. And if you don’t have a team and were hoping to level by yourself…”

He turned back to his two companions and nodded at them. The Human woman nodded back, but the Human man had his arm crossed across his chest with his staff in hand and refused to meet the gaze of the Cyclops.

“I have a spot in my team open. It’ll mean that we’ll have to split our experience even more than before, but I’d rather you not go down there by yourself and get hurt.”

I blinked.

“But I won’t get hurt.”

The Cyclops frowned, rubbing his chin.

“That’s very unlikely—”

“Hah.”

The Human man scoffed, shaking his head. He glanced over at the Cyclops then at the [Mage].

“I told you two we shouldn’t have said anything. It’s just another newbie Gold who thinks they can take anything now that they’re Level 40. I say just leave her. Let her learn the lesson that hard way.”

“Lesson?”

I gave him a confused look. The Human man sneered.

“Of course. The lesson that every arrogant Silver gets when they first get their Gold badge— that being Gold doesn’t mean shit. You may be stronger than a majority of adventurers, but you’re still weaker than 90% of the monsters out there.”

“Zack!”

The Human woman looked at him, horrified. He shrugged.

“What? It’s true. Let her go down there and get herself killed. If she’s lucky, she might only get maimed and lose an arm.”

“But that doesn’t mean you had to say anything!”

“Jaakko’s wasting his time if he thinks this conversation would go any different than it did with that team of high Silvers that went down there alone last week. They should’ve cooperated with the other teams and formed an expedition— but no. They were almost Gold, and this was their chance at glory. See where they’re at now.”

The Cyclops, Jaakko, frowned and rubbed his chin. He looked at Zack, choosing not to speak sharply, but to keep his cool voice from before.

“I understand your concerns… but that is no reason to disrespect the dead, or disrespect this young lady to her face.”

He turned back to me and bowed his head.

“I apologize for my teammate’s harsh words. But please, I urge you to consider working with us. It would only benefit the both of us.”

Zack snorted.

“She’s not going to change her mind—”

“Sure!”

I piped up cheerfully. The Human man blinked.

“Uh, what?”

I continued as he gave me a blank gaze.

“I’ve never met a Cyclops before, and you three are kind of interesting. I don’t mind going with you down to the Dungeon.”

 Jaakko sighed, placing a hand on his chest in relief. Zack continued blinking as the Human woman smiled my way.

“See? Maybe if you weren’t such a jerk all the time, things wouldn’t be so difficult.”

“I… but…”

He turned to her.

“Helen, you didn’t actually think she would change her mind so easily, did you? Noone ever does that!”

“Only because you can’t keep your mouth shut.”

“But she told us she would go down there and not get hurt!”

“But I won’t get hurt.”

I spoke simply, interrupting the two. They paused, turning to me with a confused look. Even Jaakko blinked this time— his single eye closing and opening slower than a Human’s would.

“What?”

“Look at that— she still thinks this Dungeon isn’t dangerous!”

“It is dangerous.”

I nodded.

“But for you. Not for me. So if you want to join me, let’s go. Because we’re going down there right now.”

…

“Ok, I changed my mind. She isn’t just some arrogant new Gold Rank. She’s just stupid or insane.”

—--

Now entering [Dungeon: Silkfall’s Crevice].

I hopped off the ladder and landed on solid ground, followed right after by the three adventurers I had just met. The Human man, Zack, was the last one to come down. He walked right past me, ignoring me and murmuring under his breath.

“This is so stupid. Why do we have to go in now at this hour? We already spent four hours down here this afternoon...”

I cocked my head. Why would you even go back up? I thought, not understanding his complaints. I initially was under the impression that none of the adventurers above had ventured into the Dungeon yet, but apparently they all had gone in at least once. It was just that they went in very quickly and went out.

“Don’t mind him. He’s just grumpy because he didn’t get enough sleep last night.”

A female voice spoke out. I turned and saw the [Archer] standing there, her bow already out. She smiled at me, proffering a hand.

“Helen. Sorry we didn’t get to properly introduce ourselves.”

I smiled back.

“It’s fine. I’m Salvos.”

“Salvos? Hm, I could’ve sworn I’ve heard that name before. Oh well, that jerk [Mage] over there is Zack. And our team leader here is Jaakko, as I’m sure you’ve already surmised.”

“Greetings.”

Jaakko nodded my way. Meanwhile, Zack was off in the distance, flipping through the pages of a book and mumbling to himself. Helen sighed.

“Anyway, I hope we didn’t come off as too imposing earlier. Jaakko is usually very reserved and cool headed— which is why he’s our leader— but

“So… you three are Gold Ranks?”

I looked over at them curiously. Then I focused on the large green man.

“And you're a Cyclops.”

“Indeed.”

“This is the first time I’ve seen a Cyclops. In fact, I only heard about your kind a week ago.”

Jaakko wrinkled a brow.

“My kind may not be as common as you Humans, especially here in the eastern part of the continent where Humans are plentiful. But we do travel around. I am surprised to hear that you’ve never even heard of us until recently.”

I nodded eagerly. I peered at him, leaning closer.

“I have a lot of questions. I know nothing about Cyclops’ at all!”

“Are we going in or what?”

Zack called back to us, standing at the sole tunnel leading further down the Dungeon; Helen sighed and shook her head.

“Yes, we are. Come on, let’s walk and talk so he doesn’t get agitated any further.”

The four of us started making our way through Silkfall’s Crevice— the dim hallway illuminated by the torch Jaakko was carrying. I had offered to create a fire, but they told me to save my mana.

“So, do you guys need to eat? Do you need to sleep? Do you have Classes as well or something else?”

I began listing off the questions in my head as we walked through the familiar Dungeon; I had been here before, and I was expecting to see a fork in the tunnel soon.

“That is… a lot of questions all at once. But unfortunately, I only have a simple answer to all of them: yes.”

“Yes?”

I cocked my head.

“Indeed. Us Cyclops’ are no different from you Humans. I apologize that I cannot give you a more interesting response.”

“Aw… it’s fine. I was just curious.”

If he had a Subspecies instead of a Class, I wanted to press him more to learn about how exactly it actually worked; being around Humans for so long, I learned that there was quite a detailed understanding on how Classes and their advancements functioned.

I had other questions for him. However, before I could ask them, Zack— who had been walking ahead— halted. He raised a hand and backed up.

“Wait— look! Our barricade’s been breached.”

I glanced over at what he was pointing at— down the hallway, there was a split just as I had expected. One of the tunnels led further down the Dungeon, while the other was a straight line to the Lair of Giant Spiders. Built in front of the tunnel leading to the Lair were wood and stone, now smashed and broken into pieces. Helen cursed.

“Damn. Think the Centinels did it?”

“It must have been. Giant Spiders are very territorial. They wouldn’t just break a barrier for their Lair without a reason. Either some Centinels forced a group of them to flee, or the Centinels themselves destroyed it.”

I inspected the damage done to the wood and stone now lying on the ground; it hadn’t been smashed past— or rather, it hadn’t just been smashed through. It was cut up then it was burrowed through.

“The Centinels definitely did this.”

I spoke up simply. The [Mage] turned back and frowned.

“And how would you know that?”

“Because Centinels have a hundred sharp legs while Giant Spiders have blunt, thick legs. It doesn’t matter that they didn’t destroy it though. It’s been opened and now they’re coming.”

I pointed into the tunnel as dozens of red eyes appeared in the darkness. The quick sounds of skittering filled the moist air as suddenly, a swarm of Giant Spiders came rushing down at us. Helen, Jaakko, and Zack immediately backed up and raised their weapons.

The Cyclops quickly spat out orders.

“Helen, use your Explosive Bolts before they get close! Zack, form a partial barrier to funnel them through. I will focus on the stronger ones that reach us.”

“Got it!”

Helen grabbed three arrows and nocked it onto her bow immediately. Zack raised his book and aimed a finger at the earth just ahead as the first Giant Spider reached us..

“Fuck! I knew we shouldn’t have come here—”

I rushed the monster as my entire body lit up, blazing with an intense blue flame that raged around me.

Defeated [Drop Spider - Lvl. 43]!

Experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!

I got up and off the first dead Giant Spider as the three adventurers stared. I looked down at the dissipating flames and grinned.

“So, that’s what [Charge of Embers] does, huh? Not bad. Kind of like if [Double Step] was combined with [Fire Strike].”

The dozens of Giant Spiders stopped for only a second as their watched their companion died, before they resumed their descent upon us.

“One more Skill Slot. Now which of my other Skills should I try out on you?”

Let’s see what my other Skills can do.”

I rushed into the horde.

7. Testing Out Skills

Zack stared at the silver haired woman as she struck down the first Giant Spider. Her body had been engulfed in flames for a moment as she dashed forward, then it was gone and the monster was dead.

She was quick. The Gold Rank adventurer had seen Level 50 [Rogues] before, and she outpaced even them. How the fuck did she do that? Was it a special Skill? Perhaps she had gotten lucky during her Class advancement and gained a higher leveled Skill.

That certainly seemed to be the case since she wasn’t activating it again. Zack clicked his tongue, instead focusing on his list of spells. I’m not a damn [Barrier Mage]. I don’t have any Skills for that! But that didn’t mean he couldn’t cast a spell that did something similar.

“Rock Wall!”

Zack pointed past the silver haired woman and the ground shot up, cutting off part of the tunnel’s entrance.

“Don’t be stupid and get back here! You’ve already shown off, now there’s no need to get yourself killed!”

He shouted at her as his teammates readied themselves for the impending horde of Giant Spiders. The silver haired woman turned fractionally back towards him, giving him an uncaring look. Why are you just standing there, idiot?! Then suddenly, as the monsters drew closer, she smiled.

“[Fiery Hail].”

Dozens of sparks suddenly came to existence above her silver hair. The blue flames took the shape of spikes, each about a few inches in length. It rained down at the Giant Spiders, striking down the lower leveled monsters before they even came close.

“Huh.”

That was all she said. The burning blue projectiles bounced off the carapace of the Level 40 as they approached, ignoring the attack and funneling through the narrow path left for them. Three Explosive Bolts blew apart the first group, and Helen nocked another arrow onto her fancy bow.

“They’re coming through!”

Jaakko marched forward and drew a large scythe-like weapon, engaging the next wave as they came through. Meanwhile, the silver haired woman remained standing there, unperturbed by nearing Giant Spiders. What is she doing? Get out of the way—

The first [Drop Spider] leapt at her, and Zack cursed, realizing that he hadn’t been doing his job either. He had been too distracted by her weird antics. He aimed a finger at the falling Giant Spider but he was too slow. It snapped its massive limbs shut—

And she dodged out of the way with a single step. The silver haired woman brought a hand up and punched the large monster with a fiery blow. It flew against the stone wall, its carapace cracking with the force of the hit.

With a frown, she glanced down at the palm of her hand.

“Punching sucks.”

Then she conjured a fiery hammer and tossed it at the downed Giant Spider. It reeled back as it tried to get up, but the silver haired woman was over it in a second. She raised a leg up as wisps of flame danced around her foot before crushing its head.

Zack’s eyes widened. That was… fire creation magic? How— a Skill?!

The silver haired woman straightened then seemingly began to mull over something. Her gaze wandered off as she muttered to herself.

“...should I? It isn’t even as good as…. actually let me test it.”

She turned to the gap where the Giant Spiders were crawling out of as Jaakko backed up, having taken two down but was cut up as well. She called out to him.

“Jaakko, move out of the way!”

The Cyclops looked at her for a second, then nodded and ran back to Helen. The [Archer] hesitated, eyeing the silver haired woman hesitantly.

“What are you trying to do, Salvos?”

Wait, Salvos…?

“Testing out which Skill is better.”

The silver haired woman raised an arm and released a wave of scorching blue flames down the tunnel. The Giant Spiders slowed as the wave burned them, and unlike with the previous hail of fire, none of the lower leveled monsters survived this time. Only the [Weaving Spiders] and [Drop Spiders] survived, but they didn’t come off unscathed.

Two [Weaving Spiders] dropped dead as the flames continued burning them, until the foremost [Drop Spider] reached her. It struck out at her with its long limbs. She stepped back, evading and countering the monster with a single movement.

Her kick was once again covered in the blue embers, and it sent the [Drop Spider] back onto another Giant Spider skittering along the walls. Two more [Weaving Spiders] shot threads out at her, but two long fire daggers appeared by her side and she snapped it at them as she leapt over the attack.

The silver haired woman rushed forward at the two [Weaving Spiders] as her daggers landed on their carapace, creating a flaming longsword before slicing their front legs off. They fell and she finished them off quickly.

“I think I prefer a spear.”

The weapon changed as Zack blinked, morphing into a longer pointed shape as three Giant Spiders came at her at once. That’s not just a creation Skill, how is she doing that so easily?!

She swung wide, knocking two back and running the third through completely with the fire spear. Then she hopped over the other two, releasing another wave of flames at them, incinerating them and finishing them off before landing on the one on the wall and jamming the weapon through its head.

She landed nimbly back onto the ground with a smile and she flourished the spear behind her back. The last Giant Spider— the one she had kicked at first— hobbled over to her as she cocked her head.

“Your companions are dead, are you really going to try this?”

She spoke to the monster as if it could understand her. And perhaps it could— because she was a monster. She had to be a monster. How could she not be?

Zack was not that far off in his assessment.

Unfortunately for the Giant Spider, it either didn’t understand the silver haired woman, or it didn’t care. It readied for an attack—

And Jaakko tossed a heavy chain around its neck, dragging it to him. He brought his scythe-like weapon down once, twice— and the Giant Spider stopped struggling. Salvos blinked.

“Woah.”

She glanced between the Cyclops and the kusarigama.

“I want that.”

***

That weapon was so cool!

It had heavy chains protruding out of the bottom of its hilt, letting Jaakko tie up the Giant Spider when he attacked! If I had a weapon like that when I fought against Lucerna— with maybe even longer chains— we wouldn’t have had to lead him all the way to the city gates to beat him!

The hilt was about the size of my arm— which was quite long for me, but not too much for the Cyclops man since he was about Haec’s height— and the protruding curve blade at the top was just as long. I eagerly ran up to him, eyes glittering as I took a look at his weapon. It was a kusarigama, and I wanted it!

“You want it?”

Jaakko gave me a curious look and I nodded.

“I’m not going to take yours, since stealing is something I should avoid doing apparently. But I can make my own… I think.”

I brought a hand out and began to concentrate, creating fire and molding it to the outline of the weapon. However, just as the flames stopped being a nebulous blob and started to take the shape of the kusarigama, a voice broke my focus and the fire dissipated.

“You!”

I glanced back as Zack walked up to me, eyes wide. He paused, as if realizing something. Then he took a step back and spoke softer.

“You’re… Salvos?”

“I’m Salvos!”

I happily agreed with him.

“As in the Salvos, Savior of Falisfield?!”

“Yep.”

“You know her?”

Helen interjected, blinking. The Human man turned to her, opening and closing his mouth slowly.

“Yes! How can you not recognize that Title?! She was the one who killed the Demon ravaging these lands!”

I found myself grinning at the sudden shift in personality in him. Recognize me more! Praise me more! I thought with my chin up. Helen just shrugged.

“I don’t really pay attention to the news.”

“How about you?”

Zack whirled around to the Cyclops man.

“Did you know who Salvos was?!”

“Yes.”

Jaakko replied without hesitation. Zack paused, blinking.

“The moment she introduced herself to me, I knew who she was.”

“Wha… why didn’t you say anything?!”

The Human man sputtered.

“I saw no reason to. She may be the Savior of Falisfield, but working together as a team is still the best option.”

“You could’ve at least told me who she was! I…”

Zack looked back at me and I cocked my head. He bowed.

“I apologize Miss Salvos for my disrespectful comments earlier. I had misjudged you, and for that, I’m sorry.”

“Uh… ok?”

He was being dismissive of me, however I did not think he did anything disrespectful. If I didn’t like the way he was acting, I would have made it known by punching him at least once. He didn’t even try to attack me! Why is he apologizing?

I shook my head, glancing down the corridor that didn’t lead us to the Lair of the Giant Spiders.

“Let’s just continue.”

I still had two other Skills to try out. And I wasn’t particularly pleased with what I currently had. [Charge of Embers] was fine, but it had a long cool down as [Double Step] did. Its biggest advantage was that it was much stronger than a [Fire Strike] so I might keep it. Meanwhile, [Fiery Hail] was just bad.

I probably was going to replace it.

—--

We descended further into the Dungeon and I had the chance to use my two new Skills twice more, before I finally decided to replace [Fiery Hail]. It only proved most effective against groups of lower leveled enemies, and even then, I could just use [Scorching Wave] to achieve the same effect.

Curious as to what the passive did, I chose to test out [Passive - Deadly Instincts] instead. The moment I removed [Fiery Hail], I felt the Skill vanish entirely. So, I can’t just remove a Skill and add it back if I decide I actually like it. That was good to know.

The moment [Passive - Deadly Instincts] activated, I felt my vision and hearing grow sharper. Nothing was louder and nothing was clearer than before, so I wasn’t really sure what it did. However, the moment we came across a group of Ground Cravers appeared, I realized its use.

Without even thinking, I knew to go straight for the [Howres] with their deadly sound magic; I dashed forward, taking them out with a single strike each. And it wasn’t just because of the level difference, something compelled me to go for the areas that I knew were vulnerable but couldn’t exactly make the decision to aim for at the moment.

We wiped out the monsters in moments, because they were so low leveled.

“I think that’s enough for tonight. “

Jaakko spoke softly, turning to his two companions. Zack and Helen agreed, but I simply nodded.

“Go ahead and go back. I still want to continue.”

I wanted to see just how good this Skill, so I wouldn’t retire just yet. However, the Cyclops man frowned.

“Salvos, I know you’re powerful, however everyone needs to eat and rest. Come, you can return tomorrow. Let’s go back up to camp.”

I blinked. I forgot about that! I chewed my lower lip as I tried to think up an excuse.

“I, uh, have food with me. I can just sleep down here. So don’t worry!”

“Food? You don’t even have a bag on you…”

Zack pointed out. I blinked.

That’s right! I wanted to smack my forehead like Edithe often did. What do I do? I didn’t want to go back just yet, but I couldn’t think of an excuse. Maybe if I just start running very fast they won’t be able to catch up to me.

His eyes widened.

“Unless—”

He glanced over at me, his eyes focusing on my necklace. I covered it and stepped back, and he immediately averted his gaze.

“Sorry— that’s not what I was looking at. I… is that a dimensional storage item? A Necklace of Keeping?”

“...yes?”

“I see. I’m sorry for asking.”

Zack turned back to his companions and nodded their way.

“I think she’ll be fine. If she has such a High Grade Item, she would surely have some protections on her too. I was… wrong to assume she wouldn’t survive down here on her own. But the same isn’t true for us.”

“Wait, you think we should just leave her here?!”

Helen snapped at him.

“Of course! That’s what she wants.”

“But…”

“If Salvos insists on staying, then we can’t force her back. Come, Helen, Zack. We shall return to the camp.”

Jaakko nodded at me and I smiled back.

“I’ll be fine! Plus, I want to take a look at your weapon some more. I still can’t create a kusarigama with fire!”

The way it was designed made it difficult to replicate; it took too much mana for me to make the chains exactly as it was supposed to be. They were heavy— dense. The best I could do was just create the upper half of it— the sickle.

The Cyclops man bade me farewell and turned to leave. Zack was right behind him, although he stopped for just a moment to bow and apologize to me one more time. Helen was last to go, hesitating as she glanced back at me.

“...don’t die.”

I gave her a thumbs up— something I was told by Daniel was meant to reassure people.

“I won’t.”

Then they were gone, and it was just me left in the Dungeon. I sighed as the information that had been building up from earlier finally came pouring out as I evaluated my Status.

Defeated [Drop Spider - Lvl. 45]!

More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy!

…

Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 29]!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!

Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!

[Midday Changeling – Lvl. 40] -> [Midday Changeling – Lvl. 41]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)

Species: [Greater Demon] ( Mortal Form - Human )

Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 41

General Skills:

[Advanced Mana Manipulation] - Lvl. 1

[Identification] - Lvl. 4

[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1

[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1

[Rest] - Lvl. 2

[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 5]

[Vitality]: 42 (+5) ( -7 )

[Strength]: 28 (+5) ( -7 )

[Endurance]: 55 (+5) ( -7 )

[Wisdom]: 63 (+5) ( -2 )

[Agility]: 84 (+5) ( -7 )

Skills:

[Available Skill Points: 7]

[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 5

[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 1

[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Flame Coat] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 2

[Self Haste] - Lvl. 3

[Passive - Blue Flames] - Lvl. 5

[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 1

[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1

I was surprised I had even gained a single level from all that fighting; it was probably because of all the Giant Spiders I had killed at the beginning. But still, fighting these lower leveled monsters was not going to help me level too much. I had to find the Centinels to do that.

For now, I spent 3 Stat Points on [Agility] and the remaining 2 on [Endurance]. I left my Skill Points alone, since I still had [Ignition] to test out, and I was not sure if I wanted to remove [Charge of Embers] for it— I was definitely going to keep [Passive - Deadly Instincts].

I focused on the one Skill I still hadn’t tested that I could test. I hadn’t tried it out because I wasn’t sure what it did and if it would be harmful to those nearby. But now that the three Gold Rank adventurers were gone, I was going to try out a [Zealous Call].

I opened my mouth to speak— but something told me that was wrong. I closed my mouth slowly, trying to figure out what I was supposed to do. I had to make a sound? I had to infuse the Skill into a specific kind of noise.

But I wasn’t sure what. I shrugged and decided to just shout.

“Zealous Call!”

Nothing happened. Or rather, the shout sent an echo going down the tunnel, but I knew the Skill failed to work.

“Huh.”

I started walking forward as my shout continued echoing in the distance. Then I stopped. I felt the ground shake slightly. The earth trembled, as if something was moving it— as if something was moving inside of it.

I jumped back as the ground shot upwards.

Centinels? I thought excitedly.

And dozens of Ground Cravers came pouring out. The low leveled monsters turned to me, angry that someone had interrupted their sleep, and began blaring their sound magic in my direction. I grimaced as the magic took effect, but still rushed them—

But suddenly, a louder, more piercing screech came over me. It made me fall to my knees and cover my ears. Then from out of the hole came a larger, more terrifying looking [Howre]. She had four legs, of course, and a long snouty mouth.

The only difference between her and the others was that she was bigger. And her magic was far more powerful.

[Queen Howre - Lvl. 61]

“...huh.”

8. Ignition

The collective of [Howres] erupted into a scream, sending their sound magic straight at me. I reeled back, clasping at my ears as a ripple went over my body. My Ring of Lesser Protection held out for a moment— just long enough for me to send a [Scorching Wave] at the [Queen Howre].

She halted her sound magic, letting me gather myself long enough to dash forward with a [Charge of Embers]. My attack knocked her off balance, but before I could follow up with [Fire Strike], the defenses from the ring dissipated— the sound magic from the [Howres] too overwhelming. I fell back to the ground and their queen dug back into the earth.

Why didn’t I go for them first? I thought, directing another wave of blue flames at them. My… [Passive - Deadly Instincts] made me go for her first. It must have recognized her as the bigger threat— perhaps if her sound magic had penetrated my ring’s magical aura, it would have hurt me. A lot.

The screeching of the [Howres] turned to cries as I easily took care of a dozen in a moment. But I felt the ground rumble once again before the [Queen Howre] popped back out of the earth. More Ground Cravers came with her— not just the sound magic variants, but a few sent bits of stone flying at me.

Another [Scorching Wave] swept over the monsters as the [Queen Howre] readied another scream. But as she opened her mouth, the world slowed. [Self Haste] activated, and I sped up towards the giant monster.

The sound magic blared and I found myself grimacing midstep, stumbling and ducking under a large clawed hand. Fire daggers appeared in both my hands and I tossed the first at her open mouth. The magic stopped coming and I leapt in the air, landing on her face and plunging the dagger as it shifted into a longsword into the side of her snout.

The [Queen Howre] screamed— this time in pain— and shook me off her. I landed lithely on the ground, leaving my weapon behind as she disappeared back underground. And in that brief reprieve, my body shifted.

A ripple ran through my body, arms growing longer and claws forming on my fingers. There was a crackle of pops as my back lengthened, then turned slightly crooked while horns sprouted from the side of my head. I heard a tear— although I ignored it, instead waiting for where the monster would come from next.

The ground ahead cracked, and in an instant I was looming over the [Queen Howre]. Her eyes widened as she saw me— her accompanying group of Ground Cravers screeching the moment they saw me— but I shrugged off the attack. Two [Fire Strikes] tore into her body, before she grabbed both my arms and held them to the side.

I pushed forward, trying to overpower her as wisps of flames flicked off my claws, but she was stronger than me. I felt myself giving ground, ears bleeding as the [Howres] continued their screaming. I scowled, taking a step back—

Then my back straightened and my mouth opened wide. Dozens of sharp teeth crunched down onto the face of the [Queen Howre]. She screeched, letting go of me before I sent her flying back with a fiery kick. I glanced down at the remaining [Howres] and incinerated them once and for all.

Then as the [Queen Howre] began to burrow back into the ground, the gray world around me blurred a bright blue. I reached the monster in an instant, tackling her with [Charge of Embers] and following her as she tried to escape.

Now Entering [Lair: Hole of Ground Cravers].

We both popped out over a narrow open space, not too far off from where I had been walking. So this is why you came, huh? I thought, jabbing a clawed hand into her open mouth before she could scream her sound magic again.

I pushed her off me and she fell to the ground with a hard crash. [Self Haste] had run out before I used [Charge of Embers], so everything was moving normally now. And yet, the [Queen Howre] picked herself up slowly— too slowly.

I landed on the ground just ahead of her, crouching with my hands pressed on the floor. I cocked my head as I saw the monster back up, covering something behind her.

“What are you doing?”

The [Queen Howre] didn’t respond. Instead, I heard a dozen tiny screams— no, cries. I stood up straight and tried to peer around her shoulder from where I stood. I saw tiny figures, squirming and wailing as the [Queen Howre] stood over them.

“Are those… your infants? Infant Ground Cravers?”

She just stared at me. Her eyes fixed to whatever little movement I made. I sighed.

“When I shouted, I wasn’t trying to attack your Lair. You were the one that came at me first.”

What would Edithe have done in this situation? Probably kill the [Queen Howre]. Humans don’t like monsters very much. But I wasn’t a Human— especially with the way I was currently. I like this form, but…

I glanced down at my white figure. My clothes had been ripped apart by the transformation. They weren’t completely gone— however I didn’t think Daniel or Edithe would have approved of it regardless.

“I really want the experience, you know? But I came here to test out my Skills more than anything. Levels— evolving— while nice, isn’t everything. So if you really want, I’ll just leave you and your infants alone, ok?”

The [Queen Howre] eyed me cautiously. She tilted her head as if she was considering what I saw. Then she opened her mouth—

And more sound magic blared. I reeled back for a moment before clicking my teeth.

“Fine!”

I dashed forward on all four, dodging the sound magic as it came at me. I leapt to the side and pushed myself off the wall before landing on the [Queen Howre]. She screamed— then stopped as my claws dug into her throat.

The large monster struggled, trying to pry me off her, but I continued tearing into her. Until finally, she stopped moving.

Defeated [Howre - Lvl. 24]!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!

…

Defeated [Queen Howre - Lvl. 61]!

More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!

Cleared [Lair: Hole of Ground Cravers]!

Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!

Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!

[Midday Changeling – Lvl. 41] -> [Midday Changeling – Lvl. 42]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!

[Midday Changeling – Lvl. 42] -> [Midday Changeling – Lvl. 43]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

The infant Ground Cravers continued their wailing while I spent my Stat Points as I did before— 3 for [Agility] and 2 for [Endurance] with each level. I looked over my Skill Points, unsure of what to do. I still wanted to see what [Ignition] did, but [Charge of Embers] was useful.

The only thing I could think of replacing was [Flame Coat]. And that wasn’t because it wasn’t a good Skill per se, but something told me that [Ignition] was a similar Skill to it.

It was then I made a rash decision. I replaced [Flame Coat] with [Ignition], permanently losing the former Skill. I lifted a hand and spoke softly.

“[Ignition].”

And an aura of flames engulfed me. The brilliant blue fire lit up the dark room, covering me entirely. It was like a [Flame Coat] except… I don’t need to anchor the flames on something.

My body was the anchor, and it did not burn me nor my clothes. I let the fire dissipate and tried concentrating it onto my dark cloak. Unfortunately, it did not work. So I can’t set other things on fire anymore, but I can set myself on fire. Considering that most of what I did with [Flame Coat] was just lighting my clothes on fire to protect myself, it seemed like a good trade off. Especially when I was not in my Mortal Form.

I glanced down at the tattered clothing— at my Demonic self. And I sighed.

“Now I’ve got to wait an hour to do anything else.”

***

Helen wasn’t sure why she found herself worrying about the silver haired girl from yesterday. According to both Jaakko and Zack, she was famous?

The [Archer] wasn’t really sure. She did not keep up with current events. However, she had seen what Salvos could do, and she could definitely hold her own in the Dungeon. So why was Helen worried?

Perhaps it was because Salvos was young. She might have been high leveled— she might have even had a rare Class. But that only made Helen more worried. That will only make her more reckless. And one mistake can cost any Gold Rank their life. A thought crossed her mind, but she shook it away.

So Helen had insisted to her team that they left for the Dungeon as soon as they woke up the next day. And much to Zack’s chagrin, they were back down in Silkfall’s Crevice as the sun was rising.

“I don’t get you, Helen. Salvos— uh, I mean Miss Salvos is a veteran adventurer. I’m sure she knows what she’s doing when she says she can take care of herself.”

“But you don’t know that, Zack. You saw how she acted yesterday— she’s kind of… naive? Innocent. I think she might have lived a sheltered life.”

“Are you saying she’s a noble?”

Jaakko spoke up, the first time during the entire argument on the way down the Dungeon.

“I am not too aware of your Human customs, but I have been taught by my people that your nobility tends to be… strict with their children.”

Helen chewed her lower lip.

“Maybe… look, I’m not saying anything. I don’t want to speculate on her background— we just met, after all.”

Zack harrumphed.

“What do you suggest we do then? We can’t babysit a runaway noble girl the entire time— especially one as capable as her. We’ve got to get to Elutra, remember? We signed a contract. I don’t even know why we stopped by this stupid Dungeon in the first place.”

The Cyclops frowned, looking at the haughty brown haired [Mage].

“You know as well as I do that we can’t leave until we confirm whether there is a Centinels Lair.”

“That’s right.”

Helen grimaced. If there really is a Centinels Lair like the rumor says… I just hope Salvos doesn’t stumble into one. The [Archer] sighed, finding herself twiddling with her blonde bangs falling down the side of her face. She clicked her tongue and caught herself. Stupid bad habits, she thought, readjusting the band keeping her hair tied together in a bun. Even after two decades of adventuring, you still do this.

The group of Gold Ranked adventurers continued their descent in silence… apart from Zack’s occasional complaints. Helen however, no longer indulged him. It was a few hours of walking and fighting off the small groups of Giant Spiders until they came across anything else.

“Do you hear that?”

Helen turned to her teammates. Both exchanged a look.

“No.”

“We don’t have your [Enhanced Hearing] Skill, Helen. What do you hear?”

“It sounds like… fighting. Up ahead!”

Could it be Salvos? Helen wasn’t sure. But she found herself dashing forward, both relieved and worried for the silver haired girl.

Jaakko and Zack were a step behind her, and that might have been a good thing. Because when Helen turned the corner, she found herself staring. For a moment. Then her face turned red as she spun around back to the two men right behind her.

“Stop! Stop where you are!”

The Cyclops stopped in his tracks, but the dumb [Mage] walked a few more steps forward while blinking.

“What?”

Before he could turn the corner, Helen whipped out her bow and nocked an arrow. She pointed it at him, glaring.

“I said stop!”

“Woah, alright! Calm down, Helen.”

He backed up, raising his hands placatingly. Helen herself had her back to what she saw, her cheeks still burning at the sight. She didn’t even turn around when the familiar voice called out.

“Helen? Is that you? And Jaakko and Zack too.”

“Salvos— yes, it’s us!”

“Oh, good. Uh… can I borrow some clothes?”

The blonde woman sighed, slowly turning around. Zack’s eyes widened and he backed up even more, face turning red as he realized what was just around the corner.

“Yes. I have a spare.”

Helen cast a sidelong glance back at Zack, muttering under her breath.

“And you wonder why I was worried…”

“I think I see your point now, yes.”

9. Hardest Hurdle

For the next few weeks, I continued testing out my new Skills while exploring the Dungeon with Helen, Jaakko, and Zack. We mostly encountered Giant Spiders alongside the stray Ground Cravers or surviving Shade Swarmer, but other than that we found no Centinels or anything else at least 10 levels above me.

As such, I only leveled once during this whole week. My Stats was split as I had already planned, but as for my Skill Points, I finally made my decision. With 16 points total, I first spent 2 on [Self Haste], 2 on [Charge of Embers], 2 on [Ignition], and 2 on [Passive - Deadly Instincts]. Then I split 6 points between [Advanced Fire Creation] and [Scorching Wave], leaving 2 Skill Points for me to save.

Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)

Species: [Greater Demon] ( Mortal Form - Human )

Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 44

General Skills:

[Advanced Mana Manipulation] - Lvl. 1

[Identification] - Lvl. 4

[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1

[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1

[Rest] - Lvl. 2

[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 0]

[Vitality]: 42 (+5) ( -7 )

[Strength]: 28 (+5) ( -7 )

[Endurance]: 63 (+5) ( -7 )

[Wisdom]: 63 (+5) ( -2 )

[Agility]: 96 (+5) ( -7 )

Skills:

[Available Skill Points: 2]

[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 8

[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 3

[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Ignition] - Lvl. 3

[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5

[Self Haste] - Lvl. 5

[Passive - Blue Flames] - Lvl. 5

[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 3

[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1

For now, I left [Passive - Weapon Mastery] alone, seeing no reason why I needed to improve it. Perhaps if I managed to create a kusarigama, I would need it. But my [Advanced Fire Creation] was too low leveled to successfully do it.

Or perhaps it’s my [Advanced Mana Manipulation], I mused to myself as I followed the three Gold Ranks out of Silkfall’s Crevice.

As per Edithe’s advice, I had to pretend I was a Human; I couldn’t just wander around the Dungeon aimlessly by myself else I would arouse suspicion. She had been adamant I prioritize my safety— and I was rather invested in my own survival as well. So I had to occasionally go up with Jaakko and his companions.

Unfortunately, I was not prepared for the horrors that awaited me above.

“Uh… do I have to eat this?”

I stared down at the bowl of soup and into my own reflection. I was wide eyed, mouth open, and more or less in shock from being handed the food by Helen. The Human woman blinked.

“Is something wrong with it?”

I looked up at her, then at Zack who was giving me an intense stare. I hesitated, chewing my lower lip.

“N-no. It’s fine.”

I slowly lifted up the spoon. This is for your own sake, I tried lying to myself. Somehow, someway, I managed to down the entire bowl. I was grimacing the entire time, and I heard Zack mutter to himself at one point.

“...she’s definitely a noble…”

Helen bonked him on the head with the wooden ladle before smiling widely at me as I finished the soup. I handed the empty bowl back to her, mustering up a smile in return.

“I-I finished it.”

“Of course.”

I relaxed as I saw her take the bowl away. Then immediately tensed up when she brought over a plate full of meat.

“I know that appetizer wasn’t too appetizing, so I made sure to choose some of the fresher cuts of meat for the main course.”

I blinked.

“...main course?”

The blonde Human nodded.

“Yep. Just a single bowl of soup isn’t enough to fill anybody. Especially after spending a whole day down in the Dungeon. Don’t worry about manners and all that— eat up. I promise you it’s good.”

I glanced at Helen, then at Zack and Jaakko both digging into their own individual plates. I sighed.

“...thanks.”

Later that night, I snuck out of the camp and hurled everything I ate.

—--

“So, if you don’t mind me asking, where are you from… Miss Salvos?”

“Just Salvos is fine.”

I nodded at Zack with a smile. The [Mage] was sitting on a rock, wiping some sweat off his brows while Jaakko and Helen were sifting through the six Human corpses we had found in this small cave room. Apparently a group of Silver Ranked adventurers must have thought this was a good alcove to rest, not expecting to be attacked by a dozen [Drop Spiders] at once.

The four of us took care of the monsters fairly easily, especially since we were prepared for an ambush when we came into the room; I could have taken them all on my own, but I decided to share some experience instead.

“I came from Hazelbury. It’s somewhere… north from here?”

I tested my memory, and it seemed it was right since the [Mage] didn’t visibly react.

“Hazelbury, huh? We’ll have to pass through it eventually. Last I heard, it was an average sized city. Not too big, so I guess there could be a few nobles living there.”

He seemed to be talking to himself more than to me.

“And you were born there— and not Neros, the Capital?”

I shook my head.

“I was born neither in Neros nor Hazelbury. I was born somewhere… else.”  

I cringed, realizing I should have just gone along with it. Zack however, seemed to accept this.

“An illegitimate child then. I see, I see. And you managed to take out a [Queen Howre] on your own, or so you claimed. Interesting.”

“We’re done.”

Helen called over to us. She walked over, holding a handful of badges on her hand. Behind her, Jaakko had some crests with him too.

“These guys were definitely the adventurers we spoke to a few weeks ago. They’re from the Iron Champions Company— we’ll need to report it to the next Adventurers Guild we pass through.”

The Cyclops man nodded.

“It is truly an unfortunate end. I wish their souls rest well.”

He closed his eyes, bowing his head in the direction of the corpses. Zack got up and brushed off his robes. He opened his mouth but before he could say anything, Helen spoke over him.

“Don’t say anything insensitive, Zack.”

“I was not going to.”

He sighed, shaking his head. He glanced over at the corpses, his lips twisting before turning away.

“I was going to say that since we can’t give them a proper burial, closure for their families is the best we can do. I’m glad we found them, at least. I thought they’d have been eaten up by Centinels.”

“It’s quite odd, actually. We haven’t run into any Centinels since we came here. Maybe the rumors really weren’t true.”

“Rumors?”

I cocked my head. Helen nodded.

“The Adventurers Guild supplied us with information about this Dungeon— that it might have a Lair of Centinels in it. It was nothing confirmed, but it gave the people of Bouldergarde enough of a scare that we decided to investigate it ourselves.”

“If there really are Centinels in this Dungeon… well, let’s just say the Iron Champions Company will be coming out of this with more than just a slap on the wrist from King Hale. He gives them a lot of passes, but Centinels? They’re dangerous.”

“Are they really that bad?”

I gave Zack an inquisitive look. The [Mage] coughed into the palm of his hand.

“Yes. They’re one of the few swarm monsters around the central continent that aren’t just weak. They’re like the Exodutae that plague the Dwarves off the eastern coast of the continent. Each Centinel is strong, and it is not unusual for one to reach above Level 70. They’re rare, sure. But it’s common enough that cities have been wiped out because they’re unknowingly built near a Centinel Lair.”

“Huh.”

I considered this for a moment, tilting my head up. Then I looked back over at the three Gold Ranks.

“Well, it is not a rumor.”

“Pardon?”

“The Centinels— they’re actually in this Dungeon.”

Zack and Helen exchanged a glance.

“What do you mean, Miss— uh, Salvos?”

“I mean that I’ve seen them myself. I saw them coming— dropping onto the Giant Spiders.”

“You’ve been to this Dungeon before?”

The [Archer] gave me a worried look. I simply smiled.

“That’s why I returned here. To fight the Centinels. They were Level 50 to 60— I don’t know if they got up to over 70. But they definitely were here.”

Zack furrowed his brows.

“Didn’t you say you just reached Level 40? You mean to tell me you fought Level 60 monsters while you were Level 30?”

I nodded eagerly.

“Yep!”

He sighed, rubbing at his temples.

“Well, I guess I should’ve expected it.”

Jaakko stepped forward, frowning.

“You said the Centinels were attacking the Giant Spiders— did you mean they were invading their Lair?”

“That’s what they were doing. Why?”

The Cyclops man scratched his oversized chin and folded one hand across his chest.

“I see. So it’s a Lair war?”

“A Lair war?”

I cocked my head and he nodded.

“Yes. That’s what happens when multiple monster Lairs are formed too close to each other. They will encroach on each other’s territory. And when that happens, they’ll get into a Lair war.”

“If this is true, then that means the only thing that has been stopping the Centinels from spreading out and leaving the Dungeon are the Giant Spiders. However, this is also an opportunity for us.”

Helen glanced over at me, an idea written on her face. I blinked, realizing what she was thinking. I stood up raising a hand.

“You want us to help the Giant Spiders!”

…

I got a blank stare from the three of them.

“Uh, no.”

“Oh.”

“I mean, in a way? I just thought about using them as bait.”

I scowled, crossing my arms.

“Same thing.”

—--

We didn’t immediately head to the Giant Spiders Lair. Jaakko told us we not only needed to prepare, but we also had to return the badges they found. I decided to follow them to the city, resolving on buying myself a few healing potions of my own.

Daniel had given me some gold before I left. I looked down at the 30 glimmering yellow coins, then at the cost of a potion. Huh, that’s expensive.

I ended up only leaving with three before I met up with Helen by the city gates. She had a grim look on her face as Jaakko was talking to a man in armor— a city guard that looked vaguely familiar. The Human man broke down, crying, as Jaakko patted his shoulder.

“Where’s Zack?”

I spoke to her, breaking her from her stupor. She blinked a few times, then shook her head.

“He’s getting some extra protection. The local temple gives [Blessings of Lesser Protection] for a 25 gold, and we've got some extra coins from the Dungeon so…”

I nodded.

“He wants to increase his chance of survival.”

“Right.”

Eventually, Zack returned and we were ready to leave. We went back to the Dungeon and crossed through the camp with only a simple warning to the Silvers there: we were going to face Centinels. It was a warning for them just in case Centinels broke out— so they would be prepared to fight.

Then we entered the Dungeon and came up close to the Lair of the Giant Spiders. There were no sounds of fighting— instead, all we heard were the usual clicking of the monsters. We then set up a small camp and a barricade behind us, with a way for us to quickly pass through, before lying in wait.

We waited, listening. Each of us took turns watching the hole in the wall, just in case a Giant Spider or Centinel came out, but none came. A whole entire day went by with nothing happening, until suddenly, we heard the sounds of clicking rapidly increase in the Lair.

I slowly approached the entrance to the Lair and peered over. Then just as before, the walls of the Lair— the ceiling, the sides, the ground— burst open. Centinels came pouring down on the Giant Spiders, swarming them from every possible angle.

The Centinels were back.

10. Centinels Camp

The Centinels— the long creatures with a hundred spiky legs and a hard shell— came pouring down at the Giant Spiders. They came in various sizes, however all of them were far larger than me. I watched as one Level 65 Centinel fell onto a [Weaving Spider] and killed her with a single bite of the mandibles.

I watched this go on for a little bit, making sure I was away from the view of any Centinels nearby. Helen scooted over next to me, lying prone as I was with her bow laid out in front of her.

“You don’t have to worry too much about their sight. They can’t see very well. I mean, they can probably see us if we stand up and wave our hands in the air— but otherwise, they won’t be able to see us here.”

“The tunnels.”

I pointed out at one of the holes where the Centinels were streaming out of.

“How do we get there?”

“I’ve got this, don’t worry.”

The [Archer] pulled out a thick arrow and tied a piece of rope onto it. She nocked her bow and loosed the bolt across the Lair, landing it right inside the narrow passageway.

“Alright. Now let’s hope no more Centinels come that way.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Zack stepped forward and aimed a finger at the tunnel ahead. The earth just beyond the arrow shifted, before closing completely.

“We’ll at least have a moment to react if one decides to burrow out of there again. Now come, let’s go.”

I was the first to step out once the Centinels stopped droppin from the ceiling. They were mixed with the Giant Spiders now, fighting a Lair war down below. Hundreds of Giant Spiders and dozens of Centinels, mixed up into a mass of monsters tearing each other apart— that was what I saw when I peered down below.

I glanced up and waited for a moment. Then another flurry of Centinels came falling or sccurrying down while I backed up back into the wall. I waited for them to pass before looking out once again.

“I think it’s clear.”

“I’ll keep a lookout for you.”

Helen nodded, resting a hand on my shoulder. I grabbed onto the rope and began climbing over to the other side. I kept an eye down at the fighting and another at the ceiling; I did not want to be knocked off by a falling Centinel and land amid the pit of fighting. I’ll definitely die, I thought, a nervous sweat falling down my shoulder.

Now Entering [Lair: Giant Spiders Nest].

I made it across without any problems and waved back at the three Gold Ranks. Next up was Jaakko. The Cyclops man took longer than me to cross, but he eventually made it too. Then came Zack.

The [Mage] was halfway through to our side when the ceiling burst open once again. Centinels came down at the Giant Spiders once more and I heard him curse.

“Fuck.”

Helen immediately loosed three bolts at the ones falling past him, snapping at him with their mandibles. Those were knocked aside without much of an issue. One came close to biting the Human man, but he sent a gust of wind to blow it away midfall.

The problematic Centinels were the ones scurrying down the walls. They first came for the rope, thinking to go for Zack. But when they got closer to the hole, they saw us. Jaakko and I readied ourselves. The Cyclops man tossed his kusarigama at the closest one and tugged at his chains, lifting the monster off the wall and flinging it down into the Giant Spiders Lair.

I sent a [Scorching Wave] across the rock wall, burning the other Centinels that made their approach and slowing them. Helen couldn’t help us, dealing with her own— albeit far more easily than us since she could knock them off from a distance.

Jaakko threw his kusarigama, continuing to pry them off the walls and hurling them off the pit. In spite of this, five Centinels reached us from above. I stopped my [Scorching Wave] and conjured two fire hammers— one on each hand.

The first Centinel lashed out at me, his entire body whipping forward as his arms tried to snap shut on me. I kicked him with a [Fire Strike], knocking him back before slamming both hammers together on the face of another Centinel. The monster squirmed, its armor crushed as it reeled back. But it didn’t die from the attack. I clicked my tongue and flipped over another Centinel that tried to come at me from the side.

The Cyclops man engaged the other two, being backed up against the magically made wall Zack had put up.

I tossed one hammer down at the Centinel’s head I smashed, keeping it back as I struck out at the one closing in on me with two [Fire Strikes]. I ducked under his mandibles, throwing a punch up at his underbelly as I pushed off the ground with all my strength.

The Centinel tried to grab me with his spiky legs, but my body burst into flames. [Ignition]. The blue flames burned him and he reeled back. My body sped up as [Self Haste] activated alongside it. I landed a hard hit of the hammer on a weakened part of his shell, breaking it before I dug in with a [Fire Strike] induced punch.

Green blood sprayed out as a screeching sound came from the monster’s mandibles. He struggled in my hands before I jabbed two more [Fire Strikes] into him and he fell, dead.

The other two Centinels came at me from behind, skittering on the ground and the side of the wall. But they seemed so slow. Back when I was Level 30, they were much faster than me. I could only flee from them with [Double Step]. But now they were so slow—

The one on the ceiling— the one with the smashed armor— blurred, suddenly matching my speed as he fell down at me. My eyes widened but my body moved without thought. Instinct took over me as a sickle made of blue flames appeared on my hand.

I leapt up at the oncoming Centinel and sliced his head clean off— his armor too broken to block the attack. It didn’t take me long to dispose of the last Centinel before I turned to Jaakko. The Cyclops man had managed to defeat his two Centinels, but he had been injured. His arm was cut up bad, blood pouring down his shoulder.

He chugged down a healing potion and the wounds slowly closed up. Zack finished his climb and Helen followed shortly after— all the Centinels having been defeated all knocked off down into the Lair.

“Not even a scratch, Salvos. You’re really something else.”

The Human [Mage] sighed, wiping the sweat off his brow. I shrugged.

“If I let them hit me, I’d be in a lot worse shape than Jaakko.”

“I guess. Still, I’ve never seen a Level 40 [Rogue] move as fast as you do. If I couldn’t see your level, I’d have assumed you were 50— 60 even.”

I grinned, flipping the fire hammer on my hand.

“Maybe I’m just strong. Or you’re just weak.”

“Hey!”

He scowled and Helen laughed. She patted him on the back.

“Come on, [Weak Mage]. At least pull your weight and bring that wall you put up down.”

“If you guys are so strong, why not just do it yourself.”

Zack muttered under his breath as he began casting his spell.

—--

We walked down the tunnel the Centinels made, going up then down then left then right. There were a lot of twists and turns— I felt my head starting to go dizzy after a while. So instead of thinking of all the different ways we were going, I focused on my Status and the notifications I had gotten— and I kept getting.

Defeated [Junior Centinel – Lvl. 61]!

More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!

...

Defeated [Junior Centinel – Lvl. 65]!

More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!

Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!

[Midday Changeling – Lvl. 44] -> [Midday Changeling – Lvl. 45]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

Overall, I had gotten a dozen kill notifications. Only the first three were the ones I knew I killed. The others must have been the ones I burnt before they fell to the Lair of Giant Spiders. More experience for me! Thanks Giant Spiders!

Even though I killed three of them by myself in addition to that, I had only gained a single level. They somehow gave less experience than the [Queen Howre], although considering the [Queen Howre] was much stronger than them, maybe that made sense.

I raised both [Advanced Fire Creation] and [Passive - Deadly Instincts] by 1 Skill Points. The latter really helped me in that fight there, so I made sure to pay particular attention to it. Then just for this level, I gave my [Agility] 4 Stat Points, rounding it up to 100, before giving the remaining 1 for [Vitality].

Now Entering [Lair: Centinels Camp].

Just as I finished dealing with my Status, we arrived. The tunnel opened up to a larger cavern, one filled with many unmoving figures along the walls.

“Centinels. [Younger Centinels]. Only around Level 20.”

“They’re sleeping.”

I observed with narrow eyes. So monsters need sleep too, huh? I shook my head, disappointed in them. Zack shook his head.

“Doesn’t matter. In fact, this is better for us. Let’s exterminate them now.”

Jaakko nodded and drew his kusarigama. Helen prepared a few Explosive Bolts and the [Mage] began preparing a spell. I cocked my head.

“Wait— what’s that?”

I pointed a hand at a slowly moving figure. A [Younger Centinel] was crawling along the walls, wide awake and moving amongst his brethren. He opened his mandibles and I expected him to screech—

But the [Younger Centinel] simply chomped down at another Centinel. He killed the other one in his sleep before moving onto the next.

I saw more [Younger Centinels] doing the same thing, realizing that not all of them were asleep. Some of them didn’t even bother attacking the sleeping ones, going straight for each other without discrimination.

“They’re... killing each other?”

The blonde woman’s eyes widened. Zack and Jaakko watched on in horror while I simply narrowed my gaze. I opened my mouth, voice uncaring as I spoke one word.

“Wild.”

Then a [Scorching Wave] washed over the Centinels. Those that were asleep fell before they could even wake up, while the ones that were awake tried to come at me. They screamed and died before they could even get close, my blue flames too much for them to handle.

The Gold Ranks managed to blink themselves out of their stupor to aid me in the extermination of the mindless monsters. Even when we were clearly attacking them and wiping them out en masse, some Centinels still went for each other, trying to tear each other apart.

We took care of the [Younger Centinels] in what I felt was only 30 minutes, getting hundreds of kills with little effort. It was even easier than the time I attacked a Shade Swarmer’s Lair because unlike the Centinels, the [Crimson Bats] never tried to kill each other.

Defeated [Younger Centinel – Lvl. 31]!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels below you!

...

Defeated [Younger Centinel – Lvl. 19]!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels below you!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!

I didn’t gain a level, although I did feel like I was already close to another level up from such a simple task. Zack sighed.

“No one told me that clearing a Centinels Lair was such a simple task.”

“We’re not done just yet. Come, we have to find the eggs. Destroy them before they hatch hundreds more of these creatures.”

Jaakko spoke simply, marching forward as we hurried to match his pace. I looked over at Helen, raising a brow.

“You three never fought Centinels before?”

“We never cleared a Lair before. Centinels are a pest— well, that’s not really the right way to say it. They’re a frequent threat to civilization and settlements. So we’ve had to deal with them before.”

“I see.”

I nodded slowly, glancing down at the burnt corpses lying on the floor. Most of the [Younger Centinels] had only been the size of my arm or leg. They were certainly far smaller than their [Junior Centinel] evolution, but they did vary in size despite all being the same Subspecies.

It almost reminded me of the wild Demons in the Netherworld. None of them looked the same— every one of them was unique. And yet, they killed each other. They killed the others. And they tried to kill me and my companion.

What if there was a Centinel amongst these that was like Haec and I? That thought sent a shudder down my spine. I wasn’t sure why I reacted that way or why it mattered to me— but I felt bothered by it somehow.

“There.”

Jaakko pointed his kusarigama in the direction of a pile of round purple objects against the cavern wall. We walked up to the eggs and I inspected them.

My [Identification] told me they were eggs.

“Now this is the part where we get attacked by some Level 70 [Older Centinel], right?”

“You read too much books, Zack. That’s not going to happen.”

Helen snorted, shaking her head. The Human [Mage] raised an eyebrow.

“Too many books. And I’m just being cautious. What if there are higher leveled evolutions in here, huh? Or if we’re in the middle of destroying their nest and the ones attacking the Giant Spiders come back and we get trapped?”

“Then let’s get a hurry on—”

I conjured up a ball of bright blue flames and tossed it at the pile of eggs. The purple objects exploded and whatever remained was caught on fire. I clapped my hands together and turned to the three Gold Ranks with a bright smile.

“Done.”

Cleared [Lair: Centinels Camp]!

Experience is awarded for clearing a Lair!

Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!

[Midday Changeling – Lvl. 45] -> [Midday Changeling – Lvl. 46]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

“Well, that was anticlimactic.”

11. Expanding Vocab— Uh... Inventory?

The blue flames turned red as they continued to burn the eggs of the Centinels in the background. We did not leave just yet, instead choosing to scour the Lair for just a little longer to see if there are any hidden eggs.

“While a few dozen [Newborn Centinels] won’t be much of a problem, we just have to make sure we aren’t overlooking a hundred.”

“But we’ve already cleared the Lair— I can’t even tell that we’re in a Lair anymore!”

“Of course, Salvos. But we just have to be sure.”

Jaakko explained the logic to me while we did our search. I glanced over at the other side of the cavernous room— at the burrowed holes that littered the rock wall.

“What about the [Junior Centinels] that aren’t here? Won’t they be a problem?”

“They will be a pest, yes. But with only a few left to fight the Giant Spiders, the latter will win out eventually.”

I scowled, crossing my arms.

“But that’d be a waste of good experience!”

The Cyclops man paused, rubbing at his chin. His lips peeled back, revealing the rest of his sharp teeth hidden within as he mulled over a thought.

“If you… wish to join in the Lair war right now, I will not stop you, Salvos. I have seen your abilities— seen how fast you’ve been able to level. I trust in your capacity to take care of yourself for an hour.”

I blinked for a moment, processing what he said. Then my eyes widened and my lips curled up into a smile.

“Really, Jaakko?”

I glanced excitedly down one of the pitch black tunnels before turning my gaze back to him. Attacking dozens of Centinels while they were embroiled in a fight against the Giant Spiders would certainly be much easier than taking them on all by myself. And if anything went bad, I would always be able to run away. With both [Self Haste] and [Charge of Embers]— the latter of which was an attack Skill, but could be reappropriated for fleeing— I’d be able to escape with ease.

“As long as you don’t draw a horde of monsters to us, yes.”

Jaakko smiled at me reassuringly. I felt my feet bouncing under me as I whirled around to leave. I paused midstep, glancing back at him for a moment. I remembered something from a few days ago— a gesture Edithe showed me.

I quickly ran back and hugged him from behind, much to his surprise.

“I promise I won’t get you three killed!”

“That is… yes, I’ll take your word for it.”

I nodded at him then ran off, waving at Helen and Zack goodbye. I would be back in an hour— which was not even that long— before we would head off. I crawled through the same tunnel we came through, heading back to the Giant Spiders Nest.

Sounds of fighting slowly filled my ears as I returned to where Jaakko and I defeated those [Junior Centinels] from earlier. I peeked over the hole hanging high atop the Lair and glanced down below.

Now Entering [Lair: Giant Spiders Nest].

Hundreds of Giant Spiders were mixed with dozens upon dozens of Centinels— both sides had their dead scattered all across the various levels of the long pit filled with a dozen webbed layers and floors.

I narrowed my eyes as I saw the monsters closest to me; they were clumped together along the walls just a short distance from me. However, I couldn’t walk on the walls. If I tried to attack them, I would fall!

So I thought for a moment. How was I to join in the fighting without dropping down to the bottom of the pit and get caught in the large battle there? I just needed a ranged weapon!

I created a fire bow in one hand and focused on creating an arrow in my other. It took me a moment to emulate the feeling of an arrow, however it wasn’t really that complex. Even a fire dagger was simpler to make than it.

Slowly, I nocked the fire arrow and loosed it at the closest Centinel to me. I aimed for his eye and missed. The flames bounced off his shell, doing nothing more than draw his attention for a moment. I frowned and considered this. So that’s not going to kill them.

The distracted Centinel was swarmed by a group of Giant Spiders and killed shortly after, but I received no experience for it. Is it no experience, or too little experience to matter? I mused momentarily before shifting my focus on what I could do.

[Advanced Mana Manipulation]. [Advanced Fire Creation].

I created another fire arrow and looked at it. I could do so much more than just make this sharp object. I remembered the Piercing Arrows and Explosive Bolts I had. I couldn’t exactly create those with my Skill, however I could try to create something similar.

I focused on refining the fire arrow I held in the palm of my hand. I poured more mana into it, keeping it stable as it grew brighter and wilder. Then the corybantic flames calmed. It began to exude a sizzling sound as it vibrated on the spot. And I gasped, exhausted.

That took a lot from me. I hope this works.

I once again nocked the arrow— the Blazing Bolt— and aimed at a Centinel skittering along the walls. I released it, and it shot straight towards the monster. It pierced his shell and knocked him off into an angry [Drop Spider] which bludgeoned him to death.

“Huh.”

I smirked and turned my gaze to my free hand.

“Another one.”

I repeated the same process, draining quite a lot of mana from me with each Blazing Bolt I created. They all produced the same effect— they cracked the armor of the Centinels, piercing into their body— sending them into the Giant Spiders.

It was tiring and it took a while. However, it had a dual effect. Firing down at the Centinels allowed me to gain some experience from a safe distance, but it also drew the attention from the ones close enough to reach me.

I fought those head on, defeating them by myself and gaining more experience than I would have if I simply damaged them before they were killed.

Defeated [Junior Centinel – Lvl. 67]!

More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 20 levels above you!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!

...

Defeated [Junior Centinel – Lvl. 61]!

More experience is awarded for defeating an enemy at least 10 levels above you!

Less experience is awarded for defeating an enemy with the help of others!

General Skill [Basic Mana Manipulation] Level Up!

[Advanced Mana Manipulation - Lvl. 1] -> [Advanced Mana Manipulation - Lvl. 2]!

Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!

Subspecies [Midday Changeling] Level Up!

[Midday Changeling – Lvl. 46] -> [Midday Changeling – Lvl. 47]

Gained 5 Stat Points and 3 Skill Points!

I leaned back against the wall, panting and puffing as I watched the last of the Centinels flee from the Lair of Giant Spiders. There had been dozens— maybe even over a hundred— but now only a few remained. They were routed, fully and completely defeated by the combined efforts of myself and the hundreds of Giant Spiders.

However, it was not like the Giant Spiders made off with no casualties. More than half of their nest had been wiped out by the Centinels. I glanced down at the survivors and smiled at them.

“Hey, thanks for the help!”

I called out, waving. The monsters didn’t respond. They didn’t react. But they didn’t swarm me either, like they often would in the past. I was about to take a seat and [Rest] when a voice drew my attention from behind.

“Who are you talking to, Salvos?”

Helen walked up to me, followed by Jaakko and Zack. The three looked the same as when I had last seen them. Good, so the fleeing Centinels didn’t attack them. I waved a hand off dismissively.

“The Giant Spiders. We beat all the Centinels.”

Zack’s eyes widened.

“You killed all of them?!”

“Well, I didn’t do it by myself. And not all of them. A few escaped and burrowed through the walls.”

I paused, tilting my head up slightly.

“Is that bad?”

“It’s not bad, Salvos. You did a good job. It’s impossible to wipe out every single rat in an infestation, however we did our duty and did out best. As you have seen, Centinels aren’t very intelligent. They wouldn’t even realize their Lair had been destroyed and search for something else to kill. Then they would die slowly by the other monsters in the Dungeon.”

Jaakko spoke reassuringly. I hesitated, twirling my thumbs.

“Uh… about that. I don’t think there’s very many monsters left in Silkfall’s Crevice.”

“And there aren’t very many Centinels left. There’s no need to worry.”

He smiled and rested a hand on my shoulder. I nodded, then turned to Helen as she peered down into the Giant Spiders Lair.

“So, how are we going to cross through? Won’t they be a problem.”

“They won’t. I helped them, so they won’t attack us.”

She exchanged a glance with Zack.

“Salvos, I don’t think they know that. Giant Spiders aren’t very… intelligent.”

I scowled, crossing my arms.

“Then why are they just leaving us be, huh? And they’re much smarter than Centinels.”

“That’s true, but…”

She trailed off, not meeting my gaze. I watched as she gave Zack a pleading look and he just shrugged. Jaakko stepped forward, nodding at me then Helen.

“Salvos is right. Maybe not for the right reasons, however the Giant Spiders won’t attack us. Not with how their Lair is currently. They’ll be busy repairing— patching up the holes made by the Centinels with their webs. This is our chance to pass through.”

The Human [Archer] opened her mouth before looking over at me. I stared back at her, arms still folded, and she sighed.

“Alright. I didn’t mean to argue with you, Salvos. Just… let’s just go.”

Now Leaving [Lair: Giant Spiders Nest].

The three of them went and I followed from a distance, sulking. Zack walked ahead of me, muttering under his breath.

“I told you she has to be a noble. Who else would believe that monsters can think.”

“Shut up. She can hear you. And yes, some monsters can think.”

“Not Giant Spiders though—”

“I said be quiet!”

She punched him on the arm and he yelped; I continued walking behind them after we made it past the Giant Spiders Lair. I glanced back at it one last time before turning the corner and saw a [Weaving Spider] hop up and begin unfurling a thick web where the hole had been. I waved back at her slightly, and she paused to stare for a moment, before continuing her work.

They know, see?

I reassured myself, smiling. Then finally,  we left the Dungeon too.

Now Leaving [Dungeon: Silkfall’s Crevice].

It was night by the time we found ourselves back at the camp set up just outside of the Dungeon; most of the Silvers were mulling about, eating their dinners or sleeping. Boring, I thought, meeting the eyes of a young Human man.

He immediately glanced away as his companions laughed at him. I waited behind the three Gold Ranks, still not talking while they had a discussion.

“Are you sure we should be leaving the Giant Spiders alone?”

“They aren’t like Centinels. They do not overbreed nor do they actively seek to destroy settlements.”

“What about the Silvers? It’ll be dangerous to them.”

“Now they’ll actually be able to face the Dungeon without worry of Centinels, and the Giant Spiders are barely above 40 at the highest. I’d say Silkfall’s Crevice is now only a high Silver Ranked Dungeon.”

“But…”

“You worry too much, Helen. That is one of your best attributes, but you need to know when not to interfere.”

Helen sighed, rubbing at her temples.

“You’re right.”

She murmured before turning to me.

“What about you, Salvos? What will you be doing now?”

“I believe she’ll be going back to Hazelbury, since that’s where she’s from.”

Zack spoke up simply. The blonde woman wrinkled a brow.

“Hazelbury? Isn’t that one of the cities we’ll be passing through up north?”

“Yes, and…? Wait, don’t tell me—”

“Salvos.”

Helen walked up to me and grabbed me by the hand. I cocked my head, confused.

“Huh?”

“Let us escort you back to your city. We’re heading in the same direction as you, and we’ll be able to have a proper goodbye there.”

“Come on, Helen. You’ve already seen her fight— don’t you realize she can take care of herself?”

Zack protested. He turned to the Cyclops man who was rubbing at his chin.

“If that is what Helen wants, and Salvos doesn’t disagree, I don’t see why that’d be a problem.”

The [Mage] groaned, smacking his forehead.

I looked at this and thought about it for a moment. I wasn’t really in any rush to return. And I needed to take a better look at Jaakko’s kusarigama if I wanted to emulate it better with my [Advanced Fire Creation]— especially after [Advanced Mana Manipulation] leveled up. I may be able to make it now. But most important of all...

“Do you know the way to Hazelbury?”

I glanced up at Helen. She blinked.

“...yes? Do you know the way there?”

“Nope!”

I spoke simply. Zack sighed and Jaakko smiled.

“Then it’s settled then. We’ll be in the company of each other for a little while longer.”

The [Mage] grumbled, walking past me as the grin on my face began to slip.

“We better not make any more unnecessary detours. We have a contract to fulfill!”

The Cyclops man followed after him and Helen laughed as she patted his back. My eyes widened, realizing that I had made a tactical blunder.

“Wait— are you going to sleep?!”

“Uh, yes?”

I opened my mouth and raised a hand. Then I lowered my hand slowly, remembering a word that fit this situation perfectly as I sighed.

“Fuck.”

12. Escort

Overall, I had not only accustomed myself to my Skills quite nicely during the time I spent clearing out Silkfall’s Crevice, I also made off with more levels than I expected. The Centinels  provided me with a lot of experience as expected, while the surprise encounters such as with the [Queen Howre] and clearing her Lair added only to it.

Satisfied with my [Agility] and [Endurance] for now— especially with both [Self Haste] and [Charge of Embers]— I decided to split my Stat Points between [Vitality], [Strength], and [Wisdom]. For my Skills however, I focused on my [Passive] - Deadly Instincts] while raising both [Blue Flames] and [Advanced Fire Creation] because those were my most useful Skills as of right now.

Salvos (Death of the Destroyer)

Species: [Greater Demon] ( Mortal Form - Human )

Subspecies: [Midday Changeling] - Lvl. 47

General Skills:

[Advanced Mana Manipulation] - Lvl. 2

[Identification] - Lvl. 4

[Racial Skill: Universal Language Comprehension] - Lvl. 1

[Racial Skill: Mortal Form] - Lvl. 1

[Rest] - Lvl. 2

[Title Skill: Zealous Call] - Lvl. 1

Stats:

[Available Stat Points: 0]

[Vitality]: 47 (+5) ( -7 )

[Strength]: 32 (+5) ( -7 )

[Endurance]: 63 (+5) ( -7 )

[Wisdom]: 65 (+5) ( -2 )

[Agility]: 100 (+5) ( -7 )

Skills:

[Available Skill Points: 3]

[Advanced Fire Creation] - Lvl. 11

[Charge of Embers] - Lvl. 3

[Fire Strike] - Lvl. 10 (Maxed)

[Ignition] - Lvl. 3

[Scorching Wave] - Lvl. 5

[Self Haste] - Lvl. 5

[Passive - Blue Flames] - Lvl. 7

[Passive - Deadly Instincts] - Lvl. 6

[Passive - Weapon Mastery] - Lvl. 1

Honestly, I had expected the trip back from Silkfall’s Crevice to take a while— I had seen how Human [Traders] walked. They were slow. Fortunately for me, it didn’t take us long to get to Hazelbury. The three Gold Ranks proved to be faster than those [Traders] much to my relief. Sure, it took longer than it would have if I had gone off on my own... but at least I didn’t get lost!

I was also lucky that I wasn’t the only one rushing for us to get a move on; Zack was all too happy to push his companions to speed up their pace, considering they had to do a job in the Elutra Kingdom. We traveled for three days before we finally saw the city approaching in the distance.

I felt my lips curl up into a smile as I realized I was finally going to see Daniel again. I wonder if he’s finally reached Level 40? I thought, tilting my head up towards the orange twilight sky. Probably not. I shrugged and marched on.

We walked past the grassy green fields surrounding the Human city, down the brown dirt path leading up to its gates as the landscape lost its tints with the setting of the sun. The guard waved us through after each of us had to pay an entrance fee— I was out of gold and almost couldn’t get it, but Helen paid it off for me.

“Thank you.”

I spoke courteously, glad that I decided to have gone with them— that she offered to accompany me here. I would have been stuck outside of the city with no way to get in if I went back on my own!

Well, I probably would have just snuck in. However, that would have been a hassle which would end with Daniel lecturing me over something stupid.

“It’s fine. You don’t have to pay me back, it’s only a few silver.”

Helen waved a hand off and I cocked my head. Pay… you back? The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind; I assumed that I wouldn’t have had to give her anything from the start. Huh.

I still had a lot to learn about Humans.

“So, where are you staying, Salvos?”

She glanced back at me as we waded our way through the busy street— I caught a glimpse of a few people looking my way before I faced her.

“Where am I… staying?”

Zack groaned as his shoulders sagged.

“Don’t tell me you don’t know where you’re staying either.”

“I do!”

I threw my hands up in protest. I looked around the busy street, trying to pick out any familiar looking buildings. It’s a building with about three floors… a lobby… a lot of people going in and out… very busy— I perked up and snapped a hand out.

“There!”

The three Gold Ranks turned and stared at the building I pointed out. Helen’s face grew beet red and Zack burst out laughing. Even Jaakko couldn’t suppress a light smile.

“There? You’re staying  there?!”

“Uh… I think? What’s wrong with that place?”

“That’s a brothel. Not a place you’d be staying at.”

I frowned and crossed my arms.

“And how would you know that?”

“I think you should just drop the act, Salvos. There’s no shame in admitting you don’t know something.”

Helen spoke placatingly. Zack snorted.

“Except that she doesn’t know anything— ouch.”

She punched him on the shoulder.

“Shut up!”

“I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Who cares.”

The blonde woman turned to me, offering a smile.

“We’ll help you find where you’re staying, but first we need to get an inn of our own. So just come with us for a little longer, ok?”

“Sure.”

—--

We found an inn shortly after— it was in a different part of Hazelbury. The buildings here weren’t the same dull wooden ones I was used to seeing. They were decorated and colorful, full of life. Carriages passed through the cobbled streets, the clopping of the hooves muffling as we entered the large inn, light now filling my vision.

“Woah.”

I blinked, staring around the gilded hall.

“This is nice.”

“You like it? This is one of the best inns in the city, apparently. And I believe it. You can tell by those lamps right there— see? Enchanted and powered entirely through magic.”

“Huh.”

I walked up to one of the lamps sitting right beside a hallway that led further into the building. It had a long, thin body that was as tall as I was, with a gleaming golden light held at the top. I saw the intricate ways the lines of mana wove itself into the runes etched on the surface of the crystal orb.

I identified it and continued trying to decipher the symbols and how it emitted magic.

“It’s actually quite a simple artifact— most [Enchanters] can craft it. But it’s expensive. So… she’s not even listening to me, is she?”

“Definitely not.”

I heard a sigh.

“Just stay here, Salvos. We’ll talk to the [Innkeeper] and get you your own room. Then we’ll be back.”

“Why do we have to pay for her room?”

“She doesn’t have any money.”

“That doesn’t mean we have to. And she’s not a child— she’s a runaway noble who survived this long by herself.”

“You don’t know that.”

“But it’s true that she doesn’t need us to babysit her—”

“It doesn’t matter, Helen, Zack. Helen wants to pay out of her own pocket and it is her own decision to do so. Unless she’s asking you to…”

The voices trailed off as the three Gold Ranks slowly left me, going to the counter at the other side of the large room.  

I continued my inspection of the magical object, perplexed and amazed by how it worked. Can I make something like this with [Advanced Fire Creation]? Perhaps in the future— for now, I had to focus on making a kusarigama first. I wasn’t sure how much time I spent looking at it— if it was a long time at all— but eventually…

General Skill [Identification] Level Up!

[Identification - Lvl. 4] -> [Identification - Lvl. 5]!

Experience is awarded for the leveling of a General Skill!

I jerked back, blinking.

“Huh.”

That hadn’t happened in a while. I didn’t expect to get it from identifying something for a few minutes after having identified hundreds of things before, but I guess it was because I identified hundreds of things before…? I shook my head, glancing around the room.

Now where did Helen and the others go again?

I started in a vague direction, passing by the hallway that led further into the inn when a figure turned the corner. The figure almost stumbled into me, but I moved out of the way just in time.

“Sorry— wait, Salvos?”

I blinked.

“Daniel? What are you doing here.”

The black haired Human man stared at me for a moment. He rubbed at his eyes before looking me over once again.

“You are Salvos.”

“Hello. That’s me.”

His eyes widened in shock as he just stood there. I cocked my head, confused.

“I’ve been waiting for you for— I thought you died out there! Didn’t you say you just wanted to test out your Skills a little bit?”

“I did. It went great!”

I smiled, giving him a reassuring nod. He paused, opening his mouth. Then he sighed and grabbed my arm.

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re here. There’s a job I signed us both up for— an escort mission. They wanted Gold Ranks, and we’ll be heading in the same direction, so might as well earn some gold while we can. The only reason they even waited for us is because we’re kinda well known in the area since… y’know? And there's been rumors of another Greater Demon in the area after you… y’know?”

“No, I do not know.”

He sighed, shaking his head.

“Come on, you don’t need to sleep, right? Let’s go now before they just—”

“Hold it right there.”

Daniel blinked, turning to the voice. He immediately paled, backing up.

“Woah, wait— what’s going on?”

My companion let go of me and raised both his hands; Helen did not lower the bow however, keeping it trained on his chest.

“Who are you and what are you doing with Salvos?”

“I’m just taking her to meet with— wait, you know her?”

“Yes. And you? What is your relationship with her?”  

“She’s my—”

“We’re companions!”

I piped up, grinning. Helen blinked and Daniel’s face turned red.

“Oh, uh… sorry, I had no idea that you were her…”

The Human man’s face burned furiously as he waved his hands over his face.

“She means friends. We’re friends!”

“Ah…”

Helen slowly lowered her bow, putting the arrow back in her quiver. Daniel sighed in relief as two more figures approached from behind the [Archer].

“Is there trouble, Helen?”

“No, it was just a misunderstanding.”

“I see you’ve made a few new friends while you were gone, Salvos.”

Daniel turned to me, raising a brow. I nodded.

“Yep! Daniel, this is Helen, Jaakko, and Zack. Helen, Jaako, and Zack, this is Daniel.”

“Daniel?”

Zack blinked.

“You’re one of the others who saved Silvergrove, aren’t you? I didn’t expect you to be Level 50. Although, you look kind of familiar…”

I glanced at Daniel. Level 50? He’s not—

[Warrior - Lvl. 51]

“Huh.”

It took me a moment to catch on, but he was disguising his levels to be higher than it actually was. Why is he doing that though? The Human man noticed my confusion and quickly leaned in to whisper.

“I have to look stronger than I actually am because of our job. Since it’s just the two of us and all.”

He turned back to the three Gold Ranks.

“Sorry— Zack, right? I don’t believe we’ve met before. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s a pleasure to make the acquaintance of you too. Tell me, are you her bodyguard or her steward?”

“Uh…”

“He thinks I’m a noble or something.”

I quickly whispered to Daniel. He sighed.

“Well, you certainly do come off as sheltered as one.”

“Hey!”

“Don’t feign offense, I know you don’t know what that means.”

“But I can tell it’s meant to be an insult.”

I crossed my arms and glared at him. He ignored it, instead going over to greet the other two. They shook hands and Helen profusely apologized.

“Sorry again, for what happened earlier. Salvos seems kind of… so I thought you were…”

“It’s fine, I know what you mean.”

They both shared a light chuckle. Then the smile vanished from Daniel’s face, being replaced by a nervous trickle running down his face as he spoke to Jaakko.

“Uh, hi, Mr Jaakko.”

“Please, just Jaakko is fine.”

He seemed rather intimidated by the Cyclops man— and that made no sense, considering that he was higher leveled than Jaakko. But Humans acted weirdly all the time, especially Daniel. So I didn’t question it.

“Where are you staying, Daniel? We couldn’t get a room in this inn because it’s fully booked— apparently some noble booked out all the available rooms for themselves.”

“Oh, I’m staying at a cheap inn on the other side of the city. I won’t actually be staying the night, but I think you might be able to get a room here since the person who—”

“So this is the Gold Ranked team you promised me, Daniel?”

A loud voice interrupted him as a rather young looking Human woman walked over to us accompanied by armored guards. Her high heels clacked against the marble floor with each step as her long, dark frilly dress trailed behind her. She had her long pink hair tied into what resembled a horsetail, reaching down to her waist.

Helen, Zack, Jaako, and I blinked as she placed her hands on her hips and nodded.

“Well, it seems like I didn’t waste my time waiting for you to deliver, after all. Come on, we leave now.”

The three Gold Ranks— actually, two since Jaakko cocked his shead— immediately erupted into a flurry of protests, demanding an explanation from the woman. Daniel rubbed at his temples as I turned to him.

“Who’s that?”

“That’s Saffron Merryster, third daughter and fifth child of Nixa’s Merryster Dukedom. And she’s who we’ll be escorting further up north to Warrington.”

…

“Huh, so that’s a noble.”