The Wandering Inn

Book 6: Chapter 18: H

Book 6: Chapter 18: H

[Martial Artists]. A term for people who use skills and techniques designed for combat, be it self-defense, war, competition, or other activities. They differed from traditional [Warriors] in a simple way. While anyone could learn to use a sword, and there were indeed teachers of swordplay or soldiering, anyone who knew how to fight could be a [Warrior]. It was a broad term that applied to self-taught amateurs as well as those formally taught by experts.

But [Martial Artists] practiced a system, an evolution of a traditional fighting style refined over decades, centuries, and so on, until it was a culture unto itself. Until you could call the act of carrying out moves a form of art in itself. That was what being a [Martial Artist] meant. But it was a rare class in most parts of the world.

After all, who fights with their fists? Its not really viable, especially for humanoid races. Noeven Drakes and Gnolls wouldnt do that well. Think about it. Youre up against some [Warrior] with a sword. Even if its made of iron, the swords a lot longer than your arm. Plus, its made out of metal. I dont care how sharp Drake claws areyoud normally get skewered before you got in arms reach. Thats why [Fist Fighters], [Brawlers], and so on are normally just tavern toughs or drunks. Its rare to see anyone use that kind of class outside of a city.

Ceria was explaining the concept of [Martial Artists] to her team. She was sitting with them in an inn in Celum. It was called The Drunken Swordsman, and it was a fairly nice inn as they went. Ceria wouldnt have necessarily stayed here when she was journeying with Calruz and Gerial in the original Horns of Hammerad; paying for their entire group would have wasted too much coin.

Now of course, her team could afford it, but it was surprising to Ceria because the young woman sitting next to her was staying here of her own volition. No, everything about Garia Strongheart was surprising. Ceria shot a glance at the City Runner for the ninth time in as many minutes. She couldnt help but stare.

Garia was thin. Or, thinner. She was still far from a half-starved girl, or a [Lady] striving to wear the sleekest dress possible. But even so, the change in Garia from when Ceria had known her was astounding.

The City Runner had been, to put it politely, a bit sturdier than most. Shed given Ceria the impression she ate too much, but that was a misleading look because more than a bit of her extra weight had been muscle. Garia had been strong as could be, but slow, which meant shed been a low-level, if dependable, City Runner called on for heavy deliveries at a slower pace.

Shed been friends with Fals and Ryoka and had often been seen in the company of the two when Ceria had come across them in Celum. But that had been ages ago. Now?

She was thinner. Still not quite as thin as someone like Falene, who was practically the definition of austere elegance in how she presented herself, but closer to Yvlon in terms of size, albeit a tiny bit bulkier. But all that extra flesh was muscle. Which meant that Garia Strongheart looked great. No, incredibly good. Ceria was surprised at how attractive Garia had become. The half-Elf paused for a second, wondering if her face had changed as well. Then she realized she was staring and coughed.

Sorry.

No problem. Hey, can I get you anything to eat? Its on me. Mister Timbor, can we get some drinks please? And some of your fries? Hey, youre going to love this, Ceria.

Garia turned and waved to a big [Innkeeper] helping wait the tables. Timbor waved back good-naturedly. Ceria blinked.

You seem familiar with him.

Yeah? Well, Im something of a regular. Ive made Celum my home base. Its close to my familys home, and Ive gotten a lot faster lately. And Im earning a good bit more, so I can afford to stay here.

The City Runner turned and flashed Ceria a smile. She was clearly excited, and chatty. Shed practically dragged Ceria to the inn and the half-Elf had agreed, to satisfy her curiosity as much as anything else. She had to know what had happened to Garia. Besides, the only mission her team was on today was to do some work at the Adventurers Guild. It wasnt as if they had to be in a hurry.

Ahem. Sorry, Ksmvr. Where was I?

Ceria turned back to the Antinium. Ksmvr was sitting next to Yvlon across the table. Pisces, who had more space to himself and was leaning back in his chair, raised one eyebrow in amusement.

I believe you were explaining to Comrade Ksmvr why [Martial Artists] were so rare, oh, Captain Ceria. Because hand-to-weapon combat is quite foolish, is that correct?

He was eying Garia as well, but unlike Ceria he wasnt at all unobtrusive about it. Yvlon and Ksmvr were politely sipping from the drinks the [Barmaid] had just brought overneither of them knew Garia as well as Ceria or Pisces. Ceria glared at Pisces as she lifted her drink to her lips.

What? Yeah, I was. Do you have a problem with that, Pisces? Its not hard to figure out. Weapons have reach, cutting powerand you can enchant them! True, some races have claws or sharp teeth. So what? Were not animals. What kind of an idiot would use her fists to pick a fight with someone with a sword? Besides Calruz, that is?

Pisces just kept smirking at Ceria. Ksmvr meanwhile politely raised one of his three good hands. The place where his fourth arm should have been was just a stump, healed but not regenerated. Sometimes Ceria worried about that. Ksmvr was an outcast from his Hive, but surely they could do something about his missing arm? Hed assured her it wouldnt impede his combat effectiveness unduly, but that wasnt really the point.

As a matter of fact, Captain Ceria, most of the Antinium do not fight with weapons. Workers may arm themselves with bows, but aside from the Armored Antinium, all other types of Antinium Soldiers only fight with their natural appendages.

Ah. Uh. I didnt meanobviously the Antinium are an exception, Ksmvr.

We do practice exceptionally straightforward and somewhat high-casualty forms of combat, Captain Ceria. I take your point.

The half-Elf turned bright red. It was worse because Ksmvr was so polite about it. Yvlon shook her head with a slight smile.

Ceria didnt try to insult your species, Ksmvr, Im sure. But shes right that other species dont have, uh, the Antiniums skill at fist-fighting. Your species has four arms and shells. We fragile Humans have weak skin and two hands. Its not a good idea for us.

Indeed.

Pisces was sitting up in his chair. He nodded towards Garia with his slight smirk. Ceria shot him a warning glance, but he was too far away to kick.

As I understand it, [Martial Artist] classes are practically unheard of in most continents. It is difficult to implement it as a fighting method across armies of [Soldiers], and it carries several demerits, which Ceria has kindly listed. However, as I recall, the people of the Drath Archipelago as well as some Minotaurs have that class. Miss Garia appears to have picked up the class somewhere. Which might be the reason for her dramatic weight loss. You look quite fetching, Miss Strongheart, if I might say so. I congratulate you on the change.

Pisces!

Yvlon and Ceria both snapped at the [Necromancer]. But Garia just laughed, and that at least was the same as Ceria remembered. The boisterous young woman reached over and slapped Pisces on the back; he nearly smacked the table with the front of his face.

Whoops, sorry, Pisces! Im not offended, Ceria, uh, Miss Yvlon. Im glad you said something! Its the first thing most people say to methe ones who arent polite like Ceria, that is. Isnt it incredible?

It is.

Ceria gave up as Pisces shook his robes and the wine hed ordered slid off the enchanted cloth and onto the floorboards. A passing [Barmaid] gave him a dirty look, which he ignored. The half-Elf looked at Garia now that shed broached the subject.

How on earth did you change so much, Garia? If you dont mind me asking? Its a Skill, right? From your [Martial Artist] class?

Garia chuckled, looking delighted at the attention.

Thats right! I actually got the class nearly a month and a half ago. And the Skill I got[Weight Control] was one of the first I received! Level 6, if you can believe it! Ill tell you all about it. But here come the fries! Take a look at this!

One of The Drunken Swordsmans servers had come over with a plate of fried wedges of potato. French fries, not nearly as thin as Erin would slice them, but unmistakably the same. There was even some ketchup with the fries. Pisces brightened up and levitated two towards him before the plate was even set down. Ceria murmured in appreciation and took one. It was salted very pleasantly and the ketchup was very good, if too sweet for her tastes. Garia beamed.

Do you like it? Its a new addition to Celum! Theyre called french fries, but we just call them fries for short! Arent they a great snack?

Mhm. Theyre quite nice. These ones could use a bit more crisp for my taste, though.

Yvlon commented as she politely ate a fry in the singular. Ksmvr had taken nearly as many as Pisces and the two began to devour the large platter with Garias help. The city Runner looked shocked and a bit crestfallen.

Wait, youve eaten these before? I thought theyd be a huge shock! They came out just last week and I havent seen you all around in Celum. Youre still at The Wandering Inn in Liscor, right? Ive been meaning to stop over there and talk to Erin, but I keep putting it off.

All four Horns of Hammerad smiled. Ceria coughed as she turned to Garia.

Actually, Garia, weve been eating these fries for months now. Or didnt you hear? These came from Liscor. From Erin, actually.

What?

The City Runner looked stunned. Ceria nodded.

I guess it is new in Celum, although some people do come through to the inn regularly. They must have copied her recipe. Took them long enough; you can get fries in any tavern in Liscor if you ask. Its great with a drink of ale.

No way. I thought that one of the [Innkeepers] here had invented it and Erin copied it when I had it at her inn! They never said it was from Erin! What about Miss Agnes? Her inn was partnered with Erins, wasnt it? Only, last time I visited it wasnt doing so well. Although her husband is up and on his feet these days.

Garia shot the [Innkeeper] named Timbor a confused look. He was a big fellow. Pisces smirked unpleasantly.

I believe thats because they have a particular grudge against Erin Solstice, Miss Strongheart. As I recall, your [Innkeeper] was one of the ones who upset Erin in particular.

What? But Timbors a great innkeeper. Hes had me over sinceyoure sure? I need to talk to Erin.

Ceria drummed her fingers on the table and snatched one of Pisces fries as it floated past her face. He scowled at her.

If you do, watch out for the Hobgoblin staying at her inn. Hes quite friendly, but he hates people screaming at him.

Hobhold on, how much have I missed? Did that little Goblin, er, Rags, turn into a huge one?

Ohno. What happened was

It was strange for Ceria to recount all that had happened to Garia. After all, the City Runner had known Erin through Ryoka. But it had been in a peripheral sense; shed never been at the heart of the drama in Erins inn like the Horns of Hammerad, and shed missed a lot of action. The City Runner listened with mouth agape as she heard the stories. Face-Eater Moths. Raskghar. The siege. Goblin heroes and death. Zel Shivertail, the legend.

Dead gods. And I thought Id changed. But one look at your team told meI cant quite recall if weve been introduced. I knew the Horns had changed; I saw you during the siege of LiscorI mean, the one with the Face-Eater Moths. And I heard about Lord Tyrions army and the Goblin Lord, but I wasnt near a scrying orb for that. Ill have to pay to see a recording if theres one available. Im sorry if I havent introduced myself before. Garia Strongheart.

She stood up. Yvlon and Ksmvr did likewise. The [Wounded Warrior] smiled slightly as she held out a gauntleted hand. It was bad manners to eat with her gauntlets on, but the woman was doing it anyways. Ceria had noticed Yvlon wore her armorat least her gauntlets and armguardsat all times. To hide her damaged arms?

Then Ceria wondered if the Free Antiniums gels would help with her arms as well. She hadnt complained about her injuries of late, but that was because she couldnt feel her arms. Yvlon shook Garias hand, smiling, and neither commented on her etiquette.

I have seen you before, Miss Garia. But I cant say weve ever talked that much.

Garia, please. Its a pleasure to meet you, Yvlon.

And I am Ksmvr. Hello. I am one of the Antinium, but I am not hostile towards you at the moment Miss Garia. So please do not fear for your life.

Ksmvr held out one of his hands. Garia blinked, but didnt even miss a beat as she shook it. Ceria groaned.

Dont mind Ksmvr, Gariaand he is an Antinium, but

Dont worry. I met that other one. Klbkch? And Pawn. Ryokas told me about them, so Im not scared. And I hear Antinium have been in Celum before. Honestly, I was a bit worried wed have people panicking, but theyve seen, uh, Ksmvr before?

Once or twice. There was a baseball game

Ceria looked around. Ksmvr was indeed getting a lot of looks, but the Antinium had been spotted in Celum a few times before. Still, if Ksmvr were alone, Ceria would have bet people would have panicked. Another thing to worry about.

Anyways. Where were we? Oh, right. Erins inn is one thing, Garia. But how in the name of tree sap did you

The half-Elf waved at Garia in general. The City Runner laughed again. She looked so happy. And she was clearly doing well; Ceria distinctly recalled Garia being worried about her job and how she was doing before.

Like I said, Ceria. I got the class. [Martial Artist]. Level 14! Ive been leveling like crazy. No one can believe how fast Im shooting up, but Im training every chance I get between runs. My weights just one change Ive had. Look at this!

She lifted her light tunic. Ceria blinked as she saw a very taut stomach and toned abdominal muscles. And something else shed seen on Calruz when the Minotaur went shirtless. A six-pack of muscles.

Oh.

Yvlon sounded admiring. Ksmvr leaned over, looking blank.

I do not understand what this configuration of flesh means. Comrade Pisces, please explain.

It shows high abdominal strength, Ksmvr. And I realize the distinction is lost on you, but I find it a quite attractive view.

Pisces leaned over for a better look. Garia turned red and Yvlon reached over to punch him.

No, dont!

The Runner girl looked pleased as she lowered her shirt. That was another change. Garia would never had been so bold. Ceria blinked as Pisces edged back from Yvlon and Ksmvr prodded his own stomach.

So youre really trying to be a [Martial Artist], Garia? Arent you a [Runner]?

Garia took a longer drink and nodded.

Thats right. But the two classes have great synergy. After all, both are about the body. Im hoping I can consolidate the classes. But I have no idea what class Id get and Im running out of ways to improve. I do practice punches every dayand kicks as well as this dodging routine I learnedbut Im just dying to meet Ryoka again. I want to see her faceand get her to teach me how to do some flips!

Ryoka taught you how to do those punches? Now it makes sense.

Yvlon sighed and rolled her eyes. Ceria nodded too.

Of course. She took both you and Calruz on, remember, Yvlon?

As if I could forget. That was one way to meet her.

The [Warrior] rubbed her cheek ruefully. Garia smiled.

She told me about taking on Calruz with her bare fists. Thats not something Im ever going to do, but when she visited my parents farm, Ryoka also taught me how to do a basic punch. She wanted me to defend myself. Honestly, I didnt see much point in it, but she did some incredible tricks as well, so I thoughtwhy not? My dad was all hyped up after her visit too. He practically forced me to try her punches the day after she left, and then spar. I dont know if youve met him

Wailant Strongheart? Doesnt he run a really productive farm around Celum? I remember hearing about how productive his fields are.

Yvlon looked curious. Ceria blinked at her.

How do you know that, Yvlon?

I do take an interest in that kind of thing, Ceria. My family runs a number of businesses. He runs his farm practically by himself, or so I heard. Dangerous, even for a farm located close to Celum. But I take it hes good at fighting?

Garia smiled ruefully.

Dads not alone. But youre right. He can take care of himself. So can my mother. Shes a [Green Mage].

That explains it. Is your father a former adventurer, then? A soldier?

No. He was a [Pirate].

Yvlon choked on her drink. Ksmvr politely patted her on the back.

You are drowning, Yvlon.

Thanks, Ksmvr. A [Pirate]? You dont hear about that every day!

No. But thats an entire storyanyways, my dads still really good with a sword. And his fists. He kept egging me to become an adventurer and learn how to fight. Im no good with a weapon, though. After Ryoka left he made me do a hundred of her punches exactly like she did, and then tried to get me to spar. Normally I cant even touch him, but he kept egging me on. And then I threw one of Ryokas punches and got lucky and

Garia spread her hands helplessly. Ceria winced. Pisces frowned. He leaned over to Ceria.

Ceria. Correct me if Im mistaken, but wasnt Garia in the possession of the ah, [Enhanced Strength] Skill?

Yup.

Pisces winced. So did Yvlon.

Ouch.

Ksmvr looked up.

Ah. That Skill is a more potent version of [Lesser Strength], is it not? I thought it was difficult to acquire for [Warriors], though.

Yvlon dabbed at her mouth with a handkerchief.

Rare, yes. I wish I had it. But its more common for [Farmers].

And I was one until I quit. Its one of the reasons I was so big growing up, or so my mother always said. And I got a solid hit on my dad during that sparring session.

Garia waved a hand. Ksmvr stared blankly at her. Ceria smiled slightly.

Ksmvr, its not a complete comparison, but remember Calruz? Imagine him hitting you as hard as he could. Hes probably a bit stronger, but I remember a guy with [Enhanced Strength] nearly knocked him flat in a bar brawl one time.

Ah. I see. The potential for bodily harm rises. Commendable.

Garia shook her head.

I didnt hurt my dad that bad. But I did knock him out. It was a lucky shot to the head, but still. I cant tell you how good that felt! Ive never so much as touched him when he didnt want me to. That night I gained the [Martial Artist] class. And I decided that if I could knock my father out, a good punch would do just as well for any [Bandit] I met. Or monster! So I kept practicing off-and-on. And then I got to Level 6 and I realized what my class could do for me.

She indicated her body. Ceria frowned.

So you got a Skill and you could just lose weight? Like that? Isnt that insanely powerful?

Yvlon nodded.

I know dozens of [Ladies] whod kill for a Skill like that, Garia. Literally kill.

Well, they can learn to do a few punches and see if they get it. I dont think its a powerful Skill by the standards of my class, you see. It just helps me lose weight, which is what I wanted. I guess thats why I got it?

She looked around the table for confirmation. Pisces nodded. Somehow hed signaled for another plate of fries, unabashedly putting it on Garias tab.

Indeed. Its a well-known phenomenon that classes and Skills are acquired often in line with the users desires. I myself dont have any Skills involving the summoning of flesh-based undead, for instance.

Silver and steel, Pisces. Of all the things to say while were eating.

Yvlon glared. Pisces raised a hand.

I merely bring it up as a point of reference. I much prefer skeletons to zombies, you see. Rotting flesh is sounrefined.

It also carries disease. I am contributing this fact to the conversation.

Thank you, Ksmvr.

The Antinium beamed. Garia looked around.

I dont know about all that. But Im just so happy I got the class. Its not the only Skill I got of courseI learned a few techniques too! I can do a really fast kick, I have a dodging Skilland Im a lot faster on my feet! But thats just because of the weight loss. I cant wait to see what other Skills I get, though. So Im learning all I can about my class. But Ceria and Pisces are right. Theres practically no one with this class in Izril.

Huh. So what will you do?

Garia shrugged.

Im trying to see if there are any [Martial Artists] or people with similar classes among the adventurers on the continent. There probably are, and Ill see if I can talk to them and if theyre willing to share. Aside from that, I do my research. [Mages] know a lot, you see, and experienced travellers from Chandrar are helpful. If I could go to a larger city or a portoh, and youre wrong about [Martial Artists], Ceria. Just a tiny bit.

Oh? How?

Weapons are actually part of the fighting styles [Martial Artists] use. You see, its about the attitude anddiscipline? The point is, some use hands and feet, but there are entire styles that take other body parts into account. Also, there are groups of [Martial Artists] in Chandrar too, Pisces. Theres this famous nation called Pomle and I was trying to see if I could send a [Message] spell there, but they dont even have a Mages Guild.

Garia sighed. Pisces sniffed.

I knew that. I was simply referring to the practice in a broader cultural sense, not minorities by continent

Shut up, Pisces. Shes more of an expert than you.

Ceria smiled at Garia, privately delighted. The City Runner grinned at Pisces.

Well, I have done my research. But if you know anything Pisces, Id love to find out more. There really arent any experts around. Oh, there are [Brawlers], and Ive heard of [Fist Fighters], but theyre completely different. I did hear a rumor about a[Mage] in Pallass? He apparently trains his body. And doesnt Erins inn have a door to Pallass?

She looked hopefully at Pisces. So did Ceria, although the comment wiggled at a part of her memory. But she didnt keep her ear to the door like Pisces did with his constant spying. She was more of an expert on adventuring and uhhalf-Elves. He nodded at last.

I believe I know the [Mage] youre referring to, Miss Strongheart.

Garia.

Miss Stronghear

The young woman reached over and poked Pisces. His chair rocked a bit.

Garia.

Yvlon was smiling. Pisces blinked twice.

Garia. The Drake in question is known as Grimalkin. Im familiar with a few particulars about him; he didnt attend Wistram, but he did visit the academyhm. He graduated from Fissival, but his ah, unique beliefs make him a pariah in the magical community. However, I believe his theories are sound, if excessive. Ceria, you might remember him. Hes the one who challenged an Archmage to a duel.

The half-Elf snapped her fingers.

Him? I remember that!

Someone challenged an Archmage of Wistram?

The others leaned forwards. Ceria nodded.

Two years after I left Wistram with Pisces. I remember hearing all about it. He lost, didnt he?

Pisces sniffed.

Of course. He isnt a high enough leveled [Mage] to beat any of the current Archmages. I believe he was up against Archmage Feor, a bad matchup, given Feors extensive abilities to control a duel.

Right, right. Good thing he wasnt up against Amerys, though. She does not hold back.

Pisces lips twitched as Yvlon, Ksmvr, and Garia all looked blank.

He might have done surprisingly well. He did land a hit that nearly shattered Feors barrier spell. Apparently he suffered a bit of the impact. I would have quite liked to have seen that.

So would Ceria. And she was impressed too; she knew how good an Archmages barrier spells probably were.

So hes some kind of fighting [Mage]? That might be what Garia wants.

Pisces sighed.

Alas, I think physical mage is all too apt a term for Grimalkin. He emphasizes physical enchantment spells. Which means he can fight on par with a Gold-ranked [Warrior] with ease, but as a consequence he neglects other forms of magic. His motto is that a [Mage] should be able to keep up with [Warriors]. I admire the concept myself, as I combine aspects of fencing combat with my spellcraft in battle, but I doubt Grimalkin is that acquainted with the kind of fighting Misswith what Garia desires. [Martial Artists] use Skills and battle techniques, not spells and they can rival even powerful spells at high-level.

He indicated his rapier as he spoke. Ceria was nodding, but she saw Garia looked disappointed. Ksmvr waved a hand.

Comrade Pisces. Comrade Pisces, please explain to me. How powerful would you rate a [Martial Artist] compared to a regular [Warrior]?

Well

Ill answer that, Ksmvr. I am the expert here after all.

Yvlon smoothly interrupted Pisces. He sighed loudly, but took a drink as she took over. That was actually a good sign, as was the way Yvlon didnt glare at him in any seriousness. The Horns were easy around each other, and Ceria could see Garia glancing from face to face as she sipped from her drink, listening.

Yvlon shot Ksmvr a smile as the Antinium turned to face her. They had a good connection. If Ceria could sometimes sense what Pisces was thinking from their shared past, she thought that Yvlon liked Ksmvr, and she was the only person who Ksmvr didnt address with any degree of formality.

You see, Ksmvr, its a hard question. [Warriors] like me wear armor, but I do know [Martial Artists] usually go without. Its more of a question of how rich and what level we are. You see, at low levels, the [Warrior] wins if theyre equipped right. We can wear armor and use steel weapons. Bare hands and feet arent much use even with some Skills. And the problem continues at higher levels.

Ah. I see. Your Sword of Weight and my Forceshield would be powerful weapons a [Martial Artist] lacks.

Ksmvr indicated the sword at Yvlons side and the small bucker he carried. Yvlon nodded.

Exactly. But its not all clear-cut. For instance, [Martial Artists] have to train and not all [Warriors] do. I practice my swings, but I dont do the

She waved her arms vaguely. Ksmvr copied her. Garia shook her head amused, but didnt break in.

So maybe [Martial Artist] is a stronger class than general [Warriors]? It might be like having a [Blademaster] class in terms of quality. And their Skills are quite good. But we get enchanted gear. So its more even at higher-levels. One things for sure, though. Take away a Gold-rank [Warrior]s gear and give him just steel and pit him against a [Martial Artist] of the same level, and I know who Im betting on.

Ksmvr nodded a few times. Then he raised his hand.

To clarify, which one would you bet on?

Everyone laughed at that. Garia called for another round as Ceria got up to pee. She had to chuckle over Ksmvr. But someone stopped her on the way back from the toilet.

Miss. Excuse me, Miss.

The [Innkeeper], Timbor, halted Ceria. He gave her a wide and slightly nervous smile as he indicated her team.

That uh, that thing with you. Thats one of them, isnt it? An Antinium? From Liscor?

Thats right.

The man licked his lips as Ceria frowned at him.

Hes not going to do anything, is he? I know Garia, and shes a good girl. Er, and I know your teams the Horns of Hammerad, right? But one of the Antiniumits safe, it wont act up, right? You can promise me that?

Ceria glared.

Ksmvr can control himself. Hes an adventurer.

Right, right. I only wanted to know

Timbor backed up, for all he was quite a bit taller than Ceria. She debated freezing his feet to the ground, and then shook her head. If she hadnt met Ksmvr, Pawn, and Klbkch, she might have felt the same way.

Hes quite nice. Dont worry. Were not staying the night. We have an inn. Ksmvr hasnt killed anyone there yet.

The [Innkeeper] flushed a bit.

Of course. Look, I didnt mean to say

Ceria let him go at that. The others were laughing as she came back. Garia was telling them stories of her new adventures on the road.

and thats when I realized I really was a lot better! Fals came running back up to me, and then he just stared at the dead thing on the road. He couldnt believe it! I was going to keep running, but it turned out the bounty on the monster was worth more than my delivery!

Yvlon chuckled at that. Pisces leaned over to Ceria as he smiled.

She punched a Rockdevil to death.

What?

The [Ice Mage] nearly spat out her drink. She stared at her full mug, and then at the [Barmaid] filling Pisces tankard.

Hold on, we didnt order

Mister Timbor sent a free round around.

Oh.

Ceria felt a bit bad about her sharp tongue now. Then she felt better because it was a free drink. Pisces raised his eyebrows as he watched Garia showing Yvlon and Ksmvr a scar.

Trouble?

No, actually. The [Innkeeper] was just worried about Ksmvr being Ksmvr.

Ah.

That reminds me. When we go to the Adventurers Guild, lets be careful. Because they have weapons and Id hate for one of them to react badly to Ksmvr.

I quite agree. Although, is your guild in Celum that dangerous?

Ceria made a face. She tried not to drink too much ale before a job, but this was free. Shed have to sober up a bit. Maybe shed grab a sobering potion at Octavias before she left.

Not really? But you never know. Look, its been a while, but Yvlon and I know most of the groups around here. Lets head over after this. And when you get there, try not to mention the undead

She saw Pisces nod. Garia was turning to her as he sat back up in his chair.

So Ceria! Erins doing well, or better, I guess. Ill drop by and visit her. And little Mrsha too! But have you seen Ryoka around? Im dying to talk to her, but no ones seen her in Celum for ages! Is she running errands around the Drake cities?

Ceria stopped drinking. She looked up. The smile faded from Yvlons lips. Pisces looked up as he ate one of the remaining cold fries.

Ryoka? We havent seen her, Garia. Not for a long while.

What? I thought she was in Liscor! What about Mrsha? She was looking after her!

The Runner looked shocked. Ceria shook her head. She looked up at Yvlon and remembered the day Ryoka had disappeared.

Regrika Blackpaw. Her mysterious mage friend. Her chasing after Ryoka

She gave Garia a truncated version of the story. The City Runner shook her head.

And she just left? No one told me!

She pounded the table, making the cups and plates jump. Ceria eyed her.

You wouldnt have been able to help, Garia. Believe mewe ran into Regrika or whoever that Gnoll really was. She took out a Gold-rank adventurer like that.

She snapped her fingers. Yvlon nodded.

Ryoka had some kind of connection to her. She left before we could get answers, but theres a bit of ill will, Garia. Griffon Hunt, the Halfseekers, not to mention Liscors City Watch, Zel Shivertail, that Wall Lord Ilvrissall of them wanted to talk to Ryoka. If she comes back, shell have some explaining to do.

Pisces nodded. His tone was suddenly pensive as he leaned back in his chair.

I believe the circumstances around Miss Griffin arecomplicated. One thing is for certain, however. She is nowhere near Liscor. Nor do I believe she ran south. That would prove unwise.

Because the Blood Fields are active?

The [Necromancer] blinked.

Hm. Of course. Besides, Erin did indicate shed run north. It is surprising you havent heard news of her, Garia.

Garia folded her arms and closed her eyes.

Maybe I was listening in the wrong places. I thought she was in Liscor. You know, semi-retired and looking after Mrsha? She had a lot of gold. If she went northIll ask Fals. Or I can put in a request through the Guild if Ryokas still running. I want to see her. And if shes north, I can do a long run.

How far do you run these days?

Ceria blinked at Garia. The City Runner smiled a bit.

A lot farther than I used to, Ceria. Farther, fasterand I can defend myself. I still cant handle people with arrows or the dangerous kinds of monsters, but I can usually outrun anything. And Ive taken care of myself since then. Im not the Garia from before. I wish Id learned this years ago. Maybe I would have been on the track to becoming a Courier by now, not Persua. Although now half the male Runners in the Guild keep asking me if Id like to go running with them. Which they didnt do before I lost weight, but they seem to think I cant remember two months ago. Theyre annoying and some of Persuas friends are mean. Still, Im glad shes gone.

The half-Elf had to agree. She downed the rest of her mug and then she got up from her chair.

Were not the same either, Garia. Its been a long time since we were in Celum. For work, I mean. But we are better. The Horns are back.

Even if Calruz is in jail. Even if hes going to die. Ceria paused at that bleak thought. She shook her head.

Id love to talk to you tonight. But we did come here to do a job, so

Of course. I shouldnt have kept you. Hey, why dont we meet at The Wandering Inn for dinner? If Erins made fries, what else has she done? Id love to find out!

Garia got up. Ceria nodded.

If we dont have an overnight request at the guild, Id love to. Well send word. Or stop by at the Runners Guild.

Sounds good. And hey Ceria, Yvlon, all of you. If you need something delivered, feel free to ask at the guild. They can get in touch with me even if Im on a delivery. Im still not as fast as Ryoka, but Im the best City Runner in the area now.

You?

The City Runner smiled at them. Ceria had never seen that look on her face. It was proud, triumphant, and for a second Ceria forgot the old Garia. Then the young woman turned.

Ive got to go practice. Ill see you tonight hopefully!

And then she was gone. Ceria looked at her companions. Yvlon looked thoughtful, Pisces and Ksmvr were busy eating the last of the fries. The half-Elf shook her head. She noticed Timbor, the [Innkeeper], lingering nearby as they left. He was staring at them, or maybe just Ksmvr? But he said nothing as the Horns made their way into the street.

Whoof. I drank too much. What was that, three mugs?

Ceria muttered as she left The Drunken Swordsman. Yvlon steadied her with one hand. The [Warrior] didnt look at all tipsy, but then shed had some watered wine and then rosewater tea for her drinks.

You need to sober up. Or pray our destinations a ways away.

If the request is a day or two awaygah. Ill be fine.

Pisces wrinkled his nose as he brushed crumbs off his spotless white robes.

Ah, the most tiresome aspect of adventuring. Can we choose a request closer to Celum? I would prefer to exterminate monsters and recline in comfort tonight.

Ceria mock-glared at Pisces.

We dont get to choose the jobs, Pisces. Well, we do, but the best paying ones arent fun for exactly that reason. Besides, youd better get used to this if you want to continue with us. We need to make a name for ourselves now were done with Liscor and the dungeon. Or well never make Gold-rank.

The [Necromancer] sighed but he didnt argue. Yvlon tsked softly as she walked with Ceria down the street. It was a familiar route for her and Ceria. Pisces and Ksmvr trailed them. The Antinium was getting a lot of looks now. Ceria just hoped no one would call for the Watch.

Captain Ceria, may I ask a question?

Yes, Ksmvr. You dont need to ask.

Thank you. When you say we are done with Liscor, do you mean we will be travelling away from Liscor? Will we not stay around Miss Erins inn?

The question brought Ceria and Yvlon up short. They turned to look at Ksmvr. Then they shot a glance at Pisces. He shrugged.

I defer to your judgment, Captain Ceria, Comrade Yvlon. You are the senior adventurers as you constantly remind me.

Yvlon sighed.

I like Erins inn. But even with a door to Invrisilespecially since you cant take more than two or three people per daywell have to leave her inn eventually. We can stay in the area and visit often, but I think well have to say goodbye at some point like the other Gold-rank teams.

Oh. I believe Erin will cry.

The half-Elf rubbed at her head.

She will. Dead gods, that will be painful. We dont have to face that just yet, though. Like I said, were not at Gold-rank yet. Falene made that clear, along with those damn Ashfire Bees.

Pisces leaned forwards. The flow of traffic on Celums street had practically stopped. People were staring at Ksmvr. He was staring back with interest.

So our current objective is?

Get more artifacts. Get to Invrisil and call in whatever favor Ryoka bought for us. Uhfind Ryoka? Maybe. Level up a bit. Im Level 28. If I could hit Level 30Id love to gain a new class instead of [Wounded Warrior]. Something actually strong, like Ylawes [Knight] class. I feel like the weakest link sometimes.

Yvlon grimaced as she flexed one arm. Pisces eyed it silently.

I happen to agree with that. We could certainly use some refinement of our existing tactics as well. I admit my Bone Horrors arent at the level I desire. Yet. And I need new bones. Ive lost all but the components for one Bone Horror after the last one was incinerated.

Ceria shook her head as she turned the street. The Adventurers Guild was only a block away.

Is that humility I hear, Pisces?

Merely common sense, Springwalker. Or dont you agree?

I agree. Totally. I have [Ice Wall] and [Frozen Armor] now, but those are defensive spells. Pretty good ones; Im miles ahead of old me. But until I can throw [Ice Lance] around like my old master, Im only good at locking down opponents. And when I do learn the spell, youd better watch out! Because then Ill be

Still considerably weaker than Falene, Revi, Typhenous, or Moore?

Shut up, Pisces.

Ceria irritably kicked at Pisces. But he [Flash Stepped] out of the way. She balefully eyed him as he smirked at her.

Come to think of it, arent you in the same boat? You dont have any offensive spells past Tier 2. And your rapier isnt much good even when you set it on fire. Your Bone Horrors do all the work and theyre surprisingly fragile.

He sniffed at her.

Im refining them, Springwalker. Or do you think its easy to design undead? It is not. And since I cannot use traditional undead forms like skeletons, much less humanoid corpses, I must design new Bone Horrors from scratch. Additionally, the cost of animating a Bone Horror is considerable. If I maintained them like normal [Necromancers]

Yvlon scowled.

Youd have an army. How many can you raise?

The aforementioned [Necromancer] hesitated.

Well, if I needed toyou are aware [Necromancers] and [Summoners] are related in discipline, yes? Only, the undead are permanent constructs while [Summoners] like Miss Revi use temporary beings that are generally more potent or diverse. So in theory, if I were trying, I could raise quite a number of er, low-level undead. Zombies. Ghouls. Skeletons. But I fear that method leads to circular patterns. I would need to constantly acquire more undead as I expended them. You see, the undead thrive on death magic, so they would need to generate it to avoid me paying the cost in mana myself

And then youd unleash them on a village to gain more and wed have to hunt you down. I get the idea.

Yvlon sighed. She shook her head.

Fine. Forget I asked. Your Bone Horrors are strong enough even if you can only summon a few. And I like you more when its just those.

Why Yvlon, I was unaware of your positive sentiments. I return it quite happily.

Pisces smirked. Yvlon rolled her eyes. And Ceria realized someone hadnt spoken up recently. She looked back.

Ksmvr? Whats wrong?

The Antinium was trailing behind the other three, looking at the ground. He looked up and opened his mandibles. A woman walking out of the shop turned white as she saw him.

Monster! H-help! Its a

Oh, shut up.

Ceria pushed her aside. She pulled Ksmvr forwards gently. The Antinium clicked his mandibles softly as Yvlon and Pisces looked back.

Ksmvr, whats the matter?

Nothing, Yvlon, Captain Ceria. I am merely ruminating on my despair. You see, I am quite useless. And Yvlons statement about her being the weakest link is fundamentally incorrect; I am clearly the weakest and most inept of the team. I tender my apologies and crushing guilt to the team.

The other Horns looked at Ksmvr. Then they exchanged glances. Ceria coughed.

Hey, Ksmvr, thats not true

I appreciate your lies, Captain Ceria. But the facts do not lie. I am the lowest-leveled among the team by far. I have not even hit Level 20. Whereas Comrade Pisces is now in excess of Level 30, and both you and Yvlon are closing in on Level 30, which is a mark of true ability.

Ceria bit her lip. That was true. Level 30 was the point where you really started standing out from the crowd. Shed been fantasizing over what she might get at Level 30 for a Skillor maybe a rare spell. It was amazing how fast shed leveled since shed first met Ryoka back in Albez. Then, shed barely been Level 23.

Gaining six levels in as many months was fast leveling at this stage. Even if Erin waswell, she didnt count. And [Mages] at Level 30 or higher were nothing to sneeze at. Come to think of itCeria eyed Pisces. If he didnt have the restrictions placed on him by Liscor and Celums laws regarding undead, could he have a small army of undead following him around like hed said?

But Ksmvr was the priority to cheer up right now. Pisces placed a hand on Ksmvrs shoulder in an uncharacteristic display of warmth.

Ah, Ksmvr. Dont despair over your lack of levels. I understand the Antinium level slowly. You should regard your inferiority not as a mark of failure, but as a byproduct of being in the company of the truly gifted.

That is true. I am quite inferior.

The [Necromancer] sighed.

That is not quite what Iones competence does not merely reside in their level, Ksmvr. In time you will rise to something approaching my competence. I am sure you will eventually outstrip Springwalker and Miss Byres.

Both of them glared at Pisces, but he was doing his best. The [Necromancer] paused as if hed just had a thought. He turned to Ksmvr.

Besides which, you are barely three years old.

Yvlon tripped. It was a full-body thud which attracted every head. And it must have hurt. But she was on her feet moments later.

Youre how old, Ksmvr?

The former Prognugator scratched at an antenna.

Three. I was created in secret by my Queen as a replacement Prognugator in case of Revalantor Klbkchs injury. I understand you are trying to cheer me up, Comrade Pisces, but I was considered fully trained by my Queens standards after two years since my creation.

Ah, but friend Ksmvr, Captain Ceria and I took er, at least a decade of training to reach our levels.

Pisces put his arm around Ksmvrs shoulder. Ceria and Yvlon were too busy waving silently at each other to interject. The Antinium brightened.

Truly?

The young man nodded grandly.

The maturation of Humans, half-Elves, and other species is much slower. Now, I grant you, it would still have taken you quite a long time to reach our level. But your current failing can be excused. Im sure Ceria would agree with me.

He glanced pointedly at Ceria. She stopped dancing about and cleared her throat.

Er, yes. Of course. Youre one of us, Ksmvr. And youre quite accomplished. For a three-year old. Pisces. You didnt mention that to us.

Behind Ksmvr, Yvlon made a fist. The [Necromancer]s smile turned glassy.

What? Well, its perfectly natural for Antinium

Still, you didnt think it was important?

The lifespan of Antinium

Ksmvr held up a hand as he looked back at Ceria.

Captain Ceria, I am fully aware of your complaint and prepared to address it.

Oh? Go on, Ksmvr.

He nodded.

I am aware that you know of the average lifespan of Workers is only around two years in length. However, I would like to hasten to assure you that this is not a biological clock in any way, but merely a byproduct of high mortality rates owing to monster invasion, drowning, and accidents in the Hive. My body will not begin to deteriorate in quality owing to my age for at least a decade.

Oh.

Please do not be angry at Comrade Pisces. He merely sought to keep my advanced age a secret to avoid embarrassing me. You see, the Prognugator of a Hive must be trained, for years, whereas Workers and Soldiers are practically fully competent moments after being created. I had to learn to use weaponry, study tactics, history

Ceria sighed.

Thats not quite why we were mad. But Ill discuss it with Pisces later. Lookyoure fine as you are, Ksmvr. Lets just drop that and deal with it later. Look, were here.

Theyd finally arrived at the Adventurers Guild. Ksmvr stared up at the two-story building and tilted his head from left to right. Ceria had to own it wasnt the most impressive of spots. Oh, it was certainly bigger than Liscors guild, nearly twice as large, but it was still the Adventurers Guild of a moderately small city.

It was worn, the sign marking the guild was old and the paint had faded, and the guild had open shutters, not glass. Some loud laughter drifted out from the guild, as if it were a pub. Still, it was familiar to Ceria. In a way, it was home.

What a mediocre guild. We might as well have gone to Pallass. Or waited until Invrisil. This is almost as poor as Miss Selys guild. Ahdont tell her I said that.

Pisces studied the guilds frontage dismissively. Yvlon and Ceria turned to glare at him.

Its not a big guild. It doesnt need to be. And there are good Silver-rank teams in there, so watch your tongue, Pisces. Come to thatKsmvr.

Yes, Captain Ceria!

He straightened at once. Ceria eyed him.

Dont be nervous, Ksmvr.

I will endeavor to suppress my natural apprehension, Captain! But this is the second Guild I have ever entered! I must make a good impression!

Ceria thought quickly. She really liked Ksmvr, she did. But she knew him pretty well now and she knew exactly how much trouble those words might mean.

Righthow about you dont. Uh, Ksmvr, this guild hasnt ever seen Antinium. So they might reactwell handle it. Yvlon and I. What I want you and you, Pisces, to do is stay quiet, follow our leads, and dont cause trouble. Got it?

Understood, Captain! I will be quiet and not cause any trouble!

Wonderful. Pisces?

Yes, oh, glorious Captain?

He gave Ceria a sycophantic, fake smile. She gave up.

If you start a fight, Yvlon and I wont bail you out. Alright, Yvlon. Its been a while. Want to see the regular crowd?

The [Warrior] smiled. But there was a hint ofwhat? Apprehension? Something like that in her eyes. Ceria felt a strange flutter in her stomach as well and couldnt place why. Why was it?

Oh.Because the last time I was here, I was with Calruz. Calruz, Gerial, Solstrom, Huntwe were about to go to Liscor.

The memory froze Ceria in her tracks. She stared up at the guild. Then she shook her head, took a deep breath, and pushed open the doors.

-

A worn room. Floorboards recently swept clean. Swept, but not scoured, because years of mud and dirt trekked into the room had etched itself between the cracks in the floorboards. There were stains too. Dark ones. Places where adventurers had bled. And perhaps, places where they had died, surrounded by friends after a mission gone wrong.

Marks of victory, small triumphs and battles forgotten by all. Scratches where someone had demonstrated a new Skill. Worn tables and chairs but not too worn; after all, adventurers would start fights or break furniture by accident. So the wood was cheap and the only permanent fixture was the desk with the [Receptionist] and the board filled with slips of paper. Jobs.

Ceria Springwalker looked around Celums guild. It was like she remembered. All of it. She felt a wave of nostalgia and sadness grip her. Then someone prodded her in the back.

May we come in?

Thank goodness for Pisces. Ceria jabbed an elbow backwards, missed Pisces, and hit Yvlons breastplate. The [Warrior] jerked out of the same reverie. As Ceria cursed and rubbed her elbow, Yvlon walked past her.

Looks like a midday crowd. Not that many teams in.

Ceria looked up. Instinct overruled her feelings. She surveyed the room a second time. The Adventurers Guild really did resemble a pub in a lot of ways. There were plenty of tables and chairs to sit about and adventurers being pragmatic, some did indeed bring their lunches to eat while they prepared for a job or came back from one.

More than that, an Adventurers Guild always had someone hanging about. It was a place to socialize. All of your friends might be here if you were an adventurer. This would be more of your home than any inn.

Yvlon was right. This Guild wasnt nearly as crowded as it could be. It could probably hold close to eighty people before feeling quite cramped. Right now it held only about three dozen, including the staff. Ceria shrugged.

I dont know. This isnt too bad. Looks like, what, four to six teams with a bunch of individuals?

Something like it. See anyone you recognize?

Yvlon studied the room casually. Adventurers had noticed the door opening and some were casually turning to see if there was anyone they knew, or someone new to note. Ceria frowned.

Im looking.

She thought she spotted a group by the job board. The telltale sign was the lack of any glint of metal on them. Ceria motioned Pisces and Ksmvr over. The [Necromancer] looked bored. Ksmvr was the exact opposite. He was craning to see and more and more of the adventurers were noticing him. Ceria saw one woman punch her companion and point. They werent stupid; they could see Ksmvr was one of them. But an Antinium had probably never walked into Celums Guild. If Moore, Seborn, or Jelaqua had walked in, theyd get the same kind of look.

Lets get a seat before we start chatting. Over here. Pisces, please dont start a fight.

Yvlon looked at Pisces. He sniffed.

I can be the model of discretion if I so choose.

Do it, then. Good morning, Miss.

Yvlon waved at the [Receptionist] as she passed by. The woman at the desk looked up.

Good morning Miss

Her eyes widened a bit. Yvlon paused, but before she could ask if the [Receptionist] knew herand it would be awkward because like Ceria, most of the staff looked the same to Yvlon after a few GuildsKsmvr tugged at Yvlons arm.

Yvlon, please explain. Is this guild similar to Liscors? I note a number of architectural and stylistic changes, but the concept remains the same. Is this so?

Thats right, Ksmvr. Weve got a [Receptionist] like Selys, a place to hang outtraining yards around back probablyand theyve got a supply of emergency potions. This guild doesnt sell food or drinks, but its got the basics. Job board, place to sit, place to turn in bounties and collect gold.

Ah. Thank you for clarifying. I wondered if Drakes and Humans were dissimilar in how they ran their guilds.

It might be different in a Walled City, or how they manage their guilds up north, but Liscor vs Celum? Were too close by to be that different. Come on. I think I spot

Yvlon headed towards the tables near the end of the room. Some of the adventurers were looking their way. After all, Yvlon was hard to miss. No, their entire team was hard to miss. Ksmvr aside, Yvlon was wearing all-plate armor and even if you couldnt tell it was enchanted, it meant she was pretty successful. Or her family was rich. And Pisces and Ceria both wore robes, marking them out as well. And Ksmvr was Ksmvr.

A young man a few years younger than Yvlon, a bit younger than Erin, was staring at them uncertainly. He looked at Yvlon first, and then at Ceria. The half-Elf saw his eyes go to her face as she scrutinized him. Was he?

The adventurers eyes widened as he saw Cerias hand. But then he stood up. He raised his voice.

Is that Ceria? Ceria Springwalker? AndYvlon?

The guild went silent. Now every head turned. Ceria felt her heart jump. Yvlon stopped.

Caddin?

The young man walked towards them. He wore leather armor, and he carried an odd weapon with him. It was a sword. A sword, but one made of wood. From handle to hilt, it was just wood. But polished wood. Expertly carved and honed until it had an edge that could cut paper or flesh. It still looked incongruous, but Ceria knew the sword had killed more than one monster. She smiled broadly at Caddin as he halted, staring from her to Yvlon with shock.

Its us, Caddin! Are you surprised to see us? We just came from Liscor! Were the Horns of Hammerad. The new group, I mean. The old ones

She trailed off. Ceria felt her heart skip another beat as Caddin stared at her. She waited for him to ask the obvious. But he just stared at her.

Yeah. Wed heard youd reformed the Horns of Hammerad. But I couldnt believe it.

His eyes shifted to Yvlon. The woman smiled at him.

Good to see you again, Caddin. Hows the team doing?

Us? Were good. Yeah. Theyre right over here. Hey! Guys!

Caddin waved a hand absently. Ceria saw six people stand up. Three more men, three women. That squared with what she remembered. One of their group was a [Mage], but she, like the others, wore leather armor. And not one of them had a hint of metal on their persons. Their weapons were wood. Even the tips of their arrows were crafted out of wood. They paused behind Caddin as Ceria introduced the Horns.

Caddin, this is our new team. You know Yvlon, but this is Pisces and Ksmvr. Hes from Liscor and Pisces is from Wistram. Ksmvrs an Antinium, but theyre fairly normal in most ways.

Hello. I am Ksmvr. I understand you are competition.

The Antinium raised a hand as he extended one to shake. Caddin jumped.

An Antinium? I thought they

He caught himself. Gingerly he reached out and shook Ksmvrs hand, flinching a tiny bit as he touched the Antiniums exoskeleton. Ksmvr shook his hand cheerfully.

I have now met Mister Caddin. Is he a superior adventurer, or inferior, Captain Ceria?

Yvlon suppressed a sigh. She waved at the [Mage], a woman in her mid-twenties with faded ashy hair as she came forwards.

Caddins a Silver-rank adventurer, just like us, Ksmvr. My team knew him back in the day. His groups named Thunders Solace. They have a [Lightning Mage] for a leader. Their entire team goes without metal so they can use electric spells without getting hurt. And this is their leader and said [Lightning Mage]. Hello, Alais.

She reached out. Alais gingerly gave her a one-armed hug. She blinked as Ksmvr extended his hands, but shook them.

Yvlon. Its good to see youI thought we wouldnt meet. After I heard about Liscorbut I did hear your group was back. Ceria.

She nodded at Ceria. The half-Elf vaguely remembered Alais, but not as well as Yvlon. She nodded back. Alais blinked again at her and Yvlon, looking far more surprised than Ceria would have thought. Well, after Liscorbut she didnt bring it up, like Caddin. He was still staring at Ceria. Ksmvr didnt notice their feelings. He was speaking cheerfully, and Ceria was glad of that.

It is a pleasure to meet a [Lightning Mage]. May I ask if you are superior or inferior in magical capacity to Captain Ceria?

Pisces gently coughed next to Ksmvr.

I believe the term is [Aeromancer], Ksmvr. And asking about inferiority and superiority is considered a social flaw in most circumstances. A pleasure to meet a fellow [Mage].

He stepped forwards as Alais and her team focused on him. Yvlon and Ceria both held their breath, but Pisces seemed to have taken Yvlons words to heart. Perhaps too much so. He instantly approached with a hand outstretched and a charming smile.

Captain Alais, is it? My name is Pisces. Im delighted to meet you. Im a [Mage] from Wistram. I hope you wont hold it against me.

It was a joke about Wistram [Mages] and their hard-to-work-with natures at times. Alais eyebrows shot up and there was a chuckle from the other adventurers. Whatever awkwardness had persisted from Caddin spotting them vanished in a second. Alais reached out and Ceria bit her tongue as she shook Pisces hand.

Im very pleased to meet you. Youre a new part of the Horns of Hammerad along with, er, Ksmvr here? Are you a general [Mage] or a specialist of some kind?

Pisces smiled apologetically.

Im afraid I havent reached that degree of specialization with my [Mage] class. However, I do practice a bit of fencing. Perhaps Id make a good [Spellsword]? May I assume your team knows ours, or at least Yvlon and our captain?

He indicated Ceria politely. Alais looked at Ceria and Yvlon.

Oh, of course. From nearly two years back. Weve worked withYvlons old team a few times. And I know Cerias old team. Where are my manners? Come and sit with us.

She gestured towards their table. Ceria followed Pisces as he sat down next to Alais and her team. Somehow, she and Yvlon were at the edge of the table while Pisces and Ksmvr were in the center. Of course, they were the unknown quantities. Caddin was asking Ksmvr exactly what he was while Pisces listened to Alais introduce her team.

and thats Caddin, of course. Were a mix, mostly [Warriors] and [Archers]. Not really [Hunters] for all we look the part. You see, its about my magic. Im a specialist. Nothing like a Wistram-trained [Mage] in terms of quality, of course, and Ive got some [Warrior] classes as well. Not exactly a pure [Mage], right?

She shot Ceria quick glance. The half-Elf sighed. Wistram [Mages] did earn their reputation for snobbishness. But Pisces was shaking his head.

Practically speaking, a pure [Mage] is quite inflexible. We should all have some means of defending ourselves, if only to fight foes capable of using anti-magic effects. My fencing is as much hobby as for self-defense, which is a necessity among [Mages], wouldnt you agree?

The [Aeromancer] was nodding eagerly, forgetting the others as she talked craft while Ksmvr tried to explain what an Antinium was, from his perspective.

Of course. But its a tricky line. Im good with a staff, but as an [Aeromancer] I find its hard to avoid electrifying metal. You see, Im self-taught, so my teams had to learn how to use non-metallic weapons

Alais looked embarrassed, but Pisces shook his head.

Its quite understandable. I wouldnt dare to fire off a [Lightning Bolt] spell around Yvlon. Wistram does teach control, but electrical spells are extremely hard to control given how fast the currents move. If we have time, perhaps we could exchange lightning form techniques? I might not be able to cast Tier 3 spells, but I do have some knowledge of spell theory I could compareit would be a pleasure to learn from someone with practical experience, however. I find Wistram students often fall behind people with field experience

You son of a Creler.

Ceria mumbled to herself as Pisces instantly charmed Alais and the other adventurers. And somehow, he even seemed partly genuine to her. But she knew he was still putting on an act to make a good first impression. She didnt know if she hated or was grateful to him for it.

And shed forgotten how likeable Pisces could be if he tried, damn it! Ceria watched him play the humble [Mage] from Wistram so well she nearly forgot to take part in the conversation. Yvlon, whod waited for the introductions to finish, leaned in.

Its been a while, Alais. Hows your team been? We havent seen each other since Liscor. Has anything big come your way since then?

Alais looked up. She frowned and Caddin and the other five looked up as well.

Nothing to say, Yvlon. We earned some gold, but we spent it getting some new equipment from a [Carpenter]. You know how it is. Wooden swords. Maces, clubs, wooden arrows. Weve been keeping ourselves busy.

Ceria raised her eyebrows. That was hardly an answer. Normally any seasoned adventurer would have a story to tell, or complaints about money lost. Yvlon frowned, but someone else approached their table.

Hullo there. Is that Yvlon and Ceria I see? Mind if I stop by?

That voice was familiar. Ceria twisted. Her face burst into a smile. She shot to her feet.

Stan! Why didnt you say something earlier?

An older man in his early forties was standing by the table. He wore chainmail and had a dagger at his belt along with a small, brown pouch, but he didnt carry any other obvious weapons. He let Ceria hug him and then shook Yvlons hand. He stared at Cerias skeletal hand for a second and then at her face, before nodding to Alais.

I didnt think to see you today, Ceria. Yvlon. Itsquite good to see you two looking so healthy.

Caddin shifted. Ceria blinked at Stan. Normally hed be bursting to ask her questions, like someone half his age, but he was more reserved as well. Her stomach twisted. Had someone passed away recently?

Hows the team, Stan? Are the Boltspitters well?

Us? We took a few bad injuries, but nothing to speak of. Laillis laid up with a broken foot, but were working to keep her fed in the meantime. Who are these two? I heard youre named Ksmvr?

That is correct. I am Ksmvr.

Pisces.

The [Mage] stood up and shook Stans hand. Ceria smiled as she waved at Stan and the two members of his team sitting at their table.

This is Stan, you two. Crossbow Stan. Hes the only Silver-ranked adventurer around here that has anything like a nickname. Hes a bit of a legend locallyhes got his own fighting style too!

Ksmvr looked very interested.

Really? Please elaborate, Captain Ceria.

Why not let Stan explain. You love that, dont you Stan?

The adventurer smiled. He touched his belt and the bag at his side.

I do indeed. Im a [Crossbowman] by trade. I dont know if youve ever used one, but the damn things take a bit to load. True, you can fire them fast, but theres nothing like a good bow for speed. Except you can load a crossbow ahead of time. So if I needed to fight, I could do this

He raised his hand. And suddenly there was a loaded crossbow aimed at the table. Two of the younger adventurers sitting with Alais team swore and jerked out of their chairs, but all of the older ones just laughed. Ksmvr had frozen in place. He opened his mandibles slowly.

I see. That is impressive. Look, Captain Ceria. I did not move. See?

He waved a hand at her. Ceria smiled.

Good job, Ksmvr.

Pisces sniffed, then caught himself and looked dutifully impressed.

I see. A bag of holding to store a preloaded crossbow. But may I be so bold, Crossbow Stan? Ill bet you didnt keep just one crossbow, did you?

The veteran adventurer chortled. He flicked his hand next to the bag of holding and a second crossbow appeared, replacing the first. It was a neat trick, but the adventurers he was pointing at did not appreciate it.

Put it away, Stan! Youll hit someone one day! At least use an unloaded crossbow!

Aw, shut up, Caddin. Ive never hit anyone yet. By accident, anyways. But youre right, young man. Thats my specialty.

I assume that is a bag of holding, as Comrade Pisces said?

Ksmvr peered at the small bag at Crossbow Stans side. The man nodded proudly.

Thats right. Preloaded crossbows. I have six of em. My bag cant fit any more. Every time I had enough coin, I spent it on a better bag of holding. Not that I need a new one now; if I cant take down what needs taking down in six shots, I might as well be dead. I guess I need better crossbows or enchanted quarrels now, but this is good enough for Silver-rank work.

He made the second crossbow disappear quick. Ceria nodded approvingly. Stan, or Crossbow Stan as he was affectionately known, was an old man in the adventuring job. Not as old as Typhenous, but hed stayed in the Silver-ranks because he didnt have the punch to go any higher. That didnt mean he was a slouch though; shed seen him put four crossbow bolts into a charging Ogre in less than ten seconds. Ksmvr nodded.

I admire your style of fighting. It complements your advanced age and decaying reflexes.

Oh, Ksmvr

Ceria put her head down on the table. Stan was too busy laughing to take offense.

So this is an Antinium? It can tell jokes! And youyoure one sharp [Mage] if you can figure out my trick, young man. Pisces, was it?

He paused.

I feel like I remember your name. Im sure we havent met, but have you been through Celum before, sir?

Pisces raised his eyebrows and shrugged.

Ive passed through once or twice, but I wasnt an adventurer then. This is a career change. I hope I can count on you to teach me the ropes as it were.

He shook Stans hand. The man smiled again.

Pleased. Have you known Ceria and Yvlon long, Pisces?

He glanced up at Ceria and Yvlon swiftly for some reason before looking at Pisces. The [Necromancer] gave Stan a disarming smile.

I knew Ceria back in Wistram. We met while she was in Liscor, and I was delighted to join her team after it reformed.

I see. I see. Well, I just wanted to say hi. I wont keep you. Perhaps we can have a chat later today. Is your team going to take a request today, Ceria?

We thought wed look around. Were planning on working in Celum for a bit, Stan, Alais. But we can stay and chat! Hows it been?

Oh, you know. The same sort of assignments. There was a bit of a flood of monsters after Lord Tyrions army passed through, as well as those damn Goblins. Critters from the High Passes came out; we had to kill a good number of Carn Wolves and Eater Goats and a few other nasties. Not worth taking up time, with.

This time both Ceria and Yvlon frowned. Stan and Alais? The man looked down at the [Aeromancer] and cleared his throat. She stood up.

I dont want to take up your time if youre going to work. Its already midday. Well catch your team later, Ceria. Where are you staying?

The Wandering Inn. You know it?

That inn in Liscor? Id heard it was in Stitchworks, but Ive never been. Never wanted to go to a Drake city and besidesbut well maybe pop by. Id like to chat with Pisces about magic if I may.

Stan nodded.

Right. Well catch up later. Ceria, Yvlon. Good to see you again.

He turned and returned to his table. And for some reason, Thunders Solace vacated their table to join him. Ceria stared at them and bit her lip for a second. She turned to Yvlon.

That was a bit abrupt.

The [Warrior] gave her a crooked smile as she watched the other adventurers go.

They must be thinking about Liscor.

Think they dont want to talk about Calruz and the others? I was ready for it.

They might be trying to spare our feelings. They noticed your hand. We can tell them its okay to talk about later.

Right.

Ceria shook herself. You couldnt be too considerate in this line of work. She appreciated it, but Alais and Stan had both experienced losing teammates before. She looked around.

I guess well tell the [Receptionist] how long were staying and that well work around Celum fora few days? Ah, Ksmvr, thats something teams like to do. It helps if someone wants to hire us and the guild can keep track of the teams in the area in case of emergencies. You take a seat or check out the job board. Ill be a moment.

She got up. And the other adventurers got back to their seats or their discussions, although some still stared at Ksmvr. And Ceria and Yvlon, but that was only to be expected. The hubbub returned, but quieter. Ceria supposed the other teams were sizing their reformed party up. She approached the [Receptionist].

Hi there. Im Ceria Springwalker and I lead the Horns of Hammerad

The woman at the desk blinked at her. Ceria had to repeat herself a few times; whoever the [Receptionist] was, she wasnt on the ball today. When she finally got back to her table she had another surprise. Ksmvr was sitting with Pisces and Yvlon. He had a full stack of the papers from the board on the far wall. Yvlon was trying to make him put them back.

But Yvlon, we can easily clear all these requests. If we do ten today, and twenty tomorrow

Ksmvr, did you steal all the requests from the board?

Ceria was scandalized. Ksmvrs mandibles drooped as he looked up.

Have I committed another social error?

A small one.

Yvlon sighed. She pointed at the now-bare job board at the back of the guild.

Ksmvr, theres a few unspoken rules in the Adventurers Guild. One of them is that its not polite to take all the requests. You can do it, but you lose a lot of friends that way. And if another group takes a request, stealing their mission is also bad sport.

Ksmvr looked from her to Ceria. Pisces was yawning as he looked around the room; none of this was news to him.

Oh. But how is it determined whose request is taken? This system is largely unintuitive.

Ceria smiled.

It is. But its easy to tell. Go put the requests back. You see, the second board there, with the three requests on it? That means someones taken it, but its an open assignment. Like gathering materials, ooh, taking out a pair of Eater Goatschecking up on a possible Troll sightingyou see? Out of courtesy we wont take those. And if we did, wed talk with the teams involved, reach an understanding.

Ksmvr nodded as he re-pinned the pieces of paper hed claimed.

I see. I see. What is that board above it?

Exclusive contracts. See? Escorting a [Trader], someone wants a bodyguardthings only one team can do. But the board you took from is open game for now. Its generally organized so the harder and riskier assignments are near the top. See? Each one has a difficulty assessment for the recommended levelas well as if you might need a certain class, like [Mage]as well as location, pay, urgency, and so on.

Ksmvr peered closely at the board as Ceria worked her way up to the top.

I see. I see. Ah, Captain. We could gather Sage Grass. It pays in copper coins per pound.

Not really our thing, Ksmvr. Besides, the local farms make the prices too low.

Would you like to hunt down some wolves?

How much is the pay per head?

Four silver coins.

No. Unless someone puts a substantial price on the heads of a monster, its generally not worth our time, Ksmvr.

And four silver coins is not?

To track wolves? Were not [Hunters] and it could be a pain.

Ah. So what is our preferred assignment?

Ceria frowned absently.

Something that involves high risk. It generally means more pay. Plus, high-level monsters have bigger bounties. What aboutoh. Thismight be ours.

Right there, at the top of the board was a bounty. And it was a good one. Twenty gold pieces and sixteen silver ones, with the potential to earn a lot more if Ceria was right. She stared at it. Ksmvr peered up at it.

That is substantially higher than all other requests. Is it a powerful monster?

Ceria shook her head absently. She noticed Yvlon and Pisces getting up to see. She plucked the request off the board and showed them. Yvlon frowned. Pisces raised his brows.

Not monsters. Humans. This is a [Bandit] extermination request.

I didnt know a group had popped up.

It must be new. Do you think we should?

Pisces shrugged. Ksmvr peered at the request. His antennae were twitching rapidly, which Ceria knew meant he was puzzled.

I was unaware Humans could put bounties on each other. This changes my perception of the role of adventurers.

No, Ksmvrits notthese are [Bandits]. Lawbreakers. Were not [Mercenaries], but someone has to take care of [Bandits] as well as monsters. And sometimes the local City Watch or militia or [Lord] cant handle the matter, or they do it by putting up a bounty. We get paid to take on the [Bandits]. Its dangerous. Monsters are predictable. People arent.

Yvlon nodded. She absently studied the request.

Still, this is a twenty gold bounty.

By her side, Pisces sniffed.

Is that considered high, Yvlon? I would assume a single [Bandit] would be worth twenty gold pieces.

Well, yeah. If they were high-level. But this must be fairly low-level group. Or the bounty hasnt risen yet. Itll go up if they keep causing trouble. If it were the Bloodfeast Raiders, it would bewhats their bounty?

Four hundred thousand gold pieces, I think. If the entire groups destroyed, or most of them. Eighty thousand for credible information about who their members are or how they operate. Twenty thousand per head on top of that.

Yvlon whistled. Ceria shook her head.

A bit more than our pay grade. But this? We could do this.

For twenty gold pieces

Pisces sniffed. Ceria frowned at him.

Its a lot more if one of the [Bandits] has an individual bounty. Whats this say? There are about thirty of them? We can keep any money theyve stolen usually and sell their gear.

How charitable. But thirty individuals is a considerable risk.

Youve got that right!

Someone called out. Ceria turned and saw more than a few adventurers had been listening. Stan waved at them from their table. He was frowning as he pointed at the paper in Ksmvrs hand.

Ceria, Id stay clear of that one. Me and Alais were talking about clearing it with a few other teams, but the gold reward isnt high enough, even if we can keep their possessions. The bandit group thats referring to isnt hard to findbut theyre dangerous. Theyve got at least two [Mages] and a leader. Some kind of [Bandit Chief]. My group ran into some of them a while back. They tangled with a few patrols, raided a caravanthere used to be more, but they killed several adventuring groups and quite a number of [Guards] and people in outlying villages.

Jeeze. Howd your team get away?

Stan shook his head.

We ran for it. It was only fifteen we ran into and they werent after us. I shot two; Lailli got knocked off her horse. Thats how she broke her foot. I wouldnt take them on without outnumbering them. We do know where theyre probably camped, but no ones had the guts to go after them yet.

The Horns looked quickly at each other. Yvlon raised her brows and Ceria nodded quickly.

Really? Then maybe we can join you, Stan. We wouldnt even need that many teams. With your group and Thunders Solace if youre willing, Alais, we could probably take on that [Bandit] group.

Caddin snorted.

You insane, Springwalker? Theres, what, fourteen of us if we combine forces? Not counting Lailli. Theres around thirty of the [Bandits], probably more.

If we know where theyre athow reliable is the intel, Stan? We can set a trap. And believe me, between our team, Im sure we can handle a good number.

Ceria looked at Pisces and Yvlon. If they were low-level [Bandits]Yvlon put her hand on her sword and Pisces smiled. She could practically see him plotting how to use his Bone Horror to greatest effect. Ceria turned back to Stan, but the older adventurer wasnt jumping at the idea.

I dont know, Ceria. Wed like that bounty, but working togethers a bit

Come on, Stan. Weve known each other for years. Trust us. Were a lot higher-level than you remember. Me and Yvlon have new gear too, and Pisces and Ksmvr are good, for all theyre newbies.

The half-Elf came over to the table and leaned over, trying to persuade Stan. Caddin, sitting next to the man, snorted.

We know about your gear, Ceria. Thats not it.

What, then? Our experience? Weve fought a lot worse than [Bandits], Caddin.

Ceria looked at the young man, confused. He scowled up at her.

Dont play dumb. You know exactly what Im talking about. Do you think wed join with you? Really?

His tone was very hostile. Ceria stared at him.

Caddin, I dont get it. Whats wrong?

Whats wrong? You just stride in here and ask whats wrong? Dont you know? Or dont you remember?

He shot to his feet, knocking his chair back. Ceria blinked at him. His face was flushed. And she realized he hadnt so much as smiled at her once, or spoken to her beyond that first meeting. She looked at Alais. The [Aeromancer] avoided looking at Ceria as well. She grabbed Caddins arm and tried to pull him down.

Caddin, drop it.

No! If you and Stan arent going to say it, I will. Look! She doesnt even get it. Not her, or Yvlon. Does her team know?

Caddin shook Alais off him. He shoved back from the table and strode around Ceria. She realized the room was silent. Caddin pointed furiously at Yvlon as he stopped in front of Pisces and Ksmvr.

You, Pisces. And youAntinium. Do you know what those two did?

Pisces raised his eyebrows.

What do you mean by that?

Suddenly, Ceria had an unpleasant feeling. A horrible sinking in her stomach. She thought she knew why Caddin was so angry. She looked at Alais and Stain. Neither team captain met her eyes. Caddin clenched his fist.

I mean, do you know what happened to their previous teams, Mister Pisces? Or do you not care? And what about that Antinium thing?

Ksmvr.

Does he know? Or did they recruit him because no one else would work with them? Yvlon and Ceria. They both lost their teams. Both of them! And Yvlon was a captain! She lost her entire team, the Silver Swords! And all of the Horns of Hammerad died but Ceria! Did you hear about that?

Ceria went pale. Yvlon had gone white. Pisces blinked at Caddin. He looked around and his gaze focused on the silent room. He narrowed his eyes for a moment and then turned carefully to Caddin. Innocently, he spread his hands.

I am aware Ceria lost her team. How could I not be?

Thenhow could you

The Silver-rank adventurer spluttered. Pisces paused. His eyes darted to Cerias face.

I know it was a tragic accident. A dungeon dive gone wrong. But surely that wasnt Cerias fault. Or Yvlons. Adventuring is a terrible business.

Pisces voice was smooth and reasonable, even sympathetic. Caddin choked.

But I heard

Pisces gripped his shoulder.

Please, friend. Let me explain what I heard as someone who was there. You see, I know my friend. And believe me, Liscors dungeon was truly terrible. I dont know what rumors have passed this way

More than rumors. There was a man

Even so, was he a witness? Because I was. And let me just say first

Ceria felt herself begin breathing again. Pisces was trying to steer Caddin back to the table, speaking in a carrying voice. So that was whyshe looked at Stan and Alais. She had to clear whatever misinformation theyd been spread. Both were listening to Pisces, which was a relief. But Stan was rubbing at his head, looking very perplexed.

Pisces. I thought I knew the name. Where did I?

Lets sit. Is there a drink I can buy? Ill clear the air. But first, what is my friend accused of? Yvlon? Shes quite honorable, friend Caddin. And when her team went into the dungeon

Crossbow Stan abruptly got up. He pointed a trembling finger at Pisces. The [Necromancer] broke off and Ceria felt a lurch in her stomach. Oh no. She sensed what was about to happen.

Dungeon. You mean crypt. And I remember that name. Pisces. Someones looking for you. And you lied.

Excuse me?

Pisces turned, but his posture was suddenly wary. Stan shook his head. He raised his voice until it was almost a shout.

Youre not a [Mage]. Youre a [Necromancer]! A filthy [Necromancer]!

And that was it. The silence of the guild, the tense atmosphere turned hostile in a second. Cerias head whirled as she heard the screech of wood on wood. Eight adventurers had just gotten up. Pisces looked around as he took a step back. He hesitated, sighed, then sniffed haughtily.

Im quite clean, sir. But I will acknowledge the truth of your words.

Caddin jerked away from him as if he were infected. He stumbled back, face twisted, and then pointed at Ceria.

You see that? A [Necromancer] and one of the bug people! No one else would partner with her, or Yvlon!

Is this true, Yvlon? Are you really working with a [Necromancer]?

Alais was on her feet. She glared at Yvlon. The armored womans face was pale, but her voice was steady as she held up a hand.

Pisces does use necromancy. But hear us out.

Traitor!

An adventurer shouted that. The hair on Cerias neck crawled. Pisces had a hunted look and for good reason. [Necromancers] werent popular in Izril after Azkerash. But adventurers had another reason to hate them. After all, they were sometimes called on to take care of undead outbreaks, and if a [Necromancer] was behind it

Stan, Alais, everyone, lets calm down.

Ceria called out. She raised her hands, shouting to be heard. The two captains looked at her. Ceria waved her arms, praying neither Pisces nor Ksmvr made things worse.

Whats going on? Why are you all so upset? Pisces is a [Necromancer]. Its true. But he doesnt animate people. He uses bear skeletons. And Ksmvrs Antinium. So what?

So wh

Caddin. Let me handle this.

Alais pushed Caddin back hard. She walked around the table and came face-to-face with Ceria. She wasnt smiling. And she wasnt looking at Ceria like a fellow adventurer. She glanced at Ceria, and then at Yvlon. When Alais spoke, it was to the silent Adventurers Guild. Three dozen heads turned to watch her and Ceria. The adventurers of Celum were silent as Alais began.

Ceria, I dont know you that well. But I know Yvlon. Were friends. We were friends. But heres the thing. The last time we saw each other, you were about to go to Liscor. With Calruz as your leader, not Ceria. And Yvlon, you had your team. Wheres Kina, Veitul, Domie? Wheres everyone else? Horn? Solstrom? Gerial?

She looked at Ceria. And the half-Elf knew that Alais knew the answer. Ceria felt a pit open up in her stomach and cold memories leak through.

Ceria stared at him. Gerials face was white, and he looked almost as bloodless as Skinners body. He shuddered and she felt it.

Run. IllIll buy you some time.

He pointed down the corridor. Cerias feet began to move, but she halted them.

Gerial

He shoved her away.

Run, damn you!

Skinner. Cerias heart was beating wildly. She looked at Alais. At the grim look in her eye.

Theyre dead. They died in the crypt.

She nodded.

They died in Liscor. We all heard about it. It was a massacre, wasnt it? But somehow you two survived, and youre already adventuring again? Practically unharmed? With a [Necromancer] and one ofof those?

She pointed at Ksmvr uncertainly. The former Prognugator didnt wave a hand. Hed sensed the mood. Alais went on.

It feels like we just heard about Liscor when news came from Albez that the Horns of Hammerad had just found a huge amount of treasure there. Ceria, what would you think about that?

Ceria shook her head.

The way you say itwe didnt just get out. We lost a lot. Yvlon barely escaped. She was hurt and II lost my hand.

She held up her skeletal hand. Alais nodded slowly, staring at it.

I see it. But its still moving. And if you made it like that, howd no one else get out. Gerial? Calruz?

This time Ceria wavered.

Calruz did make it out.

Then why isnt he

He got lost in the dungeon. And he lost an arm. Hes mad now and he killed a bunch of other people. Alais, I made it out because I found somewhere to hide

But of course that was the wrong thing to say. Ceria bit her lip. Caddin shouted.

Aha! You see? She hid and Yvlon ran!

Everyone ran!

Yvlon burst out. She snapped at Caddin. The [Warrior] whirled, looking around the guild. She wasnt afraid like Ceria. Yvlon looked furious.

Spit it out, what youre saying. Alais! Are you saying we abandoned our teams? We were all retreating. The other teams died fighting, but once that monster came outSkinnerwe knew it was impossible. So we ran. Ceria and I were lucky. Pisces and Ksmvr joined us later. Whats wrong with that?

Alais said nothing. She just looked Yvlon up and down, uncertainly, as if she couldnt trust a word Yvlon had just said. Stan got to his feet.

Yvlon. Ceria. A question. After you two got out, what happened to the adventurers that died? Their families?

We made sure what was left was cremated. There wasnt enough to bury and we couldnt figure out whowe made sure the families got all the money we had left. I survived by the skin of my teeth, Stan.

Ceria spoke through numb lips. She looked at the old adventurer. He met her eyes, searching. Then he nodded.

I want to believe you, Ceria. And I heard the families of the deceased got something. But its justa [Necromancer]? Really? And you know what they say about the Antinium.

He held up a hand before Yvlon could shout.

And its not just that. Look, weve talked to more survivors of that night than just you two. One of Cervials [Hunters] from the Flawless Flight made it this way a while back. Poor bastard had nothing left. Said Liscors City Watch had confiscated all of his teams possessions and their gold was gone. The way he told it, both his team and Geralds went up against that boss from the dungeon first. The Silver Swords and the Horns were out of the way. He said he never saw your teamsyoud already run away.

Cerias stomach twisted. Cervial and Gerald had been trying to open Skinners door without realizing it was already unlocked. Theyd never stood a chance. Yvlon clenched her gauntleted fists.

Say that again. Who was it whos spreading those lies?

Stan raised his hands slowly.

Im not saying I believed him. He was done as an adventurer and he was cursing Cervial and Gerald as well. Said theyd walked their teams right into a trap like fools. Which I dont believe. But he did say that all of his teams possessions and the loot theyd gathered were confiscated by Liscor. Is that true?

True. I barely had anything left. My wand was gone, and Yvlon lost everything but her armor and sword. The rest went to the adventurers family, honest.

Crossbow Stan nodded. He looked at Ceria, and she realized he was staring at her side. At her wand. Slowly, he pointed at it, then at Yvlon.

Fancy enchanted armor youre wearing these days, Yvlon. Magical buckler on that Antinium. And Cerias got a new wand. Whered it all come from?

Ceria felt a flicker of anger at the implication. Yvlon was already furious. She snapped back.

Albez. Did you hear about that?

Stan nodded slowly.

I did. And Ive been to Albez before, many times, Yvlon. Probably before you were even born. Ive never found more than a few trinkets. Howd you find treasure in Albez? Let alone a haul like

He waved a hand at them. Ceria shut her mouth firmly. Olesm. Stan looked from her to Yvlon. Alais cut in.

Were not saying your teams didnt fight, Yvlon. Maybe you did. Maybe you got lucky. Or maybe you ran. We cant prove it and truth spells are tricky when everyone saw something different. But suddenly partnering up after the crypt? Suddenly finding treasure in Albez when no ones found anything worth speaking of for nearly a decade? Working with a [Necromancer]?

She pointed at Pisces. Hed folded his arms and was looking around. He glanced pointedly at Ceria, but she couldnt signal him anything. All the other adventurers were just watching. But their eyes

Stan took over, like the fatherly figure he was to so many adventurers in the area.

If you can tell us how you got so lucky, well believe you. Maybe you found a map. But if you didwhere? Did you get it from the crypt? Did you, maybe, find something and not tell anyone about it? Not share it with the survivors? Or the deceased?

Did you leave them

Caddin broke off. He was trembling. So was Ceria. But she was shaking with nerves. One wrong step might lead to something very bad. Everyone was listening. She looked at Yvlon. The [Warrior] hesitated. She glanced at Ceria, then she spoke.

There was a map.

The stir in the room was the prelude to something. Yvlon raised her voice.

There was a map! But it didnt come from Liscor. It came from a Drake we met in Liscor who was part of the dungeon raid. Ksmvr joined our group by chance. I was penniless and Ceria too. She knew Pisces from Wistram. And Ksmvr wed met. We took a chance when we discovered there might be treasure still in Albez. We took a chance, risked our lives and we found it! It was luck. It was a miracle! But we didnt steal it from the people who died in the crypt. That was a nightmare. But I swear, I kept fighting until I thought Id die. Ceria barely survived herself and she helped hold the undead off. Ill swear that on any truth spell you want.

She turned, putting a hand over her heart. No one spoke. Ceria looked at Caddin. He looked furious, still. And Alais and Stannone of them looked like they quite believed Yvlon.

Well? You can cast a spell! Test me!

Yvlon shouted. Alais shook her head.

Maybe we will. But Yvlonit still doesnt sit well with me.

The armored woman rounded on her. Alais didnt flinch from Yvlons furious stare.

What doesnt sit with you, Alais? The truth? Do you want to see my arms? I burned my armor into my bones in Albez!

I dont doubt that

Then what do you doubt?

Alais crossed her arms. The air around her was crackling with more than just tension.

You were never the sort to work with [Necromancers]. You hated them. As for Antiniumthis Ksmvr thing looks safe enough, but youre telling me the Drakes just happened to have a map of Albez all this time? And never exploited it?

It was chance. He found it purely by luck.

Yvlon ground her teeth. Alais raised her eyebrows.

Pretty lucky to find a map of Albez in Liscor, isnt it?

Silence. Stan looked at Ceria. His eyes were worried and upset, but he did still look at her.

Anything you want to add, Ceria?

The half-Elf spread her arms helplessly.

Yvlons telling the truth. I dont know how to prove it besides swearing on truth spells, Stan. Either you believe us or you dont. I know you can look at it bad, but we earned our treasure separately from the crypt. Maybe ones tied to the other. If I hadnt survived and met Ksmvr when I did, I wouldnt have been tipped off to Albez. But we didnt steal from the dead. We ran, but there was no choice. If youd been there, you would have seen it. I lost this hand trying to stop the undead. Believe me.

She raised her skeletal hand and showed Stan that. He nodded slowly.

Im trying, Ceria. But you have to understand us. Even if what you said was true. Even if its on a level, all of itits hard to look at you or Yvlon.

Me? Why?

Because your team was the one that brought everyone to Liscor. The Horns helped convince the others. And Yvlonyou were a team captain. You lost your entire team. And you walk in part of a new one? You think its that easy?

Caddin spat on the ground. Ceria stared down at the wet mark on the floorboards. Yvlon glared at Caddin.

People have lost friends before. Stan! You lost two thirds of your team when I was a rookie! And Alais, youve lost at least six members!

Yes. I did. But this is different.

The woman crossed her arms defensively. Stan on the other hand looked troubled. And Ceria remembered that hed stayed far away from the guild for a long time after that disaster. She looked at Yvlon. How easy would it have been if it were Stan coming back wearing new magical artifacts and a new team after?

Yvlon. I get their point.

The woman rounded on Ceria. The [Ice Mage] glared at her and Yvlon hesitated.

I get it, Yvlon. Its not true, but theyre upset. They have every right to be. Welost our teams. We can explain, but it doesnt change what happened. And working togetherI get that too.

She looked back at Alais and Stan. They nodded. Ceria turned. Ksmvr was still seated, silently watching. She wondered how much he understood. Pisces was aloof, coldly looking around.

Look, if anyones not convinced, get a [Mage] with a truth spell. Or come to The Wandering Inn and find us there. Well tell you what happened as many times as it takes. For nowwere not going to stick around. Just think about what we said. As for this

Ceria walked back to Ksmvr and held out a hand. The Antinium handed her the bounty on the [Bandits]. Ceria brought it over to the [Receptionist]s desk. The woman stared silently at her.

Id like to take this request, please. Can you note that were trying to complete it?

The woman stared at her. She stared at the bounty. Behind Ceria, someone laughed incredulously.

By yourselves? Are you mad?

Ceria turned her head slowly. She spoke very deliberately to Caddin.

We can handle it.

Youre not getting any help from us.

He gave her a disgusted look. Ceria turned her back on him, clenching both hands.

We dont need it. Like it or not, Caddin, we got stronger after Liscor. We leveled.

By taking the treasure you found from Albez. I didnt see you sharing it with any of the families that died.

The [Receptionist] jumped as Ceria slammed her hands on the table and turned.

We had a fund! They got what we could give! Are we supposed to give everything to them? We didnt even get that

She broke off. Ceria turned away.

Forget it. Lets go. Ksmvr! Pisces, were leaving! Come on. Yvlon, you too.

She walked towards the door. A few adventurers blocked Pisces way.

How do we know this [Necromancer] isnt using corpses from our graveyards? Or he isnt responsible for the undead?

Pisces sniffed.

I suppose youll have to take that on faith. Ask me a truth spell. But get out of my way.

And the Antinium?

Some of the adventurers were standing around Ksmvr. He hadnt moved, mainly because standing up would run him right into a man in leather armor from Thunders Solace who was standing over him and glaring down at the Antinium. Ceria turned back. And the bones of her skeletal hand were beginning to freeze over as more than grief and guilt took over.

Hes going with us. Stan, tell the others to let Ksmvr go. Hes done nothing wrong.

Tell that to us, Ceria.

Okay. Back up. Before I make you.

One of the other [Mages] made a scoffing sound. Ceria turned. But shed crossed over from apologetic to angry. Yvlon strode over.

Back up. Ksmvr, come on.

She thrust the adventurer standing over him aside. The man stumbled, then whirled. He put a hand on the wooden mace at his side. Yvlon immediately put her hand on her sword hilt.

Dont do anything youll regret, Jerat.

Same to you, Byres. Just give me a reason.

The two tensed. Ceria opened her mouth, but she didnt know what to say. Part of her wanted Jerat to attack Yvlon. Part of her was shouting. Yes, she knew what it looked like. Yes, she understood their feelings. But part of her was furious.

How dare they. How dare they think we ran and left everyone to die. How dare they assume we abandoned our friends? How dare they think that? Especially because

It was partly true. So Ceria hovered on the brink of lashing out. Jerats knuckles went white on his maces grip. He lowered his posture

Jerat!

Stan snapped. He slapped his hands together, making the room start. Jerat looked up. Stan drew a finger across his throat.

Cut it. Let them go. Were all too hot-headed right now. Well talk this over. Speak later. Back up. That goes for you too, Caddin. Everyone. Let them go.

The adventurers slowly backed up. Ceria could see hard faces, tensed muscles. But Stan was speaking sense so the other Horns had room to move. Ceria began breathing slower. Pisces walked toward the door. Yvlon turned and offered Ksmvr a hand.

Ceria was so relieved the Antinium had heeded her words to stay still and not cause trouble. One of his stray comments could have ignited everything. Yvlon was breathing hard, still. Caddin stomped past her, and then turned. He glared at Yvlon as Ksmvr grabbed her hand.

Guess you got lucky again, Byres. Im sure your teams real proud of you from where theyre lying in the dirt, Yvlon. We all are.

The Antinium had been rising, hand holding Yvlons. Ksmvr fell back lightly into his seat as Yvlon let go. He watched as Yvlon straightened. Ceria and Pisces, standing by the door, saw Yvlon turn. The [Wounded Warrior]s hands clenched. Her armored fists rose. Caddins glare of hatred turned to one of alarm.

He stepped back, too slow, and too late. Yvlons fist caught him across the jaw and sent him flying into the table across from him. Caddin skidded across the top, knocked over a [Mage] sitting in the chair, and tumbled to the ground. The other adventurers stared at him, got up

And the entire Adventurers Guild burst into chaos.

-

Ksmvr, dont move! Stay down and dont draw your weapons!

In the first moment of action, Ceria screamed. Then she reached for her wand, blasted a Bronze-rank adventurer off her feet with a spray of snow, and ducked. The first chair passed over her head. Ceria raised her skeletal hand holding her wand and snapped.

[Frozen Armor]!

She saw and felt ice race across her body. A glistening sheet of ice covered Ceria, weighing her down, changing to imitate actual plate armor. Just in timesomeone struck her in the chest as she rose. A Human woman shouted in pain as her fist struck not soft flesh, but Cerias icy armor. The half-Elf rocked back, pointed her wand, and shouted.

[Ice Wall]!

The adventurer tried to jump back. But the ice that shot up snared half of her body. She fell down, and Ceria halted the spell. One adventurer down.

Dozens to go. Some of them hadnt immediately entered the fight, but the instant Ceria began casting magic, at least five [Mages] began sending spells her way. Ceria dove behind the [Receptionist]s desk, raising another [Ice Wall]. Two spells hit her and one shattered her armor. But the spells werent meant to kill, just really hurt. Neither Ceria nor the other [Mages] were using deadly spells.

Yet. She saw Yvlon kicking over a table and trading punches with Jerat as another adventurer tackled her from behind. Yvlon was shouting in fury and despite Jerats size, she was punching parts of his face in. Of course; he was probably eight levels behind her! But she was outnumbered. Ceria pointed at the adventurers around her and shouted.

[Ice Wall]!

Three adventurers shouted as ice engulfed their legs. It wasnt a vertical [Ice Wall] Ceria had just conjured, but a horizontal one. Some broke free of the ice and stumbled away, but Ceria could engulf them by altering her spell. She aimed again, then something struck her in the head. Something hot.

Aaah!

Ceria screamed as something burned the side of her face and her hair. Her [Frozen Armor] had caught part of the spell, but that had been a dangerous attack! She turned, ducking down and clutching at her head and saw the [Mage] whod thrown the fire. He was pointing at her with a wooden stave of his own. Ceria aimed at him, and then saw something charging at him from the left. She screamed.

Pisces, no! Dont!

The [Mage] turned, saw the huge skeleton of the bear charging him and screamed once before the bear crashed into him. The [Mage] went flying, but the bear didnt savage him. It turned and rammed into another adventurer, sending the man sprawling. Someone screamed.

Undead! The [Necromancer]s

Ceria heard a gurgle. She looked around wildly and saw Pisces. He calmly raised a chair and brought it down on the head of another [Mage]. The mans friend charged Pisces, but the [Necromancer] blurred away.

[Flash Step]. Pisces turned and hit another adventurer menacing Yvlon with a chair. Then he disappeared again. No one could hit him; he was moving too fast with the chair. He gestured, and his bear charged a group of adventurers. They drew their weapons. Ceria froze one, but the other charged the bear with a yell. It was fine if it was the bear. If it no one

Kill the [Necromancer] before he summons more!

Fucking tree rot!

Ceria leapt up. Her first blast of snow shot Caddin, the speaker off his feet. The second blunted [Ice Spike] hit a woman with a bow in the midriff. Pisces whirled. He saw a [Rogue] flip towards him, and pointed.

[Shock Volt].

The spell blasted the [Rogue] off her feet. She landed on the floor, twitching. Ceria looked around.

Pisces, look out!

He whirled and saw the man with the crossbow. Stan was standing behind his table, using it as cover. He had one of his crossbows in hand. He was aiming at Pisces midriff, as if that would stop the rampaging bone bear. Ceria pointed her wand at him.

Stan! Drop it

Too late. Stan fired. Pisces eyes widened and he vanished. He disappeared, blurring over to the left, but Stan was ready. The first crossbow had disappeared and the second one he yanked out of his bag of holding, even as Pisces stopped. It was already loaded and Pisces wavered. The bolt flew and cracked on the wall of ice Ceria conjured from the ground.

[Ice Wall]!

Dead gods damn it!

The man cursed. Ceria ran past him, blocking more spells with ice walls as she took cover behind him. Just in time; a [Warrior] smashed into the [Receptionist]s desk, turning it into splinters and sending the woman running for cover. Ceria hid behind Stan, shouting curses. Shed frozen Stan up to his neck. He was chattering already with the cold and jerking his head, but the ice was far too thick to move in.

Pisces! Get to cover!

He ignored her. Ceria was raising [Ice Walls] around her, creating a maze the adventurers had to try and smash through or run around. Ceria frantically downed a mana potion, but she realized she was safe. The [Mages] werent able to blast through her thick walls of ice and the other adventurers with weapons were being caught by her spells. They weresort of weak!

And Pisces was still fighting. He ducked as an adventurer with a hatchet took wild swings at him. The [Necromancer] stepped backwards, adjusting his [Flash Step] to stay just out of range. He waited until a swing overbalanced the Bronze-rank adventurer, then appeared behind her and kicked her knees in. The young girl went down and Pisces delicately kicked the hatchet out of her hands. Then he turned as Yvlon howled.

Shed been fighting the other [Warriors] in a cleared space in the center of the Guild. Like some of the adventurers, Yvlon wasnt willing to draw blood, so her sword remained in its sheathe. But she was still fighting, even without her weapon.

And she was winning. There were half a dozen adventurers lying on the floor, and the number was going up rapidly. Yvlon had grabbed a shirtless adventurer and was demonstrating why going without armor was a stupid idea for a [Warrior]; she hammered his stomach until he started puking, and then kneed him in the chest. He fell down and someone rammed into Yvlon from behind.

Jerat. He struck her armor from behind with a mace, an extraordinarily stupid move because it didnt even stagger Yvlon. She turned around and punched the man in the face. Ceria winced as Yvlons gauntlets opened up cuts on his face. Down he went. Yvlon kicked him twice on the floor and then turned. Someone tried to bull-rush her, but Yvlon outweighed the Silver-rank adventurer and he bounced off her armored body, hurting himself more than anyone else.

Ceria stared. They were just tooweak. The other adventurers, that was. Even the Silver-ranks. Only a few could put up an equal fight, and the ones that could didnt have Yvlons gear. With her helmet on and enchanted armor, Yvlons only weak spot were the gaps around the front of her head. Even when someone smashed a chair over the back of her head, it only made her turn and throw the chair-wielder into the [Receptionist]s desk.

But the scream had come from Yvlon. Why? Ceria saw her duck, and then a flash of light. Yvlon screamed as a second bolt of electricity shot across the guilds floor. It shocked her, making her flash in Cerias vision. It wasnt a killing spell, but Yvlon stumbled back, armor smoking. Ceria turned as Yvlon tried to charge the spellcaster and adventurers got in her way.

Alais. Ceria shot a blast of snow, but the [Aeromancer] shot lightning back. Ceria blinked, felt a kick in her chest

And got up from the floor, head ringing. Her armor had taken the brunt of that, but it still felt like being kicked by a horse. She got up, swearing. She was going to freeze Alias

Alais! Watch out! The [Necromancer]s aiming at you!

Someone screamed. Alais turned. Pisces was speeding towards her. She whirled her quarterstaff and aimed the tip.

[Electr]

Pisces cannoned into Alais. He didnt bother with a spell; he just [Flash Stepped] into her and rammed her off her feet. She landed hard on the ground, winded, but she was a veteran. Her staff was still aiming at Pisces.

[Light]

He kicked Alais precisely in the face. Her head snapped back, but she still tried to cast the spell. Pisces raised one finger.

[Lightning Jolt].

He was faster. The lightning shocked Alais, making her convulse. Pisces kicked her in the stomach, and then stepped back. Alais tried to get up, her muscles still jerking, and looked up. She screamed for a second before the undead bear sat on her. Ceria, about to shout at Pisces, stopped.

He hadnt killed anyone. Or injured them, aside from a few punitive spells and possible some broken bones. And the undead bear had simply lain down on Alais and another adventurer rather than attack. Pisces stepped back and calmly waved at Ceria. She realized between her spells and his, theyd cleared all the [Mages] from the room.

Over here!

He appeared on her left and kicked a Silver-rank [Scout] in the groin. Ceria froze some more adventurers for good measure.

How many did you get?

Eight?

I think I got ten!

Pisces shrugged. He looked at the swearing adventurers encased in ice. Then he looked back at Yvlon.

And I believe our Miss Byres will have ten outthat makes thirteen.

He pointed. Ceria, panting for breath and drinking the rest of her mana potion, saw Yvlon rush another adventurer. He flipped a table over to stop her; she kicked it into him and then punched. He had armor on like her, but the wumph Yvlons fist made as it went into his leather-covered stomach made Ceria wince. Then she grabbed Pisces.

Her arm! Is it

Its fine. Watch that other Silver-rank Captain. Hes trying to use his bag of holding to absorb your ice.

Pisces pointed at Stan. The man shouted obscenities at Ceria as she thickened the ice to prevent him moving his hand to his bag of holding. Her ice was already melting, mixing with the blood on the ground. Ceria looked around, breathing hard.

Wheres Ksmvr

Safe. Watch out.

A chair flew at both of them. Ceria ducked. Pisces raised a hand.

[Wind Shield]. [Flying Bone Club].

The chair bounced off a whirling shield of air. At the same time, a bone detached from the skeletal bears body and flew at the adventurer whod thrown the chair. He turned to run; the bone clocked him on the back of the head. Down he went. Ceria paused to stare at the bone as it clattered to the ground.

Was that an actual spell?

It worked. I think Yvlons finished, Ceria. We may need to stop her.

Pisces pointed back at Yvlon. Ceria turned and saw she was the last one left standing. Quite literally; every adventurer around her was on their knees, comatose, or crawling away. Blood was dripping into Yvlons blonde hair and she had splinters of wood embedded in one cheek. But she was too angry to notice. And she was holding one adventurer, slamming him into one of the last tables.

Say it again, Caddin! Say it again!

The young man of maybe eighteen or seventeen was gasping, weakly flailing at Yvlon with his left arm as his other tried to pull her hands off. Yvlon slammed him into the table and Ceria heard him make a gagging cry.

Yvlon! Stop!

Say it again!

Yvlon!

The [Warrior] let go of Caddin and spun as Ceria ran over. She cocked a fist and Ceria raised her wand. Yvlon froze as she saw Ceria and Pisces. Ceria knew she had bruises on the side of her face and she might have a cut. Pisces looked as pristine as when hed come in.

Yvlon. Its done.

Ceria looked down at Caddin. The young man was lying on the table, panting, making hoarse sounds up at the ceiling. Ceria wondered if Yvlon had cracked his ribs.

The [Wounded Warrior] took a shuddering breath. She looked around the Adventurers Guild. So did Ceria. Only then did she see some of the adventurers had freed themselves from her ice. And more than a few were still conscious. But no one was aiming at her, or Pisces, or Yvlon. The fight was out of them.

The guild was trashed, too. Ceria had seen brawls, but this one was destructive, by any standard. There were only about three good chairs left. She looked around for one to sit on; the world had turned grey after so much mana usage. Then she saw Ksmvr. He was sitting in front of his destroyed table, calmly waving at her.

Ksmvr!

He opened his mandibles cheerfully as Ceria hurried over.

Hello, Captain Ceria.

Are you hurt? Did anyone hit you?

I was struck by an accidental chair. Aside from that I am quite fine. I stayed down, did not draw my weapons, and did not cause trouble. Did I do well?

The half-Elf stared at Ksmvr with open mouth. Then she burst out laughing. Yvlon and Pisces turned to look and began laughing too. Ceria laughed and laugheduntil suddenly she realized her laughter was getting hysterical. She stopped. Then she looked around.

The adventurers of Celum looked at her. Stan had freed himself with the help of a [Mage] casting a flame spell. He was shivering, his face blue. Alais was sitting up; the bear had gotten off her and was sitting in front of Pisces as he slowly disassembled it, letting the bones float into his bag of holding. She was clutching her nose, which was dripping red. Ceria hoped it wasnt broken.

Uh

Yvlon walked past Ceria, breathing heavily. She was drinking from a healing potion. She didnt look at anyone, until a sobbing, breathless voice came from behind her. She turned. Caddin was trying to sit up. He was making a bad sound and Ceria knew some of his ribs were busted. But he still glared at Yvlon, tears in his eyes. Her and Ceria.

How come you walked away when everyone else died? Hows that fair?

The room was silent. Yvlon stared at Caddin. She slowly drank the vial of healing potion down and didnt answer. She turned her back as Ceria looked around. Bleeding adventurers stared at her. Time to go.

You werent able to do that last time, Ceria.

Stan croaked as she went to walk past him. Ceria turned. She glared at Stan.

I guess I changed, Stan. I leveled up. I thought thats what we were supposed to do.

He stared bleakly at her, then around the trashed guild. As if hed had no part in what had just gone down.

Some of us changed a lot.

What could you say to that? What could you say that would give voice to all the loss, the pent-up feelings, the past both Ceria and Yvlon had left behind but was now dug up, lying bloody and exposed? Ceria stared at Stan, at Caddin and Alais. She shrugged.

Yeah. I guess youre right.

She raised a middle finger. Then she turned.

Come on, guys. Were going. Ksmvr

Pisces was already opening the door. He began to step outside, and then stopped. Ceria saw only his still back for a second, and then the [Necromancer] slowly retreated back into the guild. And she saw his hands were raised. A man followed him with a drawn sword. He wasnt an adventurer. Cerias stomach lurched as she recognized the insignia on his armor.

Celums City Watch. The man shouted as he kept his sword aimed at Pisces. More [Guards] streamed into the guild behind him, some holding bows, a few with wands. Most with swords, spears, axesthey advanced on the adventurers as the man with the sword bellowed into the room.

Weapons down! Half the City Watch is right outside the guild! No one move! [Mages] with your hands behind your backs! If we so much as see a spell or undead, well put a dozen arrows into you! Youre all under arrest!

Oh, tree rot.

Ceria reflexively raised her hands. She kept them high as two [Mages] immediately trained their wands on her. They might be lower-level and their wands might look cheap, but a [Stone Dart] spell could still kill at this range. The other [Guards] were shouting at the adventurers, forcing them back. The [Captain] in charge kept shouting until there were a good twenty men in the room and more pouring in. Then he looked around.

Alright! Who started it?

The adventurers stared. It was a familiar scene. Someone had heard the fighting and called the City Watch. And they had showed up after the fighting as usual. They werent paid to risk their skin in a brawl. But after it? They could arrest anyone they wanted to. Ceria was grinding her teeth, ready to argue her way out. Or run if there was a chance. But then she saw the [Receptionist] push her way forwards. The woman raised her hand tremulously.

She started it! Her and her team!

Her hand pointed to Yvlon. Everyone looked at the [Warrior]. Yvlon turned crimson.

I was

Alright. Youre under arrest. Who else is in her team, Miss?

The [Receptionist] flinched as Ceria shot her a glare, but she pointed. [Guards] surrounded Ceria and Pisces. The [Cryomancer] swore.

Hold on! Thats a load ofthey attacked us! All of them! We were only defending

Save it! You started this brawl; youre paying for it! And youre spending time in our cellsI wont have adventurers tearing up my city!

The [Captain] shouted at Ceria. She shouted back.

What? Pay for this mess? No way! They started the fight. Yvlon threw the first punch, but were

Silence! Men, arrest her and toss her in jail! That one too!

Hes a [Necromancer]!

A what?

A dozen blades were instantly thrust in Pisces direction. He held his hands up, eyes flashing fury. Yvlon tried to lower her hands, but a spear leveled at her throat put them back up.

He didnt

Shut up! Youre under arrest! This isnt a debate! Get them in chains, and if we have anti-magic cuffs, I want them on that [Necromancer]! And the half-Elf!

Hold on! You cant just

The [Captain] ignored Ceria. And when a [Guard] forced her to her knees, the half-Elf remembered. Oh. Right. This wasnt Liscor. This was a Human citys City Watch. Which meant they were less professional even than Relc. And their Watch Captain was less concerned with the minutiae of whod done what, and more concerned with less trouble. It was a refreshingly simple approach to policing. And Ceria had forgotten how much she hated it.

That all of them?

No. No, you missed one!

The [Receptionist] panicked as the [Guards] began to drag the three Horns of Hammerad to the door. She pointed frantically back at a figure behind them.

Its one of them! Take it too!

It? What do you

The [Captain] choked on his words. Hed spotted the figure in one of the three remaining chairs. The Watch had overlooked him not because of his appearance, but because hed been so still, so calmly unobtrusive in the heaving, destroyed guild. Now they focused on him and recoiled.

He was sitting at the table where hed been before the fight had started. And true to his words, he hadnt thrown a punch. He hadnt even gotten up. The [Guards] and adventurers all stared at him as Ceria stopped cursing the [Guard] putting her in manacles and Pisces and Yvlon looked over their shoulders. Ksmvr raised one hand and opened his mandibles in a smile.

Hello. Are you going to arrest my companions? Because I believe we have a request to fulfill.

The Watch Captain stared at him in horror. He stuttered for words.

AnAnt

I am Antinium. Hello, my name is Ksmvr. I request to be identified as a Horn of Hammerad, please. Thank you.

The man stared at the [Receptionist] and the other adventurers. Their looks reflected the expression on his face. He worked his jaw soundlessly, then turned to one of his [Sergeants] and shook his head.

Arrest it too. Were going to need to tie the other arm up.

He indicated Ksmvrs three free arms. The Antinium studied a [Guard] as one of the younger recruits approached.

H-hold still. Youre under arrest.

The young man stuttered as he addressed the Antinium. Ceria, cursing, watched Ksmvr eye the manacles and then look to her. The Antinium tilted his head from side to side. Then he slowly stood up.

No, thank you.

The [Guard] froze. He looked back for help at his superior. The [Captain] blinked. He looked around at his men and the adventurers as if to reassure himself, then barked at Ksmvr.

You! Youre under arrest!

Ksmvr shook his head slowly.

I am not.

Yes you are, youthink! Resist and well kill you, got it? You so much as draw your bladeyoure under arrest, damn it! Do you even understand that?

The Antinium watched the [Captain]. There was something unnerving about the intent way Ksmvr stared at the [Captain]. Then he shook his head again.

No. I completely understand the concept of arrest, Watch Captain. And I do not believe I will be arrested. I, personally, have done nothing wrong. And if you try to arrest me, sir, I will have to kill you.

Silence. The guild had gone still for the confrontation. It had frozen in anticipation of the fight and come to a halt afterwards. For the arrests, it had paused to watch the proceedings. Now it just stopped. Every eye fixed on Ksmvr, and a cold chill swept the room. The prelude to true violence. Death. Ceria choked.

Ksmvr. Dont

Ksmvr spread his three arms out innocently. He looked at her, and around the room. His voice was pleasant. Cheerful, as he met the [Captain]s eyes, then Cerias.

What? It would be self-defense. I have done nothing wrong.

He paused.

Yet.