Book 1: Chapter 40: Practice Makes Perfect

Book 1: Chapter 40: Practice Makes Perfect

Research into the necromantic arts, sped up by the twins Need and Necessity, had opened dark channels into another plane of existence. Here, the sibilant denizens of the void promised a quick end to the war with something that was translated by the magical researchers as the ‘Seed of Oblivion.’ Grasping at a chance of total victory, the leader of the Republic accepted the dark bargain and brought the Seed fully into the world.

- On the Cataclysm by an unknown Quassian Scholar circa 103 AC

I opened the shutters, drinking in the sights of the city before me. A steady flow of people traveled along the streets; a mix of travelers, merchants, and the occasional military patrol. These patrols were heavily armored and mounted on half-barded and intimidating horses. I gritted my teeth as I saw a chained line of miserable-looking slaves, their eyes hollow and their postures stooped in suffering. I was glad that Kidu was asleep, as I was unsure of how he would react upon seeing such a sight. I would need to have words with the large man to hopefully prevent him from potentially causing a scene in the future.

I was lost in thought as I watched the people of the city go by, and my mind went back to thoughts of the old world. Years of constant study into the depths of the night had made caffeinated drinks my constant companions. I realized that I could probably kill for a simple cup of caramel soy latte, both figuratively and literally.

After judging that about an hour had passed, more by instinct than calculation, I shook my companions awake. We changed back into our clothes, leaving the borrowed robes outside the room door. Kidu and I collected our meals on a tray from the innkeeper, paying him the required coins, which he took brusquely.

The inn’s repast was some sort of red stew, which had a rich inviting smell, served in a simple earthenware bowl. Globs of unknown meat and the occasional shape of what must be some sort of vegetable was in it. On the left of the bowl was a simple side of what looked to be some sort of brown rye bread. The stew had a tangy taste, sharp and piquant, with an edge of hot spice. This was, without doubt, one of the better meals I had sampled in this world.

The meal was filling, and my companions and I ate it with such great gusto that we almost had to stop ourselves from licking the bowls clean. Politeness was so ingrained into my very being, that I offered to return the trays. Descending the stairs, I went to the counter where Athinad was still busy cleaning some mugs and left the empty trays of food there. He gave me a small nod in thanks. Turning back to return to my room I noticed that the denizens of the inn were all very deep in their cups.

A flashing glint of steel caught my eye, as it flew through the air like an arrow before it embedded itself in a target on the far wall. The blade quivered from the force of the throw causing a few whoops of joy and cries of disappointment from a small crowd. It seemed that the locals were engaged in a knife-throwing competition. My curiosity was piqued, and my earlier promise to treat this town as enemy territory was quickly forgotten as I made my way toward the crowd applauding the throw.

“Hey, hold up there mate,” slurred a rat-faced man, blocking my path, “Can’t you see this is our little corner of the Boar?”

“No problems, Devon,” Athinad called out from the bar at the other end of the room.

“Jus’ being welcoming, Atty boy,” Devon shot back, annoyance lacing his words like an annoyed fishwife, before glancing nervously at the shortsword at my hip.

“Not looking for trouble, Master Devon. Just interested in the game that you’re playing. Looks rather fun. Perhaps I could have a try,” I said with feigned nonchalance.This chapter made its debut appearance via N0v3lB1n.

You have learned Throwing Weapons (lvl.1)

You have learned Throwing Weapons (lvl.2)

It seemed that with proper instruction, I could gain skill levels much faster than just by messing about in the dark by myself. Daggers would be a useful proficiency to have in case I ever lost my main weapons, or if I had to engage in some up-close wetwork in the future. As a bonus, I had gained a point of Dexterity for my trouble.

“Thank you, Master Devon,” I replied with a small bow, which drew laughs from Devon’s crew, but I could see that Devon’s face was a little flushed with more than just alcohol. With the simple word of ‘Master’ I had appealed to his pride and had won him over. “Where can one get such weapons as these? They have a fine balance and fly true.”

His posture a little straighter, Devon smiled a little drunkenly and replied proudly, “Go down along this road outside to yer left a little way, you’ll see the sign of the Soot-Stained Pig Iron Forge. Basically, look for a black pig if you don’t know your letters. Tell ol’ Cillis Aideh I sent ya. She’ll give you a discount if you buy ten,” he slurred the last, clearly drunker, and I knew he would not be able to give much further useful instruction. Luckily, he had forgotten about our competition, for which I was grateful. For, inebriated as he was, he still had a much better aim than me which would almost certainly lead to my loss.

I thanked Devon again, and the seedy-looking men behind him raised a drunken toast in my name. Though it had cost me a few coins, I was a little bit happy with my newfound popularity. I was even happier when I saw a new notification.

You have gained 1 Charisma

Not bad, I thought to myself, as I turned to the bar and cleared my tab with Taper, before I went back up the creaking stairs to my room. Entering, I saw Kidu and Elwin attending to the maintenance of our gear. The Hunter, rather considerately, had even fashioned a strap for my helm. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I was thinking of trading it in for something else at the earliest opportunity.

“That’s it. My turn now,” Elwin said, rising up from the floor like a hound that had just been let loose and dashed for the door.

“Try and find a place to sell the...” I tried to remind him as he went past me.

“Yes, yes, mother. And I’ll try not to sink too deep into my cups, nor will I be losing my chastity this night!” he shouted back at me as he bolted down the stairs, probably to engage in a round of drinking.

Upon hearing this, Kidu just grunted as he continued to diligently polish his spear, grinding out traces of rust with a coarse stone. Sitting down by the shutter, I decided to practice my magic.