Critical Misclass

CHAPTER 43 - Spending Spree

I knew that chopping someone's head off would not be as easy, or clean, as it was depicted in movies. It didn't help that Thia's sword was in need of sharpening, or that Iluriar had magical protection. The first swing hit the edge of the ethereal armor, causing its glowing form to blink in and out of view, but Thia merely slid the blade closer to Iluriar's head. Not even an inch over, she reached the end of the spell's coverage, and the sword dropped onto the uppermost part of his neck.

The short drop pierced the skin, and Iluriar wheezed. It seemed like he was trying to say something, but whether it was a plea for mercy or a last-moment prayer to his deity, I'll never know. Thia raised the blade and brought it back down, cutting into the bone. It wasn't pretty, but it did the job, and Iluriar gurgled before he well and truly died.

"Holy shit," I panted.

"Whoa." Ves walked around the large rock to get a better look at the body, her eyes wide. "Good job, Thia."

Thia was breathing heavily. Her sword fell out of her hands, its clanging echoing all around the chamber, and she fell onto her knees. "I... I..."

Stepping over Iluriar, I knelt beside Thia and placed a hand on her back. "Are you okay?"

"Never... I have never killed... a person. I..." She shuddered.

"I know. He definitely would have killed us, if we hadn't fought back."

Ves crouched down next to Thia. "He said he wanted to sacrifice us..."

I grimaced. "Yeah, this could have gone a whole lot worse. You did the right thing, Thia, and we're here for you."

Looking first at me, then Ves, Thia nodded slowly. "Could we please leave this place?"

We helped Thia to her feet, but she insisted that she didn't need any support after that.

"So, what now?" Ves looked down at Iluriar's corpse, tapping its head with her boot. "The rats will take care of the body, at least."

There was no doubt of that, based on how quickly and thoroughly the little monsters had disposed of the body of Thia's former guildmate, Gev. "Let's take a look around here, and, uh... make sure nothing's left behind."

I had almost said "remove any evidence," but that would have sounded like we were guilty of something more than self-defense and attempting to save a village. Not to mention the fact that it likely would have made Thia feel worse. We looked around the room, but all we found was Iluriar's torch.

"I'll take it," Ves said. "Both of you don't have a free hand to spare, if we need to fight anything else on the way out."

"Oh, damn, that reminds me." I returned to the corpse, and with a foot holding down one arm, pulled Ves's dagger from its hand. "I gotta say: that was an awesome move."

Ves chuckled nervously. "Goddess, I almost forgot about the dagger. And thanks, Jeremy. For saying that, and for warning me to close my eyes, earlier."

I smiled, pleased that we had worked together as well as we did. There was still a long ways to go, but there was at least enough trust between the three of us to have the basis for a great party. Being able to use each other's class abilities was just a bonus... an incredibly significant bonus.

Thia looked down at the cave floor, around the rock where Ves had been hiding. "Mayhaps we should find the broken pieces, as a caution."

"Yeah, good thinking." I moved the light I had summoned so that it was lower to the ground, hoping that it might reflect off of some of the broken metal and make it easier to spot. "Actually... I wonder if this might work." I placed the broken dagger onto the ground, and cast the cleaning spell. To our pleasant surprise, the missing pieces moved across the floor and put themselves together like a puzzle. For barely a heartbeat, I wondered if the spell might have actually repaired the dagger, but it was soon obvious that the pieces were merely touching each other.

"I think repairing items is a separate spell," Ves shrugged.

"That's fine. It did what I was hoping it would: make it easier to clean up." I reached out, then paused. "Actually, Thia, I think you're the only one with gloves that would be suited for this, if you don't mind."

Thia smirked at me playfully, and picked up the pieces, keeping all of them in her pack for the time being.

We were cautious while leaving the Cave, although we didn't run into any rats along the way. Close to the exit, we could hear the distant sounds of at least several rats squealing either out of excitement or fear - it was pretty discordant - and I figured that it meant they found their next meal.

During the walk back to the village, I felt like the combination of sleeping all day, and the adrenaline from the battle with Iluriar, would keep me up all night and continue to throw off my sleeping schedule. The moment we stepped foot into Ves's home, however, the weight of everything that happened hit all of us. We soon fell asleep, with me squeezed between the two ladies, on Ves's subpar bed. It didn't matter, and not just because I'd sleep between Ves and Thia on a bed of needles.

The sun rose before we woke up, but it was still fairly early in the morning. We were unsure what our next steps should be, and found it was too difficult to plan anything on empty stomachs.

"We've only got enough money to buy something small for each of us," Ves stated. "Mrs. Zurax won't have opened the Network yet, either."

I crossed my arms. "So we can wait until we can pick up our stipend, or pretty much just get a snack for now."

Walking towards the door, Thia spoke with her back to us. "I cannot decide for either of you, but if I have an opportunity to eat even one slice of ham as soon as possible, I am going to take it."

Ves and I decided that Thia was right, and it would be nice to have something in our stomachs before we properly started the day. In the back of my head, though, I felt like this was a way of putting off having to decide what our next plans were going to be.

"Not to suggest that we rethink breakfast," I said to the others on the way to the inn. "But should we be concerned about running into Kael?"

Thia sighed. "It is possible. I will need to speak with him again, before long, I suppose. I have yet to officially separate from the Sterling Seekers, and now is as good of a time as any."

When we entered the inn, I fully expected to hear Kael's booming voice, but it was almost suspiciously quiet. The dining area was empty, but I figured that we were a little past the time when most people here would have their breakfast. Maybe we can get a discount on whatever's left over.

We sat at the table closest to the entrance, and were soon greeted by Brinn, who beamed as she approached. "Morning, dears! You know, you'll have to tell me all about your quest to Vanndrenvar, when you have a chance."

Ves made an uncomfortable face. "Maybe after the whole, uh, quest is over."

"If you say so. Oh, what can I get you to eat? We don't have much left for today's breakfast, just to warn you."

"That's fine," I replied. "We're short on funds right now, anyway."

We worked with Brinn to find something for each of us based on availability and price. She told us that the prices were lower because we were likely the last customers that morning, but I'm sure that was just her way of giving us extra food for barely any money.

After we ate, we thanked Brinn profusely and promised to come back for more meals as long as we were staying in the village. Feeling a lot better, at least physically, we made our way over to the village hall. As we approached, we saw Ullun leaning against the building, next to the entrance.

Before she could spot us, I tugged on my partners' sleeves and urged them around another building. "Ullun's waiting for us, I'm guessing. Thia, what do you want to do?"

Thia crossed her arms and pursed her lips. "I do not know why she would be waiting for us, alone. Mayhaps she is simply waiting for my brother to finish some business within."

"We can always come back later," Ves said, placing a hand on Thia's shoulder. "The Network's not going anywhere."

Taking a deep breath, Thia practically stomped back around the building, towards the village hall. "I suppose what must be done, must be done!"

The gorgeous elf didn't react at all to our approach, and continued staring off in a different direction. The morning sun made her wavy, silver hair shine. Every time I saw her, it was as if she had some kind of magical enhancement to emphasize her beauty. While that was definitely possible in Fielende, I had certainly met people back on Earth who had a natural presence that made them seem especially attractive. That said, I had also met plenty of people whose awful personalities overshadowed their best physical features, and Ullun had not exactly impressed me with her ice-cold demeanor.

Ves and I were a few steps behind Thia, who stopped a few feet away from the building, and stood with her hands behind her back. "Ullun."

"Aralithia." The elven woman turned her gaze towards Thia, but her expression remained neutral. "What became of your fraudulent scholar?"

"We... convinced him it would be in his best interests to leave the village." As though Thia herself suddenly believed this lie, she straightened her back confidently. "The deceiver cowed immediately upon being directly confronted."

Ullun nodded almost imperceptably. "There is information I am to impart to you. Kaelition, as of daybreak, has departed the village to return to guild headquarters."

"My brother is on his way back to Karneissdran??"

"I am to remain here, on his behalf, in order to provide training for your party."

Ves sneered. "Training?" While that did sound beneficial, and I knew Ves would agree with me, I was sure that her main objection was Ullun as the trainer.

Ullun's face remained unchanged, but her pupils focused on Ves. "Kaelition expressed regret that Aralithia possesses her family's disposition towards stubbornness. He would rather that she, and her companions, become prepared, rather than imprudently endangering your lives."

Thia was at a loss for words, so I stepped forward. "Could we have a minute to discuss this? Please."

Before Ullun could respond, I ushered Thia away from the building, and Ves followed close behind. Thia's blonde brows were furrowed, and her jaw clenched.

"Kaelition always has to have the final word! How convenient for him to leave, before I can tell him that I desire no part in his guild. And to leave behind a... a nursemaid to watch over and care for us!"

Ves stretched. "Yeah, he's a real piece of work. I say we tell her she's not needed, and that she should try and catch up with him."

"I've got mixed feelings about this," I said, "But as party leader, I think Thia should make this decision."

"Mixed feelings?!" Ves laughed. "Why should we agree to this at all?"

"This could be a chance to test a theory I have about my cross-class ability. The only person other than you two who I've managed to borrow a class talent from is Ullun, and she and Kael are the only other people I've fought with, and not against."

Ves didn't look thrilled at this theory, but seemed to be considering it. "And Kael has the same class as Thia, huh."

"Right, exactly. But," I stood in front of Thia, and looked down into her big, blue eyes. "I don't think it's more important than you being comfortable and happy. If you'd rather cut ties and stay away from anyone connected to the Seekers, I totally get it."

"...Both options sound good," Thia pouted, then chuckled. "It would most likely be for the best if we accepted the training. We do need it, especially if we could secretly adopt new magic in the process."

I nodded. "We still need to figure out our next steps, too. At least this way, we'll be doing something productive at the same time."

We walked back to the village hall, only Ullun was no longer standing out front. I opened the door for Ves and Thia, but we didn't see the elf anywhere inside, either.

"Oh, Jeremy, you just couldn't keep yourself away, could you?"

There didn't seem to be anyone else in the building, so it took me a second to realize who the voice belonged to. An elderly goblin climbed up onto her tall chair with a wide, toothy, grin.

"Mrs. Zurax! It feels like forever since the last time we were here."

"It felt even longer, sitting here, by myself. I was expecting you, though."

"You were?"

"Yes, that elf-woman, the one who was with Mr. Xyrosia, asked me to tell you that she would meet you at the inn when you were ready. You just missed her. But more importantly... go ahead, tell me about your quest!"

I looked at my partners, who looked unsure about what they should say.

"Well, we just got back yesterday--"

The goblin laughed. "I'm sorry! You can talk while we do business, so I should get started. What did you three need?"

Ves put her hands on the counter, leaning forward slightly. "We've got at least a week's worth of guild stipends to claim!"

Mrs. Zurax shook her head, chuckling. "What, you didn't spend any of it along the way?"

The netharri's ears flattened, as did her expression. "Guess we never found a good opportunity."

"Better late than never, I suppose." Mrs. Zurax flipped through a ledger behind the counter, licking her fingers between turning each page. "Ah, yes, I see... oh my."

"Oh no," Ves groaned. "What's wrong?"

"Wrong? Nothing's wrong, Vestele! I'm merely surprised at the amount."

"It's that bad?" She turned to Thia. "Did Kael cheap out on us??"

"Would you settle down!" Mrs. Zurax rolled her eyes impatiently. "It's quite the opposite. I may not have enough gold in the safe to cover all of these funds, in fact."

To say that Ves's face lit up would be the understatement of a lifetime. The old goblin slowly climbed off of her chair, and walked to her safe. She turned the dial so slowly that I thought Ves might explode, but eventually, the safe creaked open.

"Oh, I'm getting far too old for this. I forgot that Mr. Xyrosia left the funds when you accepted your assignment last week."

Thia shifted uncomfortably. "Mrs. Zurax, precisely how much are we receiving today?"

"Your departure date counts as a full day, and the payment period would end yesterday, upon your return. Eight days, at five gold per day..."

"Forty gold?!"

Ves's jaw dropped. "Is-- is that right?"

"Let me finish!" Mrs. Zurax removed a sack of coins, closing up the safe behind her. "Five gold per day each."

I'd never seen Ves's ears, or tail, pointed that high up before. Thia was reeling from this information, and I had vaguely understood why. The economy in Fielende, or at least, in this part of the Treosett Empire, was still mostly a mystery to me, but I estimated that one-hundred and twenty gold would let us stay at the inn and eat three meals a day there for months, if not over a year.

Thia placed her hands over her face. "Oh, Kaelition..."

"It's a good deal more than I've seen given for the average quest," stated Mrs. Zurax, as she climbed back onto her stool. "But I suppose your brother was feeling generous. Perhaps because it was your first quest."

Sliding her hands down and stretching her skin in frustration, Thia groaned. "This makes sense, considering what he said last night. He believed our quest would be a dull, but safe, assignment, and he provided us with more than enough funds to ensure we had everything we needed for our comfort. Everything except decent food, in any case."

Little did Kael know that we'd be attacked by Red Gauze, and then get the attention of some cultists.

Mrs. Zurax cleared her throat. "Would you like me to divide the coins equally, or keep them together?"

"Actually," Thia said thoughtfully, "Does this branch of the Network provide purchasing services?"

"Yes, of course."

Thia turned to me and Ves. "We can order items and equipment through the Network. They can provide almost anything from a town or city where the Network operates, and deliver it to us here."

That was fantastic news. "Oh, nice! We can finally stock up on stuff we need, and not worry about carrying around a lot of cash. Let's figure out what we want, but we should definitely see if we can get a healing potion for emergencies."

Thia nodded. "That will take up a fair amount of our funds, but yes, I would feel safer having one."

Ves rubbed her arm, likely feeling uncomfortable about her near-death experience. "Um... we also talked about getting another pack of plenty, right?"

"Absolutely," I said. "Even another small one would be helpful. And I've been meaning to buy gloves since my first day here..."

"Alright, alright," Mrs. Zurax interrupted. "If you want to place your order today, you've got until just before closing. That's when the Network courier passes through the village."

While the system wasn't nearly as efficient or speedy as ordering things online back home, I was impressed by how the Adventurer's Network handled this sort of thing. Thia had a rough idea of what some items cost, having grown up around other adventurers, but we would have to request an official quote before we knew exactly how much we might be spending.

Fortunately, the courier would take our request to a more centralized location, where they would have employees who could transmit the information through magic. If we were lucky, we could have our quote in just a couple of days. The items themselves, however, would take longer, having to be transported manually, and likely from multiple locations.

We took our time thinking of items we were interested in purchasing, as well as telling Mrs. Zurax a highly-abridged version of our trek to and from Vanndrenvar. It became clear that it was time for us to finish up when we started getting hungry for lunch.

After thanking Mrs. Zurax for all her help, we saw ourselves to the door. I opened it, but rather than receiving a pleasant view of midday Perrenbrook, what filled my sight was a remarkably large pair of breasts, divided by a deep line of cleavage.

Lifting my head up so fast I nearly got whiplash, I saw Sveja looking down at us with mild surprise.

"Oh, there you are."

CHAPTER 44 - The Fatalistic Four

"Sveja!" I stared in surprise, not expecting to see her again so soon. The tall yrrven tilted her head slightly, making me realize I was in her way. After moving aside, she entered the village hall, ducking her head so that most of her long ears avoided brushing against the top of the door frame.

"I arrived a short while ago by carriage. The local innkeeper said that I might find you three here, sooner or later." It was nice to hear her unique accent again.

Any embarrassment I felt for being stunned by Sveja's unexpected appearance vanished, as I saw Thia's wide eyes and parted lips.If her upbringing had been less formal, I'm sure she'd be fully slack-jawed right now.m

Sveja continued. "Is it safe to assume that the Impulse Decoction was beneficial?"

This managed to snap Thia out of her awe-induced trance. "Um, yes, I suppose one could say that it ensured we returned to the village before it was too late."

Without pressing for more details, Sveja smiled politely. "Perhaps the Goddess still has blessings to bestow upon us. Would it be possible for us to speak somewhere more private?"

The village hall hadn't been busy in the last few hours, and we had no reason not to trust Mrs. Zurax, but it did feel best if we took Sveja somewhere else.

Ves scratched the back of her head. "Guess we can go to my house."

Partway there, I noticed that Sveja wasn't carrying any belongings. "Did you bring anything with you?"

"Of course I did. The innkeeper was kind enough to let me store my luggage in a spare room while I looked for you."

"Oh, okay. We were headed there for lunch anyway. That'll be our next stop after we talk."