With a laugh, Adam held out his hand, and the gigantic bane wolf disappeared back into its prison. The crystal snapped back into his hand, and he pocketed it to go and speak to Evelyn.
Gil and Makenna fought theirs just out of my field of view, but I couldn't take my eyes off my own foe to see how they fared. Wind whistled behind me as Gil struck with his ax, and the marsh filled with the acrid scent of fire.
I tuned out Gil and focused on my foe. I let the magic holding Chitin Sword fade. My exhaustion waned once the drain on my mana eased up, and I was able to catch the mimic’s sword in my hand. I pushed it aside and let it slide off harmlessly off my arm.
I brought my fist up and tried to punch the thing’s face, but when I struck, my hand sank in like I was wading through ooze. I eventually pushed through to something very spongy at the center of the shade’s head, but my punch didn't do anything besides make it angry.
It warbled a screech and swung at my head. I was to slow to block, and it landed hard against my temple, sending me to my knees.
My hands sunk into the muck as I steadied myself and Gil shouted painfully loud to my ringing ears.
"We have to help her!"
I risked a glance, and both Gil and Makenna had defeated their adversaries. I was the only one still fighting. Gil had his axe and was tense, panicked as if he were about to charge in.
"Leave her be, blacksmith. I want to see what the little queen is made of," Evelyn said.
Gil grumbled and lowered his weapon.
A tear ripped into my heart when Gil stepped back, leaving me to fight alone. I didn’t like it, but I understood. I'm the weak one here; I'm holding everyone back just by being in their presence. I need to defend myself, and I can’t rely on everyone else for the rest of my life.
I attacked the shade recklessly, knowing I was safe from harm while I had my armor up, but I was running out of time. Something solid was in its head, so that's what I aimed for. I tackled the shade to the ground. It was much lighter than I expected, and I hit it with all of my strength.
I took my hands and willed the chitin to form claws. It shifted at my command, but that one change dropped me to less than ten percent of my remaining mana. I reached my clawed hands into its head and dug into the soft substance at the center.
The shade bucked and recoiled in agony as I did, releasing such a terrible scream that I thought my head was about to split in two. I bit down, gritting my teeth, and dug in deeper. I used the pain and my anger at my own helplessness to fuel my strength. I gripped the center in both hands and pulled it apart as quickly as I could.
It came with minimal resistance, tearing in half under my fingers, and I ripped until it was broken. As I pulled it free of the mass of shadows, the shade stopped screaming. It stopped doing anything and dissolved into nothingness, leaving only a squishy, pale yellow ball of sponge in my hands.
I dropped it as a rush of adrenaline surged through my bones, invigorating me and bringing a warm strength to my aching limbs.
“Hey, I leveled up.”
Chapter 7 - Complications
Sampson
It’d been most of a year since I'd last been to Aldrust, and even in the span of a year, things could’ve changed drastically. Because the kingdom itself resided far below ground, along with the constant mining going on, the layout changed every so often to reduce the risk of cave-ins and rockfalls. I can't rely on my previous knowledge of the layout, so we're going in blind. I had a few friends living in the dwarven kingdom, and the thought of what we were planning left a sour taste in my mouth.
I was about to waltz in and steal their most prized possession, and I was starting with absolutely zero workable intelligence.
My first thought was to call up Wilson or Evelyn; they'd be much better suited to planning a heist than I ever could, but my contacts in my interface were grayed out. I couldn't send or receive any messages. When I asked Magnus about it, he made a corny joke.
"My castle is in a dead zone, no cell service," he chortled.
“Funny,” I said and turned back to the map.
The trip to Aldrust would take a little under four days by horse. I wanted just to teleport, but since I had to bring the shifter with me, I couldn't do that, and Magnus flat out denied me when I asked to go alone.
"Why? I can do this alone, and I don't need her help."
Raven tensed at my words, lowering her gaze as she turned away from us. I didn’t care that I’d hurt her feelings—I didn't want a tag-along on this job.
Magnus shook his head. "I disagree. Raven will prove herself a valuable tool for you."
"She's only going to slow me down. I can teleport and be there in Aldrust in under an hour. By horse, it will take at least three days."
Magnus held his hand and stared me down, not willing to even entertain the idea. "She's going with you. If for nothing else than to help ensure a smooth delivery."
Ah. It clicked why he wanted her along. She's there to watch me just as much as she’s watching my back. Magnus doesn't trust that I won't abscond with Lachrymal’s Heart if I do manage to pull the job off.
I wasn’t getting my way in this, and I relented. There was too much at stake for me to just back out, no matter how distasteful I found the prospect of working with a shapeshifter.
“Fine. You win.”
Magnus acknowledged his victory with a subtle nod of his head and the beginnings of a smile. “Your contact in Aldrust will have a better idea of what awaits you when you get there, but feel free to take anything you might need from my armory.”
That was very generous of him, but outfitting me was only common sense. Lachrymal’s Heart was easily more valuable than any one item here, and since I sorely lacked in equipment, I happily took him up on his offer, though I had to ask one specific question. "Even the hellsword?”
He grimaced but nodded. "If you can use it, though. That specific sword was designed for a magic user, not a knight."
Why would a mage need a sword? Unless you specialized as a battlemage, physical weapons are almost useless to pure casters. I walked over to the rack, anticipation building. I wanted the sword, wanted to wield it. My hand reached out as if it were being pulled by a string to grasp the hilt of the fiery blade. It glowed with delight at the thought of being used, but the moment my hand touched the hilt, it shocked me, sending my hand away from it.
"Ow! Damn, that stings."
Magnus and Aliria both laughed from the far side of the room, chuckling over my pain. Even Raven let out a quick snort of humor, which didn't endear herself to me in the slightest.
"I warned you,” Magnus said.
A notification appeared in my interface.
Warning! Stat Requirements Unmet.
Stats Required.
Strength: 90-Met
Constitution: 80-Met
Wisdom: 75-Unmet
Damn it. Oh well. I fanned my hand, trying to dispel some of the pain and numbness. I'd forgotten how much that hurt.
With that sword out of the question, I went through the many racks of swords, searching for one that would be appropriate for me. I discounted the heavier and large claymores and such to focus on the lighter weapons and went down the line, picking them up one at a time and testing them out. A few were nicely balanced and felt right in my hands but were completely ostentatious, adorned with gold, silver, and numerous gems.
I nearly picked the one that was just like my own sword, but I hesitated. It was nice, but it was built for a class similar to Blade Master, something I wasn't any longer. So I tried to find one better suited to my Hive Knight class.
Only a few swords remained when I found the best choice. It was a hand and a half sword, and a little flashier than I was used to, but not overly so. It was slightly shorter than a normal longsword, the blade wide and thick, and it sported a solid heft to it that I liked.
The blade was shadowsteel and a stark black. The handle was polished drake horn, and the smooth gray accented the black of the bla
de and silver crossguard nicely. Etched into the silver were the branches of a tree, and in the flickering light, they came alive as if blown about in a breeze.
The final and most extravagant aspect of the sword was the pommel, which was also silver and had an emerald the size of my eye set into the hilt.
I found the stone symbolic of the job I was about to undertake and very fitting. I rubbed the gem for good luck and strapped the sword to my belt. The sheath was a pure black with small green lines spreading out like the veins of a leaf.
Sword down, next is armor.
I went to the far side and perused the armor sets. As soon as I took a good look, I immediately found the section I wanted—the medium sets.
These were all made with a mixture of leather and chainmail, but the chest and back plates were crafted from shadowsteel plates. I chose one of the darker ones—black wyvern leather with thick shadowsteel plating. Flipping over the chestpiece revealed something startling. It was backed with thin leather along with chainmail, but as I ran my fingers over the blackened chain, I found it wasn't standard steel, it was shadowsteel. That's something you don't see every day.
I equipped it and moved around a bit to get the feel of the new weight. It's not that noticeable, but I'm slower. The weight is heavier than I'm used to. That could prove fatal if I don't watch it. But the main ideal feature of my newest equipment was that, despite its heaviness, there was no discernible sound as I moved around. Every single slab of metal separated from the rest. The only sound was from the leather rubbing against itself, but with a little oil in those trouble spots, I'd be virtually silent. Perfect for a heist.
Speaking of, if I'm pulling a heist, I'll need some specialized tools. I'd probably need a full burglar’s kit, and since I'd be deep underground, it wouldn't hurt to have a dungeon delving kit, just to be on the safe side.
A dull pain throbbed through my skull at the thought of everything I might need for this. My go-to was usually carry more than I could possibly need. Overkill has never failed me before. Before I left, I went through the potions. The entire bottom shelves were stacked with health and mana potions, hundreds of them in neat rows. I took ten of each.
Then I went through and grabbed everything I could even think I might need for such a quest.
Potion of the Revenant went into my inventory, along with a lightstep potion, wraithsight, and an invisibility potion. All the ones I might need for this job. I had turned to head out of the room when a thought struck me, and I went back to search the shelves for one more potion.
"Gotcha," I said as I snagged the recovery potion that was hidden behind a few dragonsbane draughts.
Potions secure, I headed for the door.
Magnus and the others had already left the war room, leaving me alone with literal millions of gold. Is this another test, or am I reading too much into it? Regardless, my inventory could only store so much, and I couldn't carry away even five percent of the items in this room.
I only took the items I absolutely thought I needed. Though, I would still need supplies and provisions. Magnus would know where I could acquire them. The emptiness of the room amplified the echo of my footsteps on the stone. With the absence of people, the bubbling green mage lights dotted around sent chills up my spine. I ignored the urge to look at them and fled the room. I thrust open the door and almost ran headlong into Jasmine.
"Ah! Sorry, Jasmine, I wasn't expecting you."
She stepped back, her face a little flushed, but she smiled at me. "That's okay. I was sent to bring you upstairs when you were finished with your preparations down here." She brushed a lock of auburn from her face. "I take it you're done?"
I nodded to her, suddenly confused. She was furious with me this morning—why is she being so nice now?
"Yeah, I'm done here, though I still need a few things for the trip."
"Of course. Mother is preparing your supplies as we speak."
Good, I'm getting tired of this place. I went up the stairs ahead of Jasmine, but it seemed she was determined to keep up with me. I slowed my pace and let her walk side by side with me. I was fine with the silence, but she kept prodding me for conversation.
"Are you leaving today?"
"Soon as our supplies are ready."
"Are you coming back?"
"Probably."
She pouted at my terse responses and hunched her shoulders but stuck close to me as we climbed the many stone steps, our labored breathing and footsteps breaking the silence. She kept brushing up against me; her fingers lingered on the back of my hand.
I sighed, but didn't stop her for myriad reasons. I wasn't going to reciprocate her feelings, but I also didn't feel like shattering them either. Though I poured cold water on her this morning. Most girls would have gotten the hint.
I tried to get my bearings and see if I remembered the way to the throne room when Jasmine locked the door to the stairwell. The lock engaged with a loud clunk. I turned as Jasmine stowed a large brass key into the folds of her uniform, her face slightly flush from the climb.
She noticed me watching her and flashed me a wicked grin, pulling her top down in the process to give me a peek at her chest. Sweat beaded up on her rich skin, glistening in the lambent light before sliding down between the curves of her breasts.
I turned away quickly, my face beet red. Great! You didn’t say anything, and now look where you're at. Stupid, stupid, stupid. While I berated myself for feeding into her antics, Jasmine led me through the halls, practically bouncing with every step.
I tried to be upset, but it was hard when she seemed genuinely happy, but I was thankful when we reached our destination. Jasmine muttered under her breath, and her mood dropped as she unlatched herself from me and opened the door.
"After you, My Lord," she said with a wink.
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
She smiled and followed after me.
The throne room was busier than I had seen it before. Magnus was, of course, sitting on his throne with a bemused expression playing across his face as he talked in muted tones with Aliria, who laughed at something I couldn't hear. Raven was on the opposite side of the throne, looking as meek and pathetic as she had in the war room.
Magnolia was close at hand to her master, ready to answer any command he might need. She noticed how close Jasmine was to me, and even though we weren't touching at all, she just knew something was up and gave me a knowing smile and a nod.
I tried to ignore everyone and focus on getting everything ready. As I approached the throne, I inclined my head respectfully to Magnus. "Thank you for the weapon and armor. They are spectacular."
He grinned wide at me, his eyes glowing as he took me in. "Of course, friend, and might I say, they suit you. It’s good to see them used again. I've kept them locked away for far too long…is there anything else you require?"
"Just some supplies for the trip and the equipment needed to complete the job."
"Right. Magnolia, if you would be so kind."
She bowed low. "Right away, Master."
Magnolia walked past me to leave the room, and Jasmine followed after her, both of them whispering to each other as soon as they reached the door. When they disappeared from view, I returned my attention to Magnus, who looked at me strangely, conflicting emotions in his eyes.
"There is just one final thing you must do before you set out. A necessity, I'm afraid."
"And what's that?" I asked. I admit, he had me curious. Though, the tension on his face suggested I wouldn't like what was about to come.
He shifted his eyes to Raven, and an unspoken conversation went on between the two of them. It seemed Raven was as apprehensive of whatever it was, but she could not win against Magnus's wishes and nodded her head slowly.
She moved from the throne, stepping closer to me, her head low, and even though I was staring directly at her, she refused to meet my eyes.
"Raven will be important in ensuring the successful retrieval of the Heart, but her go
ing with you presents some difficulties."
This again. I don't want her with me in the first place. "Then don't send her. I'll be fine on my own." I all but spat the words out, and Raven sniffed, looking away.
"I disagree."
I tried to keep the frustration off my face, but the sigh of annoyance was audible, and Aliria decided to push my buttons.
"What's the matter, little knight, is she not to your liking? Not pretty enough for you?"
The harsh retort of laugher that fled from my lips cracked like a whip. "I could give a damn about her appearance; nothing good ever comes from working with shifters."
"Well, I'm afraid you've little choice in the matter. She's going with you, much as you find the idea distasteful," Magnus said.
An understatement to be sure, but I was tired of arguing a point that I wasn't going to win, so I resigned myself to the fact that I'd be working with Raven and put the matter out of my mind—or I tried to, but Magnus's next words left me speechless.
"In order to have her accompany you, she will need to be bonded to you."
What! I withdrew from Raven on principle, away from the insanity. "Hell no."
Magnus didn't seem thrilled by the idea either, but I was livid. No way in hell was I going to let yet another person bind themselves to me. Especially a shifter.
I'd accepted being bonded with Eris, accepted being her mate. I'd grown to love her, and for the most part, it’d been wonderful. However, I wasn't okay with binding my soul together with someone I'd just met just for the sake of a job.
"I'm afraid it's necessary."
"Why?" I shouted. "Why do I even need her along in the first place? Give me one benefit to bringing her with me."
Magnus stood from his throne and walked down the steps to stand beside me. "It'll be faster to show you. Let's step back, shall we?"
I didn't follow him mentally, but I did so physically, stepping about six or seven feet back and waiting for something to happen.
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