by Prax Venter
Jack reached out and grabbed the tall man’s shoulder. Sol flinched under the contact and drilled his huge eyes into him as they filled with hatred.
“I’m leaving,” Jack said, trying to put as much direct seriousness in his voice that he could, “but I want you to know that I am here whenever you want to talk. About anything.”
The other man let out a sigh and nodded. Jack let go and left Sol standing on the jutting rock as the final rays of light sunk below the endless sea.
- 10 -
Jack pushed open the door to the Inn as the darkness of night fell over Blackmoor Cove, and when he saw Lex and Ryea sitting with Harrak, he paused. He’d never seen the man sitting at a table before. He’d pretty much berated the Bygone Hero this morning, and this new behavior probably had something to do with that. Jack shrugged and forced his feet to move. He noticed the Dark Prism, Haylee, sitting at the bar a few stools over from Reno and wondered how her whole situation was going to play out. Jack, true to his word, was seriously shaking things up around here.
The Irrelevant Hero got a few waves and smiling faces as he moved to his usual spot near the corner, and Lex positively beamed happiness when she saw him.
“Hey everyone, what’s for dinner?” Jack said as he slid next to her father. Harrak was short but stocky and took up a large portion of the bench.
In a move that spoke volumes, Lex’s father slid over to make room.
“Welcome, Jack. I was just telling Lex how you invited me to join you Heroes for dinner more often when you came down by the Wall this morning.”
Jack blinked. This was a complete 180 from the Harrak he knew, but if he was being honest, he did see the man’s true potential shine through now and again.
“Ah, yes!” Jack said. “Glad you could make it.”
Demi glided up to the table with a sly smirk on her face and saved Jack from his own bad acting.
“Lex ordered the roast pheasant and potatoes for you,” the Innkeeper said as she placed the steaming bird covered in savory spices under his nose. She placed the same thing down for everyone but Harrak, who had apparently ordered a pile of fish.
As Jack had never seen Lex’s father sit at a table before, he had also never seen him eat anything and half-expected the gruff, bearded man to start shoveling in food with his fingers.
He felt a kick under the table and snapped his attention away from the man next to him and over to the short blonde across the table.
“Would you rather have the fish?” she asked, a single eyebrow raised and with how well he could read her now, Jack had been caught staring.
“No,” he said, poking his fork into a soft potato wedge. “But, Harrak, please tell me about this attack that happened today. How did they get in? What really happened with Haylee?”
The Bygone Hero forked a hunk of flaky whitefish into his mouth and chewed, nodding once. After he swallowed, he answered.
“The main attack came at the gate, and the horde of Demon Spawn was turned away easily, but apparently a few decided to try and cross the river again. They were spotted, and guards stationed nearby dispatched two of the unnatural creatures quickly. It was that new group you brought this morning that had been wasted out in the ocean fighting fish instead of Demons. Especially Irun, who is an excellent markswoman. A contingent of guards chased it north, deeper into the forest where they saw the young girl slow its movement with some type of flash from her eyes.
“Both her and the Lumberjack would have been slaughtered if she hadn’t been promoted to Hero and stalled it long enough to be destroyed.”
Harrak dug around in his food with his fork but was only shoving it around the plate.
“I came upon the group as the monster was dispatched, and I saw Haylee’s display of courage. I was proud of her.” Harrak looked up to Lex. “It reminded me of when my own daughter fought her first monster in the Tower.”
Everyone looked over to Lex, who hadn’t even started eating yet. Harrak cleared his throat and continued.
“I brought the new Hero to her father, foolishly thinking he would also be proud. That he wouldn’t want to miss out on an important moment of her life…”
“And I saw what happened,” Jack finished.
Harrak only nodded and shoved a huge forkful of fish into his mouth. Lex’s father had clearly been slapped awake today.
“Why is that man so mean?” Ryea asked.
The table was quiet for a few minutes while everyone ate. Jack wasn’t sure if anyone else knew what happened with Sol and his wife, and he wasn’t about to tell them now. Haylee’s outburst earlier made it easy to put together, though.
“A lot of people around here have had a hard life,” Jack said finally. “Sometimes people are trained to spit venom back at the world in response.”
“Aye,” Harrak said. “And that venom only damages themselves further. And the ones they love.”
Both Lex and Harrak seemed on the verge of tears, and Jack was absolutely thrilled that her father had finally opened his eyes to face the world again, but the mood was getting too heavy for a public dinner like this.
“So, how old was Lex when she went into the Tower the first time?”
“Oh, about as old as Haylee is now,” her father said.
“I was wondering if there was an age limit for becoming a Hero. Everyone knows I still come up a little short regarding the rules of this world.”
“I was born a Hero, Jack,” Lex said from across the table. “I couldn’t wait to get in there and fight for loot.”
Harrak let out a deep chuckle. “I hired Demi to keep an eye on her until I felt she had the temperament to follow directions.” The Bygone Hero glanced over at the quiet girl in the burgundy dress sitting alone at the bar. It appeared that Demi and Reno had engaged Sol’s daughter, but she was more focused on her plate than by what they were saying.
“She might be acquiring that job yet again,” Lex added.
“Maybe,” Harrak said. “Although from what I’ve seen of her today, Haylee is ready now.”
“Probably,” Jack agreed. “But I still believe that decision should be up to her father.”
Harrak continued to shovel food into his mouth but nodded as he did so.
“If it weren’t for you two sending Blackmoor Cove blasting through Town Levels like a fire mage, I might insist her contribution would outweigh her father’s stubborn wishes. Although, if too much time passes, she may not be as honed as she could be. Her mind is ripe now to start learning those good habits.”
The door to the Inn opened, and a cold breeze blew in from the darkness outside.
It was Sol. His large eyes scanned the crowded common room and spotted his daughter at the bar. Despite the hushed stares, and without the normal scowl on his face, the ex-wharfmaster moved to sit on the far side of Haylee.
He said something to Demi that Jack couldn’t hear, and the Innkeeper focused on him, her long arms crossed over her white apron. But whatever he said must have not been an insult as her features softened quickly. She nodded once and disappeared behind the blue curtain with the white eye painted on it.
Jack looked away when he realized he was openly staring again, and let the man try and fix his family.
Ryea, however, was on the other side of the table and kept her eyes on them. Jack shook his head and turned back to attacking the roasted fowl on his plate. As he devoured the delicious roasted meat, more question about Lex’s childhood bubbled up in his mind.
“Harrak,” he began, “please tell me you have some embarrassing stories about young Lex. I’d love to hear all of them.”
“What?” the Bastion said. “No, I don’t think so!”
“Yes!” Ryea said, her attention now completely locked on the Bygone Hero at the table. “Please, please, please give us the good stuff.”
Lex’s protests fell on deaf ears, and her father even put down his fork to devote his full attention to the task at hand.
Her father had plenty of stories, and alt
hough Lex flushed red a few times, the laughter was good-natured, and she quickly let go of her hang-ups. The Bastion even had a story or two of her own about the time she spent in the Tower with her parents. Apparently, Harrak was terrified of ghosts for some reason.
“They’re unnatural!” he shouted. “Melee passes right through the transparent bastards!”
But turnabout was fair play, and this was the most fun Jack had during dinner since he was dumped unceremoniously into this seaside Town. Eventually, Ryea got their attention and nodded toward the bar. Jack turned to look and saw Haylee lean her head into her father’s shoulder. That was very good news, indeed.
The evening grew late, and people started heading out. Thymus left early and didn’t stop by this time. Jack assumed Harrak was the reason and perhaps the Bygone Hero couldn’t let this one grudge go. It was something he’d address in the morning, and as he thought about it, he turned to tell Harrak his plans to come to the Wall and possibly move the young man, Milin, over to fishing.
As they discussed the merits of both, Ryea said her goodnights and went to gossip with her normal group by the fire. Lex also got up and moved to talk to Demi, leaving Jack alone with her father.
“Kron is the captain of the guard,” the Bygone Hero said. “He should be making the final call about the guards. I’ll just be advising when I can.”
As the old Hero said the words, it occurred to Jack that he couldn’t remember what Harrak’s actual role was. Jack inspected him while he drained the last of the water in his mug.
Harrak - Bygone Hero: Knight | Level 59
[Health: 150/150 | Mana: 55/55]
Relationship -
[Disposition: Respected]
Jack was stunned. Lex’s father had come to respect him. He almost missed the whole reason for checking this info panel and noticed that Harrak had no job assigned.
He sent a mental question to Alt.
“Yes,” the AI answered immediately. “Bygone Heroes are considered retired and need not fill an active role. As such, the unguided Town has not assigned him anywhere. That being said… I just created a new job in your list.”
“You what?” Jack said out loud and drew Harrak’s attention.
“Advising,” Harrak repeated, a concerned look clouding his curly-bearded face. “You know, hardening limp noodles like you were. A blade can never be too sharp.”
Jack smiled and nodded but pulled up his Reassign menu at the same time.
Reassign Bygone Hero: Harrak
Fisherman
Wharf Master
Guard
Captain of the Guard
Combat Master
Lumberjack
Farmhand
Grain Miller
Inn Keeper
Inn Staff
Worker
Combat Master was definitely not there before, and Jack wondered what the difference would be to what Lex’s father was already doing at the yard.
“For one,” Alt said in his mind, “It will make the title official, and the system will imbue his words to psychologically carry more weight with anyone he trains, making him more effective. Second, he will earn coin again as a wage from the Town, directly. And lastly- you’re going to love this- once every thirty days, he can choose to promote a Townsfolk to Hero status. I had to make the cooldown start now though, so it won’t be active for a while. Technically this is all plausible and doesn’t break any rules. My last complexity upgrade has allowed me to see the code of this universe so much more clearly.”
Jack’s smile grew even wider, and his eyes focused on Harrak’s again. They were wrinkled with age, but now that he’d pulled his head out of his ass, the sharp spark of intelligence and determination could be seen within him.
“Harrak,” Jack began, “get ready to do a lot more than simply advise.”
With a thought, he selected Combat Master as Harrak’s new job. The Bygone Hero blinked a few times and put his hand to his head. After he recovered from the shift, Jack could tell Harrak was reading something only he could see, and the old man’s eyes grew wider as he learned more about his new duties and benefits.
Then his mouth hung open.
“Impossible…” he muttered. “N-no role like this has ever existed… Actively promoting Heroes? I shouldn’t have such power.” Harrak locked his eyes on Jack again before he continued. “And you shouldn’t be able to give it to me…”
“Too late,” Jack said, stretching his arms over his head. “You’re Combat Master now, and I’d start figuring out who you want to promote so you’re ready when the time comes. I’m sure you’ll make the right choice.”
Harrak simply continued to stare at him, his mouth agape, and Jack wondered if there were too many changes in one day for the Bygone Hero to handle.
“Hey,” Jack said sharply, slapping Harrak on the back with some force behind it. “Get your head right, okay. I know I’ve come in here and shaken the foundations of your world, but I need you. Lex needs you. The Town needs you. Let’s win this thing.”
Harrak snapped his mouth shut and narrowed his eyes. Where a flickering flame of renewed determination had been, there was now a blazing inferno.
“Yes, Jack. With you on our side, we will take this world back.”
“Time for bed, Jack,” Lex said from behind him and caught the intensely serious visage of her father. “Uh, everything okay here?” she added.
Harrak’s face split into a huge grin, his yellowed teeth out for everyone to see. He stood and kissed his daughter on her forehead.
“Everything is wonderful, my love. Sleep well, and may you have lucky drops tomorrow.”
Lex’s father engulfed Jack’s hand with his and gave it a firm shake before he headed out into the night.
Jack turned to the short blonde woman and her golden eyes searching his for answers as to the sudden major change in her father’s attitude.
“What did you do to him?” she asked.
Jack shrugged. “I just reminded him how great it is to be near you as often as possible.”
She shook her head slowly, a warm smile curving one corner of her mouth. With his hand firmly clasped in hers, Lex led him toward the stairs.
“Hang on,” he said. “I didn’t pay Demi for my room yet.”
Lex tightened her grip as she pulled him forward. “Don’t worry. I took care of it.”
He was still confused as she led him past both of their rooms and opened one of the other doors down the narrow hall.
The room was a bit bigger, especially in the bed area. As his eyes bounced around the new accommodations, the reality of the situation dawned on him.
Lex shut the door, a mischievous smile growing on her small mouth.
“Welcome to our new room.”
- 11 -
The next three days went by smoothly in Blackmoor Cove and in the Tower. Jack and Lex stopped at Floor 27, seeing no reason to risk pushing further. Head slot items began to drop on Floor 35, and that was something Jack was eager to get to, but he was comfortable with their current loot dumps.
Sol did agree to let Haylee and Pan keep each other company in the woods as long as she promised not to enter the Tower. It wasn’t the ideal scenario as far as Jack was concerned, but it was far from the worst. There was a noticeable shift in the tall man, and instead of vile, arrogant remarks, he generally kept quiet and focused on his job at the Inn.
Harrak had embraced his new position as Combat Master and continued to come to dinner at Exit every evening. The chatty Farmer was unnaturally shy around him at first, but Lex’s father was not the same man she’d lived with for the last decade, and Ryea quickly warmed up to his presence. When he let his guard down, Harrak could be just as boisterous as she was.
It was the fourth day after the last attack, and their climb had gone the best it ever had- despite not getting any awesome new upgrades. Some days the layouts or monster configurations were more challenging than others, and today was going very well. When both Jack and Angr
y Sun Alt obliterated the immense green mushroom growing in the rocky cavern that was its boss chamber, he decided to try and make a push to Floor 28.
After looting the chest and not finding anything of interest, he pointed to the freestanding wooden door to the next Floor.
“What do you guys think?”
Lex considered her stats and nodded. “I should have enough mana for Heals. Besides, if we need to abandon the climb, we could lose a day without slipping a Town Level.”
“Actually,” Alt said, hovering closer to the Heroes, “if we clear Floor 28, the Town will jump to the next Level when you deposit the items. Blackmoor will certainly level tomorrow if we leave now, but I thought you two should know the potential reward for the risk.”
Jack waggled his eyebrows at Lex, and the silly move always drew a smile from her, but her smile faded as the reality of her new life hit her once again.
“I honestly cannot believe how fast this is happening,” she said.
Jack walked up to her and kissed the top of her head, his lips savoring the soft, silky strands of golden perfection. Breathing her in felt as if a thousand years of sunshine warmed his soul.
“We can go home right now,” he said. “Hell, we could even get some sandwiches from Demi and go straight to our room. I would love to hide under the covers until tomorrow.”
“I would like that too,” she said, then turned to the unopened wooden door. “But before we do, let’s take our home to the next Level.”
“You got it, babe.” Jack kissed her head once more before pulling away and moving toward the door. He grabbed the iron ring, and after the white brilliance of the transition faded, they found themselves standing in front of a quaint farmhouse.
There was a big red barn, a stone well, a tire swing, and behind them was a field of golden wheat that stretched over the rolling hills for as far as he could see. There was even a white picket fence around the homestead. Jack made sure to locate the Exit Orb first, just in case, and saw it pulsing softly nearby on the edge of the wheat.
“This place is peaceful,” Lex said, closing her eyes and breathing in the warm summer breeze.