The Way of the Clan 3 (World of Valdira)

by Dem Mikhaylov

  -- I’ll take you— I took the decision, throwing him an invitation to join the group— Party.

  -- Party— echoed Bom-Bom— And for the sake of brevity, I am— Bom.

  -- I’m Ros.

  All right, a competent person— it’s impractical to shout a full nickname in the midst of battle, especially if it’s something like “Darlingeyed Gigathon the Great.” The owner of such a nickname would instantly get the abbreviation “Giga” and could get offended as much as they see fit.

  -- I am a doctor! – said the mage-healer, raising splashes as he hurried towards me. The same one, fortieth level.

  Good— I was hoping for him. If only he would not disappoint.

  -- Yo! – I greeted him— What can you do... Doctor Wyatt Hertz?!

  -- Eh-h-h— the doctor grinned— Not a bad nickname, eh?

  -- If I take you into the party, then choose right away— either “Doc” or “Wy.”

  -- I’ll go with Doc— appeasably nodded the guy— From my spells, I’ve got the following: “Average Healing”, “Average Cleansing”, “Low Regeneration” and small “Healing Aura” to combine the two properties. From long range— these two are the main ones. My mana is high, twenty cans of mana. Plus I have a staff charged with twenty hits of “Greater Healing,” and I have the “Wellness Burn” whip at forty beats, if you know what I mean. The rest are little things.

  -- I know what the “burn” is— I winced involuntarily, and Bom snickered at full volume.

  “Health Burn” or “burn” as it is affectionately known by players is a real whip made from the flexible branches of a rare mountain tree. Moreover, it is a long whip, about ten meters if not more. And if a player is hit by such a whip, he is compensated with a certain amount of life. It depends on the quality of the whip. It is a necessary thing. Especially in the dungeon. Especially if the physician has run out of mana and cans. But the principle of action…

  A warrior is fighting with the last of his strength a cruel monster with a negative aura, a battle for life and death! And then the doctor standing behind him, as he runs out of mana, pulls out a very long whip and starts to whip the warrior on the shoulders and back as he falls while outside the limits of the enemy range. Hmm… efficient, of course, but from the outside perspective it looks awful. Sort of a gay sadomasochistic fantasy-entourage.

  -- Well, if you want, I don’t have to whip— the doctor chuckled.

  -- We’ve got no pretenses. Whip all you like— I waved my hand and continued questioning— And your life points?

  -- Not much – admitted the guy, his expression falling— Threw almost all the points into intelligence and wisdom.

  -- I see— I nodded— A walking bank of wisdom and mana. What about your aura? Distance and strength? Right?

  -- Right. First ability to increase radius of the aura, and secondly its power. How did you guess?

  -- Experience— I shrugged— Most doctors do so. Alright. Party.

  -- Party— sharply cheering up, responded Doc— I accepted.

  -- Open statuses— I demanded, since I was the leader of the formulating party— You can not have them open, but then no pretenses if you end up flying to the revival port.

  -- Open— Doc replied.

  -- Open— Bom nodded, digging in his giant bag— I have a sword. If only we could get that orc with an ace. Seems like a serious person, though he’s green. Or that bull of a man— he, too, has an axe.

  -- You’re green too— I noticed myself emit a sigh of genuine relief— the party members appeared normal, easy going on contact— Yes, the half orc looks solid. But we’re not going to drag him over here by force, right? If he wants— he’ll get up and approach.

  The half orc did not come. But at the same time, approached a couple— a dwarf girl and a man.

  The dwarf was chunky, stocky, dark and powerful— obviously a lot of time had been spent in the character editor to give this character such a figure and first impression. Behind a round shield with a red lining stuck a slightly curved ax with a wooden handle. Thirty sixth level. Name— Craven Gray.

  The girl was the exact opposite— fragile, with long brown hair and a wide smile. And no shooter. A mage. Apparently, a combat mage. A long white dress with a square neckline reached to the water, hiding the boots, her hair in a shining metal ring. Into a women belt was fastened a short black rod hanging on a cord and a padlock, as well as a thick book with a red leather cover casually squeezed in the hands of the girl. Thirty third level. Nickname— Kaylen Seeker.

  -- You’re not a shooter— looking at the woman, I voiced a clear truth.

  -- But I’m with her— answered the gnome behind the woman.

  -- But I walk alone— she smiled— And yes— I’m not a shooter. I am a mage. And the main thing— I do not use lightening. Only stone and fire. “Stone Island” and “Flaming Coal.” Do you know why it is so important that I do not use lightening?

  -- Yes, this is important— I said— and I know why.

  -- I know that you know— she smiled even wider.

  -- Hmm? – I didn’t understand, and at the same time considered the “pros” and “cons”— What are you on about?

  -- About the Ravendark Swamp— purred Kaylen— A good fight it was!

  -- I’ll take both of you – I sighed, scattering invitations — Party.

  -- Party— said the dwarf hoarsely.

  -- Party— cooed Kaylen.

  Clasping my hands around my mouth, I shouted, referring to the crowd before me:

  -- Thanks to all! Our group is recruited! – and, turning to the party members, reaffirmed— The statuses open. Or then, do not complain. Cray and Kal… Cal… Kelly… Kaylen!

  -- What kind of a swamp fight is in question? – asked the interested Bom, and the doctor moved in closer.

  I had to intervene—

  -- Stop! We’ll leave the hunting stories for later. When we sit by the fire and drink the wine of victory.

  -- Oh! You promise? – confirmed the girl.

  -- No— I admitted— But I would like to.

  -- What’s lightening got to do with it? – Doc was not appeased.

  -- Water— I briefly explained— If you shoot lightening into water, then… you get it?

  -- No, I got it! I’m not a fool.

  -- That’s good. Now, brothers and sisters, come closer— at first, my story. I am here to do a job. It’s necessary for me to kill thirty Kobold charmers and take their purple capes. That’s all. After that, I can safely be done with the dungeon. But only after we get to the third level and get the right amount of Kobolds, can we resume with the full tourist program which includes picking up souvenirs, local tours and conversations with the natives. In general, no one will be hurt. That’s my story. Now it’s your turn to explain why you showed up at the dungeon, and joined such an unbalanced and unharmonious group. Bom?

  -- Trophies and experience – said Bom shortly— What we will gather together— split equally. What I gather on my own— mine. Until we get to the third level, I’ll focus on filling my bag. Good?

  -- Clear. Doc?

  -- Experience, pumping skills— Doc snapped, and added hastily— Well… and trophies… we’ll share?

  -- I won’t be offended— I nodded— Cray?

  -- All of the aforementioned— grumbled the Dwarf— Double the amount!

  -- Gotcha. Kaylen?

  -- I wanted to take a walk— sniffed the fun loving girl and, noting the skepticism on my face, added— Well, it’s true! And everything else that’s already been said. Tired of sitting on the banks near the cave and counting the Proteus!

  -- Clear. Another thing— this man is a good friend of mine and he will go with us— I raised a trembling finger and pointed at the silent Grim— He will not assist is. And will not interfere.

  -- I will not— Grim nodded briefly— I just want to dispel some boredom, and to see how some young heroes destroy some vile creatures. And then to have a drink After all, what can be b
etter than a couple of cups of good wine over the bodies of your enemies? Nothing! Only there’s no wine— Grim sighed— Beer, only…

  After hearing the tirade from the mouth of the werewolf, I looked at my crazed party members and continued:

  -- And the name of my friend…

  -- Grim! – blurted Kaylen— Grim the Silver Hammer! Cool! Take a picture! Please! Cray!

  Before I knew it, she was already close to the giant and stretched out her hand forward in a sign of victory.

  -- Click! – Cray said, having already grown accustomed to the enthusiasm of his companion— Done.

  -- Thank you!

  -- Who is this guy – asked Doc, leaning to me— And why does everyone know him except me?

  -- Cray! Take one more! Please!

  This time the girl was already hanging on my arm, smiling more radiantly into Cray’s active “lens”.

  -- Click! – this time, I could hear a discontented tone from the gnome. Was he jealous? Are they friends in real life? Though, it’s not my business.

  -- Thanks, Cray darlin’— cooed Kaylen, and the gnome’s face brightened considerably. Hmm…

  -- And now all of us together, click!

  -- So! – I growled— What are we doing here… taking snapshots together? Or going into the cave? So let’s go!

  -- Right!— supported Bom – My bag is still empty! What are we taking photos of? What are we celebrating?

  Chuckling, I continued:

  -- I think everyone already knows how we’ll proceed— Cray and Bom ahead. Right behind is Doc, behind him, Kaylan and I, shoulder to shoulder. Kaylan, Cray, I understand you have been together in battle?

  -- Many times— the dwarf nodded.

  -- Then Kaylen is behind you, shooting over your head. I’ll do the same behind Bom… Doc, whatever happens, do not try to leave the center of the party. And do not shift from side to side, or you’ll block our line of dire. Got it?

  -- I got it— nodded the skinny doctor— I’m in the middle, and do not stray from there.

  -- Spend your mana wisely— I added, just in case— Warriors— you also do not yield, and for heaven’s sake, don’t run off to finish the enemy, always stay near! Bom! I understand that you’re an industrial grade hamster, am I right?

  -- Uh-huh!

  -- So, as hamster. Collect the trophies— only during the quiet times. Stop to pick up mushrooms during battle— we’re going to have a problem. And I am directly going to kick your exposed hamster ass— before the quarrel. Accepted?

  -- Accepted— nodded Bom— Do not screw up.

  -- What else? – I thought— Oh yes! Do not pay attention to Mr. Grim Jekyll over here—he’s by himself.

  -- Jekyll? – the interested Kaylan repeated, perhaps deciding that this was truly Grim’s surname.

  -- That’s right that you say, friend Rosgard— confirmed Grim— Although I do not know this “Jekyll.” But I’ll take care of myself. Look after each other! Do not let the enemy reach you!

  Having received this farewell from my past and future enemy, I just shook my head, scooped up a handful of wet earth from the ground as in tradition, rubbed it between my palms and gasped:

  -- Well! Let’s move! Aye?

  The answer was a harmonious roar, which only the bewildered looking Doc and ever-silent Grim did not join into.

  Well, hello, Breeding Grounds! We are coming!

  Inside we were a cohesive group, standing at once as a single unit in the order of battle.

  Only Grim held back, holding the keg of beer on his shoulder and curiously looking around. Truly looked like a tourist who had decided to see the sights.

  We passed by the envious looks of players who had not found themselves a party.

  And who had prevented it? I hadn’t brought my own. I had found everything I needed on site. However, I doubted that Kaylan and Cray would have joined if she had not recognized me, the

  “one and only” Rosgard. Again, so what?

  Those who were sitting in front of the dungeon could have found themselves a party, albeit not an ideal one, but a party nevertheless. And experience is not gained sitting under the bedrock.

  At one time, when I was still Crashshot, I even ventured to the centers of a few dungeons on a “raid-n-bounce.” Killed a maximum of one, maybe two mobs and found my way out. And those players were still sitting there…

  Well, yes, and it doesn’t matter. So— what do we have here?

  -- Stand at ready— I commanded, and the band of players immediately froze, staring into the gathering darkness ahead. The only one who didn’t react was Doc, who bumped into the back of the soldiers ahead of him. That bungler!

  -- Careful!— I muttered, lowering Tyrant on the stone covered with water.

  The gazes of the party members instantly slipped below my feet, where a disheveled and disgruntled wolf sniffed the water. Well, right. It was still impossible to hide the signpost: “One of the Sixteen Great Beasts of Valdira!”

  -- Uh…-- started Doc.

  -- About the wolf, do not ask— I warned grimly— I’m not here to play a guessing game. Just a cub, affectionately called Tyrant. Be familiar with him. Hang on… let there be light!

  I fished out one of the firefly jars from my bag and activated it with a few clicks.

  The glass ball glowed with a soft white light and soared into the air, frozen a meter or so above the top of my head. My level of concealment instantly dropped to zero, indicating that the ball did not add to my stealth. As though I didn’t know…

  -- Light enough? – I asked the soldiers, attaching the open back with “Stickers” to my waist.

  -- Yes— said Bom.

  The dwarf Cray nodded, pulling out his ax from behind the shield. Now we could have a look around.

  It was a very small radius of light, but we could immediately see the wet stone walls, furrowed with cracks and indentations. There were occasional bunches of mushrooms— those very Light and Silent mushrooms. The air was filled with gurgling, squelching, and other “water” sounds. From a distance came the sound of water falling.

  -- Mushrooms with red caps are edible— I informed, not moving from the spot as we continued to look around— Those with a white hat are poisonous. But well sought after by the alchemist, so if you’re short on money, collect them along the way.

  -- Yeah! – Bom said, deftly clearing the wall niches of all vegetation and sparing nothing— We know! And in general— take everything without looking! We’ll sell it all, and earn a lot!

  Looking at the torrent of stuff filling Bom’s bag, I just shook my head in amazement. What astonishing enterprise. Glancing at Tyrant, who was expectantly looking at me, I pointed to the water— where, in some places at the surface, slid the elongated bodies of Proteus.

  -- Hunt for them and only them. Levels ten to fifteen, those who are higher, don’t touch. All the time. Don’t wander far, don’t snap at anything and don’t get lost. Understood, little muzzle?

  -- Rr-ruf!— said the cub, jumping forward and raising a lot of spray, trying to cope with a Proteus escaping from his jaws.

  -- One of the sixteen— Bom muttered, moving away from the empty walls and putting up his shield again— Could have taken him— could have tried. Really. Damn it…

  -- I believe you— I laughed and, imitating the voice of the paternal admiral, loudly ordered— In positions! We’ll start to fight! Bom, since you are a frequent visitor— lead us. Just descend to the second level. Get rid of everything in our way, to see how we work in a group!

  -- You’re obviously not a beginner small-fry— mused Bom and, not waiting for an answer, added— We’re moving!

  On the go, I asked Kaylen:

  -- How many Stickers have you got with you? – I nodded at the open bag at her waist.

  -- A couple of hundred— she smiled at me, pulling one out and clutching it in her hand— I am a thrifty girl.

  -- I noticed— I smiled— I, too, have a hundred or so. Whoever notices
first throws. Alright?

  -- Okay. Like this, right? – the girl threw a Sticker forward without a backswing, and it soared over the head of the gnome and sunk into darkness.

  And almost immediately the darkness broke with a bright flash. It went off and blinked furiously, highlighting the contours of a figure hunched in a gray cloak, merging with the walls.

  And here come our hosts.

  -- Collector! – loudly shouted Kaylen, sending “Flaming Coal” at our opponent. A Kobold hunter-gatherer. The most harmless of its kind. Slightly leaning to the side, I send a few more tracers into the darkness, watching with tension as the Kobold rushed towards us with irregular movements, trying to tear off, at the same time, the blinking and treacherous “Sticker.”

  The buzzing tracers did not miss and stuck onto the body of the Kobold, to his gray cloak— but the furiously screaming enemy continued to attack and still made it to our group. First came the jagged bone harpoon, harmlessly falling away from the shield of the shaken Cray, and then the Kobold himself sprung directly on the sword of Bom. The Kobold wheezed, let out a stream of saliva from hi fanged mouth, and collapsed as a shapeless lump under our feet.

  -- Good— I praised— Next!

  -- Onwards! – Bom confirmed, in one motion sending all the Kobold earnings into his bag— Divide later! Remember— Kobold hunters go in pairs of twos or threes!

  At my feet was a light splash of water— Tyrant reminded me of his existence, sinking his fangs with a fierce snort into the body of a soft pink Proteus.

  Going behind us Grim was silence, save for the gurgle of beer as it went down his throat. Already, he had managed to open the keg and was drinking on the go. But he did not seem to want to rush our conversation, and kept silent. I felt the presence of the werewolf at my back, which did not contribute to my peace. A delusional situation!

  -- Another one! No! Two!— Kaylen yelled, sending another Sticker into flight.

  I was a mere split second late and soon we were already releasing glowing embers from our hands towards the highlighted enemy.

  A spear whistled briefly, and Bom swore, glancing at his left shoulder.

  -- Poison! – shouted the “ass,” watching the approaching enemy over the top of his shield.