by Aaron Oster
Sam gritted his teeth as the dwarf started calling out after them, but didn’t turn back around. Thankfully, her pleas faded after only a few minutes and Sam was finally able to relax. Gordon had miraculously retrieved his stick from somewhere and was now chewing on it as they walked. Milly seemed to be somewhat forlorn, so Sam decided to try and distract her.
Besides, there were still some questions that he needed answered.
“You mentioned earlier that you’re not that much older than I am,” he said, getting the elf’s attention.
“Yes,” she replied, brows knitting together in confusion.
“So I’m guessing that time works a little differently here. Tell me, how many days are in a year?”
“I forgot that you’re not from here,” Milly said, finally cracking a half smile. “In Somerset, there are 5 days in a week and 25 weeks in a year.”
Now he could see how he and Milly would be around the same age.
Sam tried to figure that out for himself, but terrible as he was at math, this was an effort in futility.
“Back in my home world, there were 365 days in a year and I’m 19 by those standards. How old would that make you if you were to go by that time?” he asked, hoping she was better at math than he was.
Milly’s nodded, brows scrunching together for a moment in concentration.
“If we were going by your Earth years, I’d be 20.”
So she really was his age. Holy crap, just how long had she been selling herself for?
Sam wondered what the legal age for consent was here, but decided he wouldn’t ask, as he was sure he would not like the answer.
“Well, now it makes a bit more sense. I know you said that star elves retain a youthful appearance, but you didn’t exactly strike me as someone that much older than me from our conversations.”
Milly nodded, flashing her brilliant smile and Sam felt fuzzy all over. He flushed and quickly turned his face away, then abruptly stopped as a new notification popped up before his eyes.
SKILL RANK UP!
Congratulations! Your Mind Over Body skill has advanced from Novice to Beginner!
Mind Over Body: You are stronger than your base urges Level: Beginner 11 (13%) Effect: 60% Resistance against psychic based attacks, +15% chance to become aware of psychic based skills
Sam blinked the notification away, confused for a few moments as to why this skill had ranked up. Then Milly turned to him and flashed him another smile. Suddenly, he became aware of something passing through the air between them. A moment later, he felt the effect that her smile normally had on him, but this time, he knew it wasn’t purely a physical reaction on his part.
She’d been fucking with his mind this entire time! Same as that damn siren!
Sam’s hand plunged into his bag and emerged a moment later with his wand.
Milly’s eyes widened and she began fearfully looking around for an attack. When she didn’t spot anything out of the ordinary, she turned to Sam with a confused look.
“How long?” Sam asked, eyes narrowed, and preparing to use Mana Burn at the first sign of an attack.
She was gorgeous, but the siren had been as well, and he’d almost paid for that mistake with his life. He wasn’t going to fall for this shit again.
“How long, what?” Milly asked, brows knitting together in confusion.
Gordon, noticing that they’d stopped, turned around and padded back to them.
“What is the matter? Why have we stopped, and why do you have your wand leveled against the elf girl?” he asked, cocking his head to the side.
“She’s been fucking with my brain. I’m guessing she was doing so from the first time we met, since my Mind Over Body skill has been rapidly increasing. For some reason, I didn’t think it was strange. At least, not until it just ranked up and I received an additional effect. Now tell me why!” His voice had grown cold and he was staring at the elf with a steely gaze.
If the next words out of her mouth weren’t an explanation, he would kill her and be done with her.
“Sam, wait!” she said, raising her hands and looking distraught. “Just please listen to me. I can explain everything. Just, lower the wand, okay?” She tried to crack a smile and looked so helpless that Sam was tempted to do so, until he noticed that same something, a kind of misty substance, passing in the air between them.
“No, I don’t think I will. Now you have ten seconds to explain before I kill you.”
Milly’s expression now changed to one of fear and she nodded, face pale and eyes wide.
“As you know, I’ve been in a certain line of work for the past 12 or so years. When one does what I did for so long, you pick up certain skills. The ones I have, when combined, have a certain effect on those who have the capacity to be attracted to me.”
She held out a hand as Sam’s eyes narrowed, and was quick to continue her explanation.
“I didn’t do it on purpose, I promise! I don’t have a choice, which was why I felt so guilty when I found out how nice you were. Normally, I wouldn’t have minded brainwashing someone to escort me to the city, but you’re different. You’re nice to me, and…” She bit her lip, cheeks going a little pink with embarrassment. “… I think I might actually like you.”
Sam noticed that the mist was practically oozing out of her in waves, but there now seemed to be some sort of barrier between him and it. Some of the mist was still getting through, but a good deal of it was being blocked. He could still feel that same giddiness he had every time he saw her smile, but it was muted. Staring at her, Sam decided that he would try using his Inspect skill on her to see if she really was what she seemed.
After all, if she’d been fucking with his head, maybe she could mess with his perception of her as well.
He figured that if this world was like a video game, then there would be skills that could counteract his own and feed him false information.
STAR ELF
Name: Milly Gender: Female Level: 6 - HP: 130/130 - MP: 150/150 - STA: 190/190
Status: Infatuated Star elves are a sub-race of the elf race, and receive bonuses to both Endurance and Charisma, with each new level. They also, however, receive penalties to Strength and Agility.
So, he had gotten false information on her before. She was level 6?
That wasn’t the most shocking discovery. What shocked him was the Infatuated status.
Could she really be interested in him, or was this more false information?
“Gordon, what do you think?” Sam asked.
Gordon was a dog, and therefore, didn’t have the capacity to be attracted to her the same way he did. Maybe he could shed some light on his predicament.
“I believe that our young Miss Milly has had a very hard life and did the best she could, given her circumstances. Our illustrious Overlord provides the skills needed, so she is not to blame for the skills she has acquired, just as you are not,” he finished, giving Sam a knowing look.
“I promise I never meant to hurt you,” Milly said, attempting another smile, but failing miserably.
Sam surreptitiously checked his Mind Over Body skill and was shocked to see that it had advanced to Novice 13, and was nearly at 14 !
If anything, continuing to travel with Milly would at least raise his skill.
Slowly, he lowered his wand, and nodded.
“Fine, but Gordon will be sticking close to us the entire time. Any sign of funny business, and he’ll tear you apart.”
“I never agreed to…” Gordon trailed off as Sam gave him a venomous glare, then slowly nodded.
“On second thought, I think I will stick close, just as Samuel said.”
Sam glared at him again, but Gordon just turned his nose up at him and he suddenly understood what had just happened.
He’d just used his Browbeat skill to cow the dog into listening to him. No wonder he was annoyed enough to use his full name.
“That sounds fine,” Milly said, a shadow of her earlier cheer returning, as they resu
med their journey to the city.
18
It was already dark outside by the time they reached the city of Shtut and the guards were not happy that they’d arrived so late. They weren’t going to let them in, forcing them to spend the night outside the city walls. Luckily for them, Milly was there and she talked them into letting them in. He watched, fascinated, as the guards fell completely under her spell and gladly moved to the side to let the past.
Sam’s Mind Over Body skill had continued progressing over the day, and for some reason, increased at an even faster rate than before. In fact, he’d received a new notification just an hour before.
SKILL RANK UP!
Congratulations! Your Mind Over Body skill has advanced from Beginner to Intermediate!
Mind Over Body: You are stronger than your base urges Level: Intermediate 21 (4%) Effect: 90% Resistance against psychic based attacks, +30% chance to become aware of psychic based skills, +20% chance to completely ignore mental based skills
After the skill had ranked up, Sam had found that Milly’s skills were doing even less to him than before, and sometimes even had no effect at all. His skill’s progression had slowed after that, but had still continued increasing and was now at Intermediate 23.
“So, where is this place we’re supposed to be escorting you to?” Sam asked as they entered the city.
They were standing in a wide-open courtyard, which he imagined was very busy during the day. The stone walls stretched out behind them, curving slightly until they disappeared behind the houses and buildings to either side. There was a guardhouse set against one wall and Sam could see men moving in and around it, in various states of undress.
A small training ground was fenced off near the barracks and he could make out a few training dummies and straw-padded targets in the dim lighting of the square. A stable was set on the far side and he could hear the sound of soft nickering and scraping hooves. Ahead of them and to the sides, stretched a few cobbled roads, some wider than others, heading further into the city.
Now this is a medieval city, Sam thought, taking in the delicious mix of horse crap and B.O.
Really hope the smell wears off further in.
“I believe that it’s this way,” Milly said, pointing to the widest of the cobbled streets and leading them in that direction.
Her arms were wrapped tightly around one of his. Sam wasn’t really sure when this had happened, but had long since given up on trying to get her to let go.
Yes, she had fucked with his brain, but now he had a real defense against it. And what 19-year-old virgin wouldn’t give up a literal fortune to be in his situation?
Sam strolled along, the sound of their boots scuffing against the stone, accompanied only by the light clicking of Gordon’s claws as he followed behind. Looking around as they walked, Sam could see signs for all types of shops that were now closed. He saw a jeweler, blacksmith, weapon shop, magic shop, and supplies store. There were also several taverns, but these were most definitely not closed. People were streaming in and out of them, all in various stages of inebriation.
Finally, they stopped before a large wooden building that had an elegant sign swinging over its door. Sam peered up at the sign and sighed.
Of course, the name would have to be something as stupid as ‘The Classy.’
Not for the first time, Sam had to wonder which moron was in charge of naming places here. If it was this Overlord, then maybe he didn’t have as much to fear as he’d originally thought. Milly’s arms tightened slightly around his and she took a few deep breaths before nodding to herself.
It was only then that Sam realized what kind of change this would be for her. Leaving the town where she’d been living for 10 years to move to an unfamiliar city and start a new life. That was scary as hell. He placed his other hand over one of hers and she gave him a grateful smile.
“You ready?”
She took one more deep breath and nodded. Then they walked forward and pushed the door open. A light bell tinkled overhead as they walked in, and Sam looked around at an elegantly decorated dining room. There was, of course, a bar set against one side, but it looked just as elegant as the rest of the room and fit in perfectly.
The floor was richly decorated with smooth, polished mahogany that gleamed in the light of the flickering lanterns set in silver sconces in the walls. The dining area was covered in lavish maroon carpeting and the tables were set with crisp, white tablecloths, already set with cutlery and glasses.
Looking to his right, Morgan could see a small window, which he assumed was to hand over their coats, and straight ahead was a staircase leading upstairs to what Sam guessed were the inn’s rooms.
This place is indeed The Classy, Sam thought, as an older man dressed in a crisp black version of a medieval suit walked up to them.
“Welcome to The Classy. Do you have a reservation?” he asked.
Sam wanted to punch him in the face.
The pompous bastard knew they didn’t have a reservation and had pitched his voice in a way that implied they didn’t belong here.
Fucking turd.
“No, we’re not here to eat,” Milly said, letting go of his arm and stepping forward.
“My name is Milly. Class Cee made me a job offer and I’m here to accept.”
Sam felt like face-palming at the ridiculous name, but somehow resisted the urge. Now the inn’s name made a lot more sense. Although whoever this Class Cee guy was, Sam felt bad for him. He knew the burden of being stuck with a shitty name.
“But of course. Monsieur Class has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please, follow me,” he said, motioning them to follow him.
“My, this is quite the classy establishment,” Gordon commented, earning him a look from the older man. He didn’t, however, ask them to take Gordon outside, which Sam thought was very strange.
Maybe they’re more lenient on the no pets policy in Somerset.
They walked through the dining room and headed for a smaller door set near the bar. The older man pushed the door open and they all followed him through, emerging into a very chaotic kitchen. There was staff running all over the place, from the chef’s assistants to waitresses dressed in classy, but still revealing, outfits. Among the chaos, stood one man. He was not a human man, but not a dwarf or elf either.
Sam had never seen anything like the man before. He was squat, like a dwarf, but didn’t have nearly the width of one, nor their facial hair. His skin was an odd purple color and the hair that peeked out from under his white chef’s hat was a bright yellow. Not blonde like Milly’s, but a bright, lemon yellow. He immediately used Inspect, more than a little curious at the odd looking man.
DUSK GREMLIN
Name: Class Cee Gender: Male Level: 4 - HP: 90/90 - MP: 100/100 - STA: 200/200
Status: Aggrieved Dusk gremlins are a sub-race of the gremlin race and receive bonuses to both Endurance and Luck, with each new level. They also, however, receive penalties to Strength and Charisma.
“He’s a gremlin?” Sam asked as they approached the small man. “Aren’t gremlins considered to be monsters?”
“Yes. Gremlins are technically part of the monster race, but there are several sub-races that are intelligent and aren’t interested in fighting. Dusk gremlins are known to be the finest chefs in Somerset and any King or Emperor would consider themselves lucky to have one in their service.”
“Wait, there are both Kings and Emperors in Somerset?” Sam asked.
“There are also Czars, Pharos, Chancellors, Monarchs and even Presidents, depending on the country you live in.”
“Wait, seriously?” Sam asked, but before he could get his answer, they had stopped before the gremlin, who was screaming and cursing at everyone around him.
“No, you idiot! You need to add more shallots, or the stew will become too heavy! Not that much, you fucking moron. Who taught you to cook, a half-blind beggar?” He swatted the unfortunate cook over the head with a long-handled ladle and turned his ire
on another cook who had caught his attention.
Sam was surprised by the gremlin’s accent.
He sounded just like an angry French chef.
He resisted the urge to laugh when the short man lashed out with his ladle, catching another cook in the head as he was about to add some kind of spice to another pot, which he just assumed was a different type of stew.
“Not cinnamon, you idiot! What sort of cook doesn’t recognize the difference between cinnamon and paprika?! Out! Get out now! You’re fired!”
Sam winced as the unfortunate cook ran from the kitchen, casting fearful glances back at the purple gremlin, who had now turned his beady black eyes on them. They narrowed for a moment when they landed on him, but all traces of anger vanished from his face when they fell on Milly.
“Ah! Milly! My darling, I am so pleased that you have come to accept the position I offered!” he exclaimed, leaping off his small stool and taking her hand in his.
“None of these morons know the first thing about cooking, but with you here, I can at least be confident that everything outside of the kitchen will run smoothly!” He leaned down, placing a wet kiss on the back of her hand and to Sam’s utter amazement, Milly laughed. After a long moment, Class Cee started laughing as well.
Milly leaned down and gave him a tight squeeze, which the purple gremlin returned in kind.
“It’s good to see you again, Class,” Milly said, disengaging from the hug and beaming down at the gremlin.
“It really has been too long, but as much as I would like to stay and catch up, there’s work to be done and these idiots would burn my entire kitchen down if I left for even a moment!”
Milly laughed, releasing the gremlin’s hand and taking a step back.
“You haven’t changed a bit. Just tell me where to put my things and where to find my new uniform, and I’ll get started right away.”
Sam swore that the gremlin actually grew teary-eyed at that.
“You are a blessing from our illustrious Overlord, Milly! You can get the key to your new living quarters from Quinten, the concierge. Your uniform is waiting for you in your room.”