Chapter 51: Limits (1/2)
”Pretty impressive, right?” Mike asked, smug grin already firmly in place.
”Why in the hells didn't you do that sooner?!” Kate complained.
”Yeah, you should have just handled it that way from the start. It would have saved us a whole of lot running.” Philip grumbled angrily.
”But, but.....” Mike was stuttering.
He looked plaintively at Shy, who pointedly avoided his gaze.
A depressed Mike followed after the other three, as they started heading back to town.
They eventually forgave him, but he quickly noticed that they treated him with a bit more deference than before.
[I suppose it is one thing know I'm a Tier 3, and quite another to see me in action. Hopefully I didn't scare them. The last thing I want to do is freak them out.]
The next few days passed slowly. What conversation occurred was stilted, lacking the easy flow that had been there previously.
When the group stopped to camp for the night before getting to Wyrport, Mike felt he had to do something.
He tried to break the ice, figuring that a question regarding the request would get them talking. ”So, I guess that's all there is to the mission. How much was the reward anyway?”
His clumsy attempt at conversation seemed to have the opposite effect. There was a brief silence before Philip answered. ”Look, I know that we really didn't do much to help on this mission. So I'll be the first to say it.” He glanced around at his fellow party members, seeing acknowledgment in their faces.
”The reward is yours. We did nothing to earn it. In fact I think we were more of a hindrance than anything. ”
Mike was stunned, he had not been expecting this. He looked at Kate and Shy, seeing firm determination. ”Come on, guys. Don't be like that. We can split money, or hell, you can have it all.”
”We're adventurers! Not charity cases. We take what we earn. I appreciate your sentiments Mike, but we've decided.” Kate and Shy stood silently by showing their support for Philip's statement.
Mike felt a pang of rejection. Even though they were being polite, Mike could feel a distance forming, separating him from them. It was something he had not experienced since he came to this world.
”I see.....Well, if that is what you have decided, I won't fight you on it.” Mike replied softly, with a bit more emotion then he intended.
Kate seemed to soften at that. ”Look, Mike. We're really grateful for all that you've done for us during this mission. We were in over our heads, and you joining made it possible for us to succeed, but it was clear from the beginning that you didn't need us.”
”That's right.” Philip interjected. ”Its pretty obvious that you're much stronger than a Rank 3 adventurer. It might be best for you to find a party that you can rely on. As it is, we're just a burden.”
All three of them looked ashamed, but even though they were couching it in polite terms, Mike could recognize a rejection when he saw one.
”Ah, well that makes sense I suppose.” He said while standing, an obviously fake grin already in place. ”Now if you excuse me, nature calls.”
Without another word he walked away from the campfire, out into the night.
Kate raised a hand, as if to stop him, but after a second lowered it, remorse clear on her face. A look shared by the other two members left by the campfire.
Mike found a small hill with a good sized rock, and took a seat, staring up at the stars.
[What am I doing? I've lived for almost thirty years, more or less in solitude. I should be used to this.]
In an effort to distract himself from his heartache, he decided to examine the changes to his [Status.] He had been putting it off for reasons he hadn't fully understood.
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[Status]
Michael Rasmussen
Race: Human
Age: 15
Class: Skill Master
Tier: 3 (Low)
Title: None
Multiverse Traveler
Blessed One
Hunter of Renown
Battlefield Healer
Kal'Thel
Philanderer
Hero
Dungeon Savior
Undinekath
Saint of Healing (NEW)
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Skills
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Primary Skills:
Communication Magic (Rank 3)
Intermediate Healing Magic (Rank 3) (RANK UP)
Inspect (Rank 5)
Initiate Almiran Military Swordsmanship (Rank 5)
Intermediate Water Magic (Rank 1)
Intermediate Fire Magic (Rank 2)
Basic Air Magic (Rank 2)
Basic Earth Magic (Rank 1) (NEW)
Blood Collector (Rank 1)
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Secondary Skills:
Lifestyle Magic (Rank 0)
Advanced Lovemaking (Rank 3)
Athletics (Rank 1)
Intermediate Evasion (Rank 1)
Basic Dagger Fighting (Rank 2)
Basic Spear Fighting (Rank 4)
Intermediate Sword Fighting (Rank 1)
Intermediate Elemental Magic (Rank 2)
Basic Riding (Rank 3)
Basic Haggling (Rank 3) (RANK UP)
Basic Musical Performance (Wind Instrument) (Rank 2)
Basic Unarmed Fighting (Rank 3) (NEW)
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Passive Skills:
Basic Fear Resistance (Rank 5)
Basic Physiological Resistance (Rank 4)
Intermediate Poison Resistance (Rank 2) (TIER UP)
Basic Heat Resistance (Rank 3)
Minor Mana Enhancement (Rank 5)
Minor Mana Regeneration Enhancement (Rank 4) (RANK UP)
Moderate Endurance Enhancement (Rank 1)
Minor Agility Enhancement (Rank 5)
Minor Strength Enhancement (Rank 5)