Chapter 148: Unexpected Promotion (1/2)

The next day, Mike awoke feeling stiff. As comfortable as the carpet was, it was still sleeping on the floor, something he evidently wasn't used to. However, his skills seemed to compensate quickly, eliminating any hint of soreness after a few seconds of stretching. Not for the first time, he marveled at the usefulness of the Vampiric Regeneration he'd somehow picked up through Blood Collector, a skill which he had not yet figured out how to really make use of.

He'd made a few attempts to acquire new inherent skills through it, but there was evidently some additional requirement he wasn't aware of. Until he figured out what those were, he would have to wait.

Besides, since he only had a limited number of Blood Collector slots, he wanted to be sure that he used them well. His thoughts turned to the little dragon still snoozing in his pocket. As a Wyrm, he could only imagine the power held in her blood, perhaps when she grew big enough...

Dismissing the slightly disturbing path his thoughts had gone, he got up and poked Brenden awake. The beastman glared at him blearily, ”What? It's still dark outside. Lemme sleep.”

”Just letting you know, I'm heading down to the Guild and picking up a quick request. I should be back by mid-afternoon. We still have that party, after all.”

He gave Mike a look, and then nodded. ”That's not a bad plan, actually. It's little cowardly, but giving them a bit of space right now might work in your favor. Play your cards right tonight, and you'll be in a much better situation.”

[Not really my motivation at all, but that works. Hopefully, it doesn't backfire somehow.]

Mike nodded his thanks, and started moving towards the door, but stopped when the beastman added, ”Oh! See if you can get them some kind of gift. I know you technically didn't do anything wrong, but that will go a long way putting them in a forgiving mood.”

Brenden's suggestion reminded him of his purchases yesterday, specifically of the jewelry he hadn't had a chance to give Sera and Tal yet. He dug the items out of his bag. ”So, think you can do me a favor?”

Looking at what Mike had in his hand, Brenden just shook his head. ”Yeah, yeah. I'll come up with something meaningful to say. Just remember, you owe me one. Especially since it looks like you didn't get me anything during your shopping trip. If I didn't know it was because you're naturally spacey, I might be feeling left out.”

Rubbing the back of his head, Mike could only apologize. ”Sorry about that.”

Chuckling, Brenden laid back down and closed his eyes. ”It's not a problem man. I just like to complain every now and then.”

Mike left the dorm quietly, trying to avoid waking any of the other residents, which should have been difficult, since virtually every piece of furniture was currently occupied by a sleeping student or servant. However, thanks to the Evernight Band and his new stealth skill, he was able to do so easily.

Before leaving the building entirely, he checked out the kitchen. Judging from the sounds, there was a group of maids already up and making breakfast. Since he wasn't sure when he might have a chance to eat, he stopped in to grab a loaf of bread and some cheese for the road.

A relatively quick coach ride later, he was standing in front of the semi-deserted Guild office. Walking in, he nodded to the sleepy looking guard by the door, and moved to the request boards. There weren't many promising choices in the Rank 3 section, especially considering his time restriction. He finally selected a gather request for the pelt of a Mosswood Deer. According to the paper, they were found in the woods to the south of the city, across the bay. He had an idea for how to get there quickly and was interested in trying it out.

Bringing the notice up to the desk, he was assisted by the only receptionist available this early in the morning. A tall, heavily muscled, and scarred man with a shaved head. A perpetual scowl seemed etched into his rocky features. So intimidating was his appearance that several newbie adventurers were hanging around uncertainly, evidently waiting for someone more welcoming.

Before he approached, Mike took a moment to use Appraise.

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Bartlett

Age: 46

Race: Human

Class: Juggernaut

Title: Rank 6 Adventurer

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[Is he retired, or just filling in?]