Chapter 154: Living On (1/2)
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Selene
Age: 28
Race: Vampire
Class: Rogue
Title: Familiar
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The former Vargul was average sized for a woman of her apparent age, standing about the same height as Mike, and had every appearance of a vibrant person in the prime of her life. Copper colored skin and dark brown, curly hair bespoke ancestry from somewhere beyond the shores of the central continent. If Mike didn't know any better, he would have assumed that she was a human, and with the exception of slightly elongated canines, there were no outward signs of her vampirism.
[So, it seems like her class changed in response to her new form. I wonder if she used to be a rogue or if it was adjusted in response to her current status.]
”I'm not entirely sure how this naming process works, but I might be able to change it if it bothers you.” Mike mentioned, feeling slightly embarrassed.
'Selene' shrugged. ”It's just a name, and I've been called a lot worse in my time. More importantly, what do you want me to do from here on out? At the very least I would like to move somewhere more civilized. I'm not exactly fond of spending all my time in caves.”
Thinking about it for a few moments, Mike nodded once before answering. ”Very well, I'd like you to move to the capital, blend in with the populace, and collect information. I am in need of more complete understanding of what's going on in the city, especially with the coming war.”
”War?” Selene replied, sounding mildly intrigued.
”Apparently, Tennundi is in the middle of some sort of campaign against the Kingdom of Almir. They launched a strike on the University in an effort to kidnap Princess Andrea.”
She blinked, ”I have been away for a while, so this is all news to me. Anyway, if that's all you want me to do, boss, it won't be a problem. Never been to the capital, but it should be like any other major city.”
Mike tossed her a pouch, ”Here's some money to cover your expenses for a while. Try to avoid drawing attention to yourself, I don't know how much the vampires will want to keep tabs on you. Speaking of which, is it a problem for you to go out in the sun?” If she had to limit her activity to the hours of darkness, it would be a severe hindrance.
”It will be a little bit of a pain to switch my sleep schedule, but otherwise it shouldn't be an issue. We aren't nearly as vulnerable to sun as they make us out to be in the stories.” She replied with a yawn, before looking through the pouch, ”This is all gold.”
Resisting the urge to yawn as well, Mike nodded. ”Yes, is that a concern?”
”No, I was just once again recognizing the difference between myself and the wealthy.” Selene explained with a shake of her head. ”Alright, boss. I'll do as you ask. How will we get in contact going forward?”
Not sure how much he should trust his new familiar, especially with how cooperative she'd been up to this point, Mike decided to keep some of his information close to the chest. ”Don't worry about that, I'll find you when I need you. Just focus on laying low, gathering information, and improving your skills.”
”You're the boss.”
”Besides the main entrance, do you have a means of exiting this cave system?”
She nodded, ”Two others, actually. Why…..Ah, you don't want me to be seen by those adventurers that I presume are still hanging around the entrance. Don't worry, I'll sneak out the back like a good vampire.”
Mike sighed. ”Do you still have control over the remaining goblins in the cave?”
”There shouldn't be many left, but I can check.” Selene opened her mouth and emitted a sound too high pitched to be heard. ”Looks like I can still use Harmonic Domination, at the very least.”
”We will be reporting that the cave has been cleared, so make sure that any of the survivors are taken care of. I'll leave the method to your discretion. Make sure you are set up in the capital by this time tomorrow. I recommend building a viable alias before you arrive.” He replied, then started walking towards the exit.
Selene clicked her tongue, before muttering under her breath. ”Tch, such a slave driver. Alright, will do boss.”
The newbie adventurers were still clustered in a small group in the woods next to the cave entrance. Ophelia and the two boys were sitting next to Morgan's corpse. They looked hollowed out, but at least they had stopped crying. Ruby had seated herself against a tree several meters from the rest, and had her arms wrapped around her knees. As Mike watched, he saw her tremble slightly before settling down once again.
He made sure to keep his face in the shadow of his hood, obscuring his features. It was a little late to completely hide his identity, but he hoped that the confidentiality of the Guild would prevent him from being completely exposed. Although, a part of him felt that the time for secrecy was soon coming to an end. Once the war kicked off in earnest, he couldn't afford to hold back.
”The cave is clear,” He called to the group. ”Once you've gotten a chance to rest and recover, I would recommend coming back to gather goblin ears for the turn in.”
Ophelia stood up shakily, a look of profound guilt evident on her face. ”But we didn't do anything. You saved us twice over, and killed the majority of the goblins. If anyone should turn in the request, it should be you.”
”I have what I came for, and I have no need for the paltry sum the Guild is offering for this request. Collect the ears or don't, it matters little to me.” Besides, he'd already pocketed a few of the ears so he could get credit for the request.
Looking down, Ophelia nodded. ”Thank you….”
”Anyway, I must be going.” Mike spoke while orienting himself to the north.
Looking slightly panicked, perhaps at the idea of suddenly being left in charge. ”Wait! How can we repay you? We don't even know your name?”
Fixing the woman with a cold stare, ”Oh, don't worry. I always remember a debt. When I have need of you, I will come to collect.”