Chapter 175: Military Matters (2/2)
Mike had the presence of mind to keep his features schooled, not that its seemed to help.
”It doesn't matter. At this point, there isn't much you can learn from introductory courses. If we all survive the next couple of months, I will see about getting you placed into more advanced classes. Take the time you have now to improve yourself as you can. That said, do make sure to check in with your Summoning Magic instructor when you have time. I think she's getting a bit worried about you.” Johnathan murmured with a slightly odd expression on his face. If Mike didn't know better he it could almost be mistaken for embarrassment.
”I see…”
[Could he perhaps...]
”Anyway, if you feel you need someone to beat you into the ground every now and then, come to the magic combat training yard at three and a half bells, I'm usually warming up there.” The instructor continued with more confidence.
”I might just do that, sir.”
”On another note, there will be a meeting at the top floor of the Spire tomorrow at five bells to discuss war planning for the University. Your presence is requested due the 'faction' you represent.”
”I'll be there.” He replied while turning to leave through the main entrance, before thinking better of it.
Sneaking out the back door, to avoid any curious questions from his classmates, Mike headed towards the gate. He figured a trip to the Adventurer's Guild would help him come to a decision regarding materials. If he could find a decent dungeon in the region around the city, it would help with two of the things he wanted to achieve today.
After asking a few questions of the intimidating receptionist, who was helpful as usual, Mike got his hands on a map which displayed all the dungeons in the nearby region, along with a brief description of each. It seemed that there were three within a reasonable distance. The first was a water influenced one located on a nearby island, called 'The Siren's Rest.'
Due to the tendency for sections of the dungeon to flood randomly, it was rated at Rank 6 difficulty, meaning that it was recommended that only Rank 6 adventurers and above attempted the delve. Despite this challenge environment, the materials gathered there were often subpar. As such, it was considered an unpopular dungeon that only specialized delvers used.
The second was called 'The Den of The Beast,' which was an abnormally short dungeon consisting of only five layers located in the forests to the south. It had a special difficulty rating. The first four floors were Rank 4, however the fifth was Rank 7. According to the records, the majority of it was straightforward and the rewards were decent, but the final boss was always a monster of terrific strength that only the most skilled adventurers could handle. That said, it was still a relatively productive place to farm for materials, if you stick the upper floors.
The final one was called 'Lirel's Tomb.' It was closest to the capital, having sprung up in the remains of a deserted graveyard. As a Rank 3 dungeon, it was popular with the capital's adventurers, even though its undead themed monsters had a tendency to inflict nasty curses, diseases, or other harmful effects. This was likely due to the higher number of reported instances of adventurer's finding enchanted items during delves, which seemed to be a unique trait of the dungeon itself.
Mike debated on his options, before deciding to put it on hold until he'd taken care of his shopping. Perhaps the answer would come to him. He stood up from the table he'd been using and started heading to the door, only to hear a commotion in the common room.
”Attention! The Third Almiran Reserve Corps is looking for volunteers. You will be paid a minimum of 2 silver a day, and an additional 5 silver on days where you see combat. Those of higher adventurer ranks will be paid accordingly. If your contributions are particularly outstanding, the Crown has offered rewards up to 100 gold for heroics and valor on the field of battle. All of those who are interested, please line up over here.”
A group of soldiers dressed in the heraldry of Almir were running a recruiting stand. Evidently, the wages were good enough to attract the attention of several of the milling guild members. Mike could see a growing number of people lining up to take the king's coin, in a manner of speaking.
[Looks like the rest of the city is starting to gear up for war. I'm honestly surprised it took this long. It almost seems like they were more concern about the consequences of a general panic than they were about actually fighting against the invaders.]
Shaking his head, he walked towards the market district, choosing to swing by Gail's store even though he hadn't made use of the ingredients he'd already gotten. The casual inspection he'd made the last time had revealed that several of the materials sold there could be used for multiple purposes. Besides, he wanted to get the old witch's advice on how to proceed with Artifice.
While he was walking, he took notice of the small signs of growing tension among the populace. Mothers shepherding their children along with faces pinched with worry. Guards looking increasingly vigilant and agitated. Men in small groups speaking in hushed tones only to fall silent when someone passed by. Expensive carriages surrounded by well-armed guards moving towards the nearest city gates, as the wealthy abandoned the metaphorical sinking ship.
He suspected that if he went down to the docks, he'd see more of the rich and powerful fleeing the city. Evidently, they didn't believe the current rulers could protect them from the coming conflict.
Much like in his old world, it seemed that the burden of war was disproportionately placed upon the weak and poor. It sickened him a little when he realized, that many of the people who lived here would die simply because they couldn't afford to escape. Because they had nowhere else to go.
He thought he heard the barest whisper of a voice in the wind, ”....you will stand upon a throne of corpses...”
With that unpleasant phrase ringing in his ears, Mike took a deep breath and pushed open the door to 'Alchemical Needs.'