12 The First Step (1/2)
The armed men now standing in front of the Winter's Guardians wore armor that was nearly made entirely of metal. With the man in front wearing full plate with the exception of his helmet. Cloaks of red and black fur covered them, and the symbol of a black boar was clearly shown on their chests.
Rainer heard Erik beside him swear under his breath, ”Damned Baron Lodran's men.”
Using [Appraisal] on the group, he noticed they all had the class of [Soldier]. Other than the one in front, all were level 3 and below. None of the group were particularly young, looking as Rainer's seniors by at least 15-20 years.
[Human, Male, Soldier lvl 9]
I suppose it's quite common to see people stuck at the levels where the experience needed is multiplied greatly.
The level 9 [Soldier] seemed to be the leader of the group and also the oldest with his short gray hair.
Rainer could right away tell this was going to be annoying and he immediately made his armed bolts return to their brighter form that shone strongly amid even the midday sun. Though soon after, he gave the situation no more thought, realizing his lack of words would be just as useful, if not more, given the status of mages. In truth, he just wanted to appraise the rest of the townspeople within eyesight while this discussion went on.
Yet to the leader of Baron Lodran's men the bolts had a much larger effect than intended. Leaf was the first to speak up after a minor staring contest.
”How can we help you lovely boys? You're looking a bit grayer since last I saw you, Lance,” he commented, referring to the full-plated man.
One of the men stepped forward before being immediately stopped by Lance. He gave a pointed look to the man before wondering how someone with combat experience couldn't understand the situation in front of them. Lance gave a quick glance over to the new mage of the Winter's Guardians before the objective of their visit completely changed.
”We merely wish to remind you to behave; even if the Hunter's Guild has set up here, you are still within Baron Lodran's territory.”
Leaf gave a cheeky smile understanding the situation and with an exuberant bow responded back, ”Of course us Winter's Guardians are the most upstanding members of society.”
Lance just gave a sigh and ordered his men to make way. As the Winter's Guardians walked towards the Hunter's Guild, their earlier killed boar in tow, Lance called out once more, this time towards their mage.
”If you require any assistance while in our territory Lord Magus, you may find us and in a few days our lord within the manor over there,” Lance said while pointing towards a half-built mansion.
Rainer just gave a simple wave, not wanting to offend either side. He had no idea what kind of forces a Lord would have. And so, he saw no reason to make an enemy.
Seeing he neither accepted nor rejected his offer had actually pleased Lance. Whatever debt the mage had with the Winter's Guardians, it didn't extend to being an enemy of their enemy. Lance could see no other way they could attract someone who gave off such a feeling of power with a simple looking spell other than a debt of some sort.
”Captain? What was wrong with you being respectful to that household conjurer using a light spell, our orders were…”
A single stern look from Lance shut him up. Lance soon realized that no one other than him felt exactly how big the energy was coming off that magic. Though he lacked an ability to sense mana, years on the battlefield left a sixth sense in relation to magic.
If he was just a random rogue mage with a few cantrips to his name that was one thing and not too uncommon in Monster Hunter groups. But those bolts were most certainly not a simple light. He had to be from a guild or clan and whatever debt he had with the Winter's Guardians to help them Lance decided to wait it out until it was over.
Or better yet, they die with the purpose they came here for…
Rainer, now entering the Hunter's Guild, had given little thought to the encounter. No one around him seemed eager to explain either. Remembering the classes and levels he saw, he realized that apart from those [Soldiers], everyone in this town had either no class or a non-combat one. Things like [Mason], [Laborer], or [Architect]. Though, that changed as he looked around the Hunter's Guild.
While Rainer still didn't see any rare classes within the guild, there seemed to be several other groups that came with the same purpose as them. There was a single [Physician] behind the counter, but he didn't seem to be a part of any group. Out of the dozens, there were only 3 that had reached level 4, if you counted the level 6 ancient-looking [Physician]. The others were an old and haggard level 6 [Hunter] and 4 Half-Elven [Archer].
Rainer imagined this was a concentration of talents for a newly opened Dungeon seeking a greater fate, and most of the population likely resembled the workers outside.
He had also momentarily gotten excited at finally seeing an Elf, but it seemed that half part was far less than a half. Other than a young face his ears were pointed, but not enough to be really considered inhuman. No one other than Rainer may even know he was a [Half-Elf, Half-Human].
The group split off, most going to help sell the Monstrous Black Boar along with other goods, with Kara doing some heavy lifting. Leaf led Rainer over to a counter where a middle-aged bald man presided. Currently, he organized some paperwork.
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”Hey Riv, what'd you do to get shipped out here?” Leaf spoke out familiarly.
Riv gave a small glance to Rainer's now dimmed armed [Arcane Bolts], but, like to most, they only looked like a strange light spell.
”Looks like you finally found someone to perform some minor Dungeon spells for ya. He need to register?”
”You didn't answer my question Riv,” Leaf in his usual form joked around.
But Riv simply disregarded him and went to the back to likely grab whatever was needed for a new member to join.
”I'm not sure antagonizing the person who can make us spend all day here waiting is the best idea Leaf.”
”Nah, he'll want me gone as soon as possible. Besides, he's a friend.”
”Leaf, those two things are mutually exclusive…”
But Leaf just continued leaning on the counter waiting for Riv to return. Coming back quickly, Riv returned with a contract and two metal plates, one of which was on a chain.
”The Hunter's Guild has numerous functions. One of which is handling wills and helping groups enter Dungeons together without being separated. That's what these plates are for. They'll show your class and your level and they'll show when the holder has been killed. And the important feature is that they'll show which group you belong to. They'll only work for those officially approved by the guild, and stealing them is a capital crime in most countries, including this one.”
Rainer gave Leaf a confused look before Leaf guessed what the problem was.
”Ah, but don't worry, the class shown is only general. It'll list you as either a Fighter, Magic-Caster, Support, or Ranged.”
Rainer was going to use [Appraisal] on it either way. While reading the contract, he used the skill.
[Hunter's Guild Identification Plate: Allows one to join a group of 15 or fewer members in Raiding a Dungeon. In special circumstances more than one group can also join together.]
[Hunter's Guild Validating Plate: Allows the holder to determine whether the partnered card's user is alive or dead as well as validity of partnered card.]
He wanted to ask Leaf how you would enter as a group without these, specifically because there was no reason to limit it to 15 unless it was an innate Dungeon limit. Riv, seeing Rainer now focused on the two plates, explained with a bit of pride in his voice.
”Impressive aren't they Magus? There is magic that can have the same effect that you can learn from a World Tree Dungeon, but most never bother ever since the Skyborne Mages Guild started selling these to us quite cheaply. Likely the only enchanted item most of us lay people will ever hold.”
Rainer inspected them a little longer, but he saw nothing to suggest tampering. He also had no idea how to register himself to it.
”Just place your thumb on the plate with the chain attached and allow it to see your level,” Riv timely said.
Similar to how he shared his status with Luna, Rainer instead very carefully made sure to only share his level, but he soon felt a tiny tug on his mind reaching for more. It was the tiniest of tugs, most may have dismissed it or not even noticed it. But Rainer noticed.
Mobilizing his mana and the traces of Arcane Energy within it, he fought against the strange force that increased as he defended against it. Riv and Leaf watching only saw Rainer taking longer than usual to register. Soon the force resided and failed to accomplish its task as Rainer received a message. The metal plate now displayed the intended information [Magic-Caster lvl 6].
Riv couldn't help but exclaim seeing Rainer's level.
”Well hell Leaf, you might really have a shot at this unlike these chumps here with this Magus of yours. Or is it Lord Magus?” Riv said to the displeasure of the people around that could very much hear him.
Rainer looked at the two now understanding how Leaf considered Riv his friend.
”Lord Magus shall do,” Rainer said figuring it would keep anyone from bothering them.
He hung the metal plate on his neck and, after a full read over, signed the contract as there didn't seem to be any magic in it. The contents simply stated they weren't responsible for your death or harm.
”Alright then Riv, me and Rainer here be heading over to the Inn. You'll have to tell me how they stuck you here later tonight. Just put Rainer's registration fee on the Winter's Guardians tab.”
Following Leaf as he walked out of the guild, Rainer furrowed his brow as he stared at the message that appeared.
[Skill Gained: Mental Resistance lvl 1/10]
He was furious, to say the least. Prior to this message appearing, he had been about to lose. He didn't know what the enchantment contained in that plate was, but it definitely wasn't related to just his level and class. The only thing that calmed him down was that he benefited from it.
”Rainer,” Leaf suddenly spoke, no longer jovial as he was before.
”Yeah?”