A new day arrived, and so did another day of training the adventurers. Usually, they did routine tasks, tampering with themselves for the future. Our efforts to rally them together last night seemed to help bridge the gap in their relationships. Both groups in each party started to converse like acquaintances to one another. It was a proud moment in my youth to rally them together.
A couple of hours passed, with some hiccups during the day, but it didn't leave either of us overseeing their progress doubting them much. Their promise began to show much vibrant and colorful results. However, they were far from taking on anything serious at their level.
"With this much progress within the first week, we can easily start to get them into a specialized field to further their strengths." Eckhart discussed this with us.
"I'm barely younger than some of them. Caleb is much younger, but it seems we were enough to spot some diamonds in these groups." Carlo rubbed his chin and stared at the three groups before returning his gaze to me.
"Indeed. I think I can start making that list for having them multi-class. Send me your responses tonight, and I will compile it together by the morning."
"Do you intend to stay up all night?" Eckhart spoke plainly.
"If it takes that long, then I must. The sooner we get them balanced in their parties, the more we can ensure the future. It's the most we can do right now." Wiping my forehead with sweat, I hear the sounds of footsteps behind me. I quickly turn to see Julia and the Ranger woman in Gale's group waiting for my time.
"Julia? What are you doing here?"
"I came to speak with you. Is now a good time?"
"Uhh, yeah, I don't think it's a bad time. Eckhart."
"Understood." Eckhart turns and shouts out, gaining everyone's attention before demanding them to cease their training and take some time to rest.
I turn toward the two women, and they stare at me. I knew from the moment they appeared that this wouldn't be my day. I was directing them to a table we have out. Julia and the Ranger sit down and look at me as I sit with them. A deep sigh escapes my lips.
"What do you need of me? Try to make this brief."
"I understand, but Caleb, I know that you are capable of helping others, but you feel like you shouldn't. Why not help Lukia with the issue she and the Phantom Blades are in? You can learn a lot if you try and see for yourself for the future." Julia clasped her hands together and stared at me.
"Look, if I had the time and care, I would do something, but I am busy helping these guys first."
"That is why I asked her," Lukia speaks up.
"Excuse me?" I look between them, a little confused.
"She told me what you told her. I understand you are thinking of the long-term goal of the village, but you must understand that when you know people, ones with the skills and talents you wish to own would be suitable. And so, I have come to take over your spot. Giving you the time you need. Distance too. You can learn much of the outside world beyond our walls and gates if you let yourself go." Julia rises, locking eyes with me. "I told you my story of being an adventure; now it's time you earn your adventures. The world is much bigger than these walls."
Much deliberation filled my stomach. What I could do and what could happen raced through my mind. Taking a few steps around the idea, I pulled myself forward, asking questions in my mind.
"Are you sure you'll be alright with them? I know they are still very much green, but learning from a different angle and noticing something different might help them to improve further. If you are up to it, then this could work."
"Go help her, don't worry about them. I got this." Julia smirks and gives a thumbs-up. I turn my attention toward Lukia.
"I assume you want to talk then?" Asking her.
"Please follow me; I have something, so just be patient." Lukia walks off. I follow behind her just before looking back and seeing Julia approaching the group. I sigh before redirecting my attention back to Lukia.
After a long walk back, she opens the door to a tiny cottage in the village, seemingly where she is staying. Lukia invites me into a somewhat cozy place. It is pretty empty, but it serves as a spot of rest. Looking around, she grabs hold of a request paper sitting on a table.
"Is that what you wanted to discuss?" I point at the paper.
"What do you think?"
"I think you just want something to prove."
"What I want to 'prove' is to help pay off Gale's debt and my freedom. Are you going to help me or not? Otherwise, get the fuck out."
"You know, I might be a kid, but I at least know enough that you are better than you think." There is an awkward silence. Lukia stands up and sits on the table to face me, her face revealing the stress and pained emotions stirring inside.
"Gale was going to help me with this; everyone was going to. To pay off what we owe and help me finish my hunt."
"Excuse me?"
"There have been recent sightings and discoveries near the town about a lengthy and black-furred creature. Able to blend seamlessly into the environment and stalk its prey without worrying about detection. The creature or the very same that I was hunting before the Iron Chains took me. The creature is rare, so any information on it is quite scarce."
"I have read a lot of things as long as I can remember. Can I see the hunt notice?" Raise my hand out for the paper.
"Sure, only if you agree on your word to join me."
"You don't make this easy, do you."
"I learned from Gale that sometimes bargaining is just another devil's trick. So, are you in or out?"
"Just give me the damn paper, you dragged me all the way here."
"Fine, here you go." She slips it into my hand, letting me uncover it.
Within the notes and a drawing description of the creature, it reads, 'The beast is likely mystical and feral. It stalks prey closely and shows little to no signs of presence. The creature is shaped like a normal large feline animal, but its fur and skin can shape into the environment itself, making it difficult to hunt or track. Word of caution says to keep a distance if you spot it, and if it sees you, best to run as fast as you can; otherwise, you will be its next meal.' The sketch of the creature shows a sizeable black tiger or panther creature with slick claws, much larger than any feline of its size. Long limbs and a nimble posture make it quite intimidating.
"I feel like I have a sense of this creature," Lukia speaks. "I heard old tales of creatures once like this one. They were pets of Demon Lords and Kings alike in the past." Lukia recalls most of what she knows.
"If they once served or have served a Demon King or Lord, then it is possible this creature is far stronger than what we can defeat."
"The one around here is still quite young, and as far as I know, most of them are scarce, like I said, so the chances of it being that strong is very small. The rarity of the creature is what makes the quest reward worth it."
Upon looking down, I notice that the bounty on the creature is quite remarkably high for one as it is. A couple thousand gold pieces for an intact corpse of pelt of the creature is worth a heavy sum for one person.
"Well, I guess this should be interesting; I wonder what will happen if we do hunt it."