Fusugishi. A town surrounded by walls with a grand river going between its centre. For the north it was a post where minerals and metals from mountains went to. For the south it was a place trade town before the goods went to the capital at the ocean. For the bold it was a place to start the life of adventuring. For the trio it was a place to rest.
"We're finally here. This town looks so big and beautiful."
Sekalia went forward.
She's happy as always.
She turned on her right leg.
"Are you excited for the new place?"
After a slow march and getting drenched in rain for days, Kota and Meyuna didn't show any happiness.
"Yeah. It doesn't look wet. That's a positive."
"Yeah, Maybe the town has less mud."
"Yeah, that'd be great, too. Can we get some rest first? Sekalia kept us from getting sick, but I'm still unwell."
"Yeah, me too. Let's register and find some place for the night. Tomorrow, we'll take a quest."
"Oh. You'll appreciate it more when you'll stay there for a while."
They went through the west gate. As they went through streets they saw tall buildings with wooden walls and red rooftops. Carts were moving goods covered under white sheets. Shopkeepers promoted their various products to curious customers. The trio went through a tall bridge.
"This is amazing. I've never seen so many ships."
Wooden boats. This is really a mediaeval world.
The town market was filled with merchant stalls and people. Around it were various merchant guilds and great houses. For now the trio was interested in shows made by artists and performers.
"What great tricks. And look there, this girl's impressive."
Sekalia pointed at a petite girl on a stage. Her performance was gathering a captivated crowd in the bustling town market. Her hair was long and red and her eyes were brown. She was wearing a brownish green cape, with white shirt underneath. On her head was a matching giant patterned sombrero. She was surrounded by small spinning flames and was enveloped in an ember aura.
"Yeah, that's amazing Sekalia."
I'm not sure what's more surprising. The real magic show or the fact she wears a sombrero.
They left the centre and wandered around the town.
"Can we go to the port, please? This place is so lively."
"We'll do a proper town tour someday. Now we gotta find the guild and a room."
"I've got to say you right. Let's go… What's that noise? It sounds like fighting."
The sound of fighting. Not this time.
"Yeah well, we got things to do, places to be. Let's not engage in every small problem we encounter."
"Nonsense, I won't allow any crime when I'm here."
"Yuna, wait… And she's gone."
With that Yuna ran. Disappointed Kota followed.
In a back alley there were men surrounding another man. Yuna stepped in.
"You there. Cease your fighting or I'll stop it for you."
The attackers looked at each other and dispersed. The chased man also escaped. Yuna stood surprised.
"There you are. Dont run away like that."
"I can't just sit around when someone's in trouble just like you."
She has good intentions, but with that we'll end up in trouble.
At this moment the town watch appeared.
"What's going on here? What is this fight?"
"Sorry, sorry, sorry. Our companion came here and tried to stop a fight."
"Don't blame me. It was the right thing to do."
"Ordinary people shouldn't meddle in the town watch job. What are you doing here?"
"We've come here to become adventurers. We're looking for the guild."
"The guild is right next to the east of the town centre. Should be no problem finding it. Now stay out of trouble."
"Thank you sir. It looks like someone has dropped a letter. Maybe you'll find who it belongs to."
Sekalia gave a guard the letter.
"Thank you girl."
They walked away.
"First time in a town and we've already angered the guards."
"Don't be so bummed. I did the right thing."
*********
After that they went to the guild. Inside was a room with rows of dark wooden tables and chairs. At the first glance it looked more like a lively tavern. At some tables sat adventurer parties served by waitresses.
At the counter there stood a receptionist. She had black hair and a white uniform which emphasised her figure.
"Welcome. My name is Helia. How can I help you?"
Nice boobs.
"We'd like to register to the guild."
"Of course. That'll be two silver coins each."
They like high prices here.
Kota sighed. After paying the receptionist started explaining.
"Let me introduce you to the guild. First, each one of you will receive a guild stone. With that you can know your statistics, skills, slain monsters and level of your life force."
"What's this life force?"
Though surprised, Helia explained with a wry smile.
"Of course. Each living creature has a life force. When you slay a monster or assist with that, you get some of their force upon death. The stronger the monster the more energy you'll receive. You gain force from eating powerful monsters and plants."
So like experience points. That makes sense.
"With that you can speed up the learning process of new skills significantly or boost your own statistics."
All right.
"As the new members you choose a class. The class informs the other adventurers what you can do as a member of a party. This is helpful when a party would like to hire a ranger or a medician for a specific quest."
Please. Skip the tutorial. Wait, what's a medician?
"Now then. Let's fill your documents and see your talents and what classes you fit best.
Helia started with Sekalia.
"You're a druid. So rare to meet someone from that far away. Except for the luck your statistics are quite average, but your knowledge of potions and nature is immense. You also have healing and support magic. And your mental strength and pain endurance are very high. Oh, you can also resurrect people. That's truly rare. Many would love to have you in your team."
"Thank you."
Sekalia smiled as Helia looked at me.
"Hmm. Your physical statistics are slightly higher, but not much.
Seriously? After all the shit I've been through in the forest?
"Your intelligence is high and you've got some luck. You can shoot a bow and set traps. You also have knowledge of a young scholar and you know about video games and films and anime…"
"Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just that you're the second person with this… unique knowledge."
Oh, I remember. Vita mentioned him.
"He chose the archer class. For you I recommend the adventurer class. It's great for beginners. You can change it to a scout later. Though, with what you have you would not consider a future as a merchant or a scholar."
It's the plan for the future, but am I that bad?
"No thank you. I'd like to become a scout."
"Now let's see your stone."
After closer inspection of Yuna's stone, Helia looked surprised.
"Dear gods. I've never seen such statistics. Your agility isn't particularly high and the rest is below average at best. Not to mention luck. Are you sure you want to become an adventurer?"
"Do not worry. I've got destiny on my side."
"But her fighting skills are impressive. You had no problem with those goblins and boars. What's wrong?"
Some adventurers looked curiously their way.
"If you must know, this is my unique skill. When I wield a magic item it increases my statistics and skills much more than it would for a normal person. My agility and perception are in my katana and necklace."
She's a maniac.
"You have that unique ability and you know how to survive in the cold and wilderness. But nothing else."
And barely useful.
"You must come from a ninja clan… But I'd recommend the warrior class."
"That's exactly what I'm going for."
There are ninjas in this world? What's up with her?
*********
After that they looked at the quest board.
"Well, there's a gryphon, wyverns nest, firebears, nekkers. My blade will slay them all."
They'll slay us all. Gotta talk her out of it.
"Woah, there. I want to earn some money, so let's start with easier ones. I still expect you to fail, but not that fast. Let's see there's a rat quest and… Squirrels?"
Since when are squirrels a danger?
"We'll take that one."
"Jerk. You think I can't do it? Or maybe you're scared to face a real monster? If anything happens Sekalia will resurrect you."
"You really appreciate me, don't you. Can't such a great warrior like you help people in need from those dangerous squirrels? We're adventures. We also gotta take small quests to help poor people in need. Also we need some money. Like now. What do you say, Sekalia?"
"Kota is right Meyuna. I also hope we can eat these squirrels afterwards."
She smiled.
Scarly optimistic.
"You just annoy me. But fine. I'll show you what I can do."
"That's the spirit. But after that fight with goblins I think we'll need more people. Someone who can take damage and a magician."
"You don't believe in me?"
"I believe setting up traps every time is too much work."
Also, I want at least a few real adventures with normal companions."
"Fine, if you're that lazy."
This girl.
*********
It was noon. The village was near a forest and was surrounded by fields.
"Hello sir. We're here about the squirrels issue."
"Thank you adventurers. We really would use some help. Those squirrels come every morning to rob our food. They break into our homes and we can't stop them. Many people got hurt."
"That's terrible. Sir, I'd like to offer my help to those who are in pain."
Why's she mentioning pain again?
"Thank you. There are some folks who'd need some healing."
"I'll be glad to help."
Sekalia smiled.
"Oh. In that case do you mind if we eat the squirrels after we've done the quest?"
The village chieftain looked surprised.
"Not at all."
"Where can we find those squirrels?"
"They live in the forest over there."
As they went into the forest they saw squirrels hanging around high on branches. They were around half metre long.
"Those are squirrels? Why are they so huge?"
"What did you expect? Those are normal squirrels. Small ones wouldn't be so bad. Now then. Sekalia, buff me. I'm going to challenge those monsters."
"Go Yuna. You got it."
"Squirrels. My name is Meyuna. Your time of harassing these villagers has come to an end. I challenge you. Come down and face me."
Is she…? Nevermind.
Squirrels looked at her. Some got down to the earth and disappeared behind the trees.
"Don't run away! Are you scared? Face me, you gutless beasts."
After a while the squirrels came back and gathered together. And together they started throwing what they had. Under the relentless barrage of seeds, cones and stones and squirrels' laughter Meyuna tactically ran away.
"So, great warrior. What happened?"
"Those damn squirrels didn't get down. I can't fight like that."
"You're right, they made a terrible mistake."
"Of course, and they're gonna pay for it. Those squirrels won't stop me from my destiny."
Not what I meant.
As she went back she also returned.
"Had enough yet?"
"No, my determination is that of steel. I won't back down so easily."
She returned again.
"Determination of steel. Brain of mush."
"All right smartass. How are you gonna do it?"
"Simple. By not going there. Those rodents need food and we need to lure them out and get them together. Best in some place where they can't escape. That way you can show off."
"Those tricks again. Why did I even agree to this quest?"
"Because you're brave, have a good heart and want to help people."
That kindness is killing me.
"Also. I'd like to taste some roasted squirrels."
"You're a druid. Can't you talk to animals?"
"No, humans can't talk to animals. That's silly. But there are some druids who can control them."
She smiled while healing Yuna.
"Then I'll gotta think of something else."
*********
They came back to the village.
"Did you hunt the squirrels?"
"Not yet, we'll wait for the morning when they'll come down. Then we'll fight in the village."
The chieftain had a wry face.
"Have you boarded up the doors and windows previously?"
"Yes, but they just bit through them."
"Please, don't worry sir, they know what they're doing. In the meantime, may I help the hurt people?"
"Thank you, I'll lead you to them."
Kota and Yuna walked around the village.
"What's your plan?"
"Honestly, not much we can do. I'm gonna take the shooting position in the barn window while you chase and cut them. We'll ask the villagers to secure their houses again. That should give us time to hunt them all or at least scare them off this place."
"It sounds quite effective and no tricks are involved."
She praised me. I think.
"Thank you. We'll see tomorrow."
They went to Sekalia.
"How is it going?"
"Those squirrels did a lot of bad to these people."
They looked at disappearing scars and bruises on her last patient, who looked relieved.
She looks happy, but there's something unusual about her smile.
"Save your power, tomorrow we're defending this place."
"Don't worry I've used a healing method that doesn't use much of my power."
"How does it work?"
"Normally you'd heal someone just with magic. But there's another way. You still give magic, but you also absorb the pain of the patient and you feel what they have felt. Every bruise, every ache. The fresher the wound, the more I feel. That way I can better understand someone's pain and share it with them."
She did mention pain a few times. She has a golden heart, but something still worries me.
*********
In the morning the squirrels gathered before the village. In front of them stood Meyuna wielding her katana.
"Come at me, beasts. If you want to harass these people, you need to come through me and my blade."
The squirrels stopped and made sounds to each other. Yuna stood confused, but determined.
The squirrels shouted and charged at her. Yuna shouted, raised her katana and didn't get to swing it. She was overwhelmed by squirrels that knocked her down. Laughing. Squirrels scattered in groups and got to biting the barricades.
Not good. Hope she gets back up.
Kota shot arrows at squirrels and hit a few of them. Confused attackers were looking where shoots came from, but still were destroying barricades. Yuna got back up and started chasing squirrels around with the katana in her hand and anger on her face."
"I'll get you, you little bastards!"
As she got to one group the enemies scattered leaving her confused. Still with her speed she hunted down a few squirrels focused on destroying barricades. Angry squirrels attacked Yuna from different directions. They jumped on her and started biting her. She started running, throwing squirrels off of her.
Meanwhile as Kota was shooting, the squirrels spotted his position and looked at the window where Kota stood.
Just keep shooting.
The squirrels were climbing the barn's wall. Kota closed the window. The squirrels kept biting.
Killed by squirrels. Is that how I'll die?
Kota held his dagger. The squirrels were biting window desks.
At least I'll do it fighting.
They broke in.
"Come at me! I'm here."
The squirrels got in and jumped on Kota. He tried to get them off. With every jump he moved back. He stepped back as he couldn't keep his balance. The squirrels finally pushed him to the edge. He fell down into a haystack. Air left his lungs. All he could hear were the laughs of squirrels above.
Is this over? They're laughing at me. Just come and finish me.
He closed his eyes. The world went dark.
*********
He opened his eyes. Before him was a blonde blue eyed beauty. His head was on her legs.
Have I died?
"Vita?"
She chuckled. "I'm Sekalia. You'll need a bit more rest."
"Oh. Did we win?"
"Well, Meyuna killed some of them, so we got something to eat. Sadly, they robbed one house so we offered the poor people food to repay for your mistakes."
"My mistakes."
"Yours and Meyuna's. It was your plan and it failed. The villagers are still in danger. But I believe you'll save them eventually."
I don't know what to think of her.
"How's Yuna?"
"She was bitten and her clothes were torn, but she still bravely fought on. She was shouting and chasing them down to the forest, but they climbed trees and laughed at her. It took a while, but I healed her."
What's her idea of fighting exactly?
"Where is she now?"
"She's talking to the chieftain. Can you move?"
They left the barn.
"You stopped the attack and we're grateful for it. But if you can't finish the job, we have to hire a new party."
"Don't worry. We can do it."
"I hope so."
Chieftain walked away. Kota and Meyuna looked at each other.
"This is embarrassing."
"We fought a whole tribe, but got defeated by a bunch of animals."
Meyuna lowered her head.
"Back then, we did it thanks to my plan and efforts. Now, we did the open battle and it got us nowhere. "
"Hey, don't rebuke the right way of fighting. Especially when you suggested it."
"I thought you'd fight better, but all it took was a few smart animals."
"You lost to them too."
"You wanted to see me fail, didn't you. I still fought on when they got you."
"Right after they got you, Meyuna went into the barn, but the squirrels ran past her. She was distraught seeing you unconscious and got angry. Right, Yuna? "
"Right… But that's because I boasted so much about my failure and then got taken dwon so easily."
"So what do we do now?"
"I'm staying in the village. I won't let some squirrels take my honour."
"Then we'll spend a few days here. We've got by just by luck alone. By the time this whole quest won't be worth it."
"You're not going to leave people in need?"
Sekalia looked worriedly.
"No, but maybe in the town we'll find someone who'd help us. We need more firepower or at least someone to withstand their bites."
"I hope we do. Then we'll have to do it day after day until the people are safe ."
"Yeah."
*********
In the guild the trio was having lunch.
"We should have at least eaten those squirrels."
"But, we failed at protecting. The least we could do was compensate. Besides, we can buy our own food."
"Yeah… We still can."
"I still need to sew your clothes."
'Thanks, Sekalia."
"So, about your fighting style."
Meyuna looked curiously.
"Why do you always charge in or stand in front of the enemy?"
"This is how knights and brave warriors fight and I want to be like them."
"Do warriors usually scream while charging?"
"Of course, a shout shows power and determination."
From you it's more like annoyance.
"You, on the other hand, use tricks."
"Hey, if they work they work. Most important is that we win."
"That's not right. A warrior should seek glory not just victory."
"Good I'm not one or else we'd still be stuck in the forest."
"You like complaining, don't you?"
"I like winning."
"May I say something? I think Kota's right. If monsters are dead and people save, the method isn't important."
Meyuna looked disappointed.
"You'll see I'm right."
They resumed eating.
"I heard you were looking for a magician."
At their table stood a red haired girl in a rotten green sombrero.
"I am the great magician Hinota and I'm looking for an adventure party."
I think I saw her.
"Wait, aren't you that fire magician who performed at the town's square?"
"That's right. And fire is one of my many talents. You were discussing some trouble and I think I can help you with whatever it is."
We could use some magic.
"What are your talents and why are you suddenly becoming an adventurer?"
"Street performance is one thing, but there are also other forms of expression. And I want to show them to the world. I'm an expert of fire, lightning and illusion magic."
The girls looked astonished.
"You're very gifted. Please, We'd love to have you join our party."
She wields three types of magic. How does the magic work here? And if she's that powerful, why join beginners like us?
"That's a very kind offer. Please sit. This is Sekalia, our druid healer. And this is Meyuna. She's as fast as the wind and as clever as a goblin."
"And this Kota. A dishonest hunter and a thorn in my side."
"Please, don't mind them. Right now, farmers have a problem with squirrels and we'd like to help them."
Her lips parted slightly.
"You hunt squirrels? Are they really such a problem?
"Unless they're not on the trees then we can take them. You said you've got illusion magic. Is it powerful?"
"My magic is powerful. And it will only get stronger."
"That's something to work with. Let's think of a plan."
*********
At dawn the squirrels gathered before the village. Ready to start another raid in search of food. As they scattered around they saw a giant pile of seeds and nuts in the middle of the village. All the squirrels gathered and got to eating and gathering.
All of them were focused on their task and didn't notice as giant walls of flames surrounded them. They panicked, but saw a way out and ran.
As they were running the walls were right beside them, leaving only space in front. They ran into a building. After that the flames disappeared and they realised the floor was wet and there was no way out.
"Thank you. Thank you. My magic got them trapped now we can finish the job. You won't be bothered anymore."
Outside, the party and the cheering villagers gathered before the barn.
My plan's worked. Yuna has her chance now. She can't possibly fail this time."
"Meyuna, before you go in, let me put up another wall of fire. It's gonna look so great."
"I don't like using illusion for fighting, but I don't mind style. Bring it."
The new wall of fire rose up from the ground. The squirrels saw the same black haired girl.
This time she was slowly going through fire with a katana up in both hands at her right side.
"Squirrels, your time has come. You will harass those people no more."
While she was talking the squirrels showed sad faces and made their eyes bigger.
"Ha, don't think that's gonna convince me. I shall deal with you swiftly. As a price or your deeds you shall become a meal for these people. As my opponents, your memory shall live in my haiku."
The squirrels, not content with the result, didn't hide their rage. They spat out the seeds and stones kept in their mouths and started throwing them at her. Meyuna stepped back.
"Oh, you little bastards. You'll regret it."
As she was backing away the stones and seeds also hit Hinota.
"You think you can hit me? I, Hinota won't let you. Feel my power. Lightning!"
Yuna jumped away.
Hinota released a lightning at the pool of water. Swiftly eliminating most of the squirrels.
"Nice hit."
"Good work, Hinota."
The people were cheering the wizard. She smiled excitedly. Her hair got brighter, her eyes started glowing and a small aura white aura surrounded her.
Her shots were hitting squirrels, swiftly killing them one by one. Some shots missed their targets and hit hay. The cheering turned to panic seeing her and sudden fire from the barn. Villagers shouted at her to stop. But she didn't. The people watched in horror what was happening.
She was in a trance, shooting lightning bolts and laughing maniacally. She suddenly stopped as Kota poured a bucket of water on her.
Seeing their chance the remaining squirrels ran out and scattered. Yuna ran after them.
Angry and at her senses Hinota looked at Kota.
"Why did you do that?!"
"Idiot! What are you doing? We had them cornered. Why did you keep shooting?"
"You all cheered me on. How could I resist putting on a show? Also they hit me. I couldn't let them get away with it."
"And you didn't. Great job. Your pride is safe. Now the village is burnt. Why did you do it?"
She looked down.
"Just a barn."
"It was in the way?"
As they were arguing. The people hurriedly started pouring water as flames went up from the burning barn.
Afterwards, the village chieftain came up to the party and informed them about the cost of the barn.
"Great. Now we're in debt."
"People are safe from danger."
"Some of them escaped. We should still stay here."
"The quest's done. And we're rather not welcome here."
Now the crazy mage.
"No artist gets bored of showing off. Especially someone like you. Something's not right. Why did you start adventuring and go straight to our party?"
She avoided Kota's gaze.
"Yesterday I might have gotten too excited and maybe accidentally burned down the stage. Now I've got a debt to pay. I could go get a job, but I'm a magician. I won't waste my talent. So I could only choose the adventurers guild. But the news got there quickly, so other parties rejected my talent. And you didn't know about the incident, so I had the chance."
"Now, please. Give Hinota a chance. She might have burnt the food and may be a bad magician now, but with time she'll learn to control herself."
Why do they cause so much trouble? I should have learnt more about her.
"I doubt it. Once we pay our debt I don't want to be with you at a party."
"Fine, I'll find a new party. And it's gonna be great."