Riftside - Chapter 49

My legs wobbled as we stood over Arclight's massive corpse, aftershocks of electricity making my muscles twitch and spasm. The beast's yellow fur stood on end, static crackling through it even in death. Blood pooled beneath its shattered skull where Roq had crushed through bone and brain, and where Eryn’s lucky arrow had hit either a nerve ending or dealt just enough damage to give us an opening. 

“That. Was. AMAZING!” Roq's voice filled my head once more. “Did you see how I transformed? The way my blades carved through its hide? Oh! And when I stabbed it with my legs! POETRY in motion! Though I suppose you all did help a little at the end.”

I flexed my tingling fingers, trying to work feeling back into them. 

“Why didn't you tell me you could do that? Turn into... whatever that was?”

“Hey now,” Roq said, sounding wounded. “I object to your tone. That wasn't just 'whatever.' That was my true form in all its glory! My perfect self! The pinnacle of— Actually, I’m not sure if it is. But it sure felt familiar and AWESOME!”

“Ash?” Knut's deep voice cut through my mental conversation. “Injured? Looking shaky.”

I held up a hand, needing him to wait while I finished with Roq.

Eryn's voice drifted over.

“Don't worry about it, Knut. When he gets that vacant look, he's usually talking to Roq. The hammer has... opinions.”

“'Opinions'?” Roq spluttered. “I am expressing deep philosophical truths about the nature of violence and destruction! And what do you mean by implying I'm some kind of monster? That was my awesome combat form! Did you see how majestic I looked? The way my crystalline blades caught the light? How I—”

“Roq!” I snapped mentally. “Focus. Why haven't you changed forms before now?”

“Ah,” Knut nodded sagely. “Makes more sense than golden bird being stupid. Worried lightning fried brain.”

“Oh. That.” Roq's mental voice grew sheepish. “Well... I didn't know I could. If I had, don't you think I would have been transforming and slaughtering things myself ages ago? Though I must say, now that I remember how to do it... we should definitely—ASH!” Roq's tone suddenly shifted, urgent and sharp. “Grab the carcass RIGHT NOW. The… the voice. It’s still on the wind. It's louder than before. Angrier. We really, really don't want to be here anymore.”

Cold dread trickled down my spine. 

“Eryn, Knut, we’ve got to run!”

They nodded without hesitation as I yanked open my spatial storage. I grabbed several Shardfang corpses and dropped them unceremoniously to the ground, making room for Arclight's massive form. My muscles screamed in protest from the brief touch as I swiped the creature's remains into the dimensional space, its electricity shocking me.

Knut and Eryn quickly gathered up the discarded Shardfang carcasses I'd dropped, placing them into their own storages.

“Run.” I turned and headed toward the fastest route up out of the ravine. As we ran towards the forest's edge, angry growls echoed behind us as a mass of Shardfangs announced their presence.

  *

“Four more!” Knut yelled from behind me and his mace struck thick hide as we ran through the steelhusk forest. Two quick steps pulled me ahead of Eryn where I spun around and prepared a fighting retreat. A Shardfang ran past Knut and leapt for me. I raised my hammer and smacked it in the face, killing it.

“This one has a gem!” Roq said ecitedly. “Little rocky snacks with gifts inside, begging to be plucked! Their blood flows in rivers of beautiful destruction!”

“Less poetry, more smashing,” I muttered, signing for Knut to take the carcass as I ran up to flank Eryn's left. A moment later, Knut came up on her right, keeping her between us as we pushed deeper into the forest. Her breath came in ragged gasps, but she kept the pace up.

Claws sparked against steelhusk bark as a Shardfang leapt off a tree. Knut's shield caught it, deflecting the monster onto the ground where his mace ended its life.

“Empty.”

“That makes twenty-three!” Knut called out, not even breathing hard.

The enhanced strength and stamina from my transformation made this kind of running feel near effortless. Each stride covered more ground than before while taking much less from me in the process. Frustration still bubbled up inside me because we weren’t moving fast enough. Eryn was much smaller than me now, and we had to match her pace. 

“So,” Knut said as we ran, “Tell story of hammer. Where get soul gem? How make Roq?”

I glanced back, checking for any chasing Shardfangs before telling the story of our Twisted Titan dungeon run, how I'd ended up killing it, and finding a soul gem inside. Knut was particularly interested in the forging process, but I glossed over that, not wanting to give away what I considered to be Pa's secret as much as mine.

“And thus began my glorious existence!” Roq said as I finished. “Though I still say you could have made me with a few more spikes or some flames.”

Knut gave me a pointed look.

“Much you kept secret. If we keep adventuring, secrets stop today.”

Eryn and Knut exchanged a meaningful glance. I looked to her and she nodded slightly, her expression serious despite her labored breathing.

“That's fair,” I said, turning back to Knut. “From now on, no more secrets. Though the forging method is Pa's secret, not mine.”

“Accepted.” Knut's beard twitched with a slight smile. “So. What Roq think of me?”

I nearly stumbled, caught off guard by the question. I hadn't even considered that Knut would care about Roq's opinion of him.

“A team member I never knew,” Knut explained, reading my surprise. “Of course I care. Don't want crystal blades poking through back in middle of combat. Want to know I can trust team.”

“The large one shows wisdom in seeking my opinion!” Roq's mental voice swelled with his typical grandiosity. “Perhaps he is not as dim as I first thought.”

“Give me a real answer, Roq. What do you actually think of him?”

Roq was quiet for a moment, which was unusual enough to nearly make me worried.

“He is acceptable,” Roq finally declared. “Strong. Reliable. Simple in his motivations, which I appreciate. He fights well and draws attention from enemies, allowing us to destroy them more efficiently. And—” Another pause. “He has protected you when I could not. That matters too.”

A warmth bloomed in my chest, and I prayed to anything listening that Roq couldn't feel it, as he'd never let me live it down

I relayed his words.

Knut listened with intense focus, nodding thoughtfully at each point.

“Good assessment,” Knut said. “Simple motivations, yes. Keep team alive, kill monsters, get paid. Take care of family.”

“Ash?” Roq's tone grew serious. “You should tell them about Arclight. About what it said.”

I nodded, gathering my thoughts as we ran. It wasn’t easy to run, fight, keep Eryan safe, and talk, but we managed somehow.

“There's something else you both need to know. Arclight... it spoke in my head. The same way Roq does with me.”

“In head?” Knut's brow furrowed. “Like mind magic?”

“Maybe?”

“What did it say?” Eryn asked between breaths.

Seeing there were no more shardfangs on our tail, I stopped for a moment so Eryn could get her breath.

“It kept talking about a hive, demanding Roq back, and it even called him a traitor.”

“What does that mean?” Eryn asked through a gasp of air. “And monster crap, you two sure can run.”

“I don't know. But what if something in the hive is what gives the monsters orders? What if something sentient is behind the attacks on the rifts? A greater mind that controls when the monster wave attacks, and even the creatures inside the dungeons? It would make a whole lot of sense.”

“Maybe—” Eryn gasped, “Maybe it's behind all the attacks. I heard—a scientist once say—ants seem to know—what each other is doing—even though they make no sound we can hear.”

“Save breath for running,” Knut cut in. “Must tell Adventuring Guild this. Maybe important.” He turned to me, his expression grave. “If really bad monsters come, put Noros first. Leave us.”

My face hardened.

“Not a chance in hell am I leaving either of you.”

“Duty as adventurer—”

“Good thing I'm not an adventurer yet, then,” I snapped back. “You are family, both of you, and I take care of my family first, Noros second. Always in that order.”

“Burning rifts!” Knut cursed, then chuckled and shook his head. “Risking humanity, but fine. I follow you. So be it. Family. Little brother and sister. I keep safe.” His tone suddenly shifted. “You really sense Mind Gems?”

I hesitated before admitting,

“Actually, it's been Roq all along who can sense them.”

“Aha! Knew it! Nobody senses gems.” Knut's eyes lit up. “I touch Roq? Greet him properly?”

I waited for Roq's response.

“Hmm,” Roq muttered, considering the request with care. “He may bump his fist against my striking surface. But it must be firm, like a punch. I refuse to be patted like some common tool.”

“But you let Eryn pat you?”

“That is completely different!” Roq huffed. “She has earned the right through her contributions to our glorious bloodshed! Also, she is… soft. It fits. Knut is not. It would be wrong.”

I shrugged and held Roq out past Eryn.

“He says you can punch him as a way of greeting, but you must make it a proper hit.”

Knut nodded as if those words were the most logical thing in the world and he leaned past Eryn. I raised Roq's head and held him firm.

Knut drew back his fist and punched.

“Now that’s a greeting!”

  *

I stood before the Adventuring Guild's polished oak doors, staring up at the red tree emblem inlaid above them as the cool breeze stirred the edges of my cloak. Roq hung at my belt.

“Did you see Knut's face?” Roq's laughter rang through my mind. “That will teach him proper respect for a weapon of my magnificence! No more of this 'simple hammer' nonsense!”

“I can't believe you activated Armor Break right before his fist connected. I'm sure he and Eryn are still in the medical tent dealing with his broken hand.”

“Oh please,” Roq scoffed. “You think it's hilarious, too, you just won't admit it. I saw that little smirk when he yelped like a pup!”

Try as I might, I couldn't quite hold back my smile. Now that we were safely back behind the walls of Sentinel Station and First Steel, I had to admit there had been a certain... folly to the moment. Even if it was horrendously risky to damage our tank's hand riftside.

“The sound he made? Like a stepped-on mouse! Absolutely worth it.”

I shook my head, forcing down the amusement.

“That's enough. We need to focus. This is one of the biggest days of my life, and I won’t have you screw it up for us, Roq.”

“Speaking of which,” his tone shifted to something approaching pride. “I'm now one-third of the way to level ten, thanks to that finishing blow on Arclight.” He paused. “Thank you for making sure we got the killing strike on that insulting yelp of a kit-kat.”

“Of course, but listen. I'll try to keep you out of storage for this, but only if you behave.”

“Fine. I will be on my very best behavior. I won't even scream obscenities to distract you during important moments. Much.”

My mouth felt dry as I reached for the door handle, which felt silly, considering the monsters I'd faced down. But I'd been working towards this moment for a decade. Nearly half my life I’d worked to become an adventurer, and now I was finally here. Excitement and nervousness waged inside me, making my fingers tingle. I took a deep breath and pushed the heavy door open, stepping inside.

The interior of the guild hall bustled with activity, completely transformed from how it had looked during Benedict's tribunal. Gone was the formal arrangement with its central table. Instead, the space teemed with people preparing for tomorrow's Twisted Titan raid. Maps covered tables, gear lay spread out for inspection, and voices overlapped in tactical discussion.

A massive bronze tree dominated the far wall, hammered onto the wood, behind a broad desk where a woman of Knut's size stood sorting papers. To my left, a shop's shelves gleamed with potions and equipment. On the right, a bulletin board covered in notices drew my eye, next to which sat a group of five adventurers deep in discussion. Through an open door left of the broad desk, I glimpsed what had to be Harold's office. Another smaller room sat to the right of the desk, though I couldn't see what it was for.

Harold stood in the center of the room, speaking with Shay. The party leader's arms were crossed and he stood there with a scowl.

“Hey!” a sharp voice called out. A woman my age with a shaven head stood from the sitting area, pointing at me. “This is for adventurers only, scavenger.”

“Oh, please let me hit her,” Roq begged. “Just a little bit?”

I laughed and waved at her.

“You might want to check your attitude,” I said.

Harold turned at her comment, his weathered face breaking into a smile when he saw me. He held up a hand to Shay, excusing himself.

“Actually, Ash is here to join as a classed adventurer today. Had his breakthrough yesterday.”

The woman’s hostile expression vanished instantly. She crossed the room in quick strides, extending her hand.

“Oh! I'm so sorry – I had no idea! I'm Jordan. Welcome and congratulations!”

I clasped her hand briefly.

“It's fine. Though I've never really understood what was up with the extreme separation between the classed and scavengers.”

Jordan nodded and opened her mouth to respond, but Harold cut her off.

“We need to get on with the onboarding process. You two can talk to your heart’s content at a later time.”

“Of course.” She smiled again. “Welcome to the guild, Ash.”

With a small wave, she returned to her companions.

“Ash!” Harold's good arm clapped me on the shoulder. “I can't tell you how proud I am to see a Dawnwatch scavenger join our ranks. Most who make adventurer were nearly there when they arrived. What you've done, the speed at which you've leveled – it's outstanding.” He winked. “You'll have to share your secret someday.”

“Oh, yes,” Roq chortled. “I'm sure that would go over wonderfully. 'Well, you see, I have this magical talking hammer who really enjoys violence and is the most awesome being in the universe!”

I smiled at Harold.

“Maybe one day I'll let you know.”

Harold's laughter rang out and the man smiled.

“I'll have to take you up on that someday, but for now, let me give you the tour before we sit down for a proper chat.”

I nodded, following him as he moved through the bustling space.

“First stop – the Mission Board.” Harold gestured to the massive piece of wood, covered in notices and arranged in neat columns. “Each quest is ranked by difficulty, rewards, and urgency. Green tags are easy, yellow moderate, orange difficult, and red—” He tapped a crimson-edged notice. “Well, those are the ones that tend to add leaves to our tree.”

“Ooh, look at the rewards on that red one!” Roq said. “We could buy so many things to smash!”

I leaned closer to read the notice – Eliminate Bone Titan in Southern Ashenplane. The reward made my eyes widen.

“That's a lot of gems.”

“And that's also why it's still up there,” Harold said dryly. “Now, let me introduce you to someone special.”

Before I could read the other quests, Harold led me to the guild shop where a woman stood arranging potions on shelves with careful precision. She turned as we approached, and I found myself looking into the kindest face I'd seen since leaving home this morning. Her white hair was tied back in a neat bun, and laugh lines crinkled around her eyes as she smiled.

“Petra, this is Ash Aldrich. He's joining us today as a full adventurer.”

“Welcome, dear!” She reached across the counter to clasp my hand in both of hers. The gentle grip reminded me so much of Ma that I couldn't help but smile. But beneath that grandmotherly warmth, I sensed something harder — the sharp eyes of a merchant who could probably haggle a dragon out of its hoard. “I've heard wonderful things about you from Commander Edwin.”

“Thank you,” I managed. “I hope to live up to the expectations.”

“Oh, you will, I am sure.” She patted my hand. “And when you need supplies, you come straight to me. I'll make sure you get exactly what you need, at a fair price, of course.”

“I like her,” Roq declared. “She has the look of someone who would charge full price to her own children. Respect to the old hag.”

Harold guided me toward the broad desk with the massive woman. She wore a sleeveless leather vest, showing off arms the size of Eryn's thighs, though she wielded her pen with surprising delicacy.

“Madeleine, meet our newest adventurer.”

She looked up and smiled.

“Ah, the famous Ash Aldrich! I've heard quite a bit about your rapid rise through the levels.” Her voice carried the hint of an accent I couldn't place. “We need all the help we can get to beat these monsters back.”

“I wouldn't say famous,” I said.

“Nonsense! We don't get many becoming classed so quickly.” She set down her pen. “None that I have found, actually. I'm in charge of all the paperwork here you see. Registrations, party formations, quest rewards, events, anything you need, just ask.”

I glanced past her to the massive bronze tree that dominated the wall behind her desk. Each leaf had been individually hammered into the metal, and names caught the light as I looked closer. So many names. The sheer number of leaves made my stomach clench.

“The Board of Heroes,” Harold said quietly. “Every leaf represents an adventurer out of Dawnwatch who fell fighting to protect Noros.”

“I had no idea we'd lost so many already.”

“It has been bloody,” Harold said. “Most fell retaking the rift and forging the beachhead riftside, beating the monster's back long enough to erect the first version of Sentinel Station. It was not a good time to be an adventurer, though lucrative for those who survived.”

Madeleine's expression softened.

“That's why I appreciate the bravery of those like you who still step up. Over a decade ago, my entire village would have been wiped out by a monster surge if not for adventurers like yourself.” She straightened her papers. “I may not have what it takes to face monsters myself, and I'm not ashamed to admit that, but I can support those who do.”

“Thank you for the welcome,” I said, meaning it. “It already feels like a second home.”

Harold touched my shoulder again, guiding me toward the last spot. It was asmall room with barred windows. Inside, a thin man sat hunched over a desk, his cap pulled low. Dozens of crystal shards lay scattered across every surface, two vibrating with subtle energy as their counterparts were tapped, wherever they were, sending the message through in code.

“That's Sverr, our gem-gram operator,” Harold explained. “As an adventurer, you can now use the guild's gem-gram service. Fifteen copper per message.”

The man didn't look up, but his hand shot out to tap a hand-painted sign: Quiet! Genius at Work!

Harold rolled his eyes.

“He's not wrong,” Harold said, voice lowered, doing nothing to change the overall noise of the room, “It's a crazy job, keeping track of all those messages. But he's the best there is.”

“Fifteen copper is damn cheap,” I said, watching another crystal start vibrating. I'd had to pay fifty at the royal bank anytime I wanted to send a gemgram to my birth parents.

“We do our best to take care of our heroes. Speaking of heroes,” Harold nodded toward the entrance where Commander Edwin had just walked in. The commander swiped his tower shield into his storage, acknowledging greetings from other adventurers with brief nods.

“Good to see you made it. Heard you had fun today,” Edwin said as he joined us, clapping me on the shoulder. “Knut broke his hand I take it?”

“It was an… interesting mission,” I said as Harold led us both to his office.

The room was smaller than I'd expected, and dominated by a massive desk covered in maps and papers. Two chairs sat before it, facing the high-backed leather monstrosity that was clearly Harold's seat of power.

I sank into one of the visitor's chairs and nearly groaned aloud. The leather was butter-soft, the springs somehow knowing exactly where to support my weight. It was like sitting on a cloud that had been expertly tanned and stuffed.

“How can a chair be this comfortable?”

“Now maybe you understand why I keep insisting on you getting me that satin pillow!” Roq said. “Think of how much time I spend in your spatial storage. You are a mean person for holding out on me!”

Harold steepled his fingers and leaned back in his leather chair.

“Before we get to the details of joining, I'd like to hear your thoughts. What do you think it means to be an adventurer?”

My fingers drummed on Roq's handle as I considered the question. The comfortable chair made it easy to think, almost too easy.

“Tell him it means glorious combat and endless destruction!” Roq suggested helpfully. “The thrill of battle, the sweet music of shattering bones, the—”

“You promised, Roq.”

He made a zipping sound and went quiet.

I took a deep breath. I'd thought of this very questions countless times over the years. 

“Being an adventurer means stepping up to protect those who can't protect themselves. It means putting myself between the monsters and innocent people, and having the strength and skill to make that stand mean something.”

Harold nodded slowly while Edwin's expression remained neutral, waiting.

“It means being willing to go where others can't or won't,” I continued. “To face the dangers of Riftside and come back with the resources we need. And,” I paused, choosing my next words carefully. “It means carrying the responsibility of humanity's survival on our shoulders.”

“Good answer,” Harold said.

Edwin shifted in his chair.

“Being an adventurer comes with responsibilities far beyond what most realize. Our ultimate duty is the protection of Noros from the monster threat. This manifests in two critical ways.” He held up one finger. “First, we must defend the rifts themselves, both Riftside and in Noros, from constant monster incursions.” A second finger rose. “And second, we must venture Riftside to actively cull monster populations, working toward our true goal: slaying enough of the bastards to eventually pacify Riftside itself.”

I nodded firmly.

“I understand how vital this is. I've seen firsthand what happens when monsters breach our defenses.”

“You think you understand,” Harold said, his voice gentle but firm. “But I'm not sure you grasp the full severity of our situation. Monster attacks are increasing at rifts across all of Noros, not just in frequency, but in the strength of the creatures themselves.” He leaned forward, his expression grim. “We need to grow stronger faster than they do, or we will be overrun. This is why clearing the Twisted Titan is so crucial. If it follows the pattern we've seen at other rifts, finding and destroying the breeding chamber should reduce the number of monsters manifesting in this area. That would buy us precious time to reinforce our position Riftside and begin exploring the territory around The Branchway earnestly.”

“I'm ready to do whatever it takes,” I said, sitting straighter. “Whatever part I need to play.”

Edwin's stern expression softened slightly. 

“It's not all doom and gloom, though. Once we secure victory, you'll receive your claim Riftside.”

“My what?” I stared at him, certain I'd misheard.

“Ah.” Edwin's lips twitched. “Not something we advertise widely. Creates too much tension with the nobles and kingdoms. But it's written into the contracts between the crowns and the guild.”

“You mean... when we win, we actually get land Riftside?” I looked between them. “Every adventurer?”

Harold barked a laugh. “Yes, but best not to count your gems before the carcasses are dissected. We are losing this war.”

I lifted my chin. 

“We won't be losing for long.”

Both men chuckled at that.

“That's exactly the attitude we need,” Harold said. “Just don't let it make you cocky enough to get yourself killed.”

“Speaking of killing things,” Roq cut in, “Perhaps we should tell them about our electrifying encounter? And that rather concerning hive business?”

“Good point.”

“Actually,” I said. “We met something interesting today. You remember the monster attacking Sentinel Station? The one that shot lightning?”

Edwin's head snapped up.

“You survived that? How did you get away?”

“Not only survived, commander. We killed it.”

“What? How in the burning rifts… How?” the commander snapped and shot to his feet. It wasn’t much different than how I expected him to react. “I—I’m sorry. It’s just that I never expected—”

I couldn't resist cutting him off.

“The power of friendship.”

“That is monster crap,” Edwin growled, though his lips twitched. “We are sure that's the monster that killed three of our scouting parties. There's a twenty gem bounty on its head!”

I tapped my lip.

“How do bounties work? Do I need to give up the carcass to claim the bounty?”

Harold shook his head.

“No. You’d need to show us the carcass to prove the kill. Not that I am doubting you, but…”

I rose.

“Would you join me outside then, gentlemen? I’d like to show you something.”

They exchanged a glance and Harold rose as I opened the door and exited, giving Madeleine a friendly wave. She eyed us curiously, but said nothing.

The space quieted as I marched through the guild room and those present sensed something was off, with Edwin and the guild leader trailing behind me.

“Oh, Ash. Don’t you DARE store me now. This is simply TOO delightful. If I had a food orifice it would be dripping caustic acid!”

I descended the stairs and walked to the middle of the road and waited for the others to join me.

“What’s going on?” Jordan asked. “Did the new guy refuse the contract?”

“Not exactly,” Edwin said. He stood with arms crossed, a faint smile tugging on his scar, while Harold frowned. More people gathered in the meanwhile, interested to see what was about to happen.

“I just didn’t want to damage the guild leader’s office,” I said and swiped Arclight out of my storage. The huge monster flopped onto the ground right in front of the stairs, and just close enough for its sparks to spiderweb across the building’s entrance.

Most of the adventurers shouted in surprise as they stared at the deadly beast, shocked as sparks jumped out at us, but I’d been prepared, keeping my jaw clenched.

“By the rift’s hairy arsehole!” Jordan said, voice rising in pitch as she flinched back, bumping into Shay who didn’t budge.

“That’s Arclight. It’s a damn red quest,” Shay said to a female adventurer on his right, both seemingly unaffected by the monster’s passive.

“Impossible!” an older healer said.

Edwin hadn’t flinched. He ignored the electricity and stroked the side of his face, mouth pursed, looking from the carcass to me and back again.

Roq’s laughter filled my mind.

“You should tell them how shocked they look! Get it? Shocked? Hah! This is priceless. Almost as good as leveling up! Rip those pieces of paper off the wall and take me hunting!”

“Holy monster balls,” Harold said as I swiped the carcass back into my storage.

“Everything alright out here?” Madeleine said, pushing her way through the muttering crowd.

“Yes,” Harold said, taking out a handkerchief and wiping his forehead. “Just Ash giving Dawnwatch a gift is all. And would you please go take down the quest for Arclight. Bring the reward to my office.”

“Yes, guild master,” she said, a confused frown settling on her face.

“Enough gawking,” Edwin said. “Back inside, everyone. We have a dungeon run to prep for.”

The crowd trickled inside, relaying what had happened to those who hadn’t made their way outside in time, leaving me with Harold and Edwin.

With the porch cleared, Edwin closed the door and started laughing.

“What did I tell you, Harold! Something's going on with Ash and I think the best thing to do is support him and clear his path as best possible. Point him at the enemy and let loose as they say. Don’t ask too many questions we don’t want answers to.”

“Sanctioned destruction of enemies! Blood by the buckets! Thank the man, Ash. Make them write it down. A document to tell everyone to do whatever we want so we can fight as much as I want!”

“In all honesty,” I said, ignoring Roq, “We got extremely lucky. Eryn hit it with an armor piercing arrow which took out its rear legs, limiting its mobility. I'll share the reward with her and Knut.”

“I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that,” Harold said. “One rule is that guild resources are for adventurers. Not scavengers. There is a reason for that, which I shall not get into now.”

“Understood,” I said carefully. “I still get the reward?”

“Of course,” Harold said, walking over and clapping me on the shoulder. “Thank you, and great job, adventurer. I meant what I said about you having given us a gift. You’ll be rewarded proper, that’s for sure.”

“Use the reward to buy me a satin pillow! I did get the killing blow after all.”

“You just thanked me for getting the killing blow, giving you all that power.”

“Thank you,” I said out loud, and followed Edwin inside, doing my best to ignore the stares and muted conversation, but I had to constantly fight to keep an inappropriate grin off my face.

“I would take it as a personal favour if you'd let the guild acquire the carcass,” Harold said as Edwin closed the door to his office and we once again settled into the dreamy chairs.

“Unfortunately, I have promised Pa first crack at it. Without him and Ma, I wouldn’t even be a scavenger.”

“I had to try,” Harold said, shrugging. “But keep it in mind if you find something… unique. We can help you get the most out of it.”

“I will. And speaking of minds, do either of you know what a hive mind is?”

Edwin and Harold exchanged glances. 

“Like... ants?” Harold asked.

“Yes. I have a theory that something similar might be controlling the monster attacks.”

Harold burst out laughing. 

“That's crazy talk.”

But Edwin's expression had grown serious.

“What makes you think that?”

“Tell them!” Roq urged. “Tell them how that oversized alley cat spoke to us! How it knew me!”

I hesitated. Talking about monsters speaking in my head might not be the best way to start my adventuring career.

“It's just... there seems to be coordination to their movements sometimes. More than simple animal instinct would explain.”

Harold chuckled and shook his head.

“You wouldn't be the first to try making sense of monster behavior. People have been driven half-mad trying to find patterns since the rifts first appeared. Best not to dwell on it too much.”

I noticed Edwin remained silent, his expression thoughtful.

“Now that you're classed and one of us,” Harold continued, “We can share more about what we do know about monster movements and—”

“About the hive mind—” I started, but Edwin cut me off.

“We can discuss theories another time,” he said firmly, giving me a significant look.

I nodded slowly, taking the hint.

“What about leading a party into the dungeon?”

Harold and Edwin exchanged glances.

“We've discussed it,” Harold said. “While it's... unusual for a newly classed adventurer to take on such responsibility, you've shown exceptional leadership skills. And we have a particular situation that needs addressing.” He shuffled some papers on his desk. “We need more people for the raid, and we have an... eclectic group of adventurers in need of a party. Edwin's bet with you provides a convenient excuse.”

“What do you mean by 'eclectic group'?” I asked, shifting in the obscenely comfortable chair.

Harold shuffled more papers, not quite meeting my eyes.

“Well, you see... Benedict is available for the raid, as is Knut, which I have heard you've worked well with, and then we have Raven Fleetfoot who came back with Wade Rainfall after Benedict was—” He trailed off, his weathered face pinched with discomfort.

I looked at Edwin, whose expression had turned to stone, jaw clenched tight enough I could see a muscle jumping.

Harold sighed heavily, shoulders slumping. 

“Look, Ash. This can't leave this room, but... I couldn't sentence Benedict more harshly, despite him deserving far worse. Trust me, I wanted to.”

“Why in the monster's arsehole not?” The words came out sharper than I intended, memories of the day flooding back, with Marcus dead, Johan, Eryn, Knut and myself nearly too.

“Yes, why not?” Roq growled in my mind. “That coward deserves to be broken and scattered to the winds!”

“Because we're desperately short on adventurers,” Harold said, spreading his hands helplessly. “While Benedict is... well, a bit of a loose cannon, he's also an experienced and powerful wizard. Would you have me banish him if it meant being one adventurer short during the next monster surge? And what if that particular adventurer was so strong that they might have prevented the monsters getting through? Would you rather have him dead along with thousands of civilians?”

“YES!” Roq thundered. “Better to face the hordes with warriors who won't flee at the first sign of danger! That sniveling waste of skin!”

I swiped Roq into my spatial storage, unable to deal with him, and took a deep breath, forcing down the anger that wanted to explode out of me. The worst part was, I could see Harold's point. How many times had I watched the brave men and women of Sentinel Station fight to protect others? Even going so far as to give up their lives. Could I really demand they do it with one less skilled fighter, just to satisfy my sense of justice? And if Benedict had been banished, would our smithy still be standing?

“I think it's the wrong decision,” I said finally, speaking carefully. “But I understand why you made that choice.”

Harold sighed.

“That's more wisdom than many would show. And it brings us to our situation - we nearly have a full party assembled, but there's no way we can put Benedict in charge again. And Knut,” he said, spreading his hands. “Well, his reputation as fighting only for coin and caring not for fellow adventurers doesn’t help.”

“His reputation is unearned,” I said firmly.

Both men nodded. 

“I believe you,” Harold said. “The watch commander has told me of the missions he's undertaken with you. But earned or not, his reputation exists. The men won't follow him, especially not Benedict.”

“But they'll follow you,” Edwin cut in, his deep voice brooking no argument. “I'll make damn sure of it.”

Harold leaned forward, elbows on his desk. 

“If you're willing to risk it, we'll support you in leading this team. Now, we know Miss Whitcroft won't be classed in time, but the bet was with just you, wasn't it?”

Edwin's lips quirked up. 

“Your party will get the most secure position during the raid. You'll be facing minimal danger, mostly securing side paths and holding rear points. But you'll receive full rewards for participation, and it will establish you as a proper party leader.”

A grin spread across my face. 

“That'll work. I actually have five scavengers who'd be happy to join us.”

Harold and Edwin exchanged pleased looks. 

“Excellent,” Harold said, pulling a thick document from his desk. “Then let's make this official.”

I scanned the contract quickly. It was all standard guild terms about following orders, sharing information, and protecting Noros. My hand barely shook at all as I signed my name at the bottom.

I’m an adventurer.

Goosebumps ran across my neck and took a deep breath.

Edwin stood and extended his hand.

“Congratulations, Adventurer Aldrich. Welcome to the guild.”

I clasped his hand firmly, unable to keep the smile off my face.

Harold rose as well, reaching across to shake my hand. “Welcome, Ash. We are glad to have you.”

“Thank you,” I gently shook his hand. 

“And as a token of our appreciation, I have a small joining gift for you.”

“A joining gift? Is that normal?” I asked, surprised.

Edwin laughed, the sound rich and deep.

“Not at all,” the commander said. “But we've been watching what you've done for Dawnwatch and Noros. We want to encourage that kind of dedication.” He paused, his scarred face growing serious. “That, and we'd prefer you don't die.”

“Just something I happened to have laying around from my adventuring days,” Harold said with exaggerated casualness as he bent down behind his desk. “And perhaps an apology for what happened with you know who, and sending you out with such a… unique party.”

“Aren’t you a mage?” I asked.

“I liked to get up close and personal,” Harold said, and straightened.

When he laid the armor on the desk, my jaw dropped. 

It had a deep blue-black sheen to it, and was made with overlapping scales forming an almost natural pattern—neither the rigid bulk of plate nor the loose weave of chainmail, but something in between. Each jagged scale fit seamlessly.

Thicker plates reinforced the chest and back, while layered pauldrons extended halfway down the arms, though I noticed one of the arms showed signs of having been reattached. It was the same arm Harold had lost. That somehow just added to the awesomeness. 

Three horns jutted from the armor’s left shoulder, giving it a rugged look, and scaled tassets hung over the thighs, offering protection for the legs without hindering movement.

Even at rest, it looked ready for war.

I started laughing, unable to stop myself.

“The others are going to flip out so hard.”