Madi seemed to agree as she dismounted and began the complicated task of removing Tejón’s saddle. I followed suit, then we fell to fixing dinner. There was plenty of tinder and dried wood within the trees, and I had a fire crackling soon enough.
The rabbit was thrown into a stew with some of the bacon to add flavor, and we had biscuits as well. Tejón and Pachi each ate their own rabbits, then shared some of the venison Tumsley had given the bear.
Before it was full dark, our party was sated, the fire snuffed out, and our guard set. I drew third watch, so I found myself trying to get comfortable on the ground, Pachi only mildly irritated by my shifting. She happily lay down to sleep. The day’s ride and the fighting from this morning had worn her down more than she wanted to admit.
I checked progress towards Pathfinder again, hoping to occupy my buzzing mind.
Herbalism: Level 10 (Complete)
Rustic Cooking: Level 10 (Complete)
Animal Harvesting: Level 14 (Complete)
Stealth: Level 9 out of 10
Shelter Mastery: Level 5 out of 10
Fishing: Level 8 (Complete)
Skinning: Level 10 (Complete)
Ranged Weapon: Level 13 (Complete)
Ambush: Level 4 (Complete)
Pet Bond: Level 2 out of 3
Mountain Atunement: Level 4 (Complete)
My progress was excellent in some areas, and others were beginning to be frustrating. How long would this business in Gilsby take? When would I find the time to build an awesome shelter? The many tedious meals I’d prepared lately had paid off. I’d need to force Madi to share the chore now that I no longer needed the skill. Then again, the thought of eating a burnt chunk of meat did not seem appealing. The warrior did not strike me as someone with the attention to detail it took to cook food properly.
The Stealth still needed a bit more to level up, but one level could be easily gained through an afternoon hunting trip.
Remembering the Rat King quest, I checked to see how it would have changed after the mines and the meeting with the rangers at Carnen’s Rock.
Stop the Rat King Part 2: Epic Quest. Having cleared the mines and the hills around Benham of the Rat King’s minions, and after gaining knowledge of trouble in Gilsby from the rangers, your road now leads to the ocean. Travel to Gilsby and find what has been troubling the gentle seaside town. Convert or destroy all servants of the Rat King. Rewards: Unknown Item, access to further quests in chain, 5000 XP.
There were some interesting hints in the quest description. What did it mean by “convert?” It would be fascinating to find out if we could persuade any of the monsters we were facing to take our side—and certainly more profitable in the long run.
The XP gain had seriously jumped up this time around, but that made sense, considering the levels I’d gained recently. The higher I got, the more I needed to progress to the next level. The “Unknown Item” was also a juicy tidbit. It seemed like every RPG nerd lived for loot. The greaves that Madi had bought for me warmed my legs nicely, yet already I wanted something new and shiny. Speaking of which, I’d need to do some shopping for her as well. Buying and receiving Epic gear was turning into a satisfying pastime.
I called up my inbox before I called it a night. Sure enough, a message from Shin had come through.
From @ShinToeBro44: “Hey, hey! First off, thanks for pulling my funky butt out of the fog. I owe you. Second, we have got to meet up soon. I’m going to be taking a trip tomorrow or the next day. Not sure yet. Not gonna drop any spoilers but oh man is my scheming brain having a field day. Guildies are getting seriously peeved that I’m offline, but screw ‘em. They just want me for my gear! Anyway, let me know what you’re up to in there. We have to hang out soon too. Have you ever played Ultima? I’m guessing you might have, but either way, that’s my choice for our next OG game sesh. Later!”
I finished the message and sent one of my own in return. The dude had my otaku butt pinned.
To @ShinToeBro44: “Yes man. Yes! I have played all of the Ultima games, the early ones at least. NES or PC then? I’m down for anything you choose. Then when it is my turn again, I say we play Little Nemo: Dream Master. Not easy, but so weird and fun.
I’m headed to the ocean! Never been to one in or outside of the game, so I’m stoked. Would it be embarrassing if I just jumped in and splashed a bit? I think I’m gonna do it no matter what you say, so hold your judgements to yourself.
Other news, the gun bard I told you about, Alysand, killed an ancient wyvern by blasting a huge hole in its head, I have a bone wakizashi, and I am riding Pachi! What a trip this world is. Life is great, bro. And I made enough money off of Marduk that I’m good for another month.
Let me know when you want to meet. I should be available in a day or so!”
I still couldn’t believe how much my relationship with Shin had changed. And to think, I had first thought he wanted to hit on me. So glad I’d taken the risk to get to know him.
As I dismissed the rest of the system notifications, details about nonessential skill changes mostly, I yawned in earnest.
Pachi spoke to me, pulling me closer with her wing. About time. Sleep with me, fang sister, while you still can.
I relaxed at last and began the rhythmic breathing that preceded sleep.
My
