The group’s energy picked up at the news.
“You three still want to try out or anyone going to leave?”
Atlas shook his head while the other two mimicked the movement.
“Sweet. Call me Stomper to make it easier. I’m the tank in the group.”
Stomper turned toward the man on his right. A shorter guy that looked like a stiff breeze could topple him. Atlas caught the glimmer of small knives around his waist.
“This is Shade. Our resident Rogue.”
With another quick movement, he motioned to the other party member. Curly brown hair framed a square-jawed man with a medium build standing somewhere close to six feet tall. This leather armor with splotches of chain mail rounded out his ensemble.
“This is Carhein. He’s a melee warrior.”
“Good evening fair adventures. Tis a fine day to go adventuring with Carhein, is it not?” The man called in a baritone voice.
“Uh… something wrong with him?” One of the robed figures asked?
“He fancies himself a role-player. Just go along with it, it’s much easier that way,” Shade said with an exasperated sigh.
Well, this should be interesting.
Chapter 24
The Trial
Stomper led them from the room and onto the street outside. They walked to the registrar’s office, and he ducked inside. When he emerged, he held a rolled scroll in his hand and made his formal offer.
“You three will accompany us out of town so we can gauge your skills and will remain safe from us until we return to these city walls.”
A message appeared in Atlas’ view.
Stomper has invited you to join a Safe Party Agreement. Do you accept? Yes/No.
Atlas selected Yes and waited as the different people all appeared on his party screen. When Stomper was satisfied, he put the scroll away and motioned for them to follow. As they walked, Stomper waved one of the robed figures over. Atlas knew one of them was named Francis and the other was Kangaroo since they appeared on the party menu, but he didn’t know who was who.
The two spoke for some time as they traveled before the figure returned to them and Stomper waved Atlas up to him. He trudged forward as the dusty city road passed by. Most of the inhabitants ignored them.
“So Atlas, I was intrigued by the fact you were on a winning team for The Great Hunt. Are you very close to level 20?”
“I just recently hit 19 so have close to four-thousand experience to go.”
“Good. No danger of you leveling up while we do this tryout. Do you fight much or mainly heal?”
“I usually only heal when necessary. I typically fight on the front line either in this form or an animal form.”
“Which form did you choose when you reached level 15?”
“I chose the nightstalker, but I also have a Dire Bear Transformation.”
“Wow, two forms? I’m guessing the dire bear version is rare since I haven’t heard of anyone with it yet?”
“Yep, got it from the last boss in The Wild Hunt. My trainer said it was exceptionally rare.”
“And you didn’t sell it? You kept it?” Stomper asked in surprise as he led them through the city gate.
“Figured it’d do me more good in the long run to keep it. I make money other ways.”
“I imagine so. Your staff also looks unique,” Stomper said with a gesture at the weapon.
“It’s funny you mention that because it is classified as Unique and happens to be Soulbound.”
Stomper whistled, “Impressive. I hold out hope for you so I’ll tell you what I am looking for. While fighting, we are going to be working our normal group dynamic. I’ll tank while the other two deal damage. I plan on pulling larger amounts of enemies to test you three’s skills. I want to see how you keep us alive with both healing and your other abilities. I don’t want a spam healbot that stands in the back and does nothing. I could find those anywhere. I’m looking for someone who is a bit of a jack of all trades.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Atlas said with a grin.
“Head on back and we’ll see how you do,” Stomper said while gesturing behind them.
Atlas only nodded and walked back to his place. They closed in on the trees and Carhein walked over to him.
“Tis time for us to embark upon our quest and slay the wicked. What manner of foul beast shall Carhein find to best this time? None shall survive my fury,” the man rattled off as he shook his fist at an imaginary enemy in front of them.
“Yeah, not a big role-player myself. How about we just go out and kill some stuff?”
“Dost thou not hunger for glory and fame?”
“Loot works. Glory and fame bring more trouble than they’re worth.”
Carhein only shook his head and moved to another of the candidates to bother them. Atlas breathed out a sigh when he finally left and trudged forward.
“He can be a little too much sometimes,” a voice whispered near his ear.
Atlas nearly jumped out of his own skin and spun to see the form of Shade appear beside him.
“Damn. Care to warn people first?”
Shade merely chuckled and walked in step with Atlas as they continued following the group.
“Love the guy and all, but he goes overboard with that stuff sometimes,” Shade mused.
“Well, not everyone can get their excitement from frightening people while stealthed,” Atlas quipped.
“Meh,” the rogue said with a shrug, “we all have our uses.”
“Something occurred to me and I haven’t had a chance to ask so far,” Atlas began, “Why only three of you? Aren’t parties usually five people?”
“Oddly enough, you’re the first of the group to ask that so bonus points to you. The simple answer is we can’t have five.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Nope. If you make the cut and are selected, we will tell you why. Until then, just know it’s not an option.”
“Fair enough, I guess. Have any other neat skills besides scaring people?” Atlas asked.
“A few. You’ll get to see some of
