Chapter 26: Apprentice Adventurers

“So, let’s talk about your goals — namely, what are they?” Bracha said as she continued her lesson.

Agni seemed lost upon hearing the question. This was not something she really considered. Agni wouldn’t really consider herself self oriented. In many ways she was more of a giver than a taker, thus it never occurred to her about what she actually wanted out of Adventia so far. Surprisingly, Katrin seemed to have an answer.

“I want to be a proper adventurer.” Katrin said decisively.

“And by proper adventurer you mean….?” Bracha questioned her in an attempt to better understand Katrin’s declaration, though she had a hint that she understood already.

“Well, I want to be able to pull my weight in any situation. I want to be able to fight monsters, go on adventures and contribute to the party.” Katrin further explained.

“Ah, that’s a noble goal and easy enough, but honestly it’s the minimum requirement of being an adventurer. You see, there are absolutely three things you need to know as an adventurer. The first is how to feed yourself, because after all if you starve to death on the streets that would be a pretty embarrassing First Death, yes?

The second thing you need to know is how to fund your adventures. We adventurers don’t generally have traditional jobs for various reasons, as an example — many crafters must venture into the wilds to collect materials that they can then sell. This is a fairly common reason which leads to the final thing you need to know, how to defend yourself.

Adventia is dangerous, and while cities have rules and a measure of safety within the walls, the world is a place full of all types of creatures which could easily destroy two Rank 0 fledglings like yourself. When you can successfully do these three things then you have reached the status of ‘Apprentice Adventurer’.”

“I wasn’t expecting two special cases to enter the Trainer’s Chapel, truthfully I don’t have any mentors for you two to link with. Scribe is a class so valued that they usually work for entire cities. Grenvale is so small compared to other cities that Scribes tend to go where they can make more money. After all, the ability to create use based weapons, items and gear is basically how many adventurers manage to conquer high level areas.

As for Agni, your demonic class is rare. Specialists tend to have very unique methods required for growth. There is one other specialist in this city, but I’ve heard many terrible things about this individual. I can’t, in good faith, introduce you to him as his presence casts a dark shadow. With this in mind, I’d like to ask you two if you’d mind me as your trainer for the next two weeks?”

“It’s better than getting acquainted with someone else we’ve yet to meet.” Agni answered.

“I don’t have a problem with it either. You seem knowledgeable.” Katrin replied, in fact she seemed quite pumped, Agni noticed a fire burning in her eyes.

“Great! Normally this isn’t a task I take on, my job is sort of like a Tabernacle Guardian’s in the sense that I watch over this place and help new adventurers. However, the Summoning Ritual only happens once every 3 months. Since all the other adventurers have been matched with trainers and this place is empty there’s not much I need to do for that period of time.” Bracha explained.

“In return, as customary with trainers I would gain 50% of your XP for the next two weeks. You would live here rent free, food and board. And during that time I will train you up in as much as I possibly can in order to help you become an adventurer worthy of conquering your goals.”

*Ah, thank God. That guidance counselor question set me on edge. I guess I really should start thinking about what I’d like to do with my life. Again.* Agni thought to herself.

“Great. Let’s perform the pact then, Systema : Trainer’s Pact!” Bracha said as she lifted her hand, palm outwards. Her Systema mark began to glow, issuing forth a gentle light. She nodded for the pair to do the same.

“Systema : Trainer’s Pact.” Agni repeated, as did Katrin. After their marks were infused with energy they saw a new alert.

[You’ve entered a Trainer’s Pact with Bracha Modesa, Rank 2 Rune Master. In exchange for her tutelage you will sacrifice 50% of your XP gains while under her tutelage. Confirm? Y/N]

After the deed was done Bracha smiled at the two before adding, “Let’s get started, yes?”

————————-

Bracha, Agni and Katrin were now on the streets of Grenvale. With Bracha in the lead she began a guided tour of the city. It was during this time that Agni was really able to take in the sights. All around where people going about their daily lives. It was easy to tell the adventurers apart from the common folk, even without the use of the system. Their style of dress, usually leather or metal worked armor or gear, was a huge indicator.

There were so many adventurer classes (of both genders) that Agni had never heard of in all of her days. When asked why there were no men in the starter group Bracha replied:

“That is standard. In general, the Summoning Ritual is a spell which captures and pulls willing souls from some other place and gives them a second chance at life here. The gender alternates. This time women adventurers were generated, next time it will be men.”

“Is it normal for some people to reincarnate in bodies opposite to their original sex?” Katrin asked. Agni glanced over with a smile as she thought *Nice going, thank you.*

“It’s not uncommon persay, but it’s really not a subject many people discuss I think. For me, I was always a woman, I just happened to be an animal in my past life. That made it difficult to adjust to human ways at first.”

“Really? Wow.” Katrin was amazed at all of the implications of Bracha’s statement.

“Indeed. It’s a common misconception that animals possess less intelligence than humans simply because they cannot speak. The reality is we communicated in our own ways. As a result, I can talk to animals. Ha ha, it’s a somewhat useless talent as not many animals exist in this world to begin with. This is largely due to the Grimlock.”

The Grimlock, just hearing that word was enough to make Agni’s spine prickle. It seemed a bit of fear was implanted from her last encounter. The trio continued their tour with Bracha stopping to describe the purpose of key places as they went along. The city of Grenvale was split up into four major sections. The Business District was at the center of the city and extended to the north east. This was the place where one could buy just about anything.

Next was the Entertainment District where Bracha claimed nearly any type of hobby or pleasure could be found. This district lay in the north west of the city. The south western part of the city was dedicated to guilds, or as Adventia called them, Chapels. This was the area they entered from, the South Western Gate.

Finally, the south eastern part of the city was the residential area. People of all types lived there and it was the place to visit if one wanted to rent a room or buy a home.

“Like any city, Grenvale has its darker side. Until you become accustomed to it, it’s best not to wander too far off the known path.” Bracha warned, particularly as they passed the large gate which signified the entrance to the Entertainment District, better known as Sprim Row.

Agni couldn’t help but feel a strange pull towards the gate, it was almost as if her mouth had begun to water–her palms growing damp. Her Succubus Vision kicked in automatically, presumably due to all of the lust filled energy wafting her way. What she saw was a sea of yellow and red, indicators that the people behind that gate were searching to scratch a particular itch.