1.37

“Not much call for trade overland. The only one I could think who'd even make the journey is…the Silver Trader. I heard she might be heading north, because of her family.”

“Do I have to find a place to get rid of them after you're done? Because I really don't want to have to dig a hole, and the nest is far away.”

“It is hard to understand, I suppose. But I believe your friend Relc enjoys the quieter moments. Anyone can tire of war. Believe me.”

“I don't want them. But you might have a tough time getting them down. None of the Workers want to go near them.”

“They're piled up in a cart. I saw them—over sixteen adults, dead and covered in soot. The Watch is trying to get some Workers to unload them, but there's a huge crowd in the way, and the Workers don't want to do it.”

“How did you—you know they swarm over anyone that falls into their nest and tear them apart, right?”

“U-um. You wouldn't happen to be—I mean, are you…?”

“Erin, how did you kill a nest of Shield Spiders? Even if you burned them, most adventurers would rather run than pick a fight with a Shield Spider if they're not Silver-rank or higher.”

“I fear we must part ways for a time, Erin Solstice. I must greet the master of this guild and the local ruling body. But I hope I may visit you at your inn for your promised meal.”

“Don't you get it? There might be more powerful adventurers, but few of them have ever visited Liscor. And she knows you. Did she save you from the Shield Spiders?”

“He was in the army. But he quit to become a guardsman. Thanks to him, we haven't had to worry about monster attacks for a long while. I'm not sure why Relc quit, though. He was famous as a soldier too.”

“Most people of his level, well, they either become adventurers, personal bodyguards, or soldiers. Being a city guard doesn't pay much, but Relc likes it. Probably because it's so easy.”

“He always does this. There's going to be a huge mess because of this, and he's probably hurt a lot of them badly enough for healing potions!”

“I wasn't too blown away by her. She's got that 'mysterious aura' vibe going on, but it's all because of her eye, right? I remember seeing this street magician—David Blaine. You ever see—?”

“Something like that. I thought I was the only Human around here, but suddenly…here you all are.”

“Erin Solstice, um, [Innkeeper]. Mind…mind if I sit?”

“I wonder what she's doing away from…? I mean, Chandrar's still her continent.”

“Of course, it could be a local Drake or Gnoll, but of course, we Humans get the blame until the culprit is found. Lousy lizards and their damn suspicions.”

“Gazi the Omniscient is in Liscor? I thought I saw a Gazer, but I didn't dare believe it was her—dead gods, and I missed her?”

“I'd love rooms too; my team's just here for reconnaissance, but if we come back, a good, friendly inn would be lovely.”

“Look, they're right outside. I can go get one if you want.”

“Four pieces of silver on average per Shield Spider slain, but we'll pay you more for their bodies. Especially for the bodies.”

“Perhaps, but how'd she get word of them so soon? Unless—do you think she was heading to the north already? Terandria, overland? Maybe join in a war as a [Mercenary]?”

“Erin! She's a really, really important person! I could lose my job if I make her mad!”

“You are an amazing Human, Erin. Or an oblivious one. Does nothing faze you?”

“Which is a lot, I get it. But how'd Relc get so strong?”

“Erin, she's a famous adventurer! You know; the kind people write down if they make a list of the top one hundred adventurers in the world!”

“If we're just talking about active members of the city guards—then he's the strongest on the continent, by far. Perhaps the world.”

“Mhm. Well, that's all I need. Can you load them in my wagons?”

“I will dispose of any Aberrations I find, my Queen. Worry not.”

“Entirely, my Queen. I will handle all of your affairs with those not of the Hive.”

“I will place my trust in you. Go, then, my Prognugator.”

“I do not fight with my fists. If I draw my sword—people die. I would prefer not to.”

“I shook her hand. And when she looked at me—it was like she knew my thoughts. The King of Destruction's vassal. Here. No one's going to believe I met her.”

“We're not dead. I mean—the King of Destruction's asleep. But that was—do you think any of the other Seven are here? The Architect? The Lord of the Skies?”

“It's a surprise to see anyone but an adventurer or a fellow [Trader] in Liscor. You're a native here?”

“I hear she goes through continents looking for challenges. But to come this far—is it because of the new ruins?”

“I'm sorry to interrupt. It's just—I haven't seen any Humans in a while.”

“A Gazer? Gazi? Do you mean…Gazi the Omniscient?”

“The Antinium hate spiders. No wonder the Workers are freaking out. I'll have a few [Porters] do the work instead.”

“She's a famous adventurer, but that's all I know—”

“Not a lot of business in Liscor these days, huh? Is this route even worth it?”

“They did that swarming thing—you know, where all of them climb up at once? Wasn't fun.”

“I thought—he's just a guardsman, right? How is Relc tossing those adventurer guys like flies?”

“He was a Senior Guardsman too, wasn't he? So weren't Relc and Klb the same level?”

“Doubtful. Adventurers don't like wars, even the former soldiers. It'd take something truly great to get her to go back to being a soldier. And hey—where'd the Human go?”

“I, uh…yeah. She's here, and I met her on the road. Long story. Is it—is it bad I invited her to my inn?”

“Such matters are inconvenient, especially at a time like this. Deal with the Council until I have finished. I must not be disturbed at any cost. To complete the project so quickly necessitates all of my attention. Is that clear?”

“Shield Spiders? Erin, that's not a good—you're mistaken. Or is this some kind of joke? You can't be serious.”

“He is over Level 30 in the [Spearmaster] class. That would be enough. The highest level among the adventurers is Level 21—the one he has just knocked unconscious. A [Spearmaster] is not an equal to a mere [Warrior], regardless of levels.”

“That's confusing. She's got three different titles? That last one's sorta cool, I guess.”

“Cervial Dermondy, adventurer. Captain of the Flawless Flights, a Silver-rank team. I'm a [Ranger] by trade, scouting out these new ruins that were just discovered. Pleased to meet you, Miss…?”

“She was getting a lot of attention this morning. She's, um, she looks sort of Human, but she's got one big eye in her head and four small ones…”

“I swear, they've raised prices just because they knew we were coming. No love towards us Humans, and the local Watch has been picking fights with the adventurers all week. To make matters worse, it seems there's a Human [Thief] that came in with one of the caravans.”

“Good. And investigate the Aberration while you are upon the surface. If he is truly Individual, I would speak to him afterwards. If he is not—”

“Many have reasons to leave war. I, too, was a soldier once. As I am sure many know. But I left my position to become an adventurer. It is only worth being a soldier if one has a cause to fight for, a leader to follow, and a reason not to die.”

“I totally did it by myself. I burned their entire nest. With wood. And fire.”

“Incredibly. Steel blades can't even crack their shells.”

“Pathseeker! And it's Adventurer Pathseeker! That's how you should be addressing her. Or Gazi of Reim. Or…Gazi the Omniscient! That's her nickname!”

“That may be slightly difficult at the moment.”

“You lot are causing a disturbance! Clear the street I said! Move it!”

“Gazi the Omniscient. That's what they call her in other continents. She's rumored to be over Level 40.”

“Even a street-fight against a dozen guys? Have you done that before?”

“Why don't you help him? It's six against one.”

“Why are you all so impressed to see her anyways? She said she was a wanderer.”

“It's nice to know that there are some Humans living around here. I've been dealing with stubborn Gnolls and haughty Drakes all day.”

“Adventurer Gazi? I almost missed—did you call her 'Gazi'?”

“Put some respect on her name! Adventurer Gazi at least—she's a Named-rank adventurer!”

“Besides—he is not the one who needs help.”

“Many times. That is quite restful compared to war.”

“How? Did an adventurer do it? It can't have been just you.”

“Okay. Okay, I guess—I'll have to inspect them. And then we'll need to weigh the bodies. It'll take all day probably, but if you sign for them, I'll have your bounty waiting later.”

“No, she only cut one of them apart. But she lent me money to hire the wagon to bring them into the city.”

“Ah, well, I'm headed past here, south. On business—Merchant Goeln, a pleasure. Goeln's Caravans. But I had to see these new ruins before I went off.”

“Oh. Um, well…I'd love to have you over. But, ah—the upper floors are still under repairs, I'm afraid.”

“Yeah, but to see her so far from her home continent—I suppose she really is done with war.”

“The Bloodfields run? It's not something I'd do often, but I have a bunch of ore from Esthelm and Invrisil's latest fads. It'll be gold for copper—if the Bloodfields are quiet. I'm bound straight for either Hectval to unload the ore or, if they don't want what I'm selling, Pallass' steelworks.”

“Klbkch was the fourth highest-level guardsman in the city. In terms of strength, though, he was probably second to Relc. He was the Slayer, but during the war—look, Erin, both had more levels in other classes, which is why they're so tough, understand? But even Klbkch was ten levels behind Relc.”

“Well, I have not lacked for entertainment since travelling to these lands. I will seek lodgings within the city, then. Good day to you, Erin Solstice. We shall meet again.”

“If you've got room in your inn, I'd be glad to pay for lodging. It'd be a nice change to see some Human faces rather than all the scales and fur around here. Not to mention the smell! All these non-Humans really don't know how to wash properly, do they?”

“Humans in Liscor? They come seeking the ruins, no doubt, to unearth treasures and seek their fortunes. Good. As for Gazi the Omniscient…she is dangerous. But not a threat to the Hives. She may still be a forerunner of what we desire. Post Listeners on her, but do not gainsay her in any way.”

“Fine work. I've never seen you around the Guild before. Are you one of the Humans from up north?”

“Yeah, and I'll pay her back, so stop grabbing my shirt, Selys. Look, she just seemed interested in me, but I don't know her that well. But why do you think—”

“No…I think they're called Shield Spiders. Is that right?”

“You. Erin Solstice. Killed Shield Spiders.”

“The world. As in…all of it?”

“Oh, of course! You can turn in—you have a bounty?”

“Hi, Selys. Um, I'm here to collect a bounty? That's how it works, right?”

“I am Gazi of Reim.”

“Sure thing. I'm going back to my inn right away, so you can come over whenever works best.”

“I can't believe that just happened.”

“No, we'd have heard of it. One is bad enough. Two? I bet the Walled Cities would be escorting them everywhere with an army.”

“Yep. Well, it's small, and I just started—it's just a few miles outside the city.”

“Go. Ensure that Human does not bring about further ruin. Protect the Hive and carry out my will. Go and do this in my name…”

“Hey, you're supposed to be strong, aren't you?”

“Well, isn't Relc level thirty-something? That's only a difference of ten levels, right?”

“Hey, do you know anything about that new adventurer? Gazi?”

“Erin, how do you know her?”

“What was the problem? If it's simple repairs, I could introduce you to some skilled craftsmen…”

“No, really. There's a cart of them outside. I didn't count how many but—”

“Oh? Isn't she from one of your [Lord]-type families?”

“What? No. I'm not an adventurer. I'm an [Innkeeper].”

“Oh no. He's picking a fight with the adventurers! That idiot!”

“No—no need. I'm working on it. It's just that we had a very bad incident with disappearing skeletons. And—I should get back there to make sure more aren't missing.”

“Ah. A warrior among civilians. A rare sight in peaceful Izril.”

“Sure, I'll call some [Laborers] over. Hey! I need eight…”

“You're calling her by her first name?”

“Erin! How are you not impressed?”

“You have an inn? Here? Really?”

“Erin! Thank goodness you're okay!”

“The King of Destruction's vassal.”

“She has a last name?”

“No—we'll definitely take them. Do you even know how valuable Shield Spider bodies are? With the right skills, a [Blacksmith] could create shields, armor…”

“Anyone coming up north?”

“You. Killed them.”

“Well, she cut one in half.”

“Oh—hello! Can we help you, miss?”

“Now that's creepy.”

“Really? They're that tough?”

“Oh Ancestors! She's coming this way!”

“She lent you money!?”

“I foresee it.”

“Lots of things.”

“…Erin? What's going on?”

“What's going on? What's happening?”

“Don't be rude!”

“Is it…Goblin ears?”

“Uh, hi there.”

“Oh, of course.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

“Really? So the bounty—”

“Amazing.”

“Eh.”

“Unbelievable.”

“Ksmvr.”

“Hey! Clear the way!”

“But Klbkch—”

“What an incredible experience.”

“Oh? You're so sure?”

“Oh. Excuse me.”

“Shield Spiders?”

“Gazi?”

“Really?”

“Eh?”

“Erin!”

“Really?”

“Really?”

“Disappearing skeletons…?”

“Bounty…?”

“Shield Spiders?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“What?”

“Yeah.”

“Yep.”

“Um. Wow…?”

“Oh.”

“Well, yeah—”