“How much do you care about the girl?” Warumasa asked.

  “I promise you, at this very moment the girl is my world.” Apherward said.

  “Then I need you to take this seriously, because right now she is the world in it’s entirety to both of us right now.”

  “I didn’t take you for a coward.”

  “Do you have any idea what the potential is for this girl under my guidance?”

  “You mean my guidance.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Anyway, I need you to take this very seriously.”

  “Of course. I am very serious about the girl’s growth. And I will be the first to admit that you are more concerned about her health and wellbeing than me.”

  “You’re talking like that's a high bar to leap over.”

  “Yeah! Okay. Is there a point to this discussion?”

  “Yes. While I do indeed want to bask in the blood of a vampire, and just about every other human, I also want to make sure that this opportunity doesn’t fall by the wayside. Which by the way, you have already done to the girl.”

  “It was an honest mistake.”

  “It was the dumbest mistake you can make. How can you just forget to eat and sleep? Wait, we’re getting off topic. Let us speak of the future.”

  “Alright. Alright.” Apherward said.

  “I think that we should be more mindful of the girl. Remove all distractions. If you truly wish to go after him, you must commit to the act of taking his life, or unlife. I actually don’t know how to describe that.”

  “Then know that I am committed to making Ren an adventurer on par with the legends of yore.”

  “As you should be.”

  “Then let us make haste. As long as there are no further distractions, we shall gut him in his office in broad daylight!” Apherward said.

  “And so, that is why I should just stab Mackamer real quick and leave.” Ren said.

  Mona gives Ren a hard long look while one of her brows raises so high, you think it might lift from her head. She looks down and rubs her temple with her hand. They were both in Ren’s room at the inn. Mona initially wanted to see if Ren had made any progress with finding the potential weaknesses of Mackamer. Ren had told Mona about the magic goblet she retrofitted to find those weaknesses. It just requires that the goblet be filled with blood. For the use in this particular instance, the goblet had to be filled with Mackamer’s blood in particular.

  “You said you came up with a plan and it was a single sentence long.” Mona said.

  “It is the best plan!” Ren said as flatly as ever.

  There is a pause as Mona thinks if she has it in her to lecture Ren. In the end, she just makes an off handed comment that she tries not to word as an insult.

  “I think that your plan isn’t appropriate. It might be better if you left the planning to someone more experienced in the field.” Mona said while watching her words.

  “I’ll be fine. I’m going to go now as long as there are no further distractions.” Ren said.

  At those words, a knock came to Ren’s door. Ren cautiously answers the door. At the door are two men in armor. They speak authoritatively.

  “Ren the adventurer. You have been summoned to the Albrinter family estate. There will be a meeting at the 15th hour. We also carry a message. You have time to eat lunch before the meeting begins. We are prepared to escort you to the estate if you believe it necessary. Otherwise, the guards at the gate have been informed that they will be receiving a guest.” the guard says.

  There is a long silence as he finishes speaking.

  “Okay.” Ren said with the tone she usually speaks in.

  Three hours after noon, Ren is seated in a waiting room in the Albrinter family manor. She sits as still as a doll. Some of the maids, butlers and other staff are a bit creeped out, but leave her unbothered. Finally, a butler approaches Ren and speaks to her.

  “Good madam. The family is ready to meet with you. Please, it’s right this way.” the man gestures down a hall.

  Ren quietly stands up and follows the man’s direction. It isn’t long until he stops before a set of double doors. Pushing it open, the interior is revealed. Inside is a long wooden table of fine make and immaculate polish. It is surrounded by cushioned chairs with wooden frames. Seated around the table appear to be a lot of people with pink hair and golden eyes.

  The first is Velaura Albrinter. She is young. 10-years-old and has an air of focus and confidence about her. At least she looks confident right now, or at least looks confident at this moment. Ren has met her many times and has spoken at lengths with her about the magical ward and barrier around this estate. Next to her was Unwo Albrinter. Unwo was 12-years-old. She visibly looks uncomfortable sitting in this room. Ren and the voices in her head have next to nothing about her besides the fact that she is knowledgeable about the family’s private temple. Next to her was Halderd Albrinter. He was 13-years-old and Ren first met him as she needed a medical professional to realign her arm after she dislocated it. While Ren has met him twice, he hasn’t made much of an impression on her or the voices in her head. On the opposite side of the table, Gilligan Albrinter had taken a seat. He was flanked by men wearing expensive armor and swords at their hips. Ren and the voices in her head only knew that he was critical of Ren’s skills and spells, claiming that they were not optimal.

  Thus came an end to the members of the Albrinter family that Ren had encountered. Next to Gilligan sat a young woman. She wore thick glasses and thick robes. She seemed attentive, but a bit uninterested until Ren entered the room. When she saw Ren, it seemed almost as if she were analysing Ren in some sort of way. Perhaps she was looking up Ren’s status. Next to her was a boy who was fast approaching the day he could call himself a man. He too was flanked by men in armor, however these men wore padded armor and held muskets instead of swords. He wore fine clothes with a scarf wrapping his neck, despite the autumn weather. The young man gave Ren a curious look, but otherwise seemed bored and uninterested. Finally, there was the young man at the head of the table. Everyone here sported pink hair and golden eyes. Even so, this man in particular had an air of authority about him. His dress shirt sported a fine fur coat of some white furred animal that adorned the collar of his shirt. His fingers were interlocked on top of the table and the cuffs of his ropes were adorned with buttons made of gold. He had a breast pocket that had a chain hanging from it, much like how people would keep a pocket watch in a breast pocket. He was dressed unlike anyone Apherward had seen. Warumasa knows that this sort of apparel had been rising in popularity in cities, but such trends were rare in towns like Blue Pine town. It was a sign of changing times. These clothes were signs of changing times and a gap forming between people. It was all the more prevalent since he was the one sitting at the head of this table.

  “Welcome.” the young man at the head of the table said. “I don’t know what Velaura has said, but I hear you have made a very grave accusation. Vampirism from a man like Mackamer Fundae can be very problematic. Still, I would hear what you have to say.”

  Ren remained silent, seemingly from a stunned silence.

  “Wait, who are you and why am I here?” Ren asked.

  There are a few chuckles and laughs in the room in response. Velaura notably holds her head in apparent shame. The young man at the head of the table speaks up and the table begins to quiet down.

  “For the sake of brevity, we are the sons and daughters of Lord Oschont Albrinter. Our family is charged with the protection and operation of Blue Pine town as a transport hub. The family’s youngest daughter claims that one Mackamer Fundae is guilty of the crime of vampirism. In the absence of my lord father, we have been charged with the task of uncovering the truth of it all. We have only briefly heard of the situation from Mayor Ursted, and he has since given up on the situation, but we are of a different mind.”

  “Oh! Okay!” Ren says flatly.

  “Perhaps introductions are in order.” the young woman on the says.

  “Perhaps so.” the man at the head of the table speaks up. “You have met some of us while you were here, but allow us the chance to introduce ourselves to you. I am Lutz Albrinter. I am the eldest son of Lord Oschont Albrinter. I am 18 years in age and in line to inherit the title of lord. Do forgive our lord father. He frequents the capital and hasn’t paid a visit to town in some time. While I do not hold the title as of yet, do know that I will do my utmost for the town. Though the title holder of lord is to be responsible, do not hesitate to seek out the ear of his sons and daughters.”

  He gestures to his side with a hand. The young man flanked by riflemen in padded armor begins to speak.

  “I am Sardon Albrinter. 16-years-old and I’m just a guy into black powder.” he speaks much less elegantly than his older brother.

  The woman with thick glasses speaks next.

  “Hello! I’m Perschale Albrinter. I’m just studying to be a teacher. I’m 15 and I hope we can be good friends.” she says cheerfully.

  She then gestures to her younger brother. He scoffs as he speaks.

  “Gilligan Albrinter. We’ve met.” he says. “If nothing else, I am impressed by your foresight into your aspiration. When last we spoke, I never thought to think about your goal to be an adventurer. Someone who takes on a number of odd jobs that involve delving headlong into danger. I will retract my last statement. Quite frankly, I know little of what skills adventurers need.”

  He snaps his fingers and points across the table to Halerd.

  “Um. Hi! I’m Halerd Albrinter.” he says. “I’m studying to be a doctor.”

  Unwo speaks next.

  “Hello. I’m Unwo Alrbinter.” she says. “I-I like to spend time at the temple.”

  Velaura fixes herself before she speaks.

  “I am Velaura Albrinter. I have spoken at lengths with my family and have brought up your services before them. I think you are trustworthy and a friend. For the sake of my brothers and sisters, may you introduce yourself?”

  “Sure!” Ren said. “I’m Ren the adventurer.”

  There is a brief pause in the discussion.

  “That’s it?” Sardon says.

  “Don’t worry about him. You did fine.” Perschale says. “Now, if you can, please go over everything with us. We were told that there was a crime wave in town for some time. A gang began to form and it’s leader was slain by Mona Hazel, is that right?”

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  There is a pause. It seems that Ren is thinking on it, but in truth an argument had broken out in her head between the voices in there.

  “I think I deserve a bit of credit for killing Lenard.” Apherward said.

  “Oh bitch, please! You just stood there and held a barrier up whenever he swung me.” Warumasa poked fun at him. “If Ren were swinging me, your stupid ass barrier would’ve been cut in twain each time.”

  “Well, because Ren casted Basic Barrier, you bounced off those barriers. So I don’t think you have any room to gloat about such things. She’s my special girl and I will not have you thinking you are better than me with ‘what ifs’ and the like.”

  “Well, let me remind you that you let her starve and faint by the roadside and then let the same thing happen again not even an octant later.”

  “Well, I haven’t pushed her so hard that her bones came loose! In fact I am very mindful of her limits. You’re the one always pushing her to extremes!”

  “As opposed to you, who let Ren get carried by that nun. If she only applied herself, she might have killed Lenard by her damn self. Instead, you let some stranger from a holy institution coddle her every step of the way!”

  “Oh, a demon has a problem with a woman of the cloth. I should have seen that one coming.”

  “My ass! You know how many priests and shit inappropriately touch children over the years?”

  “Oh please, the woman was perfectly friendly and professional when she took Ren to the bathhouse. She treated her wounds and gave the girl a proper bath.”

  “YOU WHAT?!?!” Warumasa screamed within Ren’s head.

  As the two voices in Ren’s head argue, Ren continues her discussion with the Albrinter children.

  “Yeah. I think Mona did most of the work.” Ren said.

  “I see.” Lutz says. “And you are sure that he named Mackamer as both implicit in supporting crime in town and of vampirism. Do I have that right?”

  “Yep.” Ren said.

  “So, the words of a dying man. That’s good and all.” Sardon said. “But I heard he beat those allegations. Care to explain?”

  “Yeah. I asked him to stand in the sunlight.” Ren said. “He didn’t burn in the sunlight. So that was a problem.”

  “Yes, I would say so.” Lutz says.

  “I know we’ve been after this guy for a while, but if he really is one of our enemies why are we sitting around talking about this instead of just walking over and grabbing him?” Gilligan says.

  “Now Gilligan,” Perschale says. “This is a nice little town. We are in a society and our family is the stewards of this town. We cannot abuse our power as you suggest. Even in the pursuit of our enemy. We must have a valid cause for using force on another man.”

  “Yeah, whatever.” Gilligan scoffs.

  “I have a question.” Ren says. “Do you all have a particular problem with Mackamer or is there something else going on here?”

  “Well, if you must know, Mackamer is kind of a dick and we were hoping to take him out back and shoot him like the mangey and feral dog that he is.” Sardon says.

  “Please forgive his little outburst.” Lutz says. “What he means to say is that Mackamer Fundae has made an enemy of us. He has been manipulating markets, challenging our authority and has been dishonest with us in the past. There are a litany of other plights that he plagues us with, but I am certain that you would not care to hear of it.”

  “But do tell us, have you encountered him and his power as of yet?” Perschale asks. “Can he hypnotize people? Turn into bats?”

  “Calm down, sister.” Lutz spoke. “I recall that he beat the allegations by standing in sunlight. Let us calm down and curb our excitement until we have definitive proof that he is indeed a vampire.”

  “Of course, but allow me to explore the avenue.” Perschale said.

  “You may explore it, I ask only that you not take action.” Lutz says. “It would be just a bit embarrassing if we were wrong. No. Embarrassing would be the least of our worries if we were wrong. Please temper yourself. Know that we all stand against him, but more importantly, with you.”

  “Yes, brother.” Perschale says. “I apologize if I came off as crass or hot headed.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about that.” Gilligan speaks as he leans back in his chair. “I want to run him through with a blade myself.”

  “But that begs the question, what do we do now?” Sardon speaks up. “I thought we were here to remove a thorn in our side. But now we’re just doing nothing now?”

  “I’m afraid so.” Lutz says. “We cannot make a move as things stand now.”

  “If I may speak.” Velaura says. “I think that we don’t have to call this day a waste. I want to make Ren an ally we can rely on.”

  The youngest person in the room speaks with authority and confidence.

  “This girl?” Sardon says.

  “Yes! She is strong, reliable and someone I would call a friend.” Velaura says.

  “Have you seen her status?” Sardon asks.

  “I have!” Velaura says. “She is an adventurer. Someone who is dependable and ready to fight opponents bigger and stronger than them.”

  “Those are legends, Velaura.” Lutz speaks up. “I would not call on someone because of some legends. This must be done properly. We do not need an adventurer or someone we know so little about.”

  “I-I think that Ren can do it. She can help.” Halerd finally spoke up.

  “Halerd, you would vouch for this girl too?” Lutz asked.

  “C-can I?” Halerd mumbles.

  “Of course you can, dummy.” Velaura said.

  “I want to have Ren help us too.” Unwo said.

  “Oh? Has Ren made such an impression on you all?” Lutz says. “Gilligan, you have met her too. I would hear your opinion on her too.”

  Gilligan looked at Ren before returning his gaze back to the Albrinter family’s eldest son.

  “I think she’s nice enough.” he says while he shrugs his shoulders.

  “I will take it to mean that you also vouch for her.” Lutz says. “Is anyone actually opposed to counting Ren among our allies?”

  “I have no issue with the decision.” Perschale says.

  “Well look, your pick in friends is safe with my indifference.” Sardon says.

  “I see. It seems you all have a great faith in Ren.” Lutz says. “Then let me ask, how do you propose we ask for Ren’s assistance?”

  “Huh?” Velaura said.

  “I don’t understand the question.” Unwo said.

  “How would you utilize Ren in our efforts to stand against Mackamer Fundae?” Lutz asked.

  “Uhm… well…” Velaura stammers.

  “Uhh…” Unwo tries to think of something.

  “Well, maybe… hmm…” Halerd hesitates.

  Gilligan audibly slaps the table and fixes his posture as he speaks next.

  “I would like to ask Ren to help investigate the trending bandit raids in the area and who they target in particular.” he says. “Call it an outreach program between us and the local merchants. We will put out a call to action among the various businesses and companies. We’ll give some spiel about taking care of crime beyond the town’s walls. They can come to us and tell us of their woes about bandits in the area. Anyone who doesn’t can just keep getting hit by bandits whenever they want to ship their goods.”

  “And how would this help against Mackamer?” Lutz asked.

  “I want to find a connection.” Gilligan said.

  “A connection?” Lutz asked.

  “Yeah.” Gilligan says. “Here’s what I think, despite all your efforts to play it safe, I’ve done something of substance. How should I word this? I’ve taken a shot in the dark, as it were.”

  “Pfft. Again with this.” Sardon scoffs. “You keep this up, and you might get killed.”

  “I do this to be of service to my country.” Gilligan said.

  “Yes, and the title of heir is a nice little side dish.” Sardon sneered.

  “Call it what you will, does it matter if it helps us nail a guy going after everyone who shares our family’s name?” Gilligan said mockingly.

  “We can stop this discussion here.” Lutz says. “I have my own reservations about your techniques and strategies, but I will hear what you have to say. Please, continue Gilligan.”

  “Right then.” he straightens himself out in his seat. “You know how the Razneck empire has been funding a bunch of weirdos and sickos in our country? I think they’re responsible for a thing or two around our town. I hear bandits are getting some great hardware. Whoever heard of bandits getting the newest guns? I certainly think that’s strange. And you know what, I shot in the dark. Me and my boys took a trip out of town.”

  Gilligan gestures to the two men in plate armor behind him.

  “We found some guys who fled their country and started a bandit clan in our borders.” he spoke in a confident tone. “We asked them some questions. Their tongues are much looser than most people actually fighting for some grand cause. Anyway, they told us that they were getting support and money from a guy who knows a guy and a guy after that. I followed the trail until we found our guy and it turns out it was a guy from Razneck.”

  “You’re saying that the empire has finally turned their attention to the Irvan kingdom? Toward us?” Lutz asked.

  “I don’t know about that, but our fair country would certainly be next on their chopping block. Our queen has been making moves to prepare too. But I’m not here saying that the Razneck imperial army is going to march on us tomorrow. No. I’m saying they’re funding the gang that our intrepid adventurer wiped out not long ago. If I’m right, then the bandits running around and the new gang that sprang up in town were getting support from someone with money and a bit of intelligence. In exchange, our local problems escalate and who knows what else they’re getting out of the deal. I’m putting forward that there is a connection between the Razneck empire backing up our foul actors and Mackamer is either one of their agents or working under such an agent.”

  “That is perhaps the boldest claim that I’ve ever heard.” Lutz said.

  “Sure. Sure. But can you deny the possibility?” Gilligan said.

  “Then you would take this shot in the dark, and use your friend Ren as an arrowhead.” Lutz says.

  “I would, unless you got any other ideas.” Gilligan says.

  “And what of our new friend?” Lutz looks to Ren.

  Everyone in the room looks toward Ren. She has basically been as still as a statue. Looking at her now, she might seem like a doll.

  “I’m fine with whatever.” Ren says in a flat tone of voice.

  “Marvelous! Then how about we get started!” Gilligan had a wicked smile as he spoke.

  “Yes! Ah! So much blood!” Warumasa was screaming in a form of ecstacy that only a demon would be capable of voicing.

  “Well, I’m glad at least one of us is having fun.” Apherward said.

  “Shit! Shit! Shit!” a bandit cries as a girl a fraction of his age rapidly approaches him.

  Ren plunges Warumasa into a man’s chest. The blade runs through all the way until it erupts from his back and blood splatters everywhere. The dozens of other men and women who took up the life of a bandit stare in horror as a little girl carves through them. Ren pulls the blade out of him and more blood erupts from his chest. He screams as blood pours out of him at an unnatural rate.

  “What in the world?”

  “Why is there so much blood?”

  “Is she using a magic item?”

  “We’re bandits! Why is someone using magic items on bandits?”

  “I think we can take this kid. I’d be worried if the Irvan kingdom army decided to drop by.”

  A man fires a pistol at Ren. Ren responds by parrying it. The clang of metal rings out like a bell. On account of the fact that it is a pistol, the man in particular is now helpless and the bang of a black powder explosion let’s everyone know about it. The bandits that he called his friends and accomplices in crime take a step back and away from the man in particular.

  “Well, I’d still prefer this girl over the army.”

  Ren rushes the man and he is slashed in half. The others around him scream as a man who they ate breakfast with hits the floor and blood begins to spew out.

  “Oh, crap! We’re doomed!!!”

  Quest Complete

  Eliminate some bandit clan to the north

  “Who the fuck is that?!?!”

  “Run! It’s a monster! It’s a monster unlike anything I’ve ever seen!”

  Quest Complete

  Eliminate some bandit clan to the south

  “Hey man, how much blood am I supposed to lose?”

  The bandit was met with silence.

  “Joey? Oh! Joey died before me.”

  Quest Complete

  Eliminate some bandit clan to the east

  “Wait! I’ll talk! Just spare my life and I’ll- Bwaah!!!” the bandit is cut down mid sentence.

  “Wait, I wanted him to talk.” Ren said as a man she cut in half crumbles before her as two pools of blood form beneath the two halves of the man. “Whoops.”

  “You absolutely mucked that one up.” Apherward said. “For that, I’m taking this.”

  Class promotion. Warrior -> Mage.

  Ren

  Level 9 Warrior -> Level 9 Mage

  Strength: 17 -> 15

  Magic: 26 -> 29

  Agility: 12

  Vitality: 13 -> 10

  Quest Complete

  Eliminate some bandit clan to the west

  Level up!

  Ren

  Level 9 Mage -> Level 10 Mage

  Strength: 15 -> 16

  Magic: 29 -> 32

  Agility: 12 -> 13

  Vitality: 13 -> 14

  “Oh for fuck’s sake, man.” Warumasa complains.

  “Actually, now that she’s level 10, I should be able to promote her to a higher class.” Apherward said. “Let’s see.”

  Class promotion. Mage -> Wizard.

  Ren

  Level 10 Mage -> Level 10 Wizard

  Strength: 16

  Magic: 32 -> 34

  Agility: 13 -> 14

  Vitality: 14

  “Yes! Yes!!! She has ascended to the level of a wizard!” Apherward cheered.

  “Wait! She can use higher tired classes like wizard?!?!” Warumasa said.

  Class promotion. Wizard -> Samurai.

  Ren

  Level 10 Wizard -> Level 10 Samurai

  Strength: 16 -> 21

  Magic: 34 -> 27

  Agility: 14 -> 15

  Vitality: 14 -> 17

  “Hahaha! Look at that!” Warumasa cheered.

  “Hey! Stop that!” Apherward whined.

  “Hey! It’s my turn to grow Ren as I envisioned.”

  “You can turn my ass. We never agreed to taking turns or whatever.”

  “Look at her stats idiot! It’s way too lopsided!”

  “Shut it. Don’t make me seal you by sticking you in a stone.”

  “You could never seal me!”

  “But you sure got in a scabbard nice and tidy.”

  “Look, if the lady can’t punch holes in you, I sure can.”

  “YOU THINK YOU CAN PENETRATE ME?”

  “YOU BET YOUR ASS I CAN!”

  After stabbing and slashing a lot of bandits, Ren was getting ready to call it a day. She had found bandits occupying the roads in and out of Blue Pine town. Shortly after the meeting with the Albrinter family, Ren went on a murderous rampage. The sun was beginning to set. It was a sign from the world that it was time to take a break. Ren’s stomach was also grumbling a fairly audible message.

  She was preparing to flick the blood off her blade, but Warumasa had stopped the instinctual motion. The blade wanted to mask in the fresh blood until it had gone stale. Once the blood was no longer as fresh as the demon blade liked, Ren flicked the blood off and sheathed it. As she does, the dozens of bandits that once stood begin to violently shake. From every corpse Ren had made in the past few hours, a pale light erupted into the air. The lights dimmed until they vanished. In the next moment, a purple light descended in front of Ren. A crater formed where the light impacted the ground. As the light dimmed, a form began to stand. The figure was humanoid, but sported horns on it’s head. It was a tall, muscular and masculine figure. He rose up and stood over Ren. He is easily three times her height.

  “Warumasa, help me out here.” the figure spoke in a grumbling demonic tone. “I’m pissed and I was hoping to vent my frustration out on you. Thankfully, I found a ton of corpses lying around in all 4 directions of where our pact was made. So, how about it.”

  The figure pulls a whip from his belt.

  “You don’t mind, do you?” he says. “Although, even if you do, I don’t really care.”

  “I’m sorry, who are you?” Ren said looking up at the figure.

  “It’s me. Flogalot!” the figure said. “You know. The demon of Wrath.”

  “Ah. Okay.” Ren says. “Warumasa can play a bit, but I’m kind of hungry. If we can, please try to make this quick.”

  “Whatever you say, kid.” Flogalot said.

  “Thank you for celebrating with me, Flogalot.” Ren said in her usual plain tone of voice.

  “Celebrating?” Flogalot asked.

  “Yep!” Ren said as she took a fighting stance. “I leveled up! I’m going to get some new skills and spells. So let’s celebrate.”