Authors note: Alright then, I'll first apologize for the time it took for this chapter. I was trying to work past some writers block on another story (to no avail sadly) and had to wait for OC's and figure how to incorporate them effectively, so it took longer than I expected for this chapter.
Dragonarrow16 your review and OC were deleted because you put it in the review when I specifically asked it not to be.
Review replies:
.true: yeah probably should have more of a reaction. Was figuring just albedo's would be enough as she is kind of like a voice to the guardians. Will fix in future.
S.R.457 c: I have many ideas for future quests, but I am not against having more. If you wish to share an idea, Pm it over to me.
levelgap: yep. Racial skills, as well as a list of Ninya's spells will be added to the growth bio at the chapter end. And maybe albedo is jealous, oh my.
brianwood978: Albedo has good reasons for her actions in most cases. Probably. Either way her ability to bash Ninya may wane over time.
Chamaeleonx: She didn't join Momons group because even as a heteromorphic, she's still not even close to his, or even Nabe's power level and it'd be counterproductive. And because it allows me to have fun like this in this chapter XD
I'd also like to thank you lovely people who tossed you OC's to me. So I would like to thank -
Lobisomen616, .true, levelgap, fuuten21, PixelDemise, and neurocid for their OC's.
Any other OC's that people send may get used, but these ones are guaranteed, so thank you again.
Now enough rambling. Onto the insanity!
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Knock Knock knock.
"Nnnngggghhh, I'm awake, peter, just let me-"Ninya began to mutter as she twisted in her bed, only to fall out of it onto the carpet. Opening her eyes she let them adjust for a second, and as they did, CZ opened the door to her room and peered in, allowing dull light to filter in with her.
Oh, right, peter is. . . . Not around anymore.
"Are you, okay?" CZ asked after a few seconds as she looked at Ninya sprawled on the floor.
"Err, yeah, I just, was having a dream . . . of the past." Ninya muttered as she got up off the floor, rubbing her side a bit as she did. Why couldn't she have landed on her tail when it's soft, but no she had to land on her dammed wider hip!
CZ nodded in understanding. "When ready, meet in throne room."
Ninya instantly became ecstatic as CZ's words reminded her what today was. She and CZ were going to E-Rantel! She was finally going to be outside of this underground tomb! And she'd be on her own mostly! She could finally train without the guardians watching over her shoulders!
"Right, I'll be there, I just need to change." Ninya said as she grabbed and threw off her top without a moment's hesitation, and then glared down at her chest in annoyance. Right, she was going to be in E-Rantel as a woman, wasn't she?
"Okay. See there." CZ Said as she left and closed the door behind her.
Ninya slowly let out a breath to calm herself down as she changed into what was now her usual clothing. Weather it was the fact she was a Kitsune, or her Miko class, the clothing itself felt natural to wear no matter how much she wanted to deny it. It was easy to move in, the skirt was long enough that it wouldn't allow anything to be seen under most circumstance, but also did not get in the way of her movement, and it just felt right.
Even if she didn't want it to.
Once dressed, Ninya made sure her room was in order, not pausing at the thought of it being hers and walked out into the halls of Nazarick.
Moving from the bedrooms to the throne room was a simple matter, and Ninya had memorized the entire level over the last couple of days, allowing her to get to the throne room in record time to find that only Ainz was there, standing just down from the throne looking, content maybe? it was hard to tell from an unmoving skull.
"Ah, good you are here first." Ainz said as he noticed Ninya walk in. as she walked over she was prepared to be forced to kneel, but instead of Albedo popping out of nowhere, Ainz Pulled out a small pile of folded clothing that appeared to be the same as her own clothing and held it out to her. "I should have had CZ deliver these to you, but these garments should suit you better for continued adventuring."
Ninya took the garments from Ainz and looked them over. They looked the exact same as what she was wearing, but simply holding them she could feel magic coursing through them. "These are enchanted?"
"Yes, they have simple defensive enchantments on them. Use the door behind the throne to head into my own suite, you may change there as long as you are quick and no one else see's you go in. just leave what you are wearing on the desk and I'll have them moved to your room for when you return."
Ninya nodded and quickly did as Ainz suggested. It still surprised her how different he acted when there was no one else around, but she wasn't about to bring it up, not until she could at least escape a fight with a guardian and keep her limb intact.
Entering the bedchamber, Ninya could only gaze in wonder at it for a moment. The bed that took up the majority of the room was gigantic and on the one wall was a desk larger than her own bed! Thick carpeting covered the floor, and a chandelier hovered above illuminating the whole room in a strange half-light.
. . . . Did an undead even need a bed though?
Pushing the thought out of her head Ninya stripped down again and put on the new clothing. It was mostly the same in design, but the color of the red skirt was a slight bit brighter and it had no sleeves. Just wearing the clothing made her feel if she could take on foes much stronger than she was. It was a strange feeling, especially since she had only heard of rumors of enchanted clothing in the past. Swords, shields, even necklaces yes, but clothing was supposed to be difficult to enchant due to its durability. Yet here she was wearing an entire outfit of enchanted clothing!
Finishing changing Ninya quickly left the bedroom, feeling awkward about changing in the room of a corpse in the first place, and found CZ entering the throne room. She glanced at her and tilted her head a slight bit, but otherwise said nothing as she stood and waited for Ninya to come down beside her.
When Ninya came down however, she noticed that CZ was not wearing her usual clothing, and was instead wearing what looked to be a variation on her own clothing. The top was the same style, but dark grey in color, and instead of a skirt she wore dark grey pants that were similarly pleated to her skirt, and tucked into her socks. Her hair was done up into a ponytail, and her scarf was wrapped around her neck as it always was. She looked surprisingly good in the clothing, especially with her hair done up, and Ninya was sure no one would be able to recognize her at first glance.
"If you are wondering about CZ's clothes, I may get to that in a moment." Ainz said with a chuckle as he pulled out a large tome and held it in one hand. The cover of it was a glossy black red, and on the cover was what appeared to be a black and white twisted circle with two circles inside of it, and a chain of swords surrounding it. "Do you know what this is?"
Ninya shook her head, stopping herself from answering with 'a book'.
"Some advanced classes can be learned through special sites or objects, such as this skill book." Ainz explained as he extended it to Ninya. "This particular book is a somewhat rare skill book that teaches the basics of the Spellblade class, a class that allows spiritual magic users to wield a weapon and use weapon skills while casting magic. If you want its knowledge, simply take it and open it and they shall be yours."
"Just like that? I'll just know how to and be able to wield a weapon while casting spells just like that?" Ninya asked in surprise, the entire idea seeming farfetched and impossible. Granted, so had reincarnation, yet here she was.
"Yes." Ainz said simply, and before the word even fully left his teeth Ninya took the book and threw it open. the pages within began glowing, runes, magical shapes and energy began spilling out of the book and swirling around her for a few seconds, then all surged into her body, just as the book itself disintegrated into particles of white light in her hands.
Ninya looked at her hands for a moment with her mouth hung open, before swallowing and looking at Aizn with a baffled look. "I have a level in Spellblade now. I can wield a weapon and cast spells and . . . and I could even learn special skills to combine them!"
"Yes, it should serve you well; however, Spellblade will level very slowly, as it requires you to actively use a weapon and spells at once, which is not always the best idea. You should also know that levels In Spellblade only count toward magic levels after its second level. You will not gain magical power, or increased strength from it gaining levels until it hits level 3."
"I understand . . . and, uh, thank you." Ninya said honestly as she bowed to Ainz at the waist, it feeling oddly appropriate.
"It is no problem. It will increase your survivability and allow you to become much stronger in time." Ainz said with a wave of his hand. "Now then, I have decided upon how we will-"
Ainz stopped as the door to the throne room opened and Cocytus walked in, the doors closing behind him. Walking up to the side Cocytus stopped just beside Ninya and CZ, and knelt down, staring at the floor.
"You should be leaving to make war with the Lizardfolk, Cocytus; is there something you require?" Ainz asked, turning his attention to him.
"Yes my lord, I apologize for this interruption, but there is one thing I must do, that I was not able to yesterday." Cocytus replied, his gaze still on the floor. He seemed oddly tense as well, something that Ninya, and even CZ seemed to find odd.
"Very well, what is it that you must do?" Ainz Asked curiously.
In response Cocytus stood up, turned to Ninya and pulled out a sheathed blade that Ninya recognized as one of the 'oriental' style weapons he had introduced her to during his training. "It is traditional for a student to be gifted a blade when they complete their training." Cocytus said sternly as he held the blade out to Ninya.
Noticing Ainz' pleased look out the corner of her eyes, Ninya gently took the blade from Cocytus's hand, And without any hesitation gripped the sheath with one hand, the blades handle with the other, and pulled it out of the sheathe. The oriental blade was slightly curved and just a bit shorted than a longsword. The blade itself was a whitish silver color that seemed to glow like a full moon, and under the glow was an intricate wavelike pattern. Holding the blade filled Ninya with a strange feeling that made her instantly understand one thing. This blade was enchanted, or magical. Possibly both.
"The Miko no Tsuki-Gatana, hmm?" Ainz said in a strange tone. "Are you sure you wish to part with it, Cocytus?"
"Yes. She is deserving of a weapon that suits her shape and skills. And I cannot wield it myself." Cocytus explained stoically.
"Very well." Ainz said as he looked to Ninya. "Do you accept Cocytus's Gift to you?"
"Of course!" Ninya said instantly, surprising even herself. "Um, you called it, Miko something, does that mean it's-"
"Yes. The Miko no Tsuki-Gatana, or the Miko's Moonblade. It is a Miko class specific Wakizashi. Even without the Spellblade class you would be able to wield it, but with it and the Spellblade class, you should find it much more usable to you."
Ninya looked at the Moonblade for a moment in wonder, until a horrible thought dawned on her. "This is named. Is, is it a legendary weapon form your land!?"
"No, but it is a rare magical weapon and It will be more useful to you than any other blade." Ainz said as he looked back to Cocytus. "Leave us and continue your mission." Ainz waited until Cocytus left then let out a small sigh. "This was not expected, but it means that you will not have to go to the armoury before you leave. CZ, have you acquired your equipment already?"
CZ shook her head." Was not informed. Gun no good?"
"No. the humans of this land do not know what is a gun is, and yours is too powerful." Ainz explained as he pulled a quiver and a beautiful red colored composite bow with strange curves to it, and odd shapes in the wood itself. "For this mission you will use a bow, and while it is not as powerful as your usual equipment, it should be more than enough for most enemies you would face."
CZ took the bow with a nod, quickly throwing the quiver around her back, and slipping the bow beside it. It looked strangely good with her current clothing and her hair done up, but Ninya wasn't sure why. She did notice a small sheathe built into the bottom of the quiver though, likely holding a small short sword as a backup weapon.
"Good. Now, if you both are ready, Narbarel and I shall leave first, then you will head out to E-Rantel. When you arrive, head for the Adventurer's Guild First! Narbarel and I shall meet the two of you there.
Ninya cocked an eye brow in surprise. "But, wouldn't that make people think that we know you as the adventurer Momon?"
"Yes. I need to flesh out Momon's background a bit more, and if you and CZ are related to Momon, it will allow you to flesh out your own backgrounds and get into E-Rantel with less difficulty, the rest will be up to you."
"I understand. But if we're going in as if we know you, what is our background?" Ninya asked as she finally sheathed the Moonblade and tied it around her waist.
Ainz skull impossibly twisted into a smile.
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The Adventurers Guild Headquarters in the city of E-Rantel was a very busy place. This however could not explain just how busy it was, nor could most words.
The adventurers Guild of E-Rantel was one of the larger ones, set inside a very large two story building. On the ground floor, Adventurers could look for and pick quests or jobs to do and even return when it was complete to be paid. The upper lofts of the Guild hall were private rooms, allowing parties of adventurers to discuss tactics, plans and stratagems for their jobs.
In all, the Guild hall was always bustling with people, and was the centre for all information and learning for adventurers.
Then two of the most well-known figures in all of E-Rantel entered the hall, and the noise died down to a dull murmur as everyone watched to see what they were here for.
Momon, The dark hero, whose black full plate armour, rendered him nigh invulnerable to all foes.
And the Beautiful princess, Nabe, whose prowess with magic was as substantial and her beauty.
The two of them made up one of only three Adamantite rank adventuring groups, and many considered their group, known as darkness, to be the strongest of all of them. And as the strongest, everyone aspired to be as strong as they and always was interested in knowing what they were up to. Few people dared try to approach them however, as the last person to force his way to join them, ended up dead barely a week before.
No one dared try to learn from them, of fear of being too weak to handle their training, or their gazes.
"Do you have any Quests for me?" Momon asked casually as he stepped up to the counter. Nabe was right behind him, glancing around at the room of onlookers with an unconcerned and disconnected gaze. No one knew what she was ever thinking, but most people agreed that he found those weaker than her less than important, and that meant everyone.
"I am sorry, Mister Momon. But we do not. Shall I notify you when we do?" The clerk asked warmly, used to all sorts of people coming up to her counter. The strong, the weak, the shy, the obnoxious, all were equal to the clerk, and it gained her respect among the adventurers, if only because she treated them all equally and did not put up with anyone's shit.
"I see. That is fine. I will-"
Suddenly the door to the Guild hall swung open with a thud, and before anyone could even react, the one responsible called out. "Lord Momon!"
Everyone's attention was instantly moved to the door as two young women walked into the hall without a care for the place, or the fact neither had plates around their necks. Both girls were foreign, with a similar look and feel to their build as Nabe, but the two women were as different as Momon and Nabe were.
The one leading the two was a young woman nearly Nabe's height. She had long and warm dirty blonde hair that swayed in the light, and her bright blue eyes seemed to exuded confidence and a station of power. She was wearing very strange clothing consisting of some sort of folded sleeveless top and a bright red skirt that went down to just past her knees. On her feet were long socks, going up into her skirt, and over them, simple sandals. On her waist was a strangely shaped sheath, and everyone in the room that knew how to cast magic could feel it wafting off of her like a heavy perfume. She was more powerful than someone her age would normally be, and if the sword was anything to go by, magic was not her only skill.
Behind her was a woman who felt similar to Nabe, but was mellower and even more disinterested in everything around her. She wore a similar top, dark grey in color, and instead of a skirt she wore loose pants that were pleaded like the skirts and the same color as he top. She wore simple shoes and had a strangely colored green and black scarf around her neck that many found odd to look at for more than a second or two at most. her hair was a beautiful red gold in color and done up into a ponytail that went down her back, nearly but somehow not covering the large quiver and bow on her back. The bow was strange, with more than the one primary curve of its shape, and many people noticed the handle of a blade poking out the bottom of the quiver, as if it was meant to be there. she wore an eyepatch over her left eye, making her right Emerald eye shine even brighter in the hall as she gaze around uninterested at everything. She felt like someone who could pinpoint a weakness at a hundred meters with no difficulty, and her lack of expression made many uneasy when her gaze passed over them.
Both women had very attractive forms, shapely with pronounced curves that their clothing seemed to both enhance and hide at the same time, and both appeared young, likely in their late teens. It made many of the younger male adventurers minds, and eyes, wander as they walked down the centre of the hall, directly toward Momon and Nabe.
As the two women came up to Momon and Nabe they stopped for a moment, and just as everyone began to tense up, expecting the worst, all four of them bowed to another more formally than anyone had ever seen Momon or Nabe act.
"Lady Nia, Ladu Shizu," Momon said as he nodded to the dirty blonde, then to the golden redhead in turn. "I had not expected to see you this far from home. Does my lord brother know you are here?" Momon asked, causing many people to blink in surprise at Momon's words. No one had ever heard anything about him having family.
"Yes uncle, My Lord father knows well that I am here." The girl named Nia said, shocking everyone in the room even more with her words. " As my lord fathers third-born child, I am free to do as I wish, and once my training earlier this year was completed, I volunteered to head out and look for you."
"Hmm,I see. And I suppose Shizu here, as your Retainer, was dragged along with you?" Momon asked in a humorous tone, complete with a light chuckle when Shizu nodded silently. "Good, if you were looking for me however, I assume there was a reason?"
"Yes. " Nia said as she pulled out a slip of paper, folded and sealed with wax, and handed it to Momon. "This is from my Lord father. The situation to our southern borders is becoming unstable and he requests your assistance."
"I see." Momon said as he broke the seal and looked at the letter, letting out a slight grumble. "My brother does need my help at the strangest times. Very well, Nabe and I shall return."
This caused the entire room to become deathly silent, when before many were still murmuring amongst themselves. Almost immediately the guild clerk came around the counter and stepped up between the two groups, far enough away to stay out of arms reach. "Mister Momon, I apologize for overhearing, but are you, leaving?"
"Yes, business has come up in my homeland." Momon replied as he looked back to Nia. "What will you and Lady Shizu do? Will you return with us? Or will you perhaps stay here to train or travel?"
"I-, That is, my lord father suggested I continue traveling once I delivered the missive. That way I could continue to learn and train so that I might approach your own skill!"
"I see. Then why not stay here." Momon suggested as he turned to the Guild clerk. "I must leave on Family Business, however my Niece and her Retainer, while not up to my own strength, are very skilled. Please allow them into the guild and set them up with whatever they require. You may utilize my reserve funds if you need to."
For a few seconds the clerk seemed dumbstruck, but quickly composed herself and nodded. "Very well Mister Momon, if you insist. Safe travels to you."
"Thank you," Momon said as she turned and walked toward the door, stopping just shy of it and turning to look back in at Nia and Shizu. "Nia, good luck, and train well. Lady Shizu, keep her safe." he said simply, before he and Nabe, left the Hall, leaving the two younger women in front of the guild clerk and a completely silent on looking gallery of adventurers, ranging from Copper to Orichalchum plates.
With Momon and Nabe gone, the entire hall was still perfectly silent as every onlooker waited to see what would happen. After a few seconds, Nia and Shizu Turned to the Guild clerk and bowed slightly to her. "Thank you for allowing us to join your guild. Are there forms that must be filed, or information that must be explained?"
"Hm? Ah yes, pardon me. Let us get that out of the way, just come up to the desk." The clerk said quickly as she went back around the counter and began grabbing papers from shelves behind her. "Normally you must register with the guild at another building, but we do that here on occasion." She said as she found the pages he was looking for. "Now then; May I have your names please?"
"I am Nia Sakura, and this is my Retainer and friend, Shizu Sutouka." Nia answered promptly, surprising the clerk with how willing she was.
Out the corner of her eyes the clerk could see that, while many adventurers had gone back to their business, many others were intently trying to learn what they could of the two new women. And she was more than willing to oblige to sate her own curiosity as well. "Mister Momon is your, uncle did you say? You are his Niece then?"
"That is correct." Nia replied calmly.
"This is not required but I am curious. If you have a retainer, is Nabe Mister Momon's?"
"Yes."
"I see. I apologize for being too curious. May I know your classes please?"
" Ranger. . . . Miko." Shizu said emotionlessly.
"So, you are both then?"
"No, Shizu means that she is a ranger, and I am a Miko." Nia explained.
"Alright, I know of rangers, but a Miko is, what is it?"
"A Miko is a spiritual caster. I have skills in minor healing, purification, temporary enchanting and some partial skills with a blade." Nia explained.
The clerk looked at her in shock and surprise. "Spiritual, not Divine magic?"
"Yes, is that a problem?"
"Ah, no of course not. Most divine casters are relegated to the church by law to use their healing for them, but as you are a spiritual type caster, and a foreigner, that does not apply to you." The clerk explained as she wrote down the information then looked up nervously. "Um, you spoke to Mister Momon like he was rather high ranking, would it be too much to ask if he or yourself are high ranking in your lands."
"We are. My father is the emperor of our lands, and Momon his brother and most trusted general. I, his third child and second daughter am however exempt from State affairs, allowing me to be here." Nia said calmly. Or, was she calm? The clerk suddenly couldn't tell, and oddly didn't care.
Weird.
"Alright. As per regulations, both of you will start as copper plates. Doing quests of difficulty may increase your ranking, and allow you to use guild facilities for less cost. Do you need an explanation on how to choose quests from the boards?"
"No that is alright, I believe I can figure it out."
"Very well. Here is a list of all the rules you must abide by while in the guild." The clerk said a she handed Nia a piece of paper completely covered in rules. "Also, as you are a magic caster and ranger, would I be correct in assuming that you would like to join another adventuring party? Even just temporarily?"
"That would probably be for the best, yes." Nia said hesitantly.
"Very good. I have to process your papers and go get your plates, so while I'm doing that why don't you mingle and talk to other adventurers. Many of them have lots of knowledge to share, and many are looking for people to join their parties for a soon to be sent out mission." The clerk said as she grabbed a pile of papers and left into the back of the hall.
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As Ninya turned around she both felt relived and horrified.
Relived because the plan that Ainz and her had decided upon had worked, and because the paperwork was being done with.
Horrified because of all the gazes from around the room centred on her and CZ. Interest, confusion, expectations, lust, she felt all of them on her, and the latter two worried her the most. The idea that she was supposed to be related to Momon would create some expectations even with his statement of her being not up to his level, and the lustful gazes made Ninya shiver. It wasn't something she had dealt with before, but now as she was not masquerading as a man, she would have to deal with them, especially since her body was so, well-shaped and equipped.
'Hopefully no one decided to make a pass at either of us.' Ninya hoped in her heart, only for two men to walk up to her.
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"Yo, so, Momon the black's Niece eh?" A rough looking middle aged man said as he, and another who looked very similar to him, walked up and stopped in front of Shizu and Nia, stopping them from being able to pass without having to backtrack around a series of tables.
"You must be pretty good in a fight eh? But you know, even the strong need, the right sort of help." The second man added, prompting the first to smile disturbingly.
"Yes, that's true. Here's an idea, you're new here, so why don't we show you the ropes?"
As if answering their words, Shizu stepped up between them and Nia, her neutral gaze looking at them with uncaring disinterest. "Scum."
"Excuse me!?" Both men nearly yelled as they took a step forward in anger at Shizu's words.
"Shizu, its fine." Nia said quickly, causing Shizu to bow slightly as she stepped to the side, planting herself beside Nia. "I apologize for Shizu's actions. She is protective of me. And I agree that we will need to work with others to, as you said, learn the ropes. However I believe we will look for other options in allies first."
"Oi now, we're the only option you need! So why don't you-"The man said with a perverse grin as his eyes were glued to Nia's chest. He stopped midsentence however, when a man walked up to them, and placed a hand on each of the men's shoulders, hard.
This new man was even rougher looking than the first two, but while the first two looked rough in very bad meaning of the word, this new man looked rough in every good sense of the word. He had slightly tanned skin, and easily noticeable sideburns and stubble covering his face. His head of hair was dark brown and unkempt, but had a sort of wild look to it that made his yellow eyes even more fierce looking. His body was well built, with prominent muscle that did not look overblown, hair covering his arms and a few small, but not invisible scars on his arms and shoulders. He was wearing simple brown pants, leather boots, a green tunic and simple leathers consisting of a vest over his tunic and simple bracers on his arms. On his back was a pair of sheathed longswords and on his belt were a small hatchet and a mace. Nia also noticed what looked to be small daggers sticking out of the sides of his boots.
"The girl said get lost," the man said gruffly with a stern look. "Do as she asks before some of the rest of us take offence to it!" he added, gesturing behind him with his head to the many annoyed adventurers at tables glaring at them.
"Hey, back off Slaaz, we're just taking to the girl!"
"Yeah, you can't just butt in and steal her attention when we're offering our help!"
The man glared at the other two and moved his hands off their shoulders, only to suddenly use them to grab the side of each man's head and pulled them closer to his, very roughly. "And we all know that that is not what your intention whatsoever, so get the fuck out of here before I throw you out the dammed window!" he said carefully, loud enough to be heard but not so loud that he sounded like he was yelling, as he shoved both men back, causing the one to stumbled and fall over a nearby chair, making some adventurers around the room chuckle to themselves.
" Dam you Slaaz, I'll kill-" the man who fell over began to say, until he saw Slaaz holding a hand on the top of his mace, and every adventurer behind him glaring daggers at them, some even reaching for their own weapons, though not gripping them just yet. "Tch, screw you. Let's get out of here." he said as his friend helped him up and the two of them quickly left the building.
Slaaz looked to Nia and Shizu and nearly growled. "Girls like you need to watch for lowlifes like them. Just because you can fight does not mean people will not go after you due to your looks. Others won't always be there to bail you out!"
"I thank you for that," Nia said with a slight bow, before moving her gaze directly at his eyes. "However, it was clear what they intended before they even opened their mouths."
"Scum. Easy to see. Easier to . . . . deal with." Shizu said unemotionally as she as well bowed to Slaaz, causing some few people in the room to shiver.
"Humph, at least your eyes work then." Slaaz huffed as he turned to walk away, and then let out a long and annoyed sigh. "Goddammit . . . . . . If you want, there are seats at my table." he said as he began walking toward a back wall were a young man in a hooded cloak was waving to him.
Nia turned to Shizu and smirked slightly. "What do you think?" She asked in a whisper.
"Silver rank. Rude, but maybe honest. Another at table. Four people total. Might work."
"I agree, let's find out." Nia said as she and Shizu followed Slaaz to his table at the back.
As they got to the table they could see the man who had waved to Slaaz much easier, and his looks surprised them. Whereas Slaaz was old and rough, this man was both young, mostly clean looking and far less open. He looked to be maybe eighteen or nineteen and had a look of experience to his green eyes that was subdued by the hood over his head. He wore what looked to be leather armour with his hooded cloak loose over it, and he appeared to be keeping his gaze anywhere but on Nia or shizu.
"Right, Introduction then. The names Lowgen Slaaz, Silver rank adventurer." Lowgen said gruffly as Nia and Shizu sat down at the table. "This naïve little runt is Sven Trayvern, a silver rank adventurer who figured he could rise to Orichalcum on his own, until he got stuck here at silver rank and realized better!"
"That's, hardly a fair introduction Lowgen." Sven said with a sigh he turned to Nia and Shizu, most of his face covered by his hood. "My name is Sven Trayvern, a silver rank adventurer. I've been trying to break out of silver rank, but found the missions to advance too difficult to do alone. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Nia Sakura, and this is my friend and retainer, Shizu Sutouka." Nia said with a slight bow of her head. "if you were working alone, are you still?" Nia asked curiously as he looked from Sven to Lowgen.
"He was, unit he realized that sometimes you need allies. He nearly begged me to help him a few days back." Lowgen said with a shrug as he leaned back in his chair and let his arms hang loose beside him casually.
"While I don't agree with his description, it's basically true. We've been doing small jobs the last few days to get used to the others capabilities." Sven said with a smile that just barely showed from under his hood. "Um, are you two going to be joining us then?"
"It's rude to assume such a thing boy." Lowgen said without lifting his head, still staring at the ceiling.
"Joining. Picked up job?" Shizu asked.
"Kind of," Sven answered as he leaned forward and clasped his hands together on the table nervously. "A couple of weeks ago a well-known silver party, known as the swords of darkness, was killed by Zuranon cultists. Momon and Nabe were the ones that then killed the cultists and stopped their plot, plowing through an army of undead bigger than anyone had ever witnessed in the towns cemetery.
"Barely a day later a vampire from your lands appeared and was responsible for killing an Adamantite adventurer before Momon blew apart a section of forest in defeating it." Lowgen said as he sat up right in his chair and looked over to the job board. "A couple of days ago a notice went up that a major multi group job as well as an announcement was going to be given today. So were waiting to see what the job is."
"I see. Nia said quietly, unconsciously looking down at the table solemnly.
"Something wrong girl?" Lowgen suddenly asked as he picked up a mug off the table and downed its contents with a single quick motion.
"Ah, no, is that why there's some announcement then? Changes to the rules maybe?"
"It's possible." Sven spoke up. "But most people aren't looking forward to that idea. If the rules change so suddenly, there may be a lot of angry adventurers. And that would be bad for everyone and-."
"It's starting." Lowgen suddenly said as he looked down to the counter where a woman had just come out from behind it.
She was an older woman, probably in her forties but still radiant and prideful. Her shoulder length grey hair managed to look youthful while still showing off her experience. And her thin, lithe body allowed some muscle to show from her bare arms and shoulders. She wore a pair of dark red pants with simple grey short sleeves top and a leather fest over it. On her waist was a belt covered in pouches, and on the back of her vest hung what looked to be a war pick of frightening size that somehow did not tug on the vest itself. Her grey eyes scanned the room for a moment, her neutral expression never changing no matter who she looked at.
"I thank you all for coming today." the woman began, her voice filling the room with experience and stern leadership. "For those of you who are not aware, I am the Guild master of this guild. All of yours direct boss!"
The minor amount of murmuring cut out instantly as she said this, and everyone had turned their attentions to her.
"You will all recall the horrible events that have transpired of recent with the loss of many good and well-loved adventurers. These events, caused by Zuranon, endangered our entire city and everyone's lives. This was allowed to happen not because any one adventurer made a mistake, but we the guild made a mistake, and that mistake allowed all of this to happen. The cemetery of the city is walled and watched by town guards every night, however no guard enters the cemetery itself, and anyone who hides in the depths of it is unseen and able to act without being caught. Because of this danger the guild will now be sponsoring a monthly extermination campaign of the undead that naturally appear in the cemetery!"
At this many people began murmuring to each other for various reasons. Some people sounded disgusted by the idea, others simply thought the guild was taking the loss of one silver party too seriously.
"Today shall mark the first cemetery extermination. Parties of copper, iron or silver plates must be in groups of four people minimum, and at the end of the extermination each party member will receive monetary reward equal to the average number of undead exterminated by their party. Additionally, each party will be sent to different gates into the cemetery, and each group will travel with one other group for protection. For the issue of difficulty, this job will count as an iron ranked job. Those of copper rank who complete it without endangering others or being hurt seriously will advance to iron rank. Those who are wishing to join the extermination please be sure to notify our clerks of your parties members so they may tell you what gate to head to. The extermination begins at twilight. Thank you, and if you have any questions, please see our clerks. They will be able to answer any of your questions." the guild master finished, before turning around and heading back into the back rooms of the guild.
The entire hall then exploded with conversation, parties talking, deciding whether they would join in or not, considering the cons and pro's, and some simple talking about how much they liked or disliked the idea of it.
"Hmm, so even if the four of us went as a party, we'd still be stuck onto another group as well." Lowgen muttered as he turned to Sven. "Could be a good chance for you to meet some more people, boy."
"Eh, err. I guess. "Sven muttered in a slight panic at the sudden turn of attention to him." That assumes that we do join it, and as a party. I'm not against it, but . . . are you two fine with going with us?" Sven asked as he looked to Shizu and Nia.
"Yeah, real smooth boy." Lowgen said with a chuckle as he shook his head.
Nia and Shizu, either didn't, or pretended not to notice and looked at each other before nodding slightly. "Having allies is useful and this will provide us with good experience. Thank you for having us." Nia said as Shizu simply nodded in agreement.
"Alright then," Lowgen said as he downed the last of his drink and then stood up. "If it's alright with you, I'll head over and resister us a party for this."
"Thank you," Nia replied as Lowgen let out a grunt and walked off.
"Lowgen will set himself as the party's leader from his age." Sven provided. "Because of his age and history he's actually pretty respected too. Do you have experience fighting with a party? I'd assume you both understand each other's skills but . . ."
"We do." Shizu replied simply, causing Nia to add to her answer.
"We have experience fighting with parties, both each other and other parties in the past."
"That's good." Sven said with a pleasant sigh. "We'll need that kind of experience. I just hope the other party we get paired up with isn't an overbearing one."
"I agree." Nia said simply just before Lowgen walked back over and sat down, tossing two coper plates onto the table.
"Were all registered for the extermination and need to report to the seventh gate. Also, here are your plates. Though it sounds like if you're as good as some people seem to think you'll be Iron plates by the morning."
Shizu looked at Lowgen and cocked her head a bit, causing him to grunt.
"I overheard some people muttering about how strong you felt to them. We'll have to see."
"I'm sure it will be fine lowgen." Sven said as he looked to Nia. "Um, do the two of you need to get any kind of equipment before we head out?"
"No, we have our equipment on us, as you both seem to."
Sven looked surprised from this reply, or at least as surprised as he could from behind a hood, before turning his gaze to the side a bit to hide his face.
"Hehe, you noticed he was armed under all that cloth huh, not bad." Lowgen said with a chuckle. "We have some time before we need to leave for the gate. Let's get some food into us before we head out. There will be no chance to eat when surrounded by dammed undead after all!" Lowgen explained as he waved over a waitress.
Nia nodded in agreement as she gave the waitress her order and began mentally preparing herself. Soon, it would be time to really see how strong she had now become!
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As promised, I have added more info to Ninya's growth profile, including traits, Equipment and a spell list.
Name: Ninya
Title: Apprentice of the Tomb of Nazarick
Race: Kitsune
Racial Levels:
Zenko Kitsune (lvl2 – 18%) – Good kitsune, levels increase shapeshifting capability and shift Alignment in the good direction. increases max mana by .10% per level after 2.
Yako Kitsune (lvl1 – 39%) – Evil kitsune, levels increase illusion and charming magic capabilities, and shifts alignment towards chaotic with the desire for power, but not true evil. increases max mana by .10% per level after 2.
A Kitsune can only level one of either Zenko or Yako Kitsune to lvl10.
Class level's:
Wizard (5) 95%
Miko (1) 29%
Fighter (1)2% -
Spellblade (1) 1% - Spellblade levels add to total magic levels only when it hits lvl3 and there after.
Level total: 11
Tails – (1) - Gets another tail every 7 magic levels. Unlocks next tier of magic and boosts magical power.
Racial Skills –––
Fox' Sense – Kitsune have sensitive ears and noses allowing them to sense things with them, and can tell at a glance if something is magical (though may not know why or how it is magical). Kitsune may also see in the dark to a better extent than regular humans but not to an undead or demons extent.
Shapeshifting – Kitsune can shapeshift as a continuous ability that is not impeded by other spells and does not impede or effect their skills or attributes. Mana cost of shapeshifting is dependent upon Zenko Kitsune racial level.
Kitsune's manipulation – A Kitsune has enhanced ability to learn illusion and charming magic based upon their Yako Kitsune racial level. Kitsune are also immune to charm effects depending on the same racial level and can see through illusions more easily.
Fox's Spirit – Kitsune can naturally cast spell and divine type magic as Spiritual, and class levels in of these types count as Spiritual for the Kitsune. Kitsune also learn magic at a much quicker rate.
Magic Talent – can learn spells in half the time it would take normally. Effect stacks with Fox's spirit, allowing magic learning at an extremely heightened pace.
Equipment –––
Enhanced Miko Garments – Rarity 3 – same as regular Miko garments, but provides a minor resistance to slashing damage. Also gives small increase to health regeneration.
Miko's Moonblade – Rarity 6 – a rare wakizashi only usable by those with the Miko class. it allows one to wield it and cast spells at the same time and is enchanted to provide a moderate boost to mana regeneration. Deals increased damage to undead and demons, and can act as an amplifier for Spiritual magic.
Spell List –––
Fortify armour
Magic arrow
Light healing
Message
Foxfire – Kitsune Racial spiritual fire magic that eats small amounts of mana from those it hits and can be manipulated and shaped.
Fire arrows – a foxfire enhanced magic arrow.
Lesser Cleanse – cleanse spells removes negative Buffs / Debuffs from targets.
Lesser Purge – Purge spells remove positive buffs and cause minor damage when removing buffs.
Purify – Long cast time and short range spell that remove effects from targets that are not buffs or Debuffs, most commonly enchantments and curses. Purify can also unsummon summons. Purify can be manipulated to alter its shape, effect area, speed and range but requires high spiritual casting levels to do so.
Corrupt – The opposite of Purify. Corrupt can corrupt the mind or body of a target however the caster wishes, but often takes time to do so. Its strength and effect power is based upon spiritual magic level and Yako Kitsune racial level if the user is a Kitsune.
Minor Illusion – creates a minor illusion such as a light, flame, noise, motion, etc. the effects are easily seen through in good light and close distance. Power increases with Yako Racial Level.
Minor Charm – Charms a target, making them more willing to do as the caster wishes, whatever that is. Will not work on most people unless they have a weak will or are otherwise effected by exhaustion, weakness, or some sort of other magical effect. Power increases with Yako Racial Level.
Magic Weapon – Applies magic to a weapon allowing it to deal magic damage and bypass physical resistances.
Lesser Restoration – Provides healing over a long period of time and removes some tiredness.
Force – a spell provided by the spellblade class that must be cast from a weapon during a swing. Creates a field of force around a weapon, either increasing its hit area, or making the damage type bludgeoning. Cannot do both at once.