Chapter 5: Three Adventurers
Ainz's Office
This vast room was usually draped in a thin veil of silence, and today it was even more quiet than normal. The maid who normally attended him here was nowhere to be seen. The only people here were Ainz and Albedo, who stood Infront of his desk, while the former sat behind it.
The silence was abruptly broken by the arrival of Ben, who made his way towards the duo.
"Hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long?" Ben asked as he stood beside Albedo
"Not at all. Now that you're here, we can begin the daily report." Ainz said before nodding to Albedo.
"Aura's report states that there has been no contact from any other Yggdrasil players in our immediate vicinity." Albedo began. "But she is expanding her surveillance to the great woodlands near Nazarick. "
"Hopefully, she'll have better luck there." Ben said. "If they're out there, she'll find them."
"Also, I have information from Gazef concerning the men we killed." Ainz said. "They are from the Slane Theocracy. A theocratic nation that wishes to unite humans against all other races."
"Reminds me of the Imperium of Man." Ben said getting confused looks from Ainz and Albedo. "Warhammer 40K." He added but was still met with silence. "You know what, forget I said anything."
"Anyway." Ainz said continuing his report. "If given the chance, The Slane Theocracy could wipe out the entire population of ogres, goblins and lizardmen. I believe it would be too dangerous to have any contact with them now."
"There's one last thing." Albedo spoke next. "I plan to have two Shadow Demons keep an eye on the village, with your permission that is."
"Th…That's actually a great idea." Ben said making the Succubus blush. "Great thinking Albedo."
"I am unworthy of such praise. You are too kind to me Lord Ben." She said before composing herself. "What should we do about Gazef Stronoff?"
"Leave the Warrior-Captain be for now." Ainz said. "It is more important that we build a good relationship with that village. We might need their help in future, so avoid antagonizing them."
"Understood. I will take care of it. Thus ends the report."
Ainz turned to look at Albedo as he said, "Well done." The look on her face was slightly different from her usual gentle smile. She seemed particularly happy today. That was when his eyes landed on the Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown, resting on her left ring finger as she caressed it lovingly. "My my Albedo, when did you get that?"
"This is a gift from Lord Ben to commemorate our Love." She said happily
"Is that so?" Ainz asked deviously, as he turned to his guildmate who looked like he was about dying of embarrassment. "When do you plan to take your relationship to the next level?"
"As soon as possible Lord Ainz." Albedo said eagerly
"Albedo…let's not be hasty-"
"You both have my blessings." Ainz said causing Albedo to smile from ear to ear
"Does that mean he can take me right here and now?" Albedo asked while looking ready to pounce on Ben
"Hold on…Albedo-"
"You may do as you please once I leave the room." Ainz said as he stood up from his seat
"Wait…don't I…have a say in this?" Ben stuttered as Albedo slowly approached him.
Ainz looked about ready to continue teasing the young man, but he was suddenly interrupted by the sound of knocking from the door
"Lord Ainz, Lord Ben, I hope you are both doing well on this beautiful day." Shalltear said as she stepped into the office
"Never in my life would I imagine Shalltear saving me." Ben sighed in relief
"We're doing very well, as I hope you are, Shalltear." Ainz said. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Oh, no. My day has already been improved just by laying eyes on your exquisite form, my lord." Shalltear said before eying Ben in an unholy fashion. "Are you alright Lord Ben? Your blood vessels seem to be rushing towards your nether region. Perhaps I can help you-"
"Back off bitch!" Albedo said dangerously. "Go bother someone else. Lord Ben and I are busy right now and your pathetic flirting has interrupted us."
"Shriveled old ladies can be such a bore, don't you think?" Shalltear said dryly. "They cling to whomever they can because they've passed their prime."
"You're trying to pass yourself off as young and perky. But I know the truth about your two little friends that have suddenly appeared." Albedo shot back. "It's pitiful, stuffing your bra."
"I will rip your hag face off!" Shalltear said while flaring up a crimson aura
"Remind me, which one of us is a walking cadaver?" Albedo asked, her aura flaring up as well
"Enough!" Ben commanded, finally in control of his hormones. "You're acting like children."
"Sorry, Lord Ben." Both guardians apologized, while canceling out their blood lust
"Well? Why are you really here?" Ainz asked
"Right." Shalltear straightened herself. "I'm getting ready to depart for my assignment with Sebas. As I understand it, we may be away from Nazarick for quite a while. I wanted to make sure I said a proper goodbye to my lords before I make my exit."
"I see." Ainz said. "I wish you good luck on your journey. Albedo."
"Yes Lord Ainz."
"I want you to see Shalltear off." Ainz said
Albedo looked like she was ready to complain, but instead bowed to Ainz. "As you wish Lord Ainz." Throwing one last glance at Ben, Albedo began leading Shalltear out of the office
"That was close." Ben said as he took a relaxed breath
"You should have seen your face." Ainz chuckled
"Ha…ha, very funny." Ben said dryly, right before letting out a sigh. "I don't deserve her love."
"You mean Albedo?" Ainz asked, causing the boy to nod. "You shouldn't feel guilty about this. I'm the one who changed her settings, and from the looks of things, her attraction to you is for the best."
"How so?"
"Tell me Ben, would you have preferred I left her settings the way they were." Ainz asked. "Like the part about her being a slut?"
"No." Ben admitted
"Exactly." Ainz said. "Even if I did not change her settings, I'm certain she would still be trying to get under your bed, but instead of being driven by love, she would mostly be driven by lust. Look at Shalltear. I didn't touch her settings yet we both know she wouldn't hesitate to jump into bed with either of us."
After a brief silence, Ben finally spoke. "I guess you're right. You know, for a 'Bone Daddy', you're really good at pep talks."
"You did not just call me that." Ainz said as Ben began heading for the door. "Are you busy?"
"Got something in mind?" Ben asked as he stopped by the door
"What do you think about adventuring?"
E-Rantel
Having registered with the city's adventuring Guild, Ben, Narberal and Ainz(now known as Momon) made their way through a narrow road in search of a nearby inn.
"I still think you should have registered as a different person instead of using your real name." Ainz said
"I'm too lazy for all this alter ego shenanigans." Ben said. "Besides, the main reason you took a second identity is because you can't bled in with humans as a skeleton, something I have no problem with."
"That may be true, but the Slane Theocracy already know who you are."
"They only know what I look like and not my name." Ben said. "I doubt there's any long range detection magic with an audio feature in this world. Not to mention your backstory about me being 'A noble's son hoping to become an adventurer', is already enough hassle for me."
"Backstory aside, how did you convince Albedo to let you join me?" Ainz asked
"I didn't."
"What do you mean?"
"Neither Lord Ben and Lady Albedo could come to an agreement in letting him come." Narberal said, remembering the back and forth session both parties had. "It was Demiurge who actually persuaded her."
"How did he do that?" Ainz asked
"Demiurge whispered something into Albedo's ear." Ben said. "I don't know what Demiurge said to her, but she instantly approved of me joining you. Hell, she was even smiling when she did. Right now, I'm too scared to even ask what Demiurge did."
"I might have an idea." Ainz whispered to himself
"Did you say something?" Ben asked
"No…nothing at all."
"Permit me to ask Lord Ben." Narberal said
"It's just Ben now." He said
"Ehh…Mr Ben." She said
"Just Ben."
"Sir Ben."
"What did you want to ask?" He sighed
"Why did you refuse to allow Lady Albedo accompany you?" Narberal asked
"Well with me and Ainz away from Nazarick, she is the only one I can trust to maintain the peace of the Tomb." Ben said
"I see! In other words, Lady Albedo is the closest person to you, Sir Ben?"
While he did not reply, he did nod in response to Narberal's question.
"I understand, Sir Ben."
"Very good… Then, the inn we heard about should be nearby." Ainz said as he looked around the area. There were several shops open for business nearby, their customers filing in and out of them. To the side were several people in work aprons, carrying goods.
In this densely populated commercial district, the trio had to look for the inn by inspecting the pictures on the shops' signs. This was because neither of them could read this country's language.
Before long, Ben found the picture that he was looking for. His steps quickened, and Ainz and Narberal followed suit.
He climbed the steps to the western-style saloon doors, and opened them with both hands.
The inside of the building was quite spacious. The first floor was a dining area, with a counter further within. That counter was backed by shelves that contained dozens of bottles of alcohol. The door beside the counter most likely led to a kitchen.
A spiral staircase turned up in the corner of the dining area. According to the receptionist at the guild, the guest rooms were located on the second and third floors. One could see the scattered customers within seated around several round tables. Almost all of them were men, and the promise of violence hung heavily over them.
Everyone's attention was on the trio. They looked as though they were sizing them up. The only person who did not pay attention to them was a woman seated in a corner. She was staring intently at a small bottle on her table.
Ainz sighed internally, and looked into the tavern. A man in a dirty apron stood there, his stout arms protruding from his rolled-up sleeves. They were covered in several scars, and Ainz could not tell if they were caused by the claws of wild beasts or by blades of some sort.
This man, who looked more like a bouncer than an innkeeper, sized up Ainz and his companions as he held a mop in one hand. "A room, huh. For how long?"
"We wish to stay for one night." Ainz said
"All three of you?"
"I'll be lounging alone." Ben said
The innkeeper replied crudely, "...A copper plate, huh. A night is five coppers. The food's oatmeal and vegetables; meat's an extra copper. Might be getting days-old bread instead of the oatmeal. This place is gonna be too expensive-"
"How much in gold?" Ben asked, causing some of the men present to shift slightly
"Ben?" Ainz mentally called to his partner. "I don't think you can trade with Yggdrasil gold."
"That's why I melted some of the gold I had in my inventory, before handing it over to Cocytus, who crafted them into this kingdoms currency."
"Still though, that might attract unwanted attention."
"Hey, I'm just playing the part of a nobles son." Ben said nonchalantly
The innkeeper seemed surprised by Ben's free nature. "...You've got some guts, huh…two gold coins a night. Upfront, of course." The innkeeper extended his hand in one smooth motion.
"Hope you don't mind me paying for them as well." Ben said before producing four gold coins
After inspecting the coins, the Innkeeper turned to the young man. "Your rooms are upstairs. Opposite each other in the back."
"Thank you." Ben said as he prepared to leave, but stopped when suddenly, someone stuck a foot into his's path, as though to prevent him from moving forward.
Ben turned to the man who had stuck his foot out. He had an annoying smile on his face, which was mirrored by everyone else at his table.
Neither the innkeeper or the other customers stepped forward to stop this. They were watching silently.
Sighing, Ben decided to just walk over the man's leg.
The man suddenly stood up, as though he had been waiting just for that. "Oi, oi, don't you know it's disrespectful to walk over someone's leg?"
"Sorry about that, I'm actually new to this region's customs." Ben said
"A nice guy huh…well, since I'm a generous man. As long as you lend me your woman for a night, I'll forgive you."
Ben could not help but chuckle at the man, and he lightly raised his hand to keep Narberal from stepping forward.
"...What's so funny?"
"Oh, it's nothing." Ben smiled. "It's just that, those are bold words for someone within casting range."
"Wha-?" The man never finished his statement as an invisible force sent him flying through the inn before striking a nearby table. The planks of the table splitting apart and the man's own howls of pain blended together and echoed through the tavern. Then, the whole place fell silent, as though startled by the noise. However-
"Son of a bitch!" The woman seated at that table emitted a strange wail. It was a cry of despair that a soul might make as it rose to heaven.
"Anyone else got any funny ideas?" Ben asked as the surrounding men all shook their heads. "thought as much." Just as he felt the matter was at an end and turned away, a voice froze him in his tracks.
"Wait wait wait!"
Turning around, he saw the woman who had made that weird cry just now. She was stomping up to him.
She looked to be in her twenties or younger, and her red hair was messily-cut, yet at a good length for movement. It could not be described as neat by any stretch of the word. To be more precise, it resembled a bird's nest.
She had a pretty face and a keen edge to her eyes. She did not wear makeup, and her healthy body was tanned brown by the sun. Her arms were muscular and her palms were covered in calluses from wielding a sword. A small iron plate hung around her chest, and it shook mightily with every step she took.
"See what you've done!"
"What did I do?"
"Hah!? Don't you even know what you did?" The woman pointed at the shattered table. "You blasted that guy over and broke my potion, my precious potion! I had to skip meals and stop drinking until I could afford it. Took months! You better pay for it, or things are gonna get ugly-"
"...Here." Ben handed her a Minor Healing Potion. She looked at the potion bottle in surprise, then reluctantly accepted it. "...This should be fine, right?"
"...Mm I guess."
The woman seemed to have more to say, but Ben cast aside his doubts. The more important thing was his uneasiness over whether Narberal would do something big and blow their cover.
Narberal still had a combative look in her eyes, even though Ainz had already chided her. Some of them seemed to sense her hostility and felt uneasy.
"Let's go," Ainz said curtly.
"This is going to be a long night." Ben thought
Ainz's Room
The wooden door closed with a thud. The room was bare, apart from a pair of crudely-made bed frames with accompanying chests. After opening the windowblinds, they could directly feel the sunlight and outside air.
"Lord Ainz. You shouldn't have to stay in such a small and disgusting place." Narberal said as she studied the room
"It's not that bad, Narberal." Ben said after teleporting into the room.
"But the guild doesn't seem to set any member standards." Ainz said. "Hopefully, all adventurers don't act like hooligans. Then again, when you're fighting monsters, brains aren't much of a requirement."
"What are we going to do about the woman who took Sir Ben's potion?" Narberal asked
"Nothing." Ben said firmly. "There's no need to cause a ruckus over a minor healing potion."
"As you which Sir Ben."
"I am curious about something." Ainz suddenly said. "What are your thoughts on humans?" He asked Narberal
"Complete garbage."
"I'm right here you know." Ben sighed in annoyance. "Narberal. I can't order you to change your feelings towards humans. But I need you to control your hostility while you're in public."
"If you wish, then, I will try." Narberal said.
"Now then, our main objective in this city is to gather knowledge about this new world we've been transported to." Ainz said. "In order to obtain said information, we will go undercover as low-level adventurers. We will gain experience by completing quests. With our skills, we should quickly reach the highest ranks of mythril, orichalcum and adamantite. Once there, we will be assigned harder quests which should allow us to access the most useful intel."
"Flawless plan, my Lord. I'm in awe."
"It's just Momon!" Ainz corrected. "And we will no longer call you Narberal Gamma. You are now Momon's partner. Nabe."
"Sorry, I won't forget again, Momon... sir?"
Ainz groaned silently at this. "That's still a bit too formal. But it'll work for now."
"In that case, I'll be heading back to my room." Ben said. "See you in the morning." He added before teleporting away
Elsewhere
Britta, the woman Ben gave a potion, was making her way to an alchemist shop to get the potion appraised. She hoped it was at least worth as much as the one that was broken. She had honestly never seen a red potion in her life. She wasn't sure if she just got ripped off but one of the guild members gave her directions to the most well known alchemist in town with the promise they would appraise it for her if she showed them the letter he sent with her.
As she stepped in the shop, she was greeted by a man's voice that was definitely too young to be a man. When she took in the appearance of the teenage boy, she knew this was Nfirea Bareare. The description given to her fit this boy perfectly.
"Welcome! How may I help you today dear customer?" He asked
"Are you Nfirea Bareare?" Britta asked
"Yes, that is me. May I know what business you have here?" he asks
"Ah, yes. Hang on a sec." Britta replied
Brita retrieved the folded slip of paper the guild member had passed her and gave it to Nfirea.
Upon receiving the piece of paper, Nfirea opened and read it. "I see, so that's what's going on. Can I see the potion please?"
Britta took out the potion and handed it to Nfirea, who brought it so close to himself that his hair covered it. The atmosphere in the shop changed instantly. Nfirea shook the potion bottle several times and nodded. He couldn't believe what he was looking at.
"Forgive me, it's not convenient to speak here. Could you follow me inside?" he asked
Britta agreed, and she soon arrived at a messy room in the back of the shop. The person who was already within the room stared at the two people who had barged in.
She was a very old woman, and both her face and hands were heavily wrinkled. Her hair, which reached to her eyebrows, was pure white. Her work clothes were stained with even more green residue than Nfirea's and she smelled heavily of grass and other plants. Nfirea called out to the old lady.
"Grandma!" Nfirea shouted
"What is it? I can hear you even if you don't shout. My ears are sharp, you know." Lizzy responded
"Come take a look at this grandma." he says excitedly
When Lizzy accepted the potion from Nfirea, Britta noticed her entire demeanor change. She was staring at this potion so intently it reminded Britta of someone locked in battle. After she appraised the potion she looked to Britta.
"So? What's up with it?" Britta asked
"Tell me, Nfirea." Lizzy started. "The modern manufacturing process causes all potions to turn blue, correct?"
"That's right." He replied
"Well, this…I've never seen anything like it." Lizzy said. "It's made of pure magic like something from a fairytale. A true potion of healing resembles the color of God's own blood. I never believed it actually existed." She then turned to Britta. "You are one lucky lady. This is equal to a second tier healing spell. Easily worth eight gold pieces."
Britta couldn't help but smile at what she just heard. "For real?"
"For real." Lizzy nods. "But there are risks with having such a rare item. There are people out there who would kill to get their hands on a potion this powerful."
"Huh?"
"I can help though. You wouldn't have to worry if you sold it to me."
"But I…" Britta tried to speak, but a cold glare from the old woman stopped her
Sighing, Lizzy decided to take another approach. "All right. I have another proposition for you…"
Adventuring Guild
The next morning, Ainz, Nabe and Ben made their way to the guild in hopes of getting a job. As the trio studied the mission billboard, they could faintly here the voices of some other adventurers.
"Wow. Check out that guy's armor."
"Looks quite expensive. And he's just a copper plate."
"Typical rich kid playing pretend."
"A shiny present from Daddy."
"Barely a day and you're already popular." Ben whispered to Ainz. "Any luck understanding these things?"
"I can't read these postings." Ainz whispered back before turning to Nabe. "And Narberal isn't able to read any language."
"It can't be helped then." Ben said as his eyes glowed faintly
"You can analysis it?" Ainz asked as his guildmate stared intently at the billboard. "I thought your [Eyes.] only work on magic and living beings?"
"It's does, but I don't see any harming in using it on this." Ben said, before his eyes went back to normal. "That's a rather weird mission for a guild."
"What does it say?" Ainz asked
"Mythril Class mission, 'Wine Tasting'." Ben said
"Wine tasting?"
"Yep."
"It's actually says 'Elite wine tasting'." Ben, Ainz and Nabe all turned to face an approaching group of Adventurers. "Hey, you three could join our adventuring group if you're interested."
"What do you have in mind?" Ainz asked
Private Meeting Room
After hearing Ainz response, the man asked the receptionist to prepare a room for them. It looked like a meeting room, with a wooden table lined with chairs in the middle. The men streamed in and sat down.
"Please have a seat."
Ainz did as he was told, with Ben and Narberal silently taking a place beside him.
"Let me introduce everyone." He started. "We call ourselves The Swords of Darkness. I'm Peter Mork, the leader."
"Over to my left is our ranger, Lukrut Volve. He's our eyes and ears in the field." Peter added while pointing to his ally
"Ha, hi!"
"Our capable Druid uses magic to heal us and manipulate nature. Dyne Woodwonder."
"Nice to meet you folks."
"And last but not least is the brains of the operation. Our magic user, Ninya the Spell Caster."
"Hello there." Ninya waved shyly. "Peter, stop it. I keep telling you that nickname is embarrassing."
"Why?" Peter asked. "You know you should be proud of it."
"Our Ninya here is a talent holder."Dyne said
"Talent holder?" Ben asked with a raised brow
"Ninya has a talent called Magic Affinity." Peter said. "He's able to learn magic spells twice as fast as the average caster. Isn't that right?"
"Don't you mean she?" Ben asked causing Ninya to gulp nervously
"What do you mean?" Peter asked
"Uh…" Ben noticed Ninya looked embarrassed for some reason, so he decided to drop the issue. "... It's nothing, I was just surprised to meet someone whose talent seemed similar to mine."
"Really?" Ninya asked, as she instantly pecked up at the thought of someone having similar talent to her
"Ben's [Eyes., allows him to replicate any magic he sees." Ainz said causing the entire group of Adventurers to gasp
"That's amazing." Ninya said. "Part of me always felt my talent was an unfair advantage. But it's nice to see someone with an even better talent."
"Such modesty." Dyne said. "He's a famous talent holder. We're proud to have him on our team."
"Yeah, well. Here in E-Rantel, there's a more famous talent holder." Ninya said
"That would be Master Bareare." Peter said
"Who?" Ainz asked right before Ben elbowed him. "Oh, how rude of me. This is Nabe and I am Momon."
"Ben Strega, we're in your care."
"So. About this Bareare guy." Ainz said. "What kind of talent does he possess?"
"You don't know?" Peter asked. "There's absolutely no way you guys are from around here then, and that actually explains a lot."
"You're correct." Ainz confirmed. "We just arrived yesterday."
"Well, his name is Nfirea Bareare." Ninya said. "He's the grandson of a well known pharmacist in E-Rantel. He was born with a talent that allows him to use any and all magical items without training."
"Wow." Ben said unable to contain his shock
"Impressive." Ainz said
"That person could be dangerous." Nabe whispered to Ainz
"Agreed."
"Is this person's talent magic based?" Ben asked
"Hoping to add his ability to your arsenal?" Ainz asked
"Well, from what I know, talents aren't magic based." Ninya said
"It was worth a shot." Ben muttered to himself
"Now then." Peter said. "I'm sure you're wondering why we need your help. Our current objective is to destroy all the monsters that have wandered too close to the city."
"You were hired to hunt monsters?" Ainz asked
"Not really." Ninya said. "It's actually an off-the-books expedition that we decided to take on by ourselves."
"What does that mean?"
"We weren't exactly hired to do it, but the guild will receive money from the city based on the strength of the monsters we defeat." Peter said. "We just have to collect our reward from the guild."
"I get it." Ben thought. "It's like earning coins by collecting item drops."
"It's a dull, but necessary task for us adventurers." Dyne said. "The job is pretty easy, and we get to keep people safe, while also bringing home the tasty bacon. It's totally a win-win situation for all parties involved."
"So, you interested in joining us?" Peter asked. "Our plan is to start clearing out the forest just south of the city and working our way north. Whaddya say? The experience will help you rise above a copper plate."
"Sure. We're happy to come along." Ainz said causing the adventurers to laugh happily. "One thing. I should show you all my face since we will be working together." He added before taking off his helm. "I hope it's not a shock."
"Oh, interesting." Dyne said as he studied Ainz face. "I've heard of a country south of here where a face like yours is common, but you're the first that I've met in person."
"He's older than I expected." Lukrut said
"Don't be so rude." Ninya scolded him
"I've been hiding my face since we came to town. Sometimes people have issues with foreigners. And I didn't want to stir up any trouble."
"It's a good thing they don't know his face is an illusion." Ben thought
"Just out of curiosity," Lukrut said as he gestured to Nabe. "What kind of partner is she to the both of you?" His teammates couldn't help but groan at his question
"We're allies." Ainz answered
"Same." Ben said
"That's wonderful." Lukrut said with a smile. "Cause I'm in love! Say you'll go on a date with me?"
"Bruh." Ben couldn't help but chuckle at the man's straight forwardness
"Watch your tongue, you dog." Nabe said coldly. "Or I shall have to cut it out and serve it to you for dinner. Learn your place and sit."
"She doesn't mean-"
"That kind of honest criticism is so rare these days!" Lukrut said cutting Ainz off. "You're right. We should just start as friends, for now."
"You disgust me." Nabe said. "Perhaps I'll spoon out your eyes for fun."
"That cool gaze of hers really does it for me." Lukrut said before Dyne pummeled him to the ground
"I'm sorry about my friend's advances." Dyne said, but was shocked to hear Ben laughing wholeheartedly
"Hahaha…it's fine." Ben said a smile. "I think I might like you guys." They all got up to start their travels. As the group descended down the stairs, Ben notices the receptionist staring at him with a surprised look on her face. He wondered what was going on then she approached him.
"Ah Mr Ben. You have been requested for a job." the receptionist says to him.
"And who is the person who asked for him by name?" Ainz asks
"That would be Nfirea Bareare." she motions to the blonde haired boy a lot of the adventurers are talking to.
"Well I'll be damned."
Meanwhile
A female individual in a hood is walking through the cemetery in E-Rantel. She made her way to a pitch black tomb. After a few moments the figure removed her hood.
She seemed to be in her early twenties. She would be considered quite the looker if it wasn't for the predatory look in her eyes. It was like she was constantly searching for her next target. She calls out into the darkness.
"Where are you Khazit? I'm here. Hmm... where the hell is that old grouch?" Clementine said as she pushed open the stone doors at the end of the hallway. "I'm coming innnnnnnn Khaz..."
She makes her way farther into the mausoleum and notices Khazit in the corner.
The man was dressed in a dark red robe that was the color of dried blood, and wore a necklace made of the skulls of small animals. His hands were so shriveled that they resembled claws, and his fingers, tipped with yellow fingernails, were wrapped around a black staff. Rather than a human, he looked more like an undead monster.
"I told you to stop calling me that. It is disrespectful to the great name of Zuranon. So tell me. Why have you come here?"
"I brought you a present Khazit." Clementine reached behind her cloak and held up a circlet. It was made of thin, metallic threads, countless small gems adorned the spiderweb looking metal, and in the center of the circlet was a large black crystal.
"My god." Khazit gasped. "One of the treasures of the Slane Theocracy. A fabled shaman princess wore that Crown of Wisdom."
"Oh, I know." Clementine said. "A sweet little thing was going crazy while wearing it. So, I did her a favor and snatched it off her pretty head."
Khazit grunted. "As a former member of the Black Scripture, you should be well aware that this item suppresses the soul of its bearer and turns them into a magical conduit. It's incredibly dangerous. Simply touching it could have meant your end, and yet you did it anyway."
"Boring." She said dismissively. "There's a one in a million chance you could find a person who's compatible. And without a true match, it's just a very fancy piece of garbage. That's why I came. As a fellow member of the society of Zuranon, you have to help me. Isn't that right, Khazit Dale Badantel?"
"I don't answer to "Dale" anymore." He scoffed. "Now, what do you want from me?"
"I've heard rumors about a talent holder in town that can use any magical item at will. Do you think he can make this crown work for little ol' me?"
"I highly doubt that you need my assistance kidnapping a defenseless boy."
"Normally, no, but I intend to cause a bit of an uproar in the process."
"You plan on using chaos as your means to escape the city."
"How's this." She said. "I'll participate in your ritual if you're a good boy and help me out. Pretty enticing, right?"
"I'd be a fool to turn that offer down." Khazit grinned. "Let's figure out how to grab that talent holder."