Master Of None

The wide streets made way for them as they traveled down the center, glances from passing citizens and merchants were constant. It was not every day that such a large escort was leading a group down the center of the main road. Luckily hand pulled carts were the normal use for major transportation, this was due to the higher average strength of most citizens. They easily skirted the escort continuing on their delivery routes. 

The party again passed by many food stalls, and gear merchants wanting to check things out. One thing that stood out missing seemed to be herbs and potions. There seemed to be few merchants selling them, this was in contrast to the Crystal kingdom which had an entire building dedicated to their development. They passed a larger building with groups similar to theirs, Walker took note that this was likely the adventurers guild in the city and wanted to remember where it was so they could return to check things out. Knowing Clara she would somehow manage to contact someone for them to meet. They did not plan to take any quests centered around the city but would most likely have a few on the way home. Even though they wanted to make some stops before they headed home they didn’t plan to stay forever. 

The massive circular walls of a coliseum grew taller as the escort approached, the dull roars of a crowd easily heard from well outside. There were plenty of warriors and audience pushing and shoving for admittance. This was a major part of the daily routine for some with high hopes to become high ranking military figures. The escort easily pierced through the crowd making room for the party to get inside the entrance. Unhappy shouts echoed behind them but were quickly stifled by the guards. The inside of the coliseum was intricately carved depicting large battles and dire stakes. Many of the carvings showed warriors of each generation that had made waves within that specific coliseum. This was a surprise to the party because the buildings on the outside were made rougher out of stone but here it was obvious a lot of time and effort went in to construction.

The demi-human man leading them through the corridors saw this, ”I am also amazed every time I walk these halls. It makes even me someone without a warrior system want to plunge in to battle.” His change in attitude from very astute to a bit more relaxed seemed to be due to the lessening of the escort. It was plain to see the large number of guards was stressful to him. This would easily be explained since at the gate he would only have two with him while doing his work.

”Yes it is very well done, there are many talented artists in your kingdom.” Su seemed to be enjoying the carvings the most out of everyone. Her neck was craned upward even looking at the pictures on the ceiling. ”How amazing it must have been to witness some of these battles, their drive to improve must be inspiring.” This made the remaining guards and the demi-human leading them all stand much taller, it was very common for citizens to take great pride in their history. 

”I hope you may share your king’s words with our king as well, he is very passionate about such things. So much so that he strengthened our academy of the arts so they could better teach and later record such scenes.” This was definitely a surprise, the party knew of the high praise for warriors but did not expect similar praise for other systems. They could not judge this book by its cover. 

The rounded corridor came to a guarded set of doors leading in to the castle, the guards immediately opened the doors allowing the escort to proceed. The difference in the carvings became more focused on the growth of the country, scenes of the first king battling tribes in the plains for land. Soon the walls showed them building up walls and large armies. However the images became more disturbing, scenes of battle with demons using large scale magic became common. The hunting parties of said demons were prevalent. It would seem there was a deep rooted hatred of the demon race due to past wars. This would be very good to know and Walker desperately wanted to find some history books to learn more about what had transpired to cause such a war. The carvings changed yet again  showing more peaceful times where the coliseums were built for the four generals under the king’s authority. Scenes of chosen warriors fighting off competitors were much more common. 

Just as they approached another set of doors Walker caught a glimpse of an unfinished carving, an older looking lion trait demi-human resting in a bed, they appeared sickly and surrounded by other similarly trait demi-humans. This must be some recent history if it was still not fully carved. 

They halted in front of these doors. The guards opened them in to a large room that was wide open with stairs leading to balconies on the sides. This must be the main meeting room, the strange part was that there were no rugs or ornate decorations, more carvings on the walls and stairs but nothing else. Standing in the center was a tall man wearing tight fitting robes, long golden hair trailed down his back. From this angle, they could all tell his teeth were unusually sharp. His hands were well calloused and fell in to sharp claws. The man took notice of the opening door sending the four attendants nearby away. The demi-human that was leading the party approached the man standing expectantly. ”Report.” the man’s voice was deep and powerful making their hair stand on end.

”My king I have escorted the emissaries from the Crystal kingdom here, I shall take my leave unless you require me as a scribe.” With a simple wave of his hand the demi-human that led them had left with two guards leaving only the largest guard with them. 

”So you are the ones sent to visit me, I did not expect those so young, and I did not expect them to send so called heroes. Especially the dragon. Your kingdom has been spreading some very interesting gossip. Many of my representatives have been updating me, I hear you have a good relationship with the tamer’s guild.” The king did not yet introduce himself but left the party to make the first move in that respect. 

”We greet you king of Ordist, My name is Walker the leader of the Omnipotent party. As you have said we are young and do have the blessing of fate to hold a title. We traveled with friends we made in the tamer’s guild and were later hired by them as escorts. Thus we stopped there when we first arrived to complete our quest. We have brought documents as a favor from the tamer’s guild, Walker retrieved them from his storage handing them to the king who grabbed them and tossed them aside. One of his attendants waiting at the side of the room moved to grab them before they touched the floor and retreated again. Undeterred Walker continued, ”We also learned it was customary to bring a gift as part of our visit here.” seeing the king’s eyes light up at this Walker pulled the sword from the inventory as well. He unwrapped it revealing an intricate golden hilt in a golden scabbard, the head of a lion was etched multiple times on to it. Walker checked quickly with his appraisal skill.

’Earth splitting sword

+7atk, +5matk

When mana is channeled through it the mana is converted to earth elemental mana. This allows an attack to easily split the earth apart.’

”I present you with the earth splitting sword, this weapon was forged in the dragon fire of the Guild master’s dragon Toro. It was a wondrous experience to witness.” the King almost jumped to grab the new weapon. The metallic twang of it being unsheathed brought a orange yellow shine to reflect off it. Green lines were running down the blade emanating earth elemental mana. It had been finely polished and perfectly set with the handle. It was most certainly a high class weapon. 

The king moved through some motions showing his expertise in wielding swords. His movements were solid and flowing without any hesitancy. His show of strength was not anything meant to show off but instead out of pure excitement and commitment. He wanted to feel the weight of the weapon and find the proper stances. He needed to know its strengths and weaknesses. Watching this for a few more minutes the king sheathed the sword once again, instead of tossing it aside like he did the papers he motioned for an attendant to take it. The attendant took the weapon gingerly as the king softly placed it in their hands. The respect for the weapon was impressive and none in the party had ever seen someone take such care.