Chapter 66: RecruitmentDay 81

  “Good morning everybody. We only have a little bit of yesterday’s floor to finish so we should be able to break for an early lunch. I’ll go to the merchant guild and then go see the overly persistent baron. I want to be able to walk around Curatar without worrying about him trying to drag me away. I really need to stop attracting so much attention to myself — I’m just too friendly.”

  odd stares

  “That was a joke, I’m not that unaware. Anyway, expect a longer break and we’ll talk about the next floor after lunch.”

  We go to the 42nd floor of Curatar’s Labyrinth and soon reach the boss room without injury. The two bosses that materialize are called Raid Ants. They’re a bit smaller than Hunt Ants and seem to emit a pale green mist. I quickly unch a Water Wall to partially block them.

  “Theo and Roxanne! Get back!”

  Marcus pulls Theo back and Roxanne zips past me. Theo is coughing, but Roxanne seems fine. Both take antidotes.

  I shout, “Let’s squash these bugs!”

  Fortunately, the rest of us can tolerate the poison mist and quickly defeat them. Alina spots an Ant crystal and I tuck it away, even if it’s a bit te.

  “Um, sorry about not providing better gear for you two. This caught me by surprise. Roxanne, did you get away faster because of the smell?”

  “No, Master, I didn’t recognize it, but I didn’t feel bad either.”

  “Oh, it was probably your Assassin skill.”

  “Boss, how did you sense the poison so fast?”

  “The cloud was green. That means poisonous, right?”

  Despite taking no damage, I was still more worried about Roxanne. She appreciated my concern and gave me a little kiss. I can’t really help my bias — Theo can find his own consotion. Hmm, I wonder if this casual affection makes others uncomfortable? Meh, the girls seem to appreciate it.

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  I take everyone home and warp to a spot near the merchant guild. I spot Luke about 10 minutes ter.

  “Hello, Mr. Moreau. Good of you to come today.”

  “Hello, Luke. What do you have for me?”

  “Prices were high st week, so I only managed to get five for you: an Ant, two Caterpilrs and two Sheep.”

  “Alright, I’ll buy those and leave commissions for an additional ten crystals. So, Luke, what was special about st week?”

  “It is common for sellers to try to gather money for the holiday. They’ll become more anxious to sell this week so I expect to find some bargains.”

  “Luke, I’m interested in finding some good armor and I want to see it myself before deciding. Is there a way for me to get a look?”

  “Yes, Sir, you are welcome to attend the auction yourself. I’d be happy to show you around if you have time the day after tomorrow. It’s best to come first thing in the morning since bidding can go rather quickly.”

  “Thanks, Luke. See you then.”

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  Nice that Luke didn’t seem to mind showing his customer a way to cut him out. Well, I’ll keep buying crystals from him as usual.

  On the way to the baron’s estate, I duck into a small side street to put on my Sacred Robe and cloak to cover it up. As I approach the gate, I pull back enough of my cape to reveal my wealth. Silly as this is, it’s only fair to give the baron’s guards every chance possible to figure out that I have the status to be admitted.

  “Hello, Sir. May I get your name and reason for visiting?”

  “Yes, I am David Moreau. Baron Esther asked me to see him.”

  “Very good, Sir. If you’ll just leave your weapon, I’ll escort you to the waiting area.”

  “Um, no, I don’t want to do that.”

  “Sir?”

  “My weapon is too valuable to leave at a guardhouse. Just tell him I’m here and he’ll probably let me in.”

  “Sir, you will not be allowed entry while carrying a weapon.”

  “I understand and actually agree. Please tell Baron Esther that David Moreau was here. Good day.”

  Booming from the house, “Lord Moreau! Please wait. Guards, let him pass.”

  I follow the baron to a small meeting room.

  “Hello, Baron Esther. I was starting to think my rejection was intentional.”

  “Purely a misunderstanding, Lord Moreau, I assure you.”

  “Alright. I’m on a short break from work so let’s get to your main questions.”

  “Work?”

  “Yes, it’s something us commoners do. Mine happens to involve the byrinths.”

  “Ah, that’s what you mean. Unusual way to put it.”

  “It is a noble’s duty to subjugate byrinths. I merely profit from fighting them.”

  “So, you don’t wish to subjugate the byrinths?”

  “More like, I may not have the right. Subjugation is a political question.” [1]

  “Intriguing, Lord Moreau. Please continue.”

  “Subjugating a byrinth near a vilge is obviously good. Doing the same near a city could actually be harmful. As an extreme example, if Curatar’s Labyrinth were to vanish, the local economy would be destroyed. Labyrinths are like animals — dangerous if left unchecked, useful if properly cared for.”

  “That certainly does sound political. People on either side could be angered by your words.”

  “Fortunately, that’s none of my concern since they’re unlikely to ask the opinion of a commoner. Or, is this actually what you wanted to discuss? I doubt that Sabo’s fate was your primary concern.”

  “Actually, I am interested in how a Mage managed to defeat a man said to be the strongest of the wolf-kin tribe.”

  “Baron Esther, you’ve allowed me to lecture you on matters you clearly understand and then ask me to brag about myself. Manipution through praise doesn’t work on me.”

  “No, that was an honest question, but not the main issue. Alright, Lord Moreau, how far have you progressed in the byrinths?”

  “Sorry to be blunt, but why should I tell you?”

  “Because I have given you no reason not to. Why are you so reluctant to answer?”

  “One noble was angry enough to take me to trial. Another likes me so much that he insists I serve him. Both sides involve them knowing too much about me. I’d prefer it to be a mystery if I could even defeat the kobolds of Curatar’s first floor. Why should I reveal details about me, my progress, or how I fight?”

  “Lord Moreau, I’m trying to estimate your suitability for a certain organization that could prove mutually beneficial.”

  “I appud your persistance, but my suitability is quite low. I have no political ambition, very little greed, and I absolutely refuse to become anyone’s vassal.”

  “You are incredibly cautious. Commendable, but this is going nowhere. Lord Moreau, are you familiar with the Imperial Liberation Society?” [2]

  (Oh crap. I overemphasized my dislike of nobles. Now he thinks I’m a radical.)

  “No, Baron Esther. I have no interest in power struggles.”

  “That won’t be an issue. Social rank has no meaning in our organization.”

  (Uh oh.)

  “So, you’re in favor of complete liberation?”

  “Yes, Lord Moreau, I’m asking you to join us for the good of the empire.”

  “For the good of the empire? No. Liberation leads to anarchy, not justice. More oppression, not less. Baron Esther, I will not help you liberate the empire.”

  “Lord Moreau, you misunderstand…”

  “No, Baron, don’t say another word. If your guards attempt to stop me, I’ll respond accordingly.”

  “…Very well. You may go. Guards, instruct the gate to allow Lord Moreau to pass.”

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  Back home.

  Alina sees me and asks, “David, what’s wrong?”

  “I really need to stop talking to people so openly. That baron tried to recruit me to overthrow the empire.”

  “David, you need to report this. If it’s found out that you knew, you could be bmed.”

  “Dammit, you’re right. Besides, who knows what the baron might do now that he’s been found out. I’ll return as soon as possible.”

  I open a portal near Bode’s Castle, thank the non-existent Adventurer for the ride and approach the gate.

  “Please inform Captain Gosr that David Moreau has an urgent message.”

  The guard leads me to an open area where Gosr seems to be instructing the Knights. I guess this visit was so unexpected, that Gosr didn’t have time to move to his usual spot in the duke’s office.

  “What a surprise to see you, Lord Moreau. You look troubled.”

  “Yes, Captain Gosr, I am. Could we speak privately for a moment? It won’t take long.”

  Rather than going to a conference room, we walk a bit further away from the group.

  “Is this good enough?”

  “Fine for me. It regards the possibility of treason.”

  Gosr waves his hand to have his people give us a bit more space.

  “Alright, Lord Moreau, no one can hear us.”

  “Just a few minutes ago, I met with a noble who apparently tried to recruit me into a group to overthrow the empire. I don’t have any proof or even enough evidence to make a formal accusation but it seemed best to inform you as soon as possible.”

  “Lord Moreau, that indeed sounds serious. What else can you tell me?”

  “It was something about wanting to liberate the empire. Do you want me to tell you his name?”

  “No, not out here. We need to see His Grace immediately.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “Lord Moreau, you must understand that this is much too serious to ignore.”

  “Unfortunately, I agree. Lead the way.”

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  The duke greets me cheerfully, “Ah, hello, Da- Lord Moreau. Good to see you.”

  Gosr and the duke speak privately for a moment. The duke is naturally surprised by the news. Finally, the duke turns to me with a serious look.

  “Lord Moreau, who spoke to you?”

  “As long as it’s understood that I have no proof, I can tell you that it was Baron Esther. Do you need his full name?”

  “No, I know who that is. Fortunately, it was all a simple misunderstanding. The baron is above suspicion.”

  (Duke, you are terrible at bluffing.)

  “Very well, Your Grace. I’ll be on my way.”

  “Lord Moreau? Don’t you have any questions? I would very much like for this matter to be cleared with no lingering doubts.”

  “I’m convinced. I wasn’t detained or even threatened. Maybe it was a joke, a test or I simply misheard.”

  “Just because I said so?”

  “Yes, Your Grace. I trust that the Duke of Harz is not involved in treason. By extension, the baron is innocent.”

  “Good to hear that my word means so much to you.”

  “Yes, even if Your Grace is involved, it’s no concern of mine.”

  “A bit less than reassuring. Lord Moreau, I must ask that you do not mention this matter or the organization to anyone.”

  “Yes, Your Grace. Good day.”

  “Wait, Lord Moreau, about Cassia…”

  “If you’re referring to when Her Grace acted as Her Ladyship, I’d prefer to keep that conversation separate from Your Grace. Now, I’m running a bit te.”

  “As you wish, Lord Moreau. Thank you for your candid report.”

  (So the organization is real, huh? What a fool to confirm it. Well, if the duke is part of the conspiracy, it’ll be a coup, not a revolution. As long as the transition is peaceful, I don’t give a damn who’s in charge.)

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  “Welcome back, Master. Should we get ready to go to a byrinth?”

  “Yes, Roxanne, inform the others.”

  A few minutes ter, everyone is assembled.

  “Sherry, please tell us about the 43rd floor of Curatar’s Labyrinth.”

  Sherry reports, “The next monster is Pan. It fires magical attacks in rapid succession. No magical sensitivities or resistances are known.” [3]

  “I’ve never actually been hit by Pan’s attack since I’ve always rushed in to cancel the spell. Before entering a floor filled with them, I want to experience it for myself. So, we’ll start with a little test against the first floor boss of Nordselm’s.”

  Roxanne asks, “Master, please allow me or someone else to get hit. We’ll need you in an emergency.”

  “Um, yeah, I guess you’re right. I hadn’t thought of that.”

  Marcus says, “I’ll do it, Boss. I probably have the highest defense, after you, of course.”

  “Thanks. It’s a little embarrassing that I didn’t suggest this so I’ll pretend that I did.”

  In the right spirit, Theo chimes in with, “Good idea, Boss.”

  I bring us near the empty waiting room, enter the boss room and Marcus stands ready to get hit. I guess this is just like Rutina did with the poison spikes. Pan materializes and quickly fires his magic attack. Marcus blocks the first with his shield and the second to his chest. I then jump in with my awesome Dagger of Authority so we could get Marcus’ report.

  “The first shot to my shield was almost undetectable. The second shot without my shield went straight through my armor. It felt like getting hit by a small rock. Noticeable, not serious.”

  “Thanks Marcus. My turn.”

  The Pan cooperated by hitting me several times, at least, I think it did. I used my dagger to interrupt its chants and reported to the party.

  “It seems that my fancy armor completely nullifies the attack. Of course, this is only the first floor. Roxanne, would you like to try?”

  “Yes, please!”

  I thought it’d be difficult for Roxanne to suppress her instinct to dodge, but she stood her ground for a shield and then a body shot. I could see that she actually got hit, though it wasn’t serious. Afterwards, I bashed the Pan so we could talk in peace.

  Roxanne reported, “The first shot hit my arm behind my shield. The second felt like it hit my chest directly. I agree with Marcus, the attacks feel like small rocks.”

  “Pan’s attacks are probably pure mana. My armor has enough magical protection to block them. Against normal armor, the attacks travel a short distance after hitting and then fade away. Until we see how challenging the Pans on the 44th are, stay back and use your shields. We can just run home if needed. Watch out for the ants too, of course.”

  Roxanne concludes, “It will be fine, Master. The attacks would have to hit us to hurt us.”

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  [1] Labyrinths die and eventually vanish after the top floor is cleared (LN: v13 c4).[2] The LN usually calls this the Empire Liberation Society (v11 c2).[3] The LN describes Pan’s attack simply as magic. The circles are red but fire isn’t mentioned. It’s probably just mana like a magic missile.