"There's no need to force them to accept it. Just knowing that the possibility exists is enough for now." ~Shallies Mythernal, Mentor of Heroes
Shallies scratched her head, feeling a bit irritated, but understanding at the same time. It was one of her most hated parts whenever she trained a new student. And the fact that she couldn't tell them or show them the truth before they could integrate with the Mentor System had really bothered her for the longest time.
That is, showing her students what the gods were really capable of.
It wasn't something she had control over. Though, it wasn't something she would've liked to control in the first place. There was a certain status quo to be maintained, after all. Gods, however they chose to do so, needed to keep their mysteries around them, lest they attracted mortals seeking their position.
In short, Shallies couldn't tell Grace the possibilities of conjured illusions that she might encounter when dealing with maddened gods, not until she and her party members were properly integrated into her Mentor System. It would provide them with the proper protections and authentications to obtain such knowledge, and thus avoid the gaze of any god.
Regardless of these reasons, however, after Shallies had shared those to them, her students still couldn't get the guilt out of their minds. It was distracting them, despite being superficial. She didn't point that out. People had their own levels of empathy, and their own ways of dealing with their guilt.
After they had destroyed the fifth Gar-mannequin in quick succession, it was apparent that their teamwork alone was enough to best a singular dummy. Her students were tired. Tayin was the only one who had opted to use her Mana Energy throughout all of the spars. Ren and Grace had been too absorbed into managing their mana to even consider an attempt.
But above all, the additional strain of constantly pushing themselves past their hesitations drained them the most.
Can't do the same thing next time… Shallies noted to herself. She had planned to add more training dummies for next time, but insisting on her point at every available moment would quickly demoralize her students. Not to mention that realistic illusions were just the very tip of the iceberg.
Shallies stopped their sparring session right there.
"Cool down with a few light exercises, then meditate for an hour. You can meditate inside, since it's cozier there. I'll go make dinner."
Her students looked rather disappointed, but none of them complained. She left them there and went to her kitchen. There she found Apple and Phey'lan waiting for her. The teacup fairy was leaning on a sleeping Chippy.
"You're gonna make them quit," said the seraph.
"They can always quit," Shallies said. "I'll have Stachie clarify with them that quitting now won't cost them their access to the System. I'm not that cruel."
"You're not. Your training is," Phey'lan interjected. "I didn't participate in it, sure, but I've been around with a lot of them. You're practically always pushing them to quit."
"You can see it, right?" Shallies asked, smiling. "You don't want to give it voice, but I'm sure you can see where they're headed."
Phey'lan gave up with that. She sighed and crossed her arms, sitting on a stool with one leg over the other. Apple mimicked her on her shoulder.
"I'm still not happy with the way you run these training sessions."
"I'll cook up something you want, as an apology," Shallies said, running her mana along her kitchen and activating all her workstations. "What do you want?"
"Roasted Chicken," Phey'lan replied.
Before Shallies could start, she felt a presence heading her way. Intentions were easy to pick up, when using divine authority. So as soon as Robert's thoughts had gone towards visiting her, the Godkiller, she immediately sensed it.
Apple picked it up, and Phey'lan quickly inferred from their reactions.
"Visitors?" she asked.
"Just one," Shallies replied. "Robert, this town's Guildmaster."
The teacup fairy danced for joy and immediately asked to help in the kitchen. Phey'lan, with her easy-to-excite attitude, joined them as well.
"Oh, and Valor'el said they'll be late," the seraph began, "but they'll make it before midnight."
With help, Shallies finished a bit quicker than usual. Already, her guests were inside. Her students took their usual spots on the bar, while Robert rested on the sofa by the fireplace. Though they all knew each other, the Guildmaster preferred to sit on his own, but the Godkiller easily saw the signals asking her to join.
Not exactly unaware, Phey'lan joined Grace, Tayin, and Ren across the bar after introducing herself to Robert.
"How was it?" Shallies asked.
"Amazing," Robert replied. "Probably the best chicken I've had in a while. This wine as well; the taste is nothing I've had before."
"Avel Grand Reserve. From Phey'lan's hometown."
"It's incredible!" Robert raised his glass towards the seraph. "How about making an import deal?"
"Thank you, Master Robert, but you'll have to purchase them all from Lady Shallies." Phey'lan's response made the three students blink in confusion, but she simply smiled. "I'm afraid she has beaten you to the punch. Our wine cellars are always emptied by our neighbors, but we're putting a special reserve for our dear Godkiller."
"Ah, drats… I expected as much." Robert finished his glass. "I suppose, it's another reason to frequent this place."
"I can always ask Apple to deliver you a bottle," Shallies suggested. "So long as you pay, of course. How much will that last you?"
"About a week or two, depending on the mood. And yes, I'll take you up on that offer. More time to spend with Lady Apple."
"You seem pretty close to Apple," Grace implied. "Is there a story behind it?"
"Mmm…" Robert made an obvious gesture towards Apple and Shallies.
"No reason to hide it," Shallies said, Apple nodding beside her. "It's not that big of a secret."
The Guildmaster narrowed his eyes, projecting his disappointment. "You could've nurtured some air of mystery for me, Lady Shallies. Where did all your fanfare for mystique and misdirection go?"
Shallies narrowed her eyes back. "They're my students now, Robert. They've gone through all that already."
"It wasn't much of a mystery," Grace clarified. "It was just a straight up introduction. A scary one, though. For me, at least."
"We only knew about it after our quest," Ren added. "No mystery at all."
"Nope, none at all," Tayin followed up. "It was a crazy shock, though. Couldn't sleep at all."
"Sorry…" Shallies sighed. "You two asked to be my students a little too close to your quest departure. I didn't want to go through the hassle of giving you a different trial than Grace."
"I suppose so," said the halfling. "Nevermind that, though. I'm interested in Robert's story."
Shallies presented a hand, and the Guildmaster started by clearing his throat.
"Well, yes. It's as Shallies said. It's nothing really special, but it's important to me, nonetheless." He extended a hand towards the teacup fairy, which she boarded on with grace. "Apple was the Godkiller who inaugurated me in my position as Guildmaster."
"Eh?" Grace tilted her head. "But Apple can't speak, right?"
"True," Shallies confirmed. "Apple's Great Sacrifice made it so that she can't use words to communicate. I used our Soul Confidant connection to impart my voice during his inauguration. It was privately done, and only Apple and Robert were there to sign on the System."
"Your words?"
To demonstrate, Apple flew on the bar and opened her mouth. Shallies' voice came out of her, while the First Godkiller herself had hers closed.
"Like this, see?" Shallies-Apple said, lifting a finger to imitate Shallies' gesturing habits. "We only use this in very specific situations, so don't expect me to talk through Apple all the time."
"That's…" Tayin's jaw turned agape, her eyes widening. The other two did the same. Phey'lan and Robert were simply amused.
Apple cleared her throat, which resulted in squeaky bells like they were getting wiped by some wet cloth.
"That's so cool!" Tayin finally managed to get out of her bedazzlement, trying to catch the fairy to admire her. Apple, however, easily dodged the flying hands while sticking out her tongue. She went back to sit on Robert's shoulder.
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"Anyway," he began. "That's our little story. I quickly discovered that Apple couldn't say anything, after Shallies made me the Guildmaster. It was a little confusing at first, but I learned to understand her intentions and meanings, and we eventually became close friends."
He made another gesture towards Shallies. "To be honest, I didn't expect the Godkiller to look so short."
"What did you assume?" The Godkiller tried to keep her voice neutral, but she could feel an unjustified accusation oozing from her words.
"Old," he said simply, gesturing to himself. "Like me old."
She shrugged. "I guess that's fair."
"Well, in any case," Robert started, reaching out for a handshake. "I didn't get to do this back in the Guild Hall, but it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Godkiller Shallies. It's an honor to serve you."
Shallies took the handshake. "Just make sure you don't slip up and tell everyone else who I am."
"I'm assuming everyone in town doesn't know?"
"Yep. Only the people here, and the two seraphim who are on their way home."
"Doesn't sound that difficult, then." The Guildmaster took the time to sip from his tea. "I came here primarily to visit Apple, but I also have an update regarding the Gaiamaxims and their quests regarding the closed Rifts."
That took everyone's attention.
"They've narrowed it down to four Rifts," he started. "Four remained simply because there's only four left for them to check. The others were either dormant for a long time or suddenly opened before they got there."
"So twenty-five percent chance that it's one of ours," Ren said.
"That's practically ours, then," Shallies said, not even surprised.
"Eh? How are you sure?" Grace asked, standing from her stool to join them by the fireplace with a teacup in her hands.
"Hunch," Shallies admitted. "It's technically not a matter of chance, but I am preparing you for the sub-raid that'll happen with Thrush'ven Alir. It would be best to prepare with the intention that it will indeed come here."
"Telling them that defeats the purpose of the idea, you know?" Robert said.
"True, but understanding the purpose while defeating it is always better than letting them run around with a blindfold because they should 'trust the process'." Shallies pointed at Grace, but she addressed all of her students. "Preparing for the real deal is just as efficient as doing the same for what-ifs. If you set your minds to never hope for the easier path, you'll always be ready to face the harder ones, and you'll never make up excuses for failing."
The Godkiller didn't wait for her words to sink in. She quickly moved on and turned towards Robert.
"What's the situation with the Beginner Dungeon that Grace scouted before?" she asked.
The Guildmaster quickly looked up the information in his System Console. "No development after the initial scout. Long-distance patrols report zero activity. No takers as well to try and close it. It's set to be posted tomorrow to the boards further out to find potential prospects."
"No need," Shallies said. "We'll take the quest. Grace and I will close it in three days."
"Do we get to join?" Tayin asked, getting out of her seat. It took her another second to realize Shallies' intentions. "Oh… I get it."
Ren had immediately understood.
"You two will seat this one out." The Godkiller smiled.
"What? What is it?" Grace asked.
"We need you to catch up in terms of levels," Shallies said simply. "The quicker we can get you to advanced Class, the easier it'll be for the entire party to take on quests. Not to mention we'll avoid any complaints from the Gaiamaxims if we ask you to join their sub-raid."
"I need to get ready, then." The half-orc walked towards the bar to retrieve Chippy and started heading out the door.
"We should probably head back as well," Ren said. Tayin followed after him. "It's getting late, and Gar's not going to let us sleep in."
"We'll all head back together, then," Robert added, getting up from his couch. He opened his Class Inventory and paid for his food with physical bits. "Thank you for the delightful meal, Lady Shallies.
"I'll provide all the provisions, Grace," Shallie started. She stood and accepted Robert's payment. "Just make sure your equipment is ready. I'll handle the rest. I want you to concentrate on just fighting for now."
"Copy that. See you tomorrow!"
With that, they all headed back out.
Shallies stared as the door closed, and the lively atmosphere disappeared with it. She didn't move for a while. Even as she felt Phey'lan silently heading into the kitchen to start cleaning and give her some space, she still didn't move.
Apple was doing the same.
And then, as if nothing had really happened, Shallies and Apple started cleaning.
Tomorrow afternoon, Gar had returned to the tavern. Shallies had made a feast now equal to that of what she had made for the giantkin back then.
Tayin and Ren were with him, waiting on her gate down the hill. Gar was dressed for travel. The other two as well, but not as geared as their friend.
"Going somewhere?" Shallies asked her students.
"We were planning to accompany Gar to the train station, if that's alright?" Tayin said.
"Couldn't wait until tomorrow, huh?"
"Travel's cheaper at night," Ren said. "We won't take long."
"Yeah, I don't mind." Lastly, she turned to the Wroth Fell. "You good to go, big guy?"
"Yes, ma'am," Gar replied, bowing deeply to show his appreciation.
"These two will miss you." Shallies gestured towards her students. "In case they haven't admitted that yet…"
The giantkin turned to Tayin and Ren, who were both blushing in embarrassment. "I'll miss you both as well," he said.
Shallies watched as the three embraced as a group. She pulled two Food Containers from her Class Inventory and patiently waited.
"Sorry about that, Lady Shallies," Gar started, wiping his nose. "Got a small case of the sniffles."
"I'll take good care of them, Gar," she replied, handing him the Containers. "Don't worry. The big one's for the family. The small one's for your travel. You're not allergic to anything, are you?"
"None, ma'am. Thank you."
"Do you guys want to chill for a while? Or are you heading out now?" Shallies asked, stepping aside her gate to let the people inside in case they wanted to take a breather.
"Oh, we should be going, Shallies," Tayin started, wiping her eyes. "He might miss the train."
"We'll be back for dinner, if that's alright?" Ren asked. "We want to check on Grace, too."
"Sure thing." Shallies waved them goodbye as they boarded a large carriage pulled by three horses. "Take care on the road."
As she watched the carriage turn towards the main road, Shallies recognized another pair of familiar presences heading her direction. When she turned the other way, looking towards Cinterbrim Town, she saw Danilo and Yor'ylin waving at her.
"Welcome, welcome," Shallies greeted them, ushering the two into the tavern. "What can I do for you?"
"We're here to deliver your sign," the muscular man started. "And also to have some lunch."
"Oh, that's great news!" Shallies exclaimed as she pulled a medium-sized menu card from her Class Inventory. "Pick anything you want, it's on the house!"
"Umm, no, Shallies," Yor'ylin said. "Let us pay. Amabelle told us we might need to force you to let us pay. And it's not good for business if you just keep giving everything for free. I'm sure you're feeding your mentees for free, so we don't want to add to that."
"Oh, well… I suppose."
"I'll pay!" Grace said, lifting her head from her System Console. She was busy perusing her available Skills.
"No you're not," Shallies said, shutting the half-orc down. "But I'm not giving your meals for free either, so don't worry about it." She turned to her two guests. "Fine, you can pay."
"Well, then." Danilo skimmed through the card. "I'll take your roast chicken. With potatoes, please. Add an Avel Grand Reserve on that one. Just a glass, please."
"Is that alcohol?" the elf asked.
"Yes," Shallies replied before turning to Danilo. "You want your potatoes smashed or sautéed?"
"Sautéed, please, if that's an option. Thank you."
"Isn't it too early for you to be drinking, Dan?" Yor'ylin asked.
"It's just a glass, Yor. Don't worry about it."
"Fine. I'll have one too, then. I'll have it with your cottage pie, please, Shallies. Thank you."
The Chef nodded. "No problem. Give me a few minutes. I'll be right back."
"Is the ribeye steak available?" Danilo asked.
"Yep."
"We'll have one for sharing, please."
"What sauce do you want?"
"What're the options?"
"I have your Cinterbrim Original Steak Sauce. Bordelaise Sauce from Berevrynn Kingdom. Béarnaise Sauce, also from Berevrynn, but it's technically from Phey'lan's hometown, Avel Paradise." Shallies gestured towards the seraph, who was helping Grace decide.
"Hello," she said, waving a hand. "If you want a thick and creamy sauce, I recommend the Béarnaise. It's got egg yolks in it."
Danilo nodded at that. "We'll take that then!"
Shallies did have a few more sauces available, but she didn't bother pointing them out.
Stachie, we should probably update the menu card to include the sauces.
[Roger that.]
After a few minutes in the kitchen, Shallies returned with the couple's orders. And after a quick look at the other pair near the fireplace, she sighed.
Grace was still nose deep in her System Console…
"Right here?"
"Yes, so long as it's not bright enough to blind anyone," Shallies said. She was directing Danilo towards the turn on the main road, where she intended to put one of her signs.
"It's nonreflective, like you requested," said the Tinker. "Stores energy during the day, then makes a slight glow during the night. You'll have to manually turn it off through your System Console, though."
"That won't be a problem."
"So one sign here," Yor'ylin commented, turning towards Shallies' gate. "I assume the other one's there?"
"Yes, please."
"Right, then." Danilo turned to his wife, and she quickly understood.
With a simple gesture, Yor'ylin spread out her Light Frame. It didn't even take the both of them more than a minute to install the signs. Danilo gestured towards Shallies.
"You know how it works," he said.
Shallies opened her System Console, integrating the signs into it. Before she could turn it on, however, she noticed everyone gathering to see the sign turn on.
Apple, Grace and Chippy, Phey'lan and Valor'el, and Arun'dul were present. Even Tayin and Ren arrived just in time. Even, still, were Mayor Schooner, Elesia, Amabelle, Rio, Siobhan, Ben, Marisa, and Guildmaster Robert. There were even some people she didn't recognize.
Shallies blinked. She had realized they were coming, but seeing them all gathered, to witness the tavern's formal opening, made her chest swell with happiness and pride. There were people who would be there to support her, even if it wasn't about killing gods.
She forced herself not to cry, but a tear of joy escaped regardless.
"I thought I'd invite some people to witness your opening," Yor'ylin said.
"Thanks for showing up," she said.
Shallies turned towards her sign, and through her System Console, she made it glow. A mild pink and blue, playing around the predominant soft white. Just like her hair. The signs showed everyone the name of Cinterbrim Province's newest tavern.
The Adventurer's Beginning.
Danilo started it, but everyone eventually joined him in applauding the tavern's formal opening.
"Why 'The Adventurer's Beginning'?" Grace asked in a whisper, making her way beside Shallies.
"Well, you inspired it, technically," Shallies replied. "Every adventurer, whether a newbie or a veteran, should start their adventures prepared and with a full stomach. That's what the tavern's going to be all about."
Shallies turned towards the crowd, gathering their attention. "If anyone's hungry, feel free to come in and order something. We'll be open for the rest of the day."
And so, the first day of The Adventurer's Beginning was packed full of people familiar and new. Shallies and Phey'lan spent their time working in the kitchen. Arun'dul and Grace managed the orders. Tayin was at the counter. Ren was cleaning. Valor'el was keeping the peace. And Apple was providing musical entertainment.
Night quickly came, and it was finally time to close.
"Congratulations, Shallies," said Mayor Schooner. He and his wife were the last to leave. "I wish you a bountiful venture."
"Thanks, Mayor."
"By the way, are you busy in the next couple of weeks?"
"Just managing the students and the tavern."
"Would you mind preparing for some guests?"
"Guests?" Shallies asked, but she already knew who he was talking about. Her entire tentative, impromptu, staff stopped what they were cleaning and silently observed them.
"I have the Vice-Guildmaster of the Gaiamaxims and her retinue arriving next week to observe a reported Same-Plane Rift. Something about a dangerous storm possibly traversing it. The details were a bit shady, if you ask me, but this is a famous guild we're talking about.
"Since you said you'll be more focused on Food Buffs, actual food that adventurers would be interested in, I figured I'd introduce you to them. Could be a great opportunity for your tavern."
Shallies smiled, expertly hiding her anticipation and smug from her fulfilled prediction.
"I'll be happy to serve them, Mayor. Thank you for the opportunity."
"Alright. I'll keep you posted." Schooner turned to Grace. "Work hard, dear."
"Don't forget to visit," Elesia added.
"I will!" Grace answered. "It's not that far."
Shallies closed the door as soon as Mayor Schooner and Elesia were out of sight. She turned to her mentees.
"We have one week to prepare," she began, letting her smile surface now. "Let's hunt for your second Classes."
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