"I have no current use for the rest of my land. So, why not?" ~Shallies Mythernal

"They were talking about me," Shallies whispered as she passed the Food Container over to Rio. "Oh, and that has both your orders. They're separated, but I hope you don't mind me putting them in a single Container."

"I certainly don't mind," Rio said before taking a brief glance over to the Gaiamaxim's initial dispatch group to make sure they weren't listening in.

She leaned in closer. "Miss Yoshelle has requested your public information. And I received information from Guildmaster Robert, who had a meeting with Mayor Schooner, about the fact that they might be planning to request for part of your land for their temporary headquarters."

"Ah, that must be regarding Thrush'ven Alir," Shallies said. When the Quest Handler's expression turned to surprise, she started to explain. "Robert explained it to me, when he came back."

Of course, Shallies had already known about it. Yoshelle had been on and on, mentioning her name, and that had made her curious about the group herself.

So she had taken the liberty of taking a glance with each opportunity she had been able to take. Not that she couldn't do it without anyone invoking her name, though, unlike some other gods.

But either way, she now had to act the part of someone who benefited from new information.

"Oh, I see." Rio made a polite bow. "Nevertheless, I think it's appropriate to let you know that someone did ask for your information."

"Thanks, Rio. I appreciate that."

After receiving yet another respectful bow from the Quest Handler, Shallies made her way towards the group. Rio had just provided her with the best conversation starter without being suspicious as well, since now she wouldn't have to explain that she was a seasoned adventurer.

As she approached, however, she could feel the nervousness from not just Yoshelle, but her entire group as well. The dog-ferim's ear twitched ever slightly, then their entire conversation ended quickly, turning them as silent and still as statues.

"Never had an entire group of Hero Class holders turn silent as I approached them before," Shallies said. It was a lie, obviously, but they didn't know that.

"We didn't tell you that we were Hero Class holders," Krevan said, turning to face her.

"You're from the Gaiamaxims, lad. You're either a Hero Class holder or the richest man alive to convince them to let you in their Guild without having that Class Ascension."

"Oh…"

"You sure know a lot about the Gaiamaxims, Miss Shallies," Yoshelle said, clearly insinuating something, while trying her best not to appear suspicious.

"I did climb the raiding ranks for a quick bit, before opening up the tavern." Shallies played it cool, still leaning heavily on her fabricated background.

"You're one of those halfsies, huh?" Krevan said, while using a Scan.

"Krevan!" Laika shouted. "That's not a nice thing to say!"

Within that instant, Shallies was impressed. Opening with a psychological jab, in an attempt to distract from his Skill, was an effective tactic against the inexperienced. He must've assumed, simply basing it on her looks and the life choices she had chosen to tell him, that she had just gotten a lucky streak and had then retired from adventuring early.

Which meant she wouldn't be prepared for his strategies, now.

He was wrong.

With a smile, Shallies silently deflected the Scan. To the dwarf's credit, it didn't show on his face that he had been denied. That only added to her improving impression of him.

"It's alright, Miss Laika," she said. "I heard it's a thing that most people call us, who take both types of Classes. It's the first time I've heard of it, though. And I'm not really affected by it."

"Ah… Sorry," Krevan said, scratching the back of his head while turning his eyes away. He was starting to sweat. "I didn't mean it."

That reaction made the other two tense up. They understood that his Scanning didn't work.

"It's really alright, Krevan," Shallies said, giving him a warm smile. "Don't worry about it."

Despite her words, Yoshelle took it upon herself to stand up and make a proper salute. She made a fist, pressed it gently on her forehead, and then placed it on the left of her chest. Krevan and Laika followed suit without question.

"I apologize for our actions, Miss Shallies," said the leader of the group. "It was my plan to Scan you without your permission."

"And he's the best out of you three?" Shallies pointed at the dwarf, not really caring for their apology, but not calling it out either. "You can lift your heads now. It wasn't a bother, really."

"Out of us three, yes," Krevan agreed.

Shallies registered that into her memories. Not that she needed to, but it might be useful for her trainees in the future. Scan was an extremely essential Skill. Her pointers would give them enough clues on how to learn it, but hearing from other people's experiences could potentially provide them some breakthroughs. Provided, of course, she checked them for consistency and fallacies.

"So, what do you guys need me for?" she asked while gesturing towards an empty spot at the table. "Mind if I take a seat?"

"Oh, please, go ahead!" Yoshelle said almost too quickly. She presented the chair right next to her.

Shallies also knew what she was trying to do. She had heard everything they had talked about in the first place. So, as easily as running a strand of mana out of her hair in particular, she removed the pink and blue highlights from each part. Then, she took a seat next to the excited leader.

When Yoshelle stared, Shallies stared back, patiently waiting for the young leader to realize she was gawking. She did only after about five long seconds, when Laika was about to say something.

"Oh, right!" Yoshelle started, breaking out of her stare and blushing slightly. "Sorry about that."

"You're apologizing a little too much for my liking, Miss Yoshelle," Shallies said, smiling. "It's starting to make me wonder if you actually owe me some."

"Oh, sorry… Wait, no! Sorry… Ah!"

The flustered, blushing, and panicking Yoshelle made Shallies giggle. Her partymates joined in, and it quickly developed into actual laughter.

"Hey!"

"I never expected you to be so nervous, Yoshelle!" Laika giggled.

"Oh, I didn't know you have this cute and adorable side, Miss Yoshelle," Krevan added. "If you weren't my boss, I'd try to charm you right now."

"Don't even!"

Yoshelle, Shallies figured out, was like any other leader that she actually really liked. Tough and cool on the outside, and a sweet softie on the inside. The Godkiller had half the mind to give this young yet successful adventurer a few more clues to help her figure out who she really was.

Speaking of young…

"Do you mind if I ask how old you are, Yoshelle?" Shallies turned to the others. "Actually, if you guys don't mind me asking your age, I'd like to know yours, too."

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"Twenty-eight," Krevan and Laika said at the same time.

"Twenty-seven," Yoshelle added, before looking at the others. "May we ask why?"

"I have a few mentees," Shallies started. "Three actually. Two are twenty-one, while my youngest will be eighteen in three weeks. I want them to try and imitate you and even surpass your current levels by the time they turn your ages. I assume all of you are doublers, right?"

Unlike halfsies, doublers as a term wasn't as insulting.

"Correct," Yoshelle started. "I'm a Level 100 Elemental Archmage and a Level 49 Chronoadept."

"Eh?" Krevan reacted. "We're giving her our Classes and Levels?"

"I think it's only right," Yoshelle reasoned. "We took her personal information without permission. Even if it's public information."

"That sort of defeats the point having a protective guild," Shallies commented. "I know that the Gaiamaxims are strict with how information like that is spread around Ysvil. I once tried to check someone from there randomly and was instantly denied."

That last part was a bit of personal touch. A real event that she had to override with her authority. She trimmed the Godkiller part of it for her story.

"Come on, guys," Yoshelle insisted. "It's just your Classes and Levels. It's not like she'll be privy to your entire kits."

Shallies waited for the two to decide, neither encouraging nor discouraging. Simply waiting.

"I'm a Shadow Striker," Krevan started. "Level 51. I just got my Ascendant a week ago, so it's still Level 1."

"I'm a Grand Cross, Level 66," Laika began as she took her turn. "I'm also a Level 75 Dragon Berserker."

"Those are impressive!" Shallies said, praising them genuinely. She started with Laika. "I've only met a few dog-ferim who choose vanguard-type classes. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, given that you're from the Gaiamaxims."

She turned to Krevan next. "I honestly thought you'd have more levels, given that you're supposedly the best with Scan between you three."

"It's my hidden talent," said the dwarf, clearly trying to impress.

"Not so hidden now, though." Shallies giggled before turning to Yoshelle last. "When are you planning to find a Divine Sponsor?"

The Elemental Archmage's head drooped. She nervously rubbed the back of her neck, clearly trying to avoid the urge to mess up her hair. She started with a shaky giggle.

"I've been trying to reach someone, actually," Yoshelle started. "I wanted Godkiller Bernadette to help me become a Favored Class. I want to be a Cataclysm Archmage like her."

"Aren't there only eight Cataclysm Archmages right now?" Shallies asked.

She obviously knew all of these various details already, right down to Yoshelle's desire to be sponsored by her. She was simply going along with the flow of the conversation.

"Yep," Yoshelle said, nodding shyly. "I wanted to be the ninth."

"Any luck with that?"

Yoshelle shook her head.

"Well… It's not like all gods respond to everything, right?" Shallies asked rhetorically, smiling slightly. It seemed to resonate well with Yoshelle.

"Definitely."

"Alright." Shallies clasped her hands together. "How can I help you? You wanted something from me, right?"

Yoshelle looked to her teammates, but they both simply returned the look. She was the leader after all. Since neither had any complaints, they simply silently told her to proceed.

"We want to rent your land," she started. "The Gaiamaxims will have an operation regarding a potential natural disaster called Thrush'ven Alir. You've heard about it?"

"The Great Storm," Shallies said simply. This invoked a little back and forth, recalling pretty much things that she already knew.

"I'm pretty close with Guildmaster Robert," she added. "I kind of already knew what you're here for, even yesterday."

"Oh, that makes this conversation easier," Yoshelle commented. "Once we have the Same-Plane Rift verified, and confirmed that Thrush'ven Alir will be showing up here, we need to set up a temporary headquarters."

"That's where my land comes in."

"That's right."

"I only have four acres of land. I'm willing to rent three under specific conditions. How many people do you have?"

"A thousand and five hundred," Yoshelle said.

"Would you guys all fit in just that amount of land?" Shallies wasn't sure. It felt too small for a guild that size.

"We can manage," said the Elemental Archmage. "We have Builders who can make buildings that can accommodate all of us. I'm sure they can design something that can fit your three acres."

"Alright." Shallies nodded. "That sounds feasible enough."

"What conditions are we talking about?" Laika asked, not missing a single word from the conversation.

"I mentioned my trainees," Shallies explained. "I want them to be included in your sub-raid."

As expected, the three members of the Gaiamaxims Guild looked at each other. No one answered right away. But eventually, it was Yoshelle who broke the silence.

"Can we have their Classes?"

"One's a Spell Sword," Shallies said, immediately their expressions switched to disapproval. But only slightly. "I also have a Shield Knight and a Chronospark. I'll be helping them take their second Classes within the week."

Laika and Krevan both shrugged. In response, Yoshelle frowned and rubbed her forehead.

"I don't think they'll be fit enough for the sub-raid, Shallies."

"They still have a month to improve," she reasoned. "Why not give them a chance? With the amount of people you have, I'm sure you already have enough sub-raid members. All I'm asking is for them to experience it."

"What I can maybe promise you, is a chance to discuss this with our Vice-Captain." Yoshelle made a presentation gesture, showing her System Console with the image of their second-in-command.

The image showed a striking resemblance with Yoshelle. Black, wavy hair, blue eyes, a proper and formal look.

"This is Vice-Captain Coraline," the Elemental Archmage started, before Shallies raised a hand.

"Your big sister?"

"Mother." Yoshelle sighed. "She's our decision maker and raid organizer. She'll be arriving within the week and will be making an official investigation of the Same-Plane Rift. I can give you a formal invitation so you can speak with her and convince her to let your mentees join."

Not a bad deal…

Shallies had assumed she would be outright denied and be given millions of bits for her cooperation instead. The money was substantial, but she had no need for it. What she needed the most was opportunity for her students.

She sighed, acting disappointed. "Fine…"

That caught Yoshelle off-guard. "Are you sure? You're letting us borrow your land just so you can talk with our Vice-Captain?"

"Would you let me talk to your Captain instead?" Shallies smiled. "I've heard that Captain Maxims is easy to talk to."

All three members of the guild giggled.

"That's exactly why he's not the decision maker, Shallies," Yoshelle said. "He's focused on leading the main raid."

"All jokes aside," Shallies said. "Yes. I'm willing to make that deal. I'm sure my mentees can convince Vice-Captain Coraline."

"What about payment?" Yoshelle inquired. "I wouldn't want to get this deal settled essentially for free. That would make me look incompetent within the guild. We're ready to pay on top of that offer."

That made Shallies think.

"How many Profession Class holders do you have in the guild?" she asked.

"Four-hundred and thirty," Laika replied after a quick glance from Yoshelle.

"Any Chefs?"

"Twenty-three." Laika searched her System Console to confirm. "Three of them will be staying in our main headquarters."

"Can I stand-in for one of them?"

"You're only asking for opportunities, Shallies," Yoshelle interrupted. "Do you have something against being compensated with bits?"

"I just don't really need them," Shallies replied, shrugging. "I'd rather that you send people to my tavern from time to time so they can eat my food and help me gain some levels. Of course, I'll make them pay for their meals."

"Fine." Yoshelle sighed. "If we're renting on your land, I'm sure some people would be curious about your tavern anyway. If not, we can convince them for sure."

"Awesome!" Shallies stood and reached out with one hand, offering for a handshake. "It's a deal, then!"

"Yes. It's a deal, Miss Shallies. Thank you for cooperating with us." Yoshelle followed suit, taking the offer. The other stood as well as a sign of respect.

Shallies began to leave, but not without turning back to provide a quick reminder. "Oh, and my tavern is always open to you. Take care, now."

Yoshelle waved Shallies goodbye. When she was completely out of view, she finally sighed. Laika and Krevan fell on their seats, finally releasing all the tension they had been holding.

"I thought we were done for!" Laika said.

"Yeah…" Krevan added, sighing. "She denied my Scan so easily! And she just has one Class!"

"That's the issue," Yoshelle said. Unlike the other two, she was still holding her tension. Not out of nervousness, but out of stubbornness.

"We know the Godkiller can switch Classes," she started. "That's basically common knowledge, right? She's the only one that can do it."

"The other Godkiller can, too," Krevan said, not willing to mention Apple's name.

"That's right. That's basically what makes them Godkillers." Yoshelle presented a hand. "So what if they decided to relax and open a small tavern far away from the populace? Isn't that a thing retiring people do?"

"You just said it, Yoshelle," Laika pointed out. "It's for retiring people. Their duty never ends."

"What if they found a replacement?" Yoshelle reasoned out. "That's a good reason to retire, right?"

"Who would want to kill gods? Command armies from different nations, and have kings and queens bow to her? Who would want the fame? Who would want that divine authority to just make entire nations and—or—species change their entire lifestyles?"

Krevan rubbed his chin as he listed these things. "Actually, you're right. That's really desirable."

Influencing the historical records was a part of Shallies' Divine Authority. Most people knew part of her name, for example, but only a chosen few knew the whole. Her entire name could never be seen in record books, even if they were insistently penned. It would be only Godkiller Bernadette.

Of course, this meant that even fewer knew of the Great Sacrifice as a requirement to be a Godkiller. And only her and Apple knew what she had offered.

As it was with most books and history, those that observed the written texts only perceived the surface. They only understood the glory, the riches, the fame. The undeniable power of the Godkiller. These weren't necessarily bad things. But Shallies wouldn't go out of her way to tell them of everything else. Of what was really needed.

Something so straightforward and simple like substituting for a dead god was only part of that surface. Something easily solved by simply letting more mortals ascend to godhood in order to bear the Concepts.

Only an exclusive few knew a small part underneath the surface. People who had been offered the title; people like Valor'el. They were part of that exclusive few. And even that alone had been enough to convince them that the title of Godkiller was never meant to be shared.

It was meant for Shallies alone. But as it was with everything, there was always an exception. And that was Apple.

When that had been fulfilled, there was no need for Shallies to find a replacement.

Shallies went home, musing to herself. Of course, she would be amused. Even up to this day, people still thought she would eventually find a replacement.

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