NOVEL NEXT 61. Welcome to Level 8
Justin stretched as he stood up from his bedroll, loosening his muscles after resting on the uncomfortable stone surface. The others were still asleep, except for Kargan, who sat near the door, maintaining a silent vigil. The home was quiet, save for the faint sound of dripping water echoing from somewhere deep within the old stone walls. As he moved away from his resting spot, the Voice resonated in his mind.
[You have reached Level 8. Sometimes, making a bold move at the party can yield a windfall of social capital. But remember, real social currency is earned through consistency. Appear in the right company, and all your efforts will multiply.]
The Voice's words lingered in Justin's thoughts. He understood the point of the message, especially given recent events. It was as if it were cautioning him against further reckless behavior.
[As a Level 8 Socialite, you have one Attribute Point to distribute.]
Without hesitation, Justin allocated the point to Charisma.
[Your Charisma is now: 19.]
A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he reflected on his choice. He was one point away from reaching 20, an important milestone.
[As a Level 8 Socialite, you have unlocked the next tier in your Cane Competency Progression.]
Justin read the upgraded boon description:
Improved Cane Competency. When one must defend one's honor at the gala, nothing makes quite the statement like impeccable form. You've learned to keep the riffraff at bay in style, particularly in your defensive techniques.
Justin felt a twinge of excitement. His trusty Cane of Valoria, which had served him well in various situations, was now even more formidable.
[Remember, Brave Adventurer: hope can be found in even the darkest of places…]
The Voice faded, leaving Justin alone with his thoughts. He glanced at his cane, the polished ebonwood gleaming in the dim light. There was something different about it now—or even about himself. A subtle shift in balance emerged as he handled it, accompanied by a newfound sense of precision in his grip.
He moved to a clear corner of the room, careful to avoid the sleeping forms of his companions. With slow, deliberate movements, he began to practice, keeping his cane close to his body to minimize any sound. The stone beneath his feet was worn smooth, allowing him to pivot quietly.
Justin felt the new knowledge flow through him as he executed a series of defensive postures. It was as if he had received years of training overnight. Every imagined block, parry, and deflection came with precision and purpose. His muscles seemed to remember movements he had never actually learned.
He visualized opponents coming at him from all sides, picturing their attacks in his mind. In response, he shifted his weight and brought the cane up in fluid motions, perfectly positioned to intercept blows. With subtle twists of his wrist, he transformed each defense into a counterattack, targeting vulnerable points with the precision of a master duelist. The stag's head pommel glinted in the dim light as it traced elegant arcs through the air.
"Impressive," a whisper came from behind him, so quiet it was almost inaudible.
Justin turned to see Eldrin evaluating his movements with professional interest. The Ranger had moved without making a sound, a testament to his skills.
"You've upgraded that boon of yours," Eldrin continued in a hushed tone, gesturing toward the cane. "The way you're handling it… it's different."
Justin nodded. "It feels different. Like I finally know how to use it."
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Justin glanced around, noticing that Lila was now awake and watching him with curious eyes. Even Kargan seemed to show a flicker of approval in his normally stoic gaze.
"Thanks," Justin replied. "It feels like I've got a bit more finesse with this thing now."
"You're not just swinging a stick anymore," Eldrin said. "You've got the makings of a real fighter."
A voice from across the room drew their attention. "Turns out Socialites aren't all talk," Bohemond said, sitting up in his bedroll. "It is proof that the gods have a place for each of us, each according to our abilities."
Justin twirled the cane once before resting it against his shoulder. "Talking is still my strong suit. But a gentleman is always prepared for when words fail."
Eldrin nodded in agreement. "True enough. But remember, down here, it's not about fancy movements and clever techniques. It's about survival. We've got a long road ahead of us."
Justin's expression grew more serious at the reminder of their situation. "Yeah, I know. We've got to stay sharp."
As the others began to stir, Eldrin retrieved several pounds of boar meat, enough for everyone to enjoy a satisfying breakfast. But before anyone could take a bite, Bohemond clasped his gloved hands in prayer. "Allow me."
The Knight knelt, bowing his head in reverence before anyone could say otherwise. "O Arion, Lord of Power and Justice, bless this food we are about to partake of. Guide our steps through the treacherous paths of Drakendir and may your divine favor light our way as we seek the Vault, clearing it for your glory."
Justin exchanged a knowing glance with Lila. This was going to get very old, very fast.
Bohemond finally broke his prayer, tearing into his food with zeal. As they ate, the Knight's expression darkened. "So, I've been quite patient so far, but I must insist on details about this Vault. I am here at significant risk, and I could have left at the entrance of the Gate but chose not to. I have taken part in the deception; this area is forbidden unless adventurers have the City of Windfall's permission, and the consequences could be severe if we're caught. In this way, I have lapsed in my own morals, and as Arion's Faithful, we will have to seek Absolution from a Cleric or Priest as soon as we return, along with tithing a part of our spoils. Even so, I can't help but feel that all of you are keeping something from me. I've noticed the furtive whispers, along with Justin, who keeps looking over his shoulder like something is chasing us."
Justin glanced at Eldrin, who nodded. It was time for some honesty, even if it wasn't the full story. They needed Bohemond's strength, and that meant giving him enough to keep him invested in their cause.
This would require great finesse.
"You're right," Justin said. "We're being pursued. By someone powerful. The Vault we're after… it's tied to him. We needed to throw him off our trail, which is why we couldn't be upfront about our destination. With luck, he's headed for the Everwood, like the others. But I promise you, Bohemond, you'll be well rewarded for your efforts."
Bohemond's face reddened with anger, his fist clenching around the handle of his sword. "You lied to me. Not once, but twice. I am an utter fool…"
Eldrin stepped forward, his voice steady. "We deceived you, and for that, we apologize. But your involvement is not just for our sake. If we succeed, you'll not only walk away richer, but also know that you've played a part in something far greater. This was a necessary risk to prevent something worse, even if we can't explain everything now."
Bohemond's expression remained stern, but then something clicked in his mind. His eyes narrowed as he connected the dots. "This powerful someone you're running from… it's Baron Valdrik, isn't it? All those rumors at the party… they're true, aren't they? He had something to do with the death of this Alistair of Drakendale. Didn't he?"
The silence that followed was answer enough. Justin couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He'd used Bohemond as a shield, and now the Knight, like them, was no longer safe. He had been a fool to think Bohemond could walk away unscathed from this. The Baron couldn't afford to leave loose ends.
But Bohemond's reaction surprised him. Rather than anger, the Knight's expression softened into grim determination. "It's clear to me now. Arion guided me to Harrington's party for a reason. The Book of Life says, 'The Creator turns the designs of the wicked into instruments of His will.'" He paused, his expression reflective. "It's hard to imagine a greater crime than killing an anointed Paladin of Holy Mont Elea. Only an Agent of Morvath would dare such a thing, and if those rumors are any sign, then Morvath's evil is involved in this."
Eldrin nodded. "You've guessed correctly, Bohemond."
Bohemond gave a dutiful nod. "Then it is our duty to deliver justice. The deception was wrong, but I see now that it has led me here to serve a greater purpose."
Justin let out a quiet sigh of relief. "You're right. That's exactly it. We need you, Bohemond."
Before anyone could say anything more, Eldrin's expression sharpened, his hand drifting to his weapon. The others froze, sensing the shift in the air.
"What is it?" Justin whispered.
His question was answered as the stone floor rumbled, shaking the surrounding walls. It was as if something heavy and lumbering was moving right outside their door.
Eldrin's voice was barely audible. "Troll. It seems it has caught our scent."