Solo Strategy

It was good that these seven earthlings had already managed to get accustomed to the new world and accept many of its rules. As soon as the call for silence echoed over the square, they immediately fell quiet and, like me, turned towards the city fountain where the elite of the Servants of Light had gathered.

Waiting until absolute silence hung over the square, the High Priest of Antares spread his arms, turned towards the sun, and slowly rose into the air, hovering about ten meters above the ground. At this sight, the jaws of the earthlings standing next to me collectively dropped to the pavement.

"May the Tower of Light stand forever!" boomed above the people's heads. "On this day, when the Dawn weds the Great Sun, we praise the sacred union of Antares and Dairin! Their joining is the beginning of every new sunrise, a vow of purity and hope for the entire world. May the Light of Antares burn in your hearts, strengthening your swords and tempering your spirits, and may the breath of Dairin guide your thoughts towards mercy, virtue, and magnanimity. May their blessing descend upon each of us! And may every new day be met with faith, courage, and gratitude!"

Unlike earth preachers, the High Priest of Light did not suffer from excessive verbosity. Finishing his speech, he slowly descended onto the stones of the city square. As soon as the priest's sandals touched the pavement, forward stepped the Marshal of the Paladin Corps. Of average height and typical warrior's build, he nonetheless made an indelible impression. The inner strength of this man was felt by everyone standing in the square. His plate armor gleamed in the daylight as if made not of mithril but of mirror scales. The sword in his hand shone like a beam of true light.

"All who stand before me have made a choice! A choice that led you all here on this very day," his calm voice cut to the core. "Whether this was the right choice or not—we will all soon find out…"

In the Last Cycle, I had witnessed Nate's negotiations with this man during the height of the Invasion. Unfortunately, the future Warrior God failed to convince the head of the Paladin Corps that the demons were indeed demons and not just an immense wave of Overflow originating from uncharted lands and rolling toward Pentapolis. The priests of Antares had forbidden the Corps from intervening, believing it to be a trial for humanity, who had to deal with the monsters emerging from the dungeons on their own. According to the tenets of Eyrat, only those who fought for their existence were worthy of life. This was the belief of the priests, who doubted that the demons could bypass the seal, the center of which was the soul of their God.

The speech by the marshal of the Corps was equally brief, concluding with the words:

"I will personally speak with everyone who passes all the trials. Now, I entrust you to my sister blessed by Antares, Gera Joanna, Bearer of Pacifying Light!"

Stepping back, the marshal allowed a petite woman to come forward. As I "remembered," she was indeed very short, barely reaching the chest of the strongest paladin. Her mithril armor was covered by a pristine white cotta, and behind the warrior maiden, hovering just a couple of centimeters from her back, was an enormous hammer, as tall as she was—a divine artifact called Pacifying Light. And when you saw that hammer, you instantly understood: a tool like that would "pacify" anyone, by sheer size and mass alone.

Once, I had the chance to witness fragile Joanna wielding that warhammer. Even now, remembering it, I couldn't help but be impressed. At the very least, Max Krammer with Boundless Pride she had crushed like a master athlete dealing with a clumsy child. Admittedly, that sparring match took place when Max had just crossed Beyond the Second Wall, so their fight couldn't be called entirely fair. This thirty-year-old petite woman, reminiscent of a "loli" type from Japanese anime, looked as if she was no older than fourteen. From someone like her, you'd expect a high-pitched, almost girlish voice, but when she spoke, a powerful, commanding roar echoed across the square:

"You have five minutes to form teams of five! Each team must consist of warriors, mages, or priests of the same rank. Those left without a team will be assigned by the junior paladins! What are you standing around for? Who are you waiting for? Five minutes! Move! Time's running!"

With that, she clapped her hands so sharply it left my ears ringing and my teeth aching for a moment.

Immediately, a clamor rose over the square: those who had come for the trials started looking for suitable groups. Not everyone, though — many had arrived with a pre-formed team of five, clearly knowing what to expect. But the number of loners was much greater, and they were the ones creating a real commotion now.

The earthlings standing next to me, having confirmed the truth of my words, grew visibly tense. They clearly needed to talk among themselves but didn't dare to do so while I was nearby.

"As Illaran the Lightflame said," I turned to the earthlings, "the choice is yours alone. Now, please excuse me—I have matters to attend to."

With these words, I left them and, cutting through the crowd of contenders, headed straight for the city fountain. I expected to be stopped, but to my surprise, no one paid me any attention until I was almost face-to-face with the Radiant Dozen. At the last moment, one of the junior paladins, a mage of Avalonium step, blocked my path, but upon hearing a brief command from Halmgar the Darkness Expeller, he immediately stepped aside.

"Om Raven Alexandrite," Halmgar addressed me, "you're a Sheriff of the Book, true, but don't expect any special treatment."

"I'm not expecting any," I replied calmly, shrugging off the reprimand. "I approached with a different purpose."

Now twelve legendary paladins were looking at me, examining me as if I were some rare and curious creature. Only one of them, the woman, regarded me differently, with genuine curiosity. I stepped towards her.

"Gera Joanna, may I have a word?" I bowed deeply.

Casting a quick glance at her marshal, the petite woman nodded swiftly:

"You have one minute," she said.

We moved just a few steps closer to the fountain.

"I'm listening," the Bearer of Pacifying Light said curtly.

Standing next to her, it was hard not to look at the artifact hammer floating behind her. But I managed, meeting her gaze.

"I have a gift for you, which Sister Gertrude, the abbess of the Dawn Glimmer Temple, asked me to deliver," I said, offering a small box to the second strongest paladin of the corps.

"I haven't seen my Sister in Light for a long time," the petite woman said, peeking into the box, her face smoothing out, making her look like a young teenager. "Thank you for the gift." She looked up at me and continued, "So, you are the new Sheriff of the Book they speak so much about."

Were people actually talking about me? Maybe so.

"I didn't ask for that kind of honor."

My face turned sour, which brought a genuinely warm smile to Joanna's lips. And suddenly I realized she was actually very beautiful when she smiled.

"Yes, yes," she shook her head, "and you won the Alchemists' Tournament in faraway Tries by accident."

"No, that one was all skill," I spread my hands—not sure why, but I was bragging to this woman like a peacock.

"So, you've decided to join the corps?" Joanna asked, hiding the gift box in the pouch on her belt.

"No," I replied curtly.

"Ha! Halmgar will have to shell out," she laughed. "Do you want to ask me for something or inquire about anything?"

"No," I repeated like a broken record, unable to look away from her charming smile. "I was asked to deliver a gift, and I did."

Damn, what was going on? Where were my four Stars in the Orator Talent? Since when did I become so tongue-tied, like I was sixteen again?

"Then, Om Raven Alexandrite, if it's not too much trouble, could you announce your decision not to join the corps in front of my comrades?"

I should have refused and run, but instead, I nodded like a puppet and obediently followed her like a sheep.

"Sheriff Raven has something to say," Joanna announced to the other paladins, stepping aside sharply, leaving me at the forefront.

What a setup! That's what happens when you dutifully follow a woman! She'll lead you into a swamp, and when you're sinking, trapped in the mire, she'll watch and smile sweetly. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I straightened up and focused on the corps marshal, trying to erase Joanna's smile from my memory.

"Honorable Illaran the Lightflame, your speech touched the deepest corners of my soul. Choice is what defines a person as an individual. It's the series of choices in life that make us who we are. Thank you for reminding me of this. I appreciate that your words made me reflect and realize that my decision to come to this square today was driven by vanity and haste. Choice is not just a decision, not just a turn on the Path, but also responsibility. Responsibility for one's choice. Your speech reminded me that there are choices that irrevocably change life. And the decision to join the corps is undoubtedly such a choice. But I… I am not ready. Maybe in a year… But not now. Today, it was pride that guided me, but your words pointed out this mistake. My deepest gratitude to you, Marshal."

And let

Halmgar the Darkness Expeller, who lost the bet to Joanna, try to be offended at me. He wouldn't be able to—because showing that offense would cast doubt on his marshal's ability to give speeches.

From the way all twelve Radiant paladins listened to me, I realized I had managed to refuse without hurting their pride. Waiting for the measured nod from the corps marshal, I took a cautious step back, then another, and another. In complete silence, after retreating about ten paces, I dared to turn my back on the paladins. But before I could take a step, Joanna crashed into my side like a soft Formula 1 car and looked into my eyes.

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"So, in a year," she whispered meaningfully, winking.

'Someone, sew her mouth shut so she doesn't smile, or I can't be held responsible for my actions!'

"I said 'maybe in a year,'" I corrected, repeating just in case. "Maybe."

"The next few days are busy for me, as you understand," she made a quick gesture around the square and the hustle reigning there. "But in about three days, I wouldn't mind chatting with the new Sheriff of the Book."

Was that a hint? It sure seemed like one. If this were Earth, I'd be sure she was hitting on me. My breath caught, but then I remembered that we weren't on Earth; we were in an entirely different world, and earthly standards didn't apply here.

"If I'm in Sun City in three days, where can I find you?" My voice was dry and unnatural.

"In the corps' barracks, of course. But don't come yourself, send a message." And then she added, seemingly with genuine regret, "I haven't dined in nice places for a long time."

So, was she hitting on me after all? No, that couldn't be. Everyone generally believed she was a virgin, and virgins weren't experienced enough to set up dates so casually. Wait. Raven, curb your imagination! There was obviously something I couldn't get. No way I was going to sleep with this petite beauty!

Calm down, just calm down! Inhale, exhale. Inhale, exhale.

"Of course, O Radiant One."

"Then I'll be waiting, O Sheriff of the Book," Joanna mimicked my voice, winked again, and darted off to the other end of the square like a meteor.

Heck. What was that? A real date invitation? I needed to get out of this crazy city! And by no means show up here in three days! I've seen her hammer flattening heads like pancakes. Seen it—and I didn't want to put mine under it. I'd rather drink with Dice than go to dinner with her.

At that moment, I clearly realized I was just lying to myself. I wanted to see her smile again.

As I turned and walked toward the group of earthlings, my legs barely bent, everything inside me churned, and my heart beat like a street racer's engine.

Even before reaching the seven, just by the looks on their faces, I could tell I had lost the verbal contest with the head of the corps. His speech about choice was so compelling that even those accustomed to the words of earthly politicians decided to stay for the trials. I couldn't blame them. If I had come here with the desire to join the corps, I wouldn't have been able to change my mind and leave the square after hearing about choice. Well, I hoped at least they would pass the first trial and return from the Inverted Tower alive.

Coming up to the group, I met their gaze and said:

"I see you're staying. As Illaran the Lightflame said—it's your choice. I can only advise you not to be reckless and make sure everyone returns from the Tower, even if it means abandoning the task."

"We've already discussed everything," the swordsman said somewhat angrily. "And yes, we're staying for the trials, but not all of us. Only five will go, and two will stay behind and not participate."

A reasonable compromise. As for their determination—maybe it was because of the questers' task to fill four Stars in any Talent. Since in the corps, with its constant training, it would be easier to achieve than anywhere else. So, five would go to the Tower, and two would stay. And one of those staying, I could guess right now. It was the healer girl with Ishii's staff in her hands. Why did I think so? Because the priests and followers of Ishii didn't shy away from healing the poor and the needy; they weren't as arrogant and haughty as the servants of Elai and especially Aerad. And according to the corps rules, their healers worked only with their own and were forbidden to assist civilians without the commander's permission.

"Taessi," the swordsman gestured towards the healer girl, "and Keldrik are staying."

He nodded towards the guy armed with two short swords, more like oversized daggers, the kind I preferred in the Last Cycle until I switched to a spear.

"I'm going to fail the interview anyway," shrugged the healer girl, "I can't hold back what I think about Antares' servants... So, I don't see the point in trying."

"And I won't leave Taessi alone," said the guy with the dual blades simply and sincerely.

"A reasonable compromise," I said, not arguing or trying to dissuade them. "Well, time for forming groups is running out, so I wish you luck."

I nodded to the swordsman and the five who were going to the first trial. Then, I turned to the pair of "refusers."

"I'm heading towards the city market. I want to see if the variety of goods in Pentapolis is as rich as they say in the rest of the world. Taessi, Keldrik, care to join? I'll also share what I've learned about this world during my travels."

"No. Thanks. But no," shook her head the girl with Ishii's staff in hand. "We'll wait for the group to return."

"If you change your mind, I'll be staying at an inn called the 'Chalice of Light' and will probably be in the city at least until tomorrow morning. So, now you know where to find me. And to everyone else—good luck."

I was also about to suggest that the fencer switch his weapon to something more practical, but remembering that an estoc was actually decent on the first floor, I changed my mind and just bowed, saying goodbye to the earthlings.

Leaving the bustling square with a quick stride, I headed to the southern part of the city. Before going to the market, I needed to pay for a room and drop off my things. And although, unlike in Feyst, it was allowed to carry any weapon freely in Sun City, walking around with a spear in hand was simply inconvenient.

The inn with the pretentious name "Chalice of Light" wasn't much different from its competitors. Sure, the rooms were quite expensive, but the service matched the price. Last Cycle, I accidentally stayed here, and that chance event led to one of the most useful acquaintances I made. This time, I intended to repeat that "accident."

I reached the inn without any adventures, which was to be expected—security in Sun City was top-notch. This was indirectly confirmed by the fact that there wasn't even a thieves' guild here. Those Blessed by Shadows didn't risk staying in a city that served as the base for the paladin corps. And understandably so, as life was more important than profit.

Entering the main hall of the inn, I was surprised by the bustling crowd, then remembered that many guests had arrived in the city today for the festival. For a moment, I even worried that there would be no free rooms. But luck was with me: two single rooms, the most basic, were still free. After paying a hefty sum for one of them, I was escorted to the second floor by a young servant. All the way from the counter to the room, the lad assigned to accompany me kept praising his inn:

"All our rooms are enchanted. No noise from neighbors will bother you, and even if a whole band of troubadours stays next door, you can sleep peacefully," the youth babbled on, and I didn't interrupt, though I knew all these details thanks to the memory of the future. "Your belongings will be completely safe with us..."

After receiving the keys and inspecting the room, I dropped my backpack on the floor and placed Striking Whisper at the head of the bed. Then I turned to the servant, who was still standing in the doorway, and asked:

"I heard that the famous bard Corin the Hope Singer often performs here in the evenings. I would very much like to hear him sing. Will he be performing tonight?"

"Of course, master!" the servant replied immediately. "Today is a holiday. Right at sunset, Corin the Hope Singer will perform in the main dining hall."

"Reserve me a table close to the stage," I said, tossing the youth a couple of silver coins. "Now leave me."

Bowing deeply and swiftly tucking the money into his clothes, the lad silently slipped into the corridor and closed the door behind him.

Having slept well and regained my strength last night, I didn't need any rest. After looking around the room, I took off my armor and gambeson, changing into regular city clothes, not forgetting to wear the fashionable outfit gifted by Larindel. After some thought, I pinned a noble's brooch to my chest. I considered leaving the Sign of the Guild Sheriff on the table to avoid attracting undue attention, but after some reflection decided against it. If I had to bargain, the status of a Great Guild Sheriff could help lower the price. So, I pinned the Sign next to the brooch.

Leaving the inn, I couldn't resist and decided to visit the Tower Square before heading to the market.

Well, the earthling, the Fire mage, was right in his description. A pillar of light, reaching a hundred meters high and about forty steps in diameter, was exactly how the Inverted Towers looked from afar, with the only difference being the shade of light, which varied depending on which god's Seal the Tower guarded.

In Sun City, the Inverted Tower seemed to be made of most pristine light, without any impurities. But this light was so soft that you could look at it calmly without squinting.

What the earthling failed to mention, though, was the indescribable feeling experienced by anyone who looked at or approached the Inverted Tower. Just one glance was enough for me to straighten my back, square my shoulders, and fill my soul with a desire for heroics and achievements. In Atreia, you'd feel an urge to help and love life. In Kronis, you'd want to meditate and occupy your mind with particularly complex tasks. In Feyst, you'd be overcome with a wild thrill and a desire to live for the moment, forgetting the future. And in Deytran, if you closed your eyes near the Tower of Dyled, you'd feel what it meant to be wealthy, and a longing for profit would start to engulf you entirely.

I stood in the Tower Square for about five minutes, fighting the urge to abandon all plans, return to the inn, don my armor, clutch Striking Whisper, and begin descending the Floors. With an effort of will, I suppressed this impulse, shook my head, and took a step back.

It wasn't time yet. Yes, I was already Sapphire, and though my skill set wasn't as varied, it was tailored specifically to my combat style. But these skills still required extensive honing. For example, to create Spirit Armor, I needed a ten-second meditation, and such slowness in a combat situation was akin to death. I was also struggling with Chain Lightning and Air Shield.

No, it was still too early to start the descent. Besides, today, Antares' Inverted Tower was closed to regular visits. On this day, the junior paladins wouldn't let anyone through except those undergoing the corps' trials.

Finally overcoming the Tower's influence, I turned and walked toward the market square. The next time I had to withstand the pressure of the Tower, it would be easier. It was during the first visit that the divine aura pressed so hard on the mind. After that... after that, you got used to it.

The market in Sun City wasn't as grand as the rumors suggested. Yes, it was impressive in size, but each merchant had their own stall, and city laws required enough space between each one for a person to pass. Because of this rule, the square had half as many stalls as it could have.

However, I didn't come here to buy something specific. No, if something interesting came up, I'd try to purchase it, but shopping wasn't my main goal. Not at all. Far more, I wanted to test how the skill granted by the Adamantium Achievement worked, the one aimed at finding the unusual.

I got so engrossed in this testing that I didn't notice how the whole day flew by. It seemed to me the skill activated about fifteen times. But ten times, it was just a brief flash that quickly faded, and I couldn't even catch the general direction. Three more times, the skill activated on paladins passing near the square. Which was logical—they probably had some interesting artifacts on them.

Once, I definitely managed to find something curious. But unfortunately, the merchant selling it knew its worth perfectly well and demanded the price of a war galley for a small brooch. Since the skill only allowed me to sense the item's value without understanding what the brooch actually did, I feigned annoyance and left the sly merchant's stall after some mock bargaining.

The last activation occurred an hour before sunset. Following the sense of direction awakened within me, I ended up at a weapon shop. It was quite large and, judging by the barkers' shouts and the number of visitors, very popular.

Entering inside, I froze by a wall of swords. Froze because the direction indicated exactly that wall, but it had precisely fifty-four swords hanging on it—I even counted them specifically.

Thanks to the skill, I sensed that among these blades was an artifact, but I couldn't determine which sword it was. I spent more than half an hour walking along this wall, hoping to catch even the slightest hint from the skill, but to no avail.

Apparently, my wandering annoyed the shop owner, and he approached me with the question:

"Are you going to buy something?"

"How much for all the swords on this wall?" I asked, playing the role of a wealthy aristocrat.

The price he quoted almost made my hair stand on end. Giving the shop owner a look as if I were facing a madman, I left the store with the most pompous and irritated demeanor, slamming the door loudly.

I didn't consider the time spent at the market wasted. True, I couldn't figure out under what conditions the skill activated and when it remained silent. But I had gotten much better at sensing the direction and now wouldn't make a mistake when I "heard" the call of the skill.

Besides, I didn't leave the market empty-handed. I bought three metal pouches with attachments for a combat belt. These pouches were enchanted against theft, and even a master thief who had crossed the First Wall would find it challenging to rob me now. They were crafted by a young, still little-known but quite skilled artifact master, whose name I remembered from the Last Cycle. Due to the master's lack of fame, I managed to haggle the price down significantly and bought the pouches for almost half their real value. A good deal.