Solo Strategy

After locking the door with the bolt, I exhaled slowly, as if releasing poisonous air from my lungs. The bundle with the bracelets I returned to the bottom of my backpack, carefully tucking it so the fabric wouldn't shift even with a sudden movement. Then, I approached the barrel and took several long, noisy gulps directly from it. The bitter taste of the dark beer burned my parched throat, and instead of calming me, the weight of the drink strangely stirred the trembling inside even more. Wiping my lips with my sleeve like some drunkard, I sank heavily onto the bed. My muscles twitched occasionally, and a residual fear chilled my spine, as if I had just emerged from a long, grueling battle.

This was not the kind of dialogue I expected. Not at all. I thought everything would go... smoother. Without that tangible, cold, oppressive threat hanging over every phrase, every breath. I miscalculated.

When Wayne took me for an alien, something inhuman, there was not just a desire to kill in his eyes—there was genuine, almost religious disgust. I felt the blade chill my skin and realized: another moment—and I would lose my head.

I walked the edge. Again. For the Da'Nnan-knows-which time!

I'd been taking too many risks lately. This endless rush, the desire to achieve as much as possible before the Invasion... it was like rust, slowly corroding my caution. If I kept this up, one day I'd run out of luck and eloquence. And then it would all end. Not with a heroic death on the battlefield, not with a resounding legend, but plainly—ingloriously, unsightly, and quietly. I'd just disappear, and no one would remember me.

The thought made something inside me clench painfully. I leaned back, staring at the ceiling. Only half an hour of meditation, enhanced by breathing exercises, let me finally clear my thoughts.

And the first thing I thought of when I sat up on the bed was what a bastard I had become in the Last Cycle. If there had been a mirror, I would have spat in my own face. I was still shaking inside at the memory of my dagger entering the back of the man I called my mentor, and his thick blood pouring profusely onto the Altar of Light.

What had broken me so much then that I forgot all my principles and buried my conscience? Sure, my hatred for the questers was understandable, but hatred alone wasn't enough to make me completely snap. What had been the final trigger that made me elevate revenge to a pedestal? Alas, that corner of the memory of the future gaped with a black void.

'Enough. Forget... Forget about it! Stop recalling what shouldn't happen! My past self is not equal to my current self. I am not responsible for the sins of an alternate past. Enough self-devouring. This time, I will take a different path and not lay my conscience down on the execution block of rationality.'

Another round of breathing exercises and two big gulps of dark beer brought my thoughts back to a sensible track. I just needed to calmly and impartially analyze the conversation with Wayne.

But if I were to think truly impartially, my very desire to see this man was already a mistake. I should have waited until I passed the Second Wall and only then met with someone so dangerous. But no—I decided that since I'd ended up in Sun City, it was a good idea…

Where was I rushing off to? And more importantly—what for? I was already more than two months ahead of my Last Cycle schedule. And that was even without considering that I was qualitatively much stronger than I was at the same time. Three Affinities, several extra Talent Stars, a multitude of Adamantium Achievements. I wasn't just running; I was flying forward, outpacing many Shards. So, looking at it sensibly, the additional information about the Night Sisters' bracelets wasn't worth the excessive risk.

On the other hand, I was alive and unharmed, so things had gone at least well enough. So there was no point in beating myself up again. I made a mental note: act more cautiously in the future—and decided that was enough. The main thing was that I had found out the bracelets were fine, and I just needed to find a worthy owner for them. The only problem was that no names came to mind.

Well, not exactly... One name did come to mind immediately, but I wasn't sure if she had an Affinity with Shadows. And more importantly, I wasn't sure it was wise to put a weapon of Shadow in the hands of such an unpredictable person. Then again, hunters ought to be good at sneaking up on their prey. So, for the future goddess of the Hunt, an Affinity with Shadows wouldn't hurt and would complement her image nicely. Only, I wasn't exactly eager to meet Scully again. And definitely not until I figured out how to neutralize her Da'Nnan's artifact rope!

Scully scared me. Not because she was a ruthless killer, but because I felt that the next time we met, she'd just go ahead and rape me. First, of course, she'd tie me up with her rope, and then... I didn't even know where these thoughts came from, but I couldn't shake them off.

Apparently, I'd been celibate for too long. Far too long. It was starting to feel like it had imprinted on my brain, like some sort of special, almost ritualistic vow. It all started back in the Last Cycle, after several betrayals and disappointments, when I subconsciously decided that intimacy was a weakness. That if you let anyone get too close, they'd hurt you worse than any blade. The thought of Arien and the image of Nate embracing her in my memories still made me grind my teeth.

And then everything spiraled from there: training, endless raids, the chase for levels, for Affinities, for Achievements. There always seemed to be something more important than spending time on carnal pleasures. When was the last time I shared a bed with someone? A month and a half ago...

And now, after so long without a woman, without touch, without feeling even fleeting closeness, my imagination began to play cruel tricks on me. First, Johanna—I just saw this petite girl with eyes full of Light, and was already mentally ready to risk it, despite the threat of being crushed by her hammer.

Now, thoughts of Scully—predatory, wild, dangerous, yet very beautiful, and, let's be honest, seductive and uninhibited.

Frankly, it was frightening how the topic of sex subtly crept into my head and influenced my decisions. This could turn out to be a danger even greater than the recent conversation with the punisher of Shadow. A little more slack to my imagination, a bit more clarity to Scully's image—and I wouldn't have minded being raped. And that smile of Johanna's...

Stop! What did Wayne say about Joanna?! What split in the corps? I had always considered this organization a flawless monolith, like the sacred sword of Antares, forged from the purest light. There, no cracks, no flaws, no hint of doubt could exist—only the cold shine of discipline and boundless faith.

No, I wasn't naive and understood perfectly well: in any structure with more than one person, friction, disputes, hidden grudges, and behind-the-scenes games were inevitable. It's human nature, eternal and unchanging. But... a split? A split among those I had always seen as the embodiment of something truly unshakable?

Perhaps Wayne was exaggerating. How would he know about the inner workings of the corps? Yes, he had his own network of eyes and ears, a cunning and almost invisible web of spies, each node of which didn't even suspect who they were working for. But still... I didn't think his network could peer into the very heart of the corps, where oaths were forged and vows were made. Although... he might not have needed to look. He might have just sensed it. Felt it, like a beast smells blood in the night. Because Wayne was a man who'd reached Mithril entirely on his own. He was a walking, breathing embodiment of intuition, enhanced by Shadows and reinforced by Law. Either way, his warning was something I needed to take very seriously.

If, after talking to Joanna, I wanted to flee the city and forget her invitation, now my plans had changed. If a split was indeed brewing within the corps, if invisible cracks had appeared in their flawless white armor, then this was my chance. My chance to enter, like a shadow entering a room at sunset, and make them listen. Listen about the Invasion. About what was coming and could not simply be ignored. Of course, not now. Later. When the demonic legions had already tainted this world with their presence.

Intrigues. Back on Earth, I genuinely hated them, preferring to speak directly, without unnecessary hints and behind-the-scenes games. But Ain had changed me. Now, I saw in intrigues not only dirt and lies but also a chance, an opportunity. Besides, after discovering my Orator Talent and my knack for acting, I started feeling much more confident in the game of words and hidden meanings.

In any case, it was worth meeting with Joanna. Then, I'd act according to the circumstances. If I sensed an attempt to play me like a pawn on someone else's chessboard, I'd nod along, listen… and then do everything my own way.

One thing still bothered me: why was the bearer of Pacifying Light so interested in me? Of course, as Sheriff of the Book and someone who'd gained Affinity with Light, I was definitely a promising candidate for the corps. And Joanna, as far as I knew, was responsible for recruiting new members. But even so, it seemed too trivial a reason to arrange a personal meeting with me. It wasn't Joanna's caliber to waste time on every promising newcomer. She had an entire army of deputies and adjutants for that.

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

I needed to distract myself; otherwise, my thoughts would make a full circle and return to the same worn-out track.

I had two days before meeting Joanna. How to spend them? Of course, I could jump or simply run to Deytran and back, but why? What could I accomplish there in such a short time?

What other options were there? Check the information from the Last Cycle about unclaimed treasures lying just a day's journey east of Sun City? Tempting, very tempting. But... I wasn't sure I could carry off those treasures and make it out alive. They were worth seeking only with substantial power behind me. In any case, they'd only been discovered well into the Invasion, so there was no need to worry about the hidden hoard for at least another six months. Although... getting rich out of nowhere by fifty thousand gold sounded sweet. Very sweet. But I had just promised myself to steer clear of such adventures. And without an artifact spatial bag, like the one I saw with the captain of the Defector, I couldn't carry everything anyway. Decision made—the treasures could wait.

What else nearby could be of interest?

The memory of the future helpfully offered a list. But, unfortunately, I had outgrown most of it. The only thing that caught my attention from the awakened memories was the remnants of two swords forged from pure valirium. Yes, they were indeed broken and no longer usable as weapons, but I could give them to Katashi so he...

Wait. So he could do what? Forge me a new spear tip? Striking Whisper was more than enough for me and would last a long time, up to the very Second Wall. Then why did I need these remnants? To sell them? Well, I could get a couple of thousand gold. But exchanging such a rare metal for gold, especially at such a robbery rate? Even thinking about it made me sick. Give them to Katashi for experiments? He would be torn apart by suspicion over my intrusive altruism. Well, as would Arien.

Nevertheless, very soon, literally within a month, a group of curious earthlings would stumble upon these remnants. They'd find the swords and, consequently, their death, as the local baron would simply kill them upon learning they hadn't shared the discovery made on his territory. Only one of these "lucky ones" would manage to escape. And that baron would later be killed by Nate.

Although... I might be relying too much on the memory of the future. After all, the questers had reshuffled the initial groups, and it might well be that these swords would just remain rotting in the ground for an indefinite time, and no one would find them. But still, it was not worth the risk. Not the risk of someone else discovering them, but the risk of someone dying because of them. So yes, if I had nothing else to do before meeting Joanna, I could go for the valirium. Just a single jump through the Gate for about a hundred gold, and then back when the Ripple subsides.

But I could spend this time differently. For example, find a teacher of Air or Earth magic and learn a couple of new spells. That would at least be useful.

It also wouldn't hurt to visit the Temple and offer a prayer to Antares in hopes of receiving something more substantial from the arsenal of Light than the banal "Flashlight."

Well, as they said back home, "morning is wiser than evening," so I would decide after I woke up.

With this thought, I turned onto my side and tried to fall asleep, focusing on breathing exercises and pushing away thoughts that interfered with sleep.

I woke up about an hour after dawn. I had been dreaming of such things, and in such positions, that the moment I got to my feet, I immediately demanded the maid bring me a tub of the coldest water. Although, when I saw this maid—young, pretty, with a generous bust and round hips—I first wanted to demand her instead... But I managed to restrain myself.

After washing up and dousing myself with icy water, I rinsed my mouth with a special alchemical mixture that protected the teeth and freshened the breath, and, learning that breakfast was now being served, hurried to the dining hall.

I wouldn't say I was in a good mood as I descended the stairs, but it wasn't bad either. However, as soon as I entered the dining hall, the same mood quickly took a nosedive. At a corner table sat two of my new acquaintances, their gloomy expressions promising no good news.

"Taessi, Keldrik," I greeted them, taking a seat and gesturing for the servant to bring me breakfast. "Since you're here, and without the others..."

"They're all dead!" the healer girl quickly blurted out, not letting me finish, and buried her face in her hands.

"Yes," said the guy with two swords curtly, hugging his companion and gently stroking her head.

"Maybe they're still wandering on the first floor," I cautiously suggested. "The Tower Trial sometimes drags on for a couple of days..."

"No. We were told. By one of the junior paladins," Keldrik shook his head.

Got it. No chance. They perished.

My heart sank. What was this... Why was I taking it so personally? I'd barely known these people—just one conversation, that was all. Yet right now I felt sick. And it was definitely not because I had too much dark beer yesterday. I could have said I warned them, told them they shouldn't have gone in blind. But what for? Everything was already clear. The group had taken a risk, overestimated their strength, and hadn't come back from the Inverted Tower. Every day, someone didn't return—locals had long gotten used to it. For them, it had become routine, but not for earthlings, who had been in this new world for just three months.

"My condolences," I said, fully aware of how hollow that word sounded in such a situation. Angry at myself for this realization, I added more firmly, "They're gone. But you need to think about how to live on." With a sharp motion, I lowered her hands and offered her a cup of water. "Drink. Tears won't help the grief. And there's no one to take revenge on. Except maybe the Tower... But that's like trying to whip the sea."

"I hate... I hate..." she whispered, taking short sips, large tears streaming down her face, leaving wet trails on her cheeks. "I hate them so much..."

"The paladins?" I asked. Seeing her nod in agreement, I continued, "What do they have to do with it? They didn't come up with these trials. At least, not this generation."

"Trials!" Taessi nearly shouted. "They're like those... what did you call them... Never mind..."

"Hold on, don't act rashly," I shook my head, pouring her more water. "There are rules, traditions. You've spent three months in this world and should have realized by now that you can't just change it at will. And seeking revenge on the paladins, who are admittedly arrogant bastards—I won't argue there—but each of them would unhesitatingly sacrifice themselves in the fight against Darkness, is clearly not the best path." I placed my hands on the table and added, "Trust me, revenge brings only brief joy, and then it gets much worse. I know."

Apparently, there was something in my words, something from deep within my "self," that made the girl stop crying. Looking into my eyes, she nodded in agreement.

"Kel, let me go. I won't run off like a headless chicken," the healer asked, twitching her shoulder.

"Are you sure?" her companion asked again.

"Sure. You know I'm a sensible girl... I just lost it. Like I did once, losing my first patient." Her eyes lost focus for a moment, as if she was delving into memories.

"I am always here," Keldrik said, moving a little away but still looking at her with utter care.

"I know. And thank you for that. Truly, thank you." And the girl unexpectedly ran the back of her hand across her companion's cheek.

The simple gesture made him flinch. The girl shook her head vigorously, causing her hair to fall over her face. She drank some water and then, placing her slightly trembling hands on the table, said:

"Revenge... Whenever I watched movies about avengers, I would scoff: how mad do you have to be to... And now I get it. But no, you're right." She looked at me and continued, "There's no one to blame, the guys had brought it on themselves. What did that pompous turkey say? 'Your choice brought you here'... Not verbatim, of course, but the essence, the essence doesn't change. It was their choice, and it's pointless to argue... But the question arises," she shifted her gaze to her companion, "what do we do now?"

"Wherever you go, I go," Keldrik replied simply and sincerely.

"And where is that?" A sad smile twisted her face.

"Here, I can offer a suggestion," I interjected bluntly. "If you're ready to listen."

"We're not ready... I hardly understand anything right now," Taessi admitted honestly. "But we'll listen."

The young man nodded in agreement.

At that moment, my breakfast arrived, but I didn't touch it—I had no appetite at all. Pushing a full plate of meat porridge aside, I leaned forward:

"You realize you're not the only earthlings who decided to form a group larger than the original fives."

"That's not hard to guess," the healer nodded.

"Then I have two options for you. The first is Vidar's group. These are people who have chosen a very unusual path in this world. They help the locals, drive progress, but also don't forget about themselves. Despite their, let's call it, healthy altruism, they were already at Wootz half a month ago."

"What's the second option?" Her tone suggested I had piqued her interest.

"The Ainuminati Guild. It's a large group of earthlings, over forty people. It's recognized by all the Great Guilds, and its leader is a person of remarkable talent. Arien Marshal was a renowned scientist back on Earth and possesses considerable organizational skills. Joining Ainuminati isn't easy, but if you mention my name, they'll at least hear you out. As far as I know, they plan to move to the Pentapolis region soon. However, I'm not sure if they'll choose Atreia or Kronis as their base."

"What do you think?" After hearing me out, Taessi turned to her companion. "You decide," she added, "I'm not thinking clearly right now."

"We need solid ground beneath our feet," Keldrik said, weighing each word carefully. "A large guild is certainly appealing, but from Raven's hint, it seems they don't accept just anyone, which means there will be some entry tests, trials..."

Realizing he had the wrong word, the guy clammed up, but it was too late. Taessi's eyes filled with anger as she brushed her bangs aside with an irritated gesture.

"Vidar's group. Where are they?" she demanded, instantly forgetting she had just suggested her companion make the choice.

"The Rur region, the village named..."

I didn't get to finish. The girl jumped to her feet and interrupted:

"We'll find them ourselves." Turning to Keldrik, she added, "We heard about this group when we passed through Rur two weeks ago. Vidar's name definitely came up. Remember, at the city gates of Stolmid, they were recruiting woodworkers? That's where I heard it."

"Yeah? Maybe..." her companion drawled uncertainly, clearly not blessed with such a good memory.

"Absolutely!" the healer nodded confidently. "Besides, Raven said they help others, and right now I need something like that... On Earth, I'd volunteer for the Red Cross, but there's no such organization here, nor will there be. Kel, are you with me?"

"Yes," he replied curtly, and in his eyes, I read the unsaid 'Always.'

"Hey! At least have something to eat!" I exclaimed, realizing they were about to leave right now.

"Thank you for everything," Taessi bowed almost to the ground. "For trying to talk us out of it. Thank you. And for the words spoken at this table, thank you too. But we're leaving. I can't just sit still right now… Bad thoughts creep in."

"Then, I hope to see you again," I said, shaking first Keldrik's hand, and then Taessi's outstretched palm as well.

And they left. Just like that, without a shadow of doubt: they got up, turned around, and walked away. I even felt a bit envious of such determination.