When The Cute Godkiller Opens A Tavern [OP Mentor, SoL, LitRPG]

"Regardless of what type of quest it is, it's always important to send them off with a smile." ~Mayor Schooner

"Ah, that reminds me," Shallies started. "If you find anything that you think is edible, but could be poisonous or hard to get, you can add it to your stash."

It was the break of dawn. She and Grace were waiting for Tayin and Ren. The half-orc was better equipped than last time. As another gift, Shallies had asked Danilo to improve Grace's leather armor with a +1 enchant. Enchantments like these added another layer of defense around the armor, turning it sturdier than most mundane items.

Not indestructible, but more defense would always be a life saver in the long run.

Speaking of last time, Grace looked more aware now. Apple helped her sleep, something the half-orc sorely needed. With such a long day ahead of her, she had to get all the rest she could afford.

"I'll let them know," Grace said as she strapped her belt neatly around her waist. She had to carry a bag this time around, in order to protect the cradle egg. "How do I look?"

The half-orc struck a pose, placing a confident hand on her waist. The armguard gleamed with magical aura, while she held her inactive Mana-Edge in her other hand. She was a view, indeed. And Shallies felt a tinge of pride at her potential student.

"You look prepared," she replied. "Don't go breaking the egg now."

At that, Grace helplessly scratched her head while faking a smile.

"Acting cute won't change your trial conditions, you know?" Shallie said, sighing.

"You won't change your mind at all, if I break it?"

"Nope. It has been like that since, it'll be like that this time as well." Shallies saw the doubt inside Grace's eyes. One little accident was all it would take, and the half-orc's chances for mentorship would be gone. Ren and Tayin had better chances.

"Look," the semi-retired Godkiller started. "It's not the end of your career if you don't become my apprentice. I'll still teach you, but I'll treat you the same way as I will Arun'dul. It's not like I'll reject you in everything else if you fail."

"That just makes me more nervous," Grace admitted. "Because I know there's a difference between an official apprenticeship and a casual one. And you won't even tell me what."

"It's to avoid putting more pressure on you," Shallies said. "I already placed enough. Any more would probably distract you, than help."

Grace sighed. "Fine, fine."

A knock came from the door. When Grace opened it, she immediately took a step back. Her parents came in.

"I only have coffee and soup, as usual," Shallies said. "The rest, I packed for Grace already."

"Oh, don't bother much," Mayor Schooner said. "We'll take your coffee, though."

"On it."

"Didn't think we'll just let you leave without saying goodbye, hmm?" Elesia asked her daughter. "You look strappingly good compared to last time. Seems like Shallies helped you sleep."

"Apple," Grace said. "She's still sleeping, though."

"Good," Schooner began, placing a large hand over his daughter's head. "You look like a fine adventurer now, young lady."

"Thanks." Despite her smile, Grace still pulled her father's hand away. "You didn't have to send me off. I'm just going on a gathering quest."

"Oh, it doesn't matter what sort of quest it is, honey," Elesia said, pulling out a small mana potion from her Class Inventory. "Since we're around, we might as well, right?"

"Thanks, Mom."

Shallies made coffee for everyone. The enticing, bittersweet smell of the drink accompanied the family's discussion. She was even invited to join in and was asked a few questions regarding the sparring sessions they'd been doing. Of course, she happily shared her assessments.

"Since we have time," Shallies started. "Can you show me your profile, Grace? Just in case there's a weakness we absolutely have to cover. Of course, if you want to keep it private, I completely understand."

"Oh, no, please go ahead." Grace opened her System Console and turned it towards Shallies.

"Stachie, get me all the hidden stats, please."

[Everything? She might notice.]

"Fine, just the surface ones then. Just enough for me to see if there's something fishy going on."

[No problem.]

[Name: Grace Allturia]
[Species: Half-human, Half-orc]
[Divine Line: Unbonded]
[Class: Spell Sword (Base 14)]

[Hidden Traits]
[Destiny Adhesion: Insignificant]
[Divine Authority: None]
[Divine Connections: Weak]
[Dreamworld Access: Inaccessible]
[Echo State: Zero]
[Elemental Affinity: Undetermined]
[Hidden Knowledge: None]
[Lifeline: Stable]
[Reality Correlation: Unallocated]
[Stellar Engage: Disabled]
[Stellar Mana: No Vessels]
[Titles: None]
[World-alignment: Neutral]

[Attributes]
[Strength: 5]
[Agility: 8 (+5)]
[Constitution: 10]
[Mana-Affinity: 8]
[Focus: 8]

[Skills]
[Active Skills]

Haste (Spell Sword - Beginner)

Parry (Spell Sword - Beginner)

[Passive Trigger Skills]

Parry Chance (Spell Sword - Beginner)

[Passive Enhancement Skills]

Sword Stance (Spell Sword - Beginner)

[Inactive Passive Skills]

None

[Additional Skills]

Arm Block (Equipment - Off-hand)

Mana-Edge Overload (Equipment - Main-hand)

[Perks]

None

[Equipment]
[Main-hand: Mana-Edge +3]
[Off-hand: Swift Blocking Armguard of Mana Stability +3 (Agility +5)]
[Headgear: None]
[Body: Basic Leather Armor +1]
[Back: Basic Cloak]
[Arms: Basic Leather Bracers]
[Waist: Mundane Belt]
[Legs: Mundane Trousers]
[Feet: Mundane Boots]
[Accessories: None Magical]
[Active Inventory: Locked]

Shallies studied Grace's profile, even looking at information that would be hidden from the half-orc.

Everything looked stable and normal. Things would've been different if any of Grace's hidden traits had been out of the norm. If she had possessed a significant Destiny Adhesion, for example, it would have basically put the half-orc at an extreme advantage among her peers, but at the cost of crushing pressure and responsibility. So significant would her choices have become, that entire kingdoms would have fought over her. It was the sort of thing that a normal Base Class holder should never be entrusted with.

The same was true for her other hidden traits. Things like Reality Correlation, and World-alignment, and everything else, for that matter, should only be of concern to Grace after she became stronger.

"Looks like she's in the clear."

[That's good.]

Shallies nodded towards the half-orc. "Good, looks like you're all ready to go."

"No weaknesses?" Grace inquired.

"There are, but nothing you can't handle. Just remember to assess your fights properly, strategize, believe in your partymates, don't stray off away from the group, and apply all the lessons you've learned so far."

"Roger that," the half-orc said with a stern nod.

Just then, another knock came from the door.

"Oh, I didn't think the Mayor would be here," Tayin said casually. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Ren followed up. "We're ready to go whenever."

Just like Grace, the two had backpacks with them. Elesia and Schooner were curious about those and asked. It didn't take too long for them to reveal their participation in the trial.

"Ah, looks like you're taking in a lot of students," Schooner said, raising an eyebrow. "Isn't three pushing it?"

"You know about the Mentor System, Mayor?" Shallies asked, more curious than sarcastic. She prepared coffee for her new guests, while they grouped up and reviewed their objectives for the day.

"Was a part of one, yes," replied the orcish Mayor. "As a mentee."

"Mentors who utilize the Mentor System start with two people as a limit," Shallies began, joining Schooner's table. "The maximum is five, but getting there takes a lot of work. It's a lot different compared to Academies with a teacher.

"I can induct up to three people in the Mentor System," she continued, turning to the Mayor. "Ever since ascending to Guiding Star, I've been training a number of students to get to Advanced Class as soon as possible."

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"And within that short amount of time, you increased the maximum capacity for mentees?" Elesia guessed. "You really are full of surprises."

"Are you sure you didn't start younger?" Schooner asked. "I've heard rumors that some really talented people become adventurers without going through the Academy."

"They're only allowed to be adventurers in an official capacity at the age of eighteen, or the year they turn eighteen," Shallies said. "Most people get their Class during their time in the Academy, but there's nothing stopping anyone from becoming a Class holder way earlier."

"You didn't answer the question."

At that, Shallies just smiled. She hadn't prepared that deeply with her fabricated background. But not panicking and outright coming up with a story was the right move. In the end, Mayor Schooner simply sighed.

"I suppose you can keep your secrets. As far as I'm concerned, you're helping us out a lot. If our town can produce accomplished adventurers, we might start getting more business from the cities. More work, more pay, more money, more quality of life, and it'll all circle around to more adventurers. We'll be in a much safer place."

"That's a huge dream," Shallies commented. "That'll translate to more potential customers for me."

"You seem to be having some difficulty in that department," Elesia said. "Grace said you haven't really had customers aside from your usual patrons."

"We're not in a rush," Shallies said. "I still want to develop my menu. I don't have any signs outside yet, so most people think my place is just a house."

"How's the menu going?"

"Well, it's going. I think I might try figuring out how to make accessible Food Buffs. Something to further separate me from The Swallowing Whale. As far as I've been told, Food Buff meals there are expensive."

"If you can figure that out, I'm sure you'll attract visiting adventurers," Schooner commented. "You're in a prime spot too, since you're pretty close to the main road."

"Ah, speaking of, Mayor, can I put my signage near the turn? I might have Danilo or Yor'ylin make something for me, and my gate as well."

"As long as it's not obstructive and flashy, it should be fine. You own part of that land near the turn, you know? Place it there, and make sure it won't blind people passing by."

"Neat! Thank you."

With that, she, along with Schooner and Elesia, quietly observed the group setting out for a quest today. They were discussing specifics: how long they expected to travel, how much time they wanted to spend in certain areas, how to allocate their resources or gather if they needed to, and all other sorts of details and adjustments they had to put in consideration in case they had to adapt on the fly.

Shallies, and again, along with the two, smiled quietly.

"You know, in the city," Schooner began. "Adventuring parties usually have one high-level Advanced Class holder, or a low-level Hero Class holder."

"I'm sure they'll be alright," Elesia said. "Grace mentioned they don't have any intention of entering any dungeons, and the monsters around Cinterbrim Town don't go any higher than Level 35."

"Any Apexes?" Shallies asked.

"I'll have to check our records," Schooner replied. "But there hasn't been any reports of Apexes ever since I took up office."

"That bodes well." While they were on the topic, Shallies remembered something and stood up. "Oh, that's right. I haven't checked Ren's and Tayin's profiles yet."

"Our profiles?" The two asked, turning away from their current discussion.

"If you guys don't mind."

After sparing a look to each other, they both nodded and showed their profiles.

[Name: Tayin Laughlap]
[Species: Halfling]
[Divine Line: Unbonded]
[Class: Chronospark (Advanced 6)]

[Attributes]
[Strength: 10]
[Agility: 10]
[Constitution: 20]
[Mana-Affinity: 27 (+3)]
[Focus: 20]

[Skills]
[Active Skills]

Basic Spells Mastery (Chronospark - Beginner)

Block (Mage - Apprentice)

Scan (Mage - Apprentice)

Time Slow (Chronospark - Apprentice)

[Passive Trigger Skills]

Block Chance (Mage - Apprentice)

[Passive Enhancement Skills]

Additional Passive Trigger Skill Slot (Mage - 1 Slot)

Enhanced Mana Regeneration (Mage - Apprentice - 2 Skill Points)

Hidden System Console (Mage)

Spell Preparation (Mage - Apprentice)

[Inactive Passive Skills]

None

[Additional Skills]

Mana-Bolt (Equipment - Main-hand)

Shield Block (Equipment - Off-hand)

[Perks]

None

[Equipment]
[Main-hand: Casting Wand +2]
[Off-hand: Basic Buckler +1]
[Headgear: Tiara of Lesser Mana-Affinity +1 (+3 Mana-Affinity)]
[Body: Basic Leather Armor +1]
[Back: Basic Cloak +1]
[Arms: Basic Leather Bracers +1]
[Waist: Basic Belt +1]
[Legs: Basic Skirt +1]
[Feet: Basic Boots +1]
[Accessories: None Magical]
[Active Inventory: Locked]

"Good, looks like you even invested in some General Skills," Shallies said as she perused Tayin's profile. Just like Grace's, her hidden traits didn't have any abnormalities.

"I didn't want to rely on just blocking on my own," Tayin said. "Some monsters really hammer at you without mercy."

"It's better to be safe, yes. That's good. A lot of Spellcasters regret not taking defensive Skills early on."

As for her other Skill choices, they were understandable. The halfling couldn't depend on her time-altering Spells yet, so combining all eight basic Spells into a mastery Skill would put them all under the same Skill Proficiency and enhance them all at the same time. It must've been the most recent choice, given the current Proficiency.

The gear was probably the best set an Advanced Class holder could have through sheer hard work. No gifts, no special rewards, no lucky loot. In a sense, it was admirable.

Shallies continued along and checked Ren's profile next.

[Name: Ren Salvatur]
[Species: Human]
[Divine Line: Unbonded]
[Class: Shield Knight (Advanced 7)]

[Attributes]
[Strength: 25]
[Agility: 15]
[Constitution: 25]
[Mana-Affinity: 10]
[Focus: 14]

[Skills]
[Active Skills]

Parry (Knight - Apprentice)

Shield Charge (Shield Knight - Apprentice)

Shield Bash (Shield Knight - Apprentice)

Scan (Knight - Apprentice)

Taunt (Knight - Apprentice)

[Passive Trigger Skills]

Block Chance (Knight - Apprentice)

Parry Chance (Knight - Apprentice)

[Passive Enhancement Skills]

Additional Passive Trigger Skill Slot (Knight - 1 Slot)

Enhanced Self-Healing (Knight - Apprentice - 2 Skill Points)

Enhanced Stamina Recovery (Knight - Apprentice - 2 Skill Points)

Enhanced Sword Mastery (Knight - Apprentice - 2 Skill Points)

Enhanced Armor Movement (Knight - Apprentice - 2 Skill Points)

Hidden System Console (Knight)

Sword Stance (Knight - Apprentice)

[Inactive Passive Skills]

None

[Additional Skills]

Shield Block (Equipment - Off-hand)

Unhindered Mobility (Equipment - Armor)

[Perks]

None

[Equipment]
[Main-hand: Basic Shortsword +2]
[Off-hand: Basic Kite Shield +1]
[Headgear: Basic Helm +1]
[Body: Full-Plate Armor of Unhindered Mobility +1]
[Back: Basic Cloak +1]
[Arms: Basic Leather Bracers +1]
[Waist: Basic Belt +1]
[Legs: Basic Legguards +1]
[Feet: Basic Greaves +1]
[Accessories: None Magical]
[Active Inventory: Locked]

Ah, so that's how it is… Shallies recalled how much mobility Ren had moved with when compared to other people in full-plate armor. Not that it significantly hindered mobility, but the difference between an enchanted one and not was worlds apart. The Shield Knight could twist and twirl in the air, and not a single piece of his armor would hinder him.

"Good job enhancing your Passive Skills," she commented. "Since you're locked into Apprentice Proficiency, this is one of the few other ways you can improve them."

"I didn't want to use any other weapon aside from a sword, so…" Ren shrugged. "Didn't see the need to get Skills for other weapons."

"Looks like you know what you're doing, then," Shallies said, clearly impressed. "A bunch of people I know coming from the Knight Base Class regret taking weapon-based Skills that they don't even use. It's a common issue among Martial Classes. Right, Mayor Schooner?"

"Oh, don't even get me started!" The orcish Mayor laughed out loud.

"In any case, thanks for sharing you two," Shallies said as she turned back to Ren and Tayin. "I deem you both prepared for this quest."

They both appreciated the blessing. "Thank you! We'll do our best!"

"I think we're good to go!" Ren continued, turning to his group. "We'll discuss more strategy as we go along."

"Waaaaaaiiiit!" An enthusiastic voice came from the stairs as Phey'lan almost tumbled down. She was still half asleep, but her face was determined to say things. "Gifts! I have! Lemme give!"

"Lady Phey!" Tayin stood in surprise. "You don't have to. You already helped us a lot with Gar."

"Is he awake? I expect him to be awake maybe tomorrow, or the day after." The seraph lady ignored half of what the halfling said. She opened her Class Inventory and went through a bunch of items. "Not this either…"

"He's still asleep," Ren replied. "But Tayin's right, Lady Phey, you've done too much for us already."

"Well, I can't just accept gifts from an entire town and not help their promising adventurers now, can I?" Phey'lan pouted, her eyes narrow, but she still somehow managed to play it cute. "Besides, I have to show my support to Shallies' potential students."

She had more to say, but even when half-asleep, her situational awareness was already enough to detect Schooner and Elesia's presence. Not to mention even Ren and Tayin didn't know she failed to become Shallies' student.

"Give it up, you two," said the semi-retired Godkiller, sighing with a smile. "She won't stop until you accept her gifts."

"I got it!" Phey'lan proclaimed. She held three things and passed them one by one.

"Here's a Preparation Scroll for you Tayin. That'll let you prepare one more Spell that you know how to prepare. That's five scrolls, but they don't stack, so only use one a day. As you know, Prepared Spells disappear if you don't cast them before you sleep, so keep that in mind. Magical Sleep is a different thing, but you get what I mean."

"Ah, thank you…" Tayin said as she accepted the scrolls. "This is a little too much for a gathering quest."

"Toomuch-smoomuch, just take it," Phey'lan said, sticking her tongue out. "As for you, Ren, here's an Instant Repair Tool. I only have three, but they should let you quickly repair any damaged gear you have currently equipped. Since, you know… You'll be taking most of the hits."

"Thank you very much," Ren said, not knowing what else to say.

"Grace! As for you, I have a Basic Battle Elixir. It'll enhance your Attributes and mana capacity for ten minutes. I only have the one, so use it in case of an emergency."

The little vial was made out of clear diamond, almost looking like clear ice instead. Red mana-infused liquid sloshed around inside, and even the lid itself looked expensive with its intricate gold designs. The container itself alone was worth a fortune.

Grace's hands were shaking as she took it. She was speechless. Everyone was, for that matter. Shallies could only shake her head.

"The vial's quite indestructible, so don't worry if you drop it. Oh, and I would consider multiple times whether to sell the container after you use it. Quite a few extremely powerful concoctions require containers like that after all. For a Basic Battle Elixir, it's a little too much, but I was feeling a bit fancy."

"This is… This is too much, Phey!" Grace shouted, finally realizing what she had been handed. "This is worth more than the quest reward!"

"Oh, that's fine," Phey'lan said. "You're after a far more important thing than just a quest reward. I'm helping you with the trial."

"But I don't see how these will help," Ren said. Regardless, he stored his gifts into his Class Inventory. "We're just going on a simple gathering quest."

"Are you sure?" Phey'lan asked, smiling. "Well, in any case, you have them now. I wish you three the best of luck."

"That's some incredible show of support, Lady Phey'lan," Schooner commented, slightly sweating. "I think a vial of those potions is worth at least a house out here."

"That's just how much I think Shallies' tutelage is worth!" proclaimed the seraph. She wrapped one casual arm around the semi-retired Godkiller's shoulder. "I might not have gotten the chance to become an official student, but I still learned a lot from her."

Schooner looked at Shallies. For a moment, she thought the Mayor had caught something from Phey'lan. Even the seraph stiffened a little, realizing that she had been taken by the flow, even though she was already aware in the first place.

"You really are quite something, aren't you, Shallies?" he asked rhetorically. "I've never seen anyone accomplish this much in just under two years. Could it be, you were already a Guiding Star before you even started adventuring?"

"Umm…" Shallies sighed. She didn't want to ride the assumption, since it was completely unplanned. Phey'lan was about to say something, when she poked the seraph's side with an elbow.

"It's fine, if you want to keep your secrets, Shallies." Schooner said, sighing. "You already said you wanted to just relax and start a tavern. However you got your riches and connections is beyond what I need to know, as long as you promise me that you have no ill intentions towards my town and region."

Shallies couldn't nod herself faster, but she controlled her pace. "I promise, Mayor. I only wanted to open a tavern, and be at peace."

Schooner made a firm nod, and Phey'lan and Shallies both turned back and sighed.

"Alright, you three," Shallies began, regaining her composure. "Remember, safety first. Good hunting."

Grace, Ren, and Tayin, all stood with determination, and soon, the three were out of the tavern and on their way north.