ch 41

The boy kept his sword at Durkil’s throat for a beat longer, watching Ellison’s reaction.

His mouth was still slightly agape—his mind racing.

This was a newly inducted world, meaning he likely hadn’t evolved his class yet. Not even Level 25.

Yet, despite his healer’s robes, he had moved with the speed and precision of a Level 20 agility specialist.

And he had a Spirit Weapon, a beautiful blue blade that sang when he raised to Durkils throat. Ellison had questions. A lot of them.

But when he finally spoke, he forced his voice to be steady. 

“I… yes. Yes, I think you’ve more than proven you weren’t bluffing.”

He took a breath, straightening. “Thank you for accommodating our request.”

Not only was this young man NOT bluffing, he was far beyond anything Ellson imagined. Is this the boon of being in a newly inducted world? Would it be full of monsters like Layton or even his strange feline companion? 

No, he doubted that would be the case. Ellison knew, without a shadow of a doubt, if Layton had come in sword swinging him and every Guildian would be dead. 

But instead? Layton was cordial–a bit strange–but seemingly honest. Ellison tried to find the hidden angle. His instincts told him there must be some nefarious motive. But what was it?

Ellison scrutinized the boy standing in front of him. The wind tousled his mottled brown hair. He had piercing blue eyes, a simple grey cloak and strange white shoes on his feet. He fought with a light blue spirit weapon that pulsed with power, a powerful contrast to his easy unassuming persona. 

Layton didn’t have the look of a schemer. His mere presence seemed so…normal? No that wasn’t it. It was just natural. 

His people had fought and died to secure this territory. It was theirs, they had earned it. Ellison looked at them now. Standing watching anxiously, trusting his judgement to lead them. He cast a silent prayer to the system and made his decision. 

“As a show of good faith, I will transfer ownership of this territory to you and merge our faction with yours.”

The boy blinked. 

“Really?” He shook his head. “I was actually gonna suggest that you meet with Jared—our steward—before making any big decisions. Would you be willing to wait to transfer ownership?”

Ellison raised a brow. Inwardly he was flummoxed. “Yes..I think that would be wise. Steward?”

“Yeah, he’s the one who actually knows what he’s doing.” “You’ll still need to meet with him so we can figure out how to integrate our people. We’ll also want to discuss securing the connecting territories.”

Ellison nodded. “That sounds like a reasonable next step. We will wait here. Should we expect to see more of your people in the meantime?”

“Mischief here has been scouting and hasn’t seen any.” With a  glance Layton addresses his oversized feline companion. “That actually brings up a good point. If you run into another human, they’re probably not ours. Maybe I should leave someone here to avoid any… misunderstandings.”

Ellison’s expression darkened slightly. “That would be wise. Are you comfortable leaving your people with us?”

“It’s not me I’m worried about.” He scratches his head. “How about this—I leave the whole group here, and I’ll just run and grab Jared myself? If I carry him, I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

Ellison’s lips twitched in amusement. “Are you willing to carry your steward on your back?”

“He might complain, but yeah.”

“Then go. With any luck soon we will be the same faction, and we will behave as such.”

Satisfied, Ellison watched the boy smile, before turning and jogging back up the hill where his people waited. 

-

“Hold on.” Alex crossed his arms. “Let me get this straight.”

He pointed at me. “You went down there. Talked to the deer people. And somehow, in less than an afternoon, convinced them all to join our faction?”

I nodded. “Well it’s not done yet, but it’s looking promising.”

“…And now you want us to just stay here? With them?” He gestured dramatically. “While you run off to get Jared?”

“Basically, yeah.”

Alex exhaled, rubbing his temples. “I don’t even know why I bother being surprised anymore.”

Of course, Ben had something to say about it.

“Are you CRAZY?” The monster tamer took a step forward. “You want us to stay here with a group of alien deer people you just met? What if they change their minds and attack while you’re gone?”

“Ben.” I held up a hand. “When have I ever steered you wrong?”

Ben gave me a long, flat stare.

“…Do you want that list alphabetically or by disaster level?”

“Relax.” I grinned. “I’m leaving Mischief here. Even if things did go south, you guys would be fine.”

Ben’s eyes flicked to the massive feline.

Mischief yawned lazily.

Ben’s shoulders relaxed. “…Fine. But don’t dilly-dally.”

Elise snorted. “Dilly-dally? Seriously? What are you, sixty?”

Ben shot her a deadpan look.

I smirked. “I solemnly swear—no dallying of any kind.” I turned, already preparing to sprint. “I’ll be back soon.”

And with that, I took off.