World Sphere - 82 - Remy's On Board

Chapter 82: Remy’s On Board

The week dragged on for Gareth, who was excited to get to the capital and get a new outfit for the Sowing Festival. I think he was using the communication stone to talk with Loriel every night. I thought about taking the stone and storing it in my dimensional storage, but I thought he needed to make his own mistakes. I would pick up the pieces when everything fell apart.

During spell class on the sixth day, I successfully imprint the tissue extraction spell. It was quicker than I expected, and that was entirely due to Selina’s help. She helped me by showing me how to use already imprinted spells to expedite the process. The more spells in a particular sphere you had on your aether matrix, the easier it was to imprint spells from that sphere.

I was also gaining a boost from my skill affinity from healing magic and the five prior healing spells I had learned. For the first evolution of my new spell, I selected organ removal. This allowed me to select one organ and cut all tissue connecting it to the body. This would allow me to harvest the small glands from the queen bees in the Frost Vault.

The spell would work on living creatures and dead ones, but like the cleanliness spell, I would need multiple evolutions to overcome a person’s innate defenses. A person could also allow the caster to work on their body, like when Antal used his bone-shaping ability on people.

I could spend five evolutions just to be able to kill someone by touching them, but I was more focused on the spell evolutions to help with dungeon harvests. I could imagine the nightmare of fighting a mage and then have all your arteries and veins to your heart instantly cut. You would either need to drink a healing potion instantly or cast healing magic on yourself. The spell did require touch and about five heart beats to cast, so at least a person could defend themselves in that time.

With my latest spell imprinted, I needed to select my next spell. I closed my eyes and scanned the shelves in my dimensional closet for the absolute time spell. I was about to extract from the space when I looked at the lightning spear book on the same shelf.

I had imprinted a large number of defensive spells and spells that helped in melee combat, but I didn’t have any ranged spells in my repertoire yet. Now that I was in a dungeon, I could freely practice flashy ranged magic and not draw attention to myself. My team would keep my spells secret, so maybe I should learn an offensive ranged spell next. It would also be easy to level it up in the dungeon quickly.

Lightning spear was a tier 2 spell in the lightning sphere. I pulled the book out and examined the description. The spear started four feet long and was just an inch in diameter. It had a range of fifty feet; if it didn’t hit anything, it would dissipate. One thing I did not like about the spell was the speed of the spear started at just 75 mph, which was half as fast as an arrow from a recurve bow.

It turned out the spear's damage was energy-based. There were upgrades that added an electric shock to the spear, which could overload a target’s nervous system and potentially paralyze them for a short time. However, the previous owner's notes on the spellbook's power weren't exactly glowing. It's worth noting that he'd only managed four upgrades, according to the scribbles in the margins. The previous owner also seemed to struggle with hitting his target—so you had to be able to aim accurately too.

The other offensive spellbook I had was lightning sphere. That was a grenade that you summoned and physically threw. It was an area-of-effect spell, but was limited by how far you could throw it. I could also learn the ice ball spell from the spell book we just received as a dungeon reward, but the lightning sphere was a tier 2 spell, and I had the lightning affinity, so I would only need to utilize one slot on my aether matrix to learn it.

Selina approached me, looked at the spell book I was studying, and nodded, “A good choice, Storme. Two evolutions and the spear will achieve excellent speed, making it hard to defend.” She continued over the Mera to help her and her sister. With Selina’s affirmation, I opened the spell book and started the imprinting process for the lightning spear.

At dinner that evening, Gareth tried to rush me into finishing quickly so we could go to Solaris City, catch a skyship to the capital island, and buy new clothes for the Triumvirate Sowing Festival. Irritated by his childlike probing, and since Mera and Fera were seated across from me, I asked Gareth if he was just eager to see Nina again. He quickly calmed down as Fera glowered at him.

I talked with Mia while I ate slowly as she was finalizing the transition of the guards at the Shiny Platinum. Removing the Miaden guards was a priority before I began my construction of the skyship. The fewer outside eyes on the project, the better. When I finally stood, Gareth also jumped to his feet, and we left for walk to the city.

Gareth put his arm snuggly around me. “Stormy, that was just mean. Fera was just starting to talk to me again.”

I looked at my friend and asked. “So you were not planning to spend time with Nina at the Gentle Tauren?”

Gareth stumbled a bit. “Well…you know… last time I was there she said she hoped to see me again.”

I laughed at me friend. “Gareth, how many women do you think you can juggle?’”

Gareth took his arm off my shoulder, and we walked in silence for a while as he appeared to be giving it serious thought. When the outer gates were close, he said, “How many do you think I can juggle. Stormy?”  I just shook my head and didn’t respond.

When we arrived in the capital, we headed straight to see Danlius, the master tailor. He was probably the most expensive tailor in the upper part of the city, but Gareth trusted his opinion. The last time we were there, Gareth had spent all his savings on clothes. I had only bought some underclothes. Danlius smiled as we entered, “Gaston! You have returned! What can I help you with today?”

I moved forward, not planning to let Gareth do the talking. “Danlius, we need current fashion for attending a formal dinner.” The man’s eyes sparkled.

He spoke softly and leaned in, “Who are we trying to impress?”

I was not about to contribute to the gossip mill in the capital. “Gaston is trying to impress the daughter of someone we do not wish to disclose. I am going for moral support.”

Danlius nodded, but I could tell he wanted to dig but held his tongue. “Very good. Will there be dancing?”  The man was clever. If I said yes, then it would mean we were going to more than a dinner.

“Maybe after the meal. It depends on the host,” I deflected.

At least Gareth stayed silent and let me do the talking. Another attendant joined us as we were taken to the back room, and an ensemble was put on both of us. I declined to have any enchantments added to the clothes. Gareth was still growing taller and broader every week.

I knew I was close to my last growth spurt because the aether burn from my core was diminishing. According to Selina, it would become very mild once my body finished growing and then disappear completely in a few years after. When I couldn’t recognize the burn anymore, my aether core would be fully mature and would barely expand its capacity any further. I was very diligent with my aether exercises to ensure I ended up with the largest possible aether pool.

The fitting took over an hour. Gareth was very particular and wanted brighter colors, while I preferred more neutral and muted tones. He ended up with a primary lavender and olive green outfit. My outfit was dark gray, white, and black. We received separate invoices and were told our clothes would be ready in the morning. I reviewed my invoice.

Black Trap Door Spider Silk Socks               10 gold
Black Acid Drake Leather Boots                    50 gold
Dark Gray Wool Pants                                   5 gold
Black Fine Leather Belt w/Scabbard Hook    8 gold
White Trap Door Spider Shirt                         15 gold
Black Giant Silk Worm Vest                           6 gold
Dark Gray Wool Coat                                    8 gold

Total Invoice……………………………….92 gold

With the exception of the boots, I had been fairly thrifty in my selections for the tailor. The nobles in the capital had a different valuation of wealth.

Gareth was still staring at his invoice, and I was just waiting for him to ask me to pay for it. I handed Danlius ten large gold and soon got my chance. Gareth finally spoke up, “Stormy, I mean Skye. Can you help me out a little?”  I leaned over and looked at his total. Even without enchantments, it was 162 gold.

“How much did she give you to bring her?” I asked, holding back a laugh.

Gareth gave me an unamused look, “Forty gold.”

“Wow, my date offered me 50 gold to bring her! It is actually costing you 132 gold. I hope the food is really good!” I joked at my friend’s expense. I caved and said, “Put all your coins out, and I will make up the difference.” He brightened a little and pulled out four large gold coins and seven regular gold. I placed 115 gold on the counter, obfuscating I was removing it from my storage.

When we got to the Gentle Tauren, Broderick yelled, “Gaston and Skye! Will you be staying the evening?” I moved to the bar, and he nodded when I motioned to the room. The loud announcement of our arrival was apparently for Nina’s benefit as she scrambled down the stairs. I started using my cleanliness spell around the common room, and I sat at the bar when I finished.

Broderick placed two keys on the counter and kept two hands over them for a second. “Can you do both of the rooms as well?” I pretended to give it some thought.

“I will do my room and another room of your choice,” I said, thumbing Gareth and Nina, who were huddled in a corner in conversation. “Gareth can scrub his own room if you need it cleaned too,” I said with a grin.

“Nina, two ales and two burgers for our guests,” he bellowed to the young woman. He returned to our conversation. “You can clean these two rooms then. I admit I gave them to you because they most need a mage’s cleaning.” He placed a third key on the counter, “This room is not as nice as the others.” I took that third key and tossed it to Gareth, who was waiting for Nina to return from the kitchen. “Your obfuscation spell makes you conspicuous Skye.”

My mouth hung open. “How are you able to see my obfuscation spell?”

Broderick took a moment before smiling again, “I am not like most people.” He paused, “I have a tier three ability to read cores. Very useful in my delving days for unknown monsters. I know it is not polite to peek into another’s, but you got me curious with how much your cleanliness spell has grown since your last visit.”

“What did you see?” I asked, trying to act nonchalant.

Broderick chuckled. “Not much other than your name, and that there is a spell blocking my ability—my ability tells me everything else is fake. It is a pleasure to meet you, Storme Hardlight.” He held out his hand to shake. “I am Broderick Gray the Dragon-Blooded.” I shook it tentatively. I hadn’t thought to cover my true name on my sheet. All my other information had been altered in some way with the obfuscation spell, which he picked up on. I hadn’t expected to meet anyone with a tier three ability.

“So, you know Gaston is not his real name?” I asked, diverting attention to Gareth.

Broderick smiled. “Of course. My ability tells me the disposition of people as well. I wouldn’t let your friend around Nina if I thought he was bad for her.”

“Then you and I are of two different opinions in that respect,” I said softly.

“Nina can take care of herself,” Broderick said chuckling.

“What is dragon-blooded?” I asked, turning the conversation to him and away from me.

“My adventurer name. The dragon blood is from a dungeon beast essence. It allows me to heal faster, and my bones are almost unbreakable. It made being a front liner on my dungeon team more bearable,” he said winking.

“Why would you? I was told you couldn’t have children if you consumed a beast essence?” I said, sitting at the bar. The man had a way of making you feel at ease—maybe another ability.

“That is true,” he sighed regretfully.

“Thank you for telling me,” I said.

He laughed, “I figured it was a fair exchange after I tried reading you. Most people don’t know of my past, so I please keep it that way.” The man’s arms were as thick as my legs. It wouldn’t be hard to know the barkeep was a warrior.

Nina brought me my food and ale, and I toasted Broderick, who had gone to tend to other customers. Gareth had disappeared and I suspected Nina was bringing his food to his room.

When I finished eating, I headed up to the rooms. They were both on the fourth floor, the top level of the inn. These were likely the nicest two rooms the inn offered. The furniture was more elegant, and the rooms were bigger, each with a large sitting area. I cleaned both rooms thoroughly with my spell and then returned one of the keys. I kept the room with the balcony overlooking the square, where I watched people into the evening before setting alarm, arcane lock, and privacy spells.

I was in the common room eating breakfast at the bar when Gareth came down and sat with me. Broderick gave him tea and a plate of fried eggs. I asked my friend, “How was your evening?”

“Good, Stormy.” He started eating and talking between mouthfuls, “Nina is really great to talk to.” He leaned in, “Do we have time to make it to Aegis City for the dungeon run today?”

“Not sure,” I said, shrugging. “If the clothes are ready, maybe. There are faster transports to Aegis City, so it's possible.” Gareth shoved the food down and started dragging me out. At least I'd finished my breakfast earlier. It was clear that dungeons and women were what motivated my big, burly friend.

Our clothes were all set and packed. I stashed mine in my dimensional space, and Gareth complained a bit when I made him carry his instead of putting it in my space. I guess he was getting a little spoiled.

While Gareth talked to a young woman, I worked on my lightning spear spell on the skyship. Gareth knew her name and that she worked as a sorter in a wool factory. She was visiting family in the capital and lived in Aegis City. Gareth tried to impress her by saying he rented an apartment in the large building with the hydra painted on it. But she just waved goodbye and said she was engaged and enjoyed talking to him. I hid my snicker as we descended the steps to the plaza.

Tatem had added sketches of the adventurers to go with the hydra, which was outlined and had some shading. No color had yet been added to the mural, but it was already drawing a lot of attention.

We found the entire delve team in the bakery, eating breakfast. They had not expected us to show but we had over two hours before we needed to make it to the dungeon so we could be part of the run if we wanted.

Remy asked to talk with me. We went to a private booth and he then produced the manual to build the Wind Splitter and said emphatically, “Yes! I want to build this for you.”

“Excellent! You can take a stipend to travel to the merchant shipyards and get a better understanding of the construction process. I hope to start construction next year, but I want to begin stockpiling materials now.” Remy looked as excited as I felt. We spent an hour discussing personnel and materials. Sensing our conversation wouldn’t end soon, Gimble slid into a seat next to Remy.

“Storme, are you coming with us today?” Gimble asked seriously.

“Yes, Gimble. I learned a new spell to harvest the queen bee glands,” I said neutrally wanting to see his reaction.

Gimble’s eyes widened in surprise. “Do you want us to tackle the hobgoblin again? Ullmark discovered that the dungeon team before us was hired by the Miadens in the capital. They are seeding the Frost Vault with unique dungeon prizes from the lowlands in hopes of making it more profitable. The guild master was furious they hadn’t informed him of their plans. It is very dangerous to seed a dungeon, because it can close its entrance to evolve. And it might move its entrance elsewhere when it does reopen.”

“How is it possible that they did it without telling him?” I asked, trying to figure out the politics.

“The Adventurers guild is a Sphere-wide organization and dungeon experts, but the Miaden family oversees the dungeons on the Skyholme islands and what they please.” Gimble explained a little more from his understanding. “The Miaden family controls and taxes the dungeons. The Adventurers Guild trains the delvers and sets universal polices for dungeon guilds and teams. I know Skyholme couldn’t exist without the resources that they pull from the dungeons. Although the dungeons are weak, they have a fair number on the floating islands.”

“We are safe to explore the second level of the Frost Vault?” I asked after considering the implications.

Gimble nodded, “We can try some of the boars in the maze. I don’t think we should try to tackle the hobgoblin rider to reach the third level.”

“Ok, you can select the team. I am going to talk with Remy for a few more minutes,” I said while Gimble left.

Remy gave me an update on the Shiny Platinum. Revenues were down slightly but seemed stable. We had lost two cooks but hired three. None of the servers or dishwashers had left due to our high wages. He also mentioned that he had purchased a large amount of bronze for me, and the ingots were stored in the warehouse. I had forgotten that I planned to make some bronze miniatures of the monsters in the paintings for display and sale.

I went and grabbed the bronze into my dimensional space and joined Gimble, Ullmark, Sammie, Gareth, and Aelyn to head to the dungeon. Talia was here but wanted to study a spell, and Lana still had not imprinted the dimensional closet spell.

I walked with Aelyn, and we discussed how she was feeling. Aelyn was surprisingly cheerful, eager to talk with me, and she even managed to smile a little. When we reached the dungeon arch, Ullmark talked to the guards, handed in our token, and we entered at our scheduled time.

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