Chapter 87: The Icepicker Guild

Chapter 87: The Icepicker Guild

Few things could compare to the joy of waking up in a comfortable bed. After a week in the wilderness, Dallion was finally able to appreciate the pleasures of clean sheets, soft pillows, and a complete lack of insects. What was more, the room was specifically designed with awakened in mind: everything was spotless, there were no creaking boards, the sheets and covers were meticulously soft, and there werent any disturbing odors to be felt. Apparently, the practice of awakened helping out with chores wasnt new, so Hannah kept a room on the top floor just for that.

Nothing like a great first day in a new place. Dallion stretched. Now to have breakfast and set out exploring.

Allowing himself a few more minutes in bed, Dallion then got up and went to the water bowl. One of the greatest drawbacks of this world was the lack of plumbing. Washing and basic biological functions were vastly limited. Back in Dherma village, Dallion had had to do both outside his house. Here, at least washing was in the room, as for the rest there was a dedicated room on the first floor.

All washed up, Dallion put on the clothes Hannah had given him, and went down to the first floor. The shirt was a perfect fit, although the trousers were slightly on the long side.

There were no customers in the main room when he got there. Hannah was behind her counter, polishing a mug, as any innkeeper would, and Jiroh was busy setting up the place. A faint smell of alcohol came from the crack of the kitchen door. Someone had been partying, no doubt.

Morning, Jiroh greeted Dallion without even looking back. Furies, it seemed, had senses to rival that of an awakened. Slept well?

Very. Thanks. Dallion smiled. He still couldnt keep himself from staring at her ears. A faint whisper in his head dared him to go to her and pull one, just to make sure it wasnt an elaborate fake.

Heres your breakfast, Hannah grumbled as she placed a dish on the counter. Stop staring and come to eat up. I want you to go get registered first thing afterwards.

Sure thing. Dallion took a seat at the counter. The breakfast looked like scrambled eggs, but smelled nice and tasted better. Dallion couldnt even identify half the spices that went into the dish. This is really good. He said after a few bites.

Good, now keep that to yourself. Aspan has a big head as it is.

Dallion nodded. At some point he was going to thank the cook personally, though not when Hannah was around.

So, this registration thing, he asked casually. Whats it about exactly?Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)

Awakened have to be registered in order to mend and improve, Hannah explained. Of course, its difficult to enforce the rule all the time. An item level up here and again wont get you in trouble, but in order to do anything more serious you need an emblem. And trust me, youll be doing a lot of work here. The room you got doesnt come cheap.

There was nothing regarding registration in Aspions memory. Then again, Dallion had only seen a snippet. Or maybe registration was a recent development?

Any place specific I need to go? Dallion continued with his questions.

Look, Im not here to

Ill help him out, Jiroh interrupted. I have a few errands to run anyway, so it wont be a problem.

Hanna narrowed her eyes. Dallion didnt have to be awakened to see that she didnt approve of the idea.

Just be quick. The innkeeper relented at last. Ill need you back before lunch. Killian said hell be celebrating a catch, and I dont want him or his drunk buddies to wreck the place. Oh, and by the way, she turned to Dallion. If they do itll be your job to fix it.

Ill do what I can, just dont expect miracles. Dallion said between bites. Something broken in two cant be mended.

The innkeeper gave him a look that screamed I know that, you idiot and sighed. Just finish your food.

Unable to tell whether Hannah was in a bad mood, or that was her normal state, Dallion quickly gobbled up the rest of his food in silence, then quietly stood up and walked up to Jiroh.

For a moment he could almost swear he felt a faint smell of ozone coming from her.

Ready, he said, doing his best to look away from her ears. The way she kept her hair made them all the more visiblethe dark brown color of her skin contrasting to the whiteness of her hair. She was so anime it wasnt even funny.

A few more of the local guild members waved to the fury as she walked through the room. By the looks of it, all were rather pleased to see her.

No takeout? the bearded man laughed.

Not today. Theres something else Ive brought you, though. The fury put her hand on Dallions soldier. Fresh from the wilderness. He might not look like much, but hes a full awakened.

Yeah, Dallion nodded. Somehow, he had hoped hed be presented in a better light.

Hmm. The bearded man looked Dallion over from head to two. First time in a city? he asked.

Yep.

Whats your level?

Six.

The bearded man looked at Jiroh, who only nodded in confirmation.

Well have to test that, but its a pretty good start. Know the basics?

I think Ill be leaving you now, the fury interrupted, placing a small pouch in Dallions hand. Got some errands to run. Youll be fine from here on. Estezol will take care of you, just dont get on his grumpy side. See you.

Catch you later, Jiroh. And put in an order for tonight. Whatever Aspan has on special.

Will do. Jiroh waved as she walked out of the room. Definitely carefree.

Shes something, isnt she. Estezol sighed. Loads of trouble, but definitely something. How dyou end up with her?

Err, she works at the inn Im staying. It was Dallions policy when in doubt not to get mixed up in relations between people he knew nothing about.

Hannahs place? Lucky you. Ive been kicked out of there more times than I can count. Hannahs got a nasty temper, but the foods always great. Anyway, what skills do you have?

Guard, attack, and music. Dallion paused for a second. Still getting the hang of music.

Estezol whistled.

Thats a rare one. Therell be high demand once you get the hang of it. For the moment, though, Ill put you down as a basic fighter. The man took out a piece of paper and started scribbling something on it with a miniature plume. How long since you awakened?

A bit over a month.

Late bloomer, eh? No worries, though. The fact that youve passed level five is enough to join. Most get stuck at four.

So, how does this work, exactly? I pay my fee and then I get to mend and improve legally?

Laughter filled the air. It was as if Estezol had heard the funniest joke in the world. Even a few of the other guild members joined in. As disturbing as this was, Dallion could see no traces of malice on the mans face. Estezol was just genuinely amused by the question.

Kid, he said after a while. Who said that youve been accepted? Theres more to joining a guild than the admission fee. We must test your skills and your mettle. Only then do you get to earn your emblem.