Shipping

Shipping

Rain was exhausted as she approached Mr. Markson’s warehouse. She had already spent most of the morning looking for black belts to add to her black classer costume. Unfortunately, her cloak couldn’t recreate leather or metal, or it would have been much easier. So far, she had only found one belt that would work. Still, it was progress.

The moment Rain entered the warehouse, a blond streak flew towards her to offer a cup of water and a happy smile. The girl-Rain should really ask her her name now that losing her wasn’t an option-barely limped after being treated yesterday. Rain was glad to see it; watching her wince every time she took a step had really hurt.

“You never told me your name. I’m Rain.”

The smile on the girl's face fell a bit, and she looked down, not answering.

“Come on, I know you can speak. I heard you call for help yesterday."

The girl muttered something so quietly that Rain could barely hear her.

“What was that?” Rain asked, moving her ear closer to the girl's mouth.

“I don’t like my name.”

Rain could understand that. Thirty-six was a stupid name too, after all.

“Why don’t you change it then?”

“W-would you pick one for me?”

The way the girl stammered and looked away as she asked broke Rain’s resolve, and she went in to hug the girl. Then an image came to her mind: Lon, blood running down his disfigured torso, ‘You did this to me!’ Rain stopped.

Why was her breathing so ragged? Were her hands shaking? Rain needed to act, to do something before whatever this was got worse.

“Sounds like fun!” Rain said, forcing her voice to sound chipper.

Walking around the girl, Rain periodically crouched or cocked her head so that she could see her from every angle. It wasn’t really necessary, but seeing the girl's cheeks and ears turn bright red from embarrassment made it a lot of fun. So, of course, Rain was going to do it.

“Perfect.”

With that word, Rain removed the book hidden under her cloak. The moment the ordinary-looking book was free of her cloak, it began whispering. It promised to help her save everyone, that if she read it, she could bring back Lon, that she could have a family. It warned that if she didn’t read it, she would never gain control of herself and would curse anyone; she would remain a monster unworthy of love.

Of all the books Rain had seen in the library, this one felt the most dangerous. And the most tempting. It was perfect for what she needed. Rain hoped her ‘Lend’ skill would work as she thought. She asked Mr. Purple to show her its description one more time.

[Lend: You may set terms when giving another a tome from the Library of Oru. If the conditions are broken, the tome will return to the library.]

It should work.

“Mr. Markson, I’m lending you this book until this strongbox reaches its destination, three people read it, or two months pass.”

Rain could feel the energy rush out of her. And with it, a yawn. Using skills wasn’t helping her lack of sleep. For his part, Mr. Markson looked shaken. His eyes were locked on the book, his face a mix of greed and wariness.

Rain pulled out a thin note and slipped it into the back cover of the book before placing it in the strongbox. The note was her insurance plan. It read simply.

“Congratulations on successfully absorbing the power within this book. Not all do. I sent this book by way of our merchant friend in hopes that you would have what it takes to seize its power. This was just a taste of what I can offer. If you want true power, then offer our merchant friend your services, and I will find you. I can give you all that you want; all I ask in return is obedience.”

Rain closed the lid on the lockbox. The plan was simple. If the bandits stole and opened the box, one of them would almost certainly look through the book. If it went poorly for them, they would turn into a raging monster and kill their comrades. If the monster won, then it would be someone else's problem. If the other bandits won, they should be too afraid to touch Mr. Markson's goods again, and Rain would never have to worry about them.

If they didn’t turn crazy, they would find the note, and the book would disappear after three people read it. The note promised more power and classes for all their people. Having a few people with classes would make the bandits a fearsome group. But if all of them did, they would become a force to be reckoned with. It was a promise that would make anyone greedy.

Whatever happened, it would be beneficial for Rain. And if some unforeseen thing happened, the book would vanish in two months no matter what as a failsafe.

Rain looked at Mr. Markson.

“Don’t ever open that book.”

“Right.”

Mr. Markson locked the strongbox.