Chapter 134 - Repute

"Watch out," a voice yelled, an arrow flew millimeters away from Achilles' ear. Behind her, a goblin fell, the green devil had managed to sneak past. "Thanks for the help," she smiled and continued the onslaught. "It's Dead eyes," the fighters cheered, a respected marksman had stepped onto the field. "Dead eyes?" Undrar asked; the man gave a quick nod to which magic continued being used, *Ice element: Icy Spikes.* A projectile spell that works similarly to a fireball but does not explode on impact.

Shot after shot, the sneaky pest was killed without a miss. The adventurers' confidence grew more and more, powerful back-up had arrived. "I see why they named you Dead eyes," Undrar calmly added in jest. The man's eye bled, each shot he took was unbelievable. It meant great strain on the eyes – the talent had outgrown the body. "Too bad that your human body is holding you back," she finished

As time went on, the numbers of monsters diminished slowly. It came down to the last few wolves, nothing major occurred. The team worked together, the defense successfully pushed back the attacker, however, many were injured. "Now it's time to face Gritt," Achilles walked closer, a snap from the dragon sufficed. The various spell on the elemental broke, the beast ran out. It yelled, all the rocks around began to levitate and fire in random directions. "Enraged I see," a single sign from the warrior spoke volumes. All knew her intent, they slowly backed away, none wanted to get in the way.  

"Let's dance," the ground cracked, she leaped and aimed for the head. Her speed grew, the intensity and brutal impact amplified. One after the other, strikes were made throughout the rocky shaped body. "Impossible," the people yelled, a beast known as invincible and mighty was stopped. Undrar had a small helping hand, whilst imprison, water magic was used to seep into its inner body. From there on, the water gradually solidified and created weak spots all over. This changed the whole battle, from deflecting all the physical attacks, Achilles now had weak spots to work with.

Though small and invisible to the n.a.k.e.d eyes, a combination of instinct, feeling, and hearing marked the spots clearly. The relentless assault continued, from striking at normal spots to now aiming for the cracks, Gritt took damage. Nothing could be done, the adventurers watched and waited as a master went to work. Beautiful, fluent and agile, she fought as if being water herself.

"The fight is nearly over," Undrar proclaimed, "-go inform the guild master that Gritt is defeated." Just as she said defeated, a loud noise echoed around, Achilles stood atop a massive pile of rocks. "Pathetic," she sighed, the monster wasn't as tough as expected. "S-sure…" the few Steel ranked looming around rushed inside to fetch said leader.

The fight ended, anticlimactic at best, the threat over the town died. Another problem arose, many were hurt and some even mortally injured. *Clap, clap,* "Listen up everyone, take the injured to the guildhall – we've got some healers and medics standing by," the charismatic leader yelled.

"Good job," many smiled and thanked Kniq. "Congratulations on defeating Gritt," the leader approached the duo who picked up Qaisar. "Mention not," Undrar replied. "Yes, you should rather take care of the injured. What's the point of defeating this beast if many are to perish due to lack of medical supplies." Achilles voiced in turn. She spoke true, it didn't look apparent at first, but the damage done was more than expected. "Do notify the central guild," Undrar spoke yet again. "No worries, there's a signed note about the ones who helped in defeating Gritt back at the guild. Do check-in before the journey takes you back to the capital." Justin left; the air cleared.

"Staxius, Staxius," Undrar used telepathy, the note was delivered, the duo waited inside Void. "What is it?" time now was night, the fight happened at dusk. An hour had gone by, "the beast has been slain. As predicted, many were injured; I was wondering if the potions are ready? There's money to be made here. Medical supplies are running low," the car was parked in front of the guild of which was utter chaos.

"I wish I could help, sadly I've only got like ten potions up for consumption." He replied whilst in bed, she broke the peaceful slumber. "Can't you do anything?" she urged on. "I can send Avon with the supplies, but ten potions aren't going to suffice," he fired back. "It's just sad to see that people are to die for no reason," Undrar continued to fight the case. "Fine, I'll send Avon, no need to make money, I'll even drop some scroll in there. Make sure only people who need the help the most are treated – can't be wasting precious medicine." Unwillingly, Staxius got out of bed.

*Knock, knock,* "Wake up Avon, you've got jobs to do," half-awake, the spirit obeyed. A slight touch from the master woke the boy fully, mana got recharged. "Teleport us to the shop." Blue dust was left behind, the duo disappeared.

Using the same bag, the ten working potions and three common-tier scrolls were given. Avon took the task at hand and set off for town. In turn, Staxius took on another journey, a journey to the world of dreams – a voyage unpredictable at best.

"Hello people," he arrived faster than predicted. With a long yawn, Undrar took the bag and headed inside. "What a drag," Avon vanished into the car – Achilles slept. The day ended; the mortally wounded people were healed thanks to the items provided. Kniq's name grew more reputable; a band of adventurers who stopped at nothing to help.  

Though still unknown to most, the duo from Kniq – most importantly, Achilles; her reputation grew. Reputation as a strong and honest warrior, some few kids even called her a hero. A title which in the past was indeed given to her. Alongside, Viola's name got praised as a knowledgeable sorceress. * All hail the saviors of Riverwood,* cheered echoed inside. Nonchalantly, Undrar smiled and accepted the praises, many complimented her might. After a few minutes of idle chitchat with many up and coming adventurers, an opening to leave presented itself. The bag was left empty, 'people sure are grateful,' she walked outside.

"Viola," a voice softly spoke, a man leaned against the wall beside the door. "What is it?" she turned and replied courteously. "Is your adventuring party that strong?" the posture straightened. "I'd like to keep it humble, but as far as I'm concerned, with Achilles and I present at this instant, our party is only a fourth of its normal strength. I should hope this gives you an idea," the legs moved yet again. "Give me an opportunity to train under your tutelage," he dashed and bowed. "I can't confirm you being accepted," his plea was ignored.

'Rejected once again,' Dead eyes thought, the teeth gritted in pain. "If you're serious about joining us," the voice now distant, spoke. "-Come to the capital, head to the central guild and ask for Staxius Haggard – that's our leader. Though in fairness, our guild hasn't truly been established yet, just a group of individuals." A thunderous roar woke people in the vicinity, "time to go home," another quest done.

Another night and another day, Staxius woke fully rested. The shop became comfier to sleep rather than the hotel. Plainly because this building was fully owned by him – nothing can beat the feeling of being at home. 'Should take the others another ten hours before arriving.'

As usual, the town slowly came to life. Staxius headed for the magical guild. "Good morning master Isorin," he walked inside to see the wizard sat comfortably with a book in hand. "Morning Staxius," the book closed, greetings were returned.

"Any news about the results?" Staxius asked; a chair got pulled. "In a few minutes or so, I've was notified that the papers were examined rather quickly," Isorin replied. "Thanks for the heads-up," he sat and browsed the few books resting on the table.

"Master Isorin," after a few minutes, the young assistant called from the counter. "Must be the results," he stood, Staxius followed suit. 'My heart is beating; this feels like the entrance exam at Claireville Academy. What a feeling of nostalgia," anxiety gently tickled, the anticipation was bearable.

"This hall goes on forever now doesn't it?" Staxius spoke, they had been walking for quite a while now. "We're headed to the alchemist's division of the building. Those guys like to keep it quiet, noise and other disturbances can be enough to create a wave of verbal assault," the wizard explained why and how this section of the guild was used.

Along the way, Clarise joined up from another room. "Morning," she greeted whilst half-asleep. "Morning," the others replied. Time had finally come, two massive white doors stood at the end. Torches and tapestries depicting demons and angels were displayed a few meters before said room came into view. Intimidating was an understatement.

*Bong,* the entrance opened with a loud noise. The interior slowly made itself visible. Red carpet all around, a giant floating globe stood in front, bookshelves on the bottom and first floors. Spiral staircases around the edge of the middle. The ground was completely even for in the center, it was carved into the ground. About three steps lower than the normal floor onto which the strange device levitated. Paired with that, countless robed people rushed around, they held books and other utensils.

"Over here," Clarise took command and guided them upstairs, a floor above the main area. A place circular and filled with bookshelves, the climb didn't stop there. It went a floor above, now on the second. Relatively smaller than the lower floors, it hosted offices, *Master Alchemist,* was written on one of the four doors. Each was in the four-cardinal position. The main room was located on the northern side.   

Without knocking, Clarise entered as if owning the place. All followed behind, by all, only Isorin and Staxius were allowed. The assistant sadly had to remain on the lower floors.

"How many times do I have to ask for the simple courtesy of knocking before entering," a relatively old looking man sat behind a desk. The room was of a shade of dark red and brown, archaic but elegant. "Sorry not sorry," the girl took a seat calmly.

Isorin shook to the core, Staxius felt how nervous the wizard was. "Calm down," he whispered and stood in front, shielding the view from the master alchemist. "I'm sorry," Isorin gently muttered.

"Let's get to business," the room reverberated. "-Staxius Haggard and Clarise, I've personally reviewed and analyzed each of the answer sheets provided. Not to mention the physically brewed potions," the tone felt saddened and disappointed. "The results are laid here," two pieces of paper were kept hidden from view. "I must apologize for having to host such a brutally tough exam," the tone remained the same. "I know not the reasons why and how, but it's apparent that Isorin trusted in you, young man," he pointed at Staxius.

"I was sure that this exam could not possibly turn well for anyone," he stood; "-however, I was proven wrong. Never in my years have I seen such a thing." The results were revealed.

Name of Participant: Clarise Reinhardt

[Paper One Medicine: A]

[Paper Two Medicine: A]

[Paper Three Medicine: A]

[Paper One Magic: A]

[Paper Two Magic: A]

[Paper Three Magic: A]

[Paper One Astronomy: A]

[Paper Two Astronomy: A]

[Paper One Botany: A]

[Paper One Practical's: B]

"I expected as much from a current Alchemist," the master alchemist's tone remained sad, it seemed more obvious that the other might have failed. "Don't worry so much Isorin," Staxius whispered, the wizard took a look at said results. The heart shuddered; the alchemist didn't look pleased either. A lost cause, "we've lost, there's no way you can top that score – I'm sorry to have caused you so much trouble," the prospect of all the research being taken away only made the condition worse.

"How about that," Clarise acted smug. No response from Staxius, the face remained blank; nothing could be seen nor said.