"My release?"
"Yes, you won the cage fight as Jay rescinded his right to you. Therefore, you are free to leave here debt-free."
"Debt-free? My debt is cleared? It can't be. I still owe gold."
"You are free from debt," SJ said reassuringly.
Lurtew sat open-mouthed, astonished by the words SJ had said.
"I understand the debt came about because of payment on your home when Yawnee was sick?"
"Yes. I took out a loan as my work alone couldn't cover the rent, and I couldn't keep up with the repayments. Yawnee will be so upset and angry," Lurtew replied forlornly.
"I am sure she will be happier that you have returned home safely rather than any debt you ended up in. After all, it was all done to keep you both with a roof over your heads. Wait here a second."
SJ turned, returning to where the Goblin sat in the other room. "Do you have the cell key?"
He glanced at her before standing, following her back to the cage and unlocking it. Without speaking, he turned again and left.
"Come on, let's get you out of here," SJ smiled.
Lurtew stood and walked from the cage. "Thank you," he said as tears filled his eyes.
"No need to thank me. I will do the same for any of my friends."
SJ's display triggered.
Quest - Missing - completed
Your swift involvement has determined Lurtew's fate, freeing him from his crippling debt and allowing him to return home.
Rewards: 1000xp
'I forgot I don't get bonus experience in Asterfal,' SJ thought.
"Nope. Only for Killic quests or quests assigned by members of Killic."
As they moved back towards the cage through the horrendous state of the main holding cells, SJ felt sick looking at the state of the inhabitants. The small gnome who Jay had knocked unconscious was sitting rocking in a cell with her back to the cage door. Lurtew looked at her and moved as if he was about to say something, but he didn't. Instead, he dropped his head and followed SJ. There was really nothing he could say under the circumstances to ease their suffering.
SJ's display triggered again.
Quest - Free the slaves
You have seen how the cage-fighting bait is treated unfairly. You must free them from their unfortunate destinies.
Rewards: 7000xp - reputation with Asterfal
"Holy fae wings. That is an insane amount of experience for a quest at your level," Dave sounded astounded.
'I can't accept. It will take me over my level cap if I complete it.'
"You can't accept it. I have never seen that much experience be offered for a quest at your level."
'What is the point, though?'
"It stops others from taking it while you are in Asterfal. Remember when we spoke about quests previously?"
'If it is for so much, though, it has to be for much higher levels.'
"It may be, but it doesn't say it is solo."
SJ mused over what to do before eventually accepting the quest.
'I do not know where to start, anyway. How do you stop loan sharks from operating in a city this large?'
"Maybe by cutting the head off the controller?"
'If we knew who that was. I don't believe it is the chief. She may be evil, but she also runs a business in Asterfal.'
"The corruption here is rife. I wouldn't be surprised."
'I suppose I can do some digging around.'
"Carefully!? She gives me the willies."
Reaching the top of the corridor leading to the bar, Ruffle, the bugbear, stood in the same spot. Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned and looked at SJ and Lurtew with surprise.
"He really is free?" Ruffle said.
"Yes. Why would he not be?"
"It is the first time I have ever witnessed a bait being freed. I wasn't sure if it was just a tale."
Walking past Ruffle, SJ led Lurtew into the bar, which was still full. Many patrons sang and argued alike, drinking copious amounts of ale. Near the bar, SJ spotted Tanes and the others in a raised area by the far end. Walking over, forcing her way through the crowd, she approached the steps leading to it. The orc stood at the bottom and, seeing her, stepped to the side as she approached, allowing her up. Then, he stood in front of Lurtew, putting his arm across.
"Sorry, promoters and fighters only," he said.
SJ frowned, turning back to look at the orc. "He is a fighter. He just fought in the cage and won his freedom."
The orc looked at him, frowning deeply.
"It is true, Huffer. He has every right to enter as any other fighter," Tanes called.
Huffer moved his arm and allowed Lurtew to pass. His face was a picture of sheer terror as he walked towards the table where Dash, Tanes, and Nigel sat. Gasgut wasn't present, nor was Jay. Kylian and Olpi sat at a table, drinking together and laughing.
"What would you all like to drink?" SJ asked, smiling at the three promoters. "And you two, of course?"
Olpi held up a tankard. "Standard ale is all I need. Thank you."
"Dwarven brandy for me," Kylian said.
"We are sampling a fine wine currently," Tanes smiled. "I don't think another bottle would go amiss."
"How about another two?" SJ said.
Dash whistled, and a server suddenly appeared from the side of the platform area through a door SJ hadn't noticed. After giving the server their drinks order, SJ sat at the table.
"Gnoll. Come sit with the fighters. You earned your right," Olpi called.
Lurtew looked even more terrified now as SJ nodded to him, and he turned and approached their table.
"I am sorry for the trouble I caused you this evening," SJ said after sitting.
"Nonsense. It has been entertaining for a change. Especially seeing Jay fight again," Dash said.
"Aye. I agree. He is a monster in the cage," Nigel said.
"Did any of you see where Jay went?" SJ asked.
"No sorry," Tanes said.
"Are you going to be a permanent fixture in Asterfal?" Dash asked SJ.
"Unfortunately not. I am the ambassador for Killic and will need to return there in a few days once the council business is attended to."
"That is a shame. It would have been good to have another promoter who was a regular attendee at the cage events," Nigel said.
"Do you mind if I ask a loaded question?"
The beings at the table looked at her in anticipation.
"Why are the fights classed as underground? Would it not be more profitable if they were legitimate and open to more of the masses?"
Tanes looked at her, smirking. "You aren't the first to mention something similar, and I doubt you will be the last. It was tried to be legitimised several years ago. The chief, though, prevented it from occurring as she would lose so much revenue being the host of the major fights in the city."
"I thought there were other cage fights that took place?"
"Yes. Several other establishments hold cage fights, but they are all low level, and they don't hold to the ethics we have here. In other establishments, magic and potions are a standard addition, which to the pure fight promoters like ourselves removes the challenge and the skill of the fight."
"So, the only reason that you are being held to rights is because of the chief?"
"In simple terms, yes. She is the controlling arm of the fight scene. Several other districts have tried to step up over time, but they never succeeded. Several suffering accidents," Dash said.
"Having met the chief initially before the fight, I can see that she is a force to reckon with."
"She runs the district more than the lieutenant. If she didn't do what she does, the violence in District 9 would be even worse than what it is. It is not just the fight scene that she is heavily involved in through the Black Griffin. She also has dealings with many of the guilds."
The server returned with their drinks, handing them out.
Lifting his tankard, Nigel looked at the others and said, "For those who fought bravely but ended in the grave."
Tanes and Dash copied, lifting their respective drinks. SJ copied the motion and took a drink.
"Our way of showing respect to those who fall in the cage."
"Are deaths often?"
"At the level of the fighters that were in the cage tonight, no. It is usually newer brawlers who have joined the scene who aren't skilled or trained well enough to cope with the physical damage. As there are no clerics on standby to heal, several have died over the years."
"How often do fights happen?"
"Nightly, there is usually something. Even fights between patrons have occasionally been allowed. It just depends, but the championship bouts and gladiator fights are infrequent. The next championship bout is big. There is a being travelling from Jureoili to compete, from the news we heard."
"Where is Jureoli?"
"It is a city in the middle of the continent. The fight has been on the cards for months in planning. All our fighters will compete in a pre-championship bout to see who will fight."
"I am surprised that the fight scene goes out of the city if it is considered illegal."
"Ha. It may be called illegal, but you saw the number of high-ranking officials that attended tonight, never mind the number who are still in the bar."
Not having paid any attention to the crowd or those in the bar, SJ looked around. Several of the patrons she recognised from seeing in the tower or the council chambers, but she didn't know them by name.
"I hadn't realised there were so many."
"It may run as it is as it keeps some of the violence from the streets and allows many to let off their pent-up energy in a controlled environment."
Shouting broke out from the main area, and SJ turned to see a bugbear flying across a table and crashing into a group of dwarves. Cursing loudly, the dwarves stood and shouted back at the elf who had sent the bugbear crashing into them. As it looked like chaos would ensue, the enormous form of the troll from the stairs leading to the chief's office and Ruffle appeared amongst them.
Within moments, the scene had been diffused, with the troll roughly escorting the elf and bugbear alike outside, grabbing one in each hand.
"That happen often?" SJ asked.
"Ha. It has been remarkably peaceful this evening," Dash laughed.
"I see."
Sitting listening to the conversation between the promoters was interesting. All three of them were in various businesses within the city. Dash owned a series of shops across the districts. Nigel was linked to the training of the guard and Tanes was involved in magic item trading. Tanes statement had intrigued SJ and he had said for her to call in to see him if she was after anything while in the city.
"Did any of you see where Jay went to?" SJ asked after a while. She had been watching Lurtew who after being forced to drink at least three tankards with Olip and Kylian was looking drunk and half asleep. She wasn't surprised after what he had been through.
"Didn't see but he is probably at Gasgut's as he left with him."
"Is it near here?"
"It is two buildings over. Gasgut owns an armours shop."
"I think I will call it an evening and get Lurtew home," SJ said standing.
"It was good to meet you," Tanes said. "And do call in if you need anything."
"I will. Thank you all."
Standing, SJ walked to Lurtew and, helping him stand, moved through the crowd to the exit. Checking her display, it was now 00:24. She couldn't believe so much time had passed. The streets were still busy with beings walking, talking, or staggering along. Escorting Lurtew to the cart, she helped him climb up, and he sat in the back immediately, placing his head down. Looking down the street, she noticed an armourer on the other side with lights still on. A sign of a smiling orc hung from a pole. Above the shop front, the words 'Gasgut's Gear' were written.
SJ was walking over to the shop when a hand suddenly grabbed her arm. Turning in surprise, she looked into the eyes of the dark-haired elf she recognised.
"We need to talk," they said.
"We do, but first, I need to get my friend home safely," SJ said.
"Then I will accompany you."
Walking with SJ, Carlito accompanied her to Gasgut's shop. Trying the door, it opened, and on entering, a bell tinkled that was hung on a rope above it.
"We are closed," the voice of Gasgut called from somewhere out the back. The shop was full of armour pieces of all varieties. Leather, Scale, Chain, Plate. The shop showcased a variety of armor pieces, with intricate details on many of the items.
"It is SJ. Is Jay here?"
"SJ. Come through," Jay said.
Walking through the shop and into a back room, she found Gasgut sat with Jay. Carlito had waited outside, not entering the shop.
"Jay. We need to get Lurtew back home," SJ said.
"He has been set free now. Good.
"And a little worse for wear, he joined Kylian and Olpi in the Griffin."
Jay chuckled. "Gasgut. I will see you soon," he said, standing.
Gasgut nodded politely to him.
While walking back from the shop, Jay was surprised to see an elf accompanying SJ's as they crossed the street to the cart.
Jay climbed into the cart, Lurtew, who was now snoring heavily in the back not moving as the cart creaked.
"Thanks for what you did tonight," SJ said.
"I was only there because of you, and I enjoyed myself for the first time in years."
"You fought well. It is unfortunate about the gnoll."
"That was unexpected. I am not sure why he didn't take the punch better. It should not have damaged him as much as it did."
"Maybe the potion had nullified his pain so much that he was more seriously injured than he looked."
"Possibly. I never understood why fighters use potions," Jay shrugged.
"Do you mind dropping Lurtew at home for me? I will make my way back to the tower in a while. I just have some business to attend to."
"Are you sure? The streets aren't the safest to walk alone at night."
"I won't be walking," SJ smiled, moving her wings.
Smiling, Jay spurred the horse as the cart moved down the street. Waving to Jay as the cart turned the corner. As she did her display triggered.
Congratulation! Your reputation with Jay has risen to Liked.
"Shall we?" Carlito said.
"Let's."
Turning, Carlito walked down the street until cutting down a side alley. SJ was not feeling as nervous as she knew she should be, probably because of the two glasses of wine she had drank. At the end of the side alley, they entered another street, and across the street was a small park area. The night air was cooler than SJ was used to, and she shivered slightly.
Entering the empty park, Carlito walked to a picnic-style table and sat down on one side.
"Please," Carlito said, offering SJ to sit.
Sitting opposite Carlito, SJ looked across the table into the dragonlings' eyes.
"I must say before I start that this evening was rather interesting. If you are an assassin by class, you are quite happy to make a scene and be noticed."
"I am just me. I don't pretend to be someone I am not. I am sorry for the delay in seeing you."
"The delay was understandable."
"Have you decided whether you will offer me training?"
"I have, and I will."
'Yes,' SJ thought.
"Don't get too excited. We don't know what it will involve yet," Dave said.
"That is great. What do I require to do?"
"I need to know about you first. What skills do you have?"
Feeling nervous discussing her skills, SJ listed her main ones but did not detail levels.
"So Martial Arts and subterfuge are your branches. Interesting choices."
"May I ask what your branches are?"
"My branches are Shadow Discipline and Poisons."
"Being a dragonling makes Subterfuge a pretty useless option."
Carlito smirked. "My race has its perks."
"I know little of your race."
"Few do. You are the only being in Asterfal who knows my true race, and yet I am still intrigued by how you know. Never mind your invulnerability to my attacks."
It was SJ's turn to smirk this time.
"That would give up a secret that I cannot share."
"I am surprised that you have increased your skills the way you have. Since you have had no sponsor previously. I am assuming you have no class perks."
"Class perks?"
"The answer is no, then. Class perks are offered as quest rewards and can open further skill paths."
"I have just grown naturally as I have levelled."
"And what level are you? I am guessing you must be in your mid-twenties?"
"Nineteen."
"You are only level nineteen?" Carlito looked surprised at her revelation.
"Yes."
"That is even more unusual. Your health seems to defy what would be expected for a level nineteen because of your poisoning survival."
The reminder of the poison and the pain that she had suffered made SJ wince.
"That was a horrendous feeling. Your poison was potent."
"Not potent enough. I missed a large gain because of your survival. Twice, I might add."
"How much was my reward?"
Raising an eyebrow at the statement, Carlito then smiled. "You wish to know your value. The contract was for five gold. Several were trying to reach you from the guild because of the value of the contract."
"I wish I knew who initially raised it."
"Even I can't find those details out. One thing the assassin guild is very good at is keeping secrets."
"Do I need to join the guild to improve my class?"
"No. There is no need to be in the guild, and at nineteen, you couldn't join even if you wished to."
SJ had forgotten about the need to be level twenty.
"Ah. Yes, I must be level twenty. So what do you require doing?"
"I have some thoughts about your development, but initially you need to prove your ability."
"And how would you like me to do that?"
"I have a target for you I would like you to deal with. There is an elven trader in District 6 who has been causing problems recently, and she requires to be ended."
"What problems has he caused? You understand I may be an assassin, but I won't kill those of good alignment."
"Are any beings truly good alignment?" Carlito asked.
Considering the question before answering, SJ took a moment.
"I believe that there is good in most, although some will allow themselves to be taken by evil over good. I don't see many as evil unless they are out to harm or take from those weaker around them."
"An assassin with morales. Even more intriguing."
"I have morales, yes, and I will standby them."
"This will indeed be interesting. The elf in question is skimming from the mage's guild. She is a low-level mage compared to many in the city, but she has a bounty offered for her removal. There are also rumours she may be involved in necromancy as well."
"Any more details?"
"She goes by the name of Mya and runs an enchanters shop called the 'Lucky Spur'."
"When does it require to be completed?"
"You have twenty-four hours before the guild reopens the quest for others to claim."
SJ's display triggered.
Class Quest - Prove your worth
Carlito has assigned you your first target to assassinate. Dispose of Mya and provide proof of completion of your task.
Reward: One class perk point.
"What proof do you require?" SJ asked, feeling nervous now that she had received her first assassination quest.
"She wears a chain around her neck with a silver moon and sickle. It is her family crest and will prove death."
"I will do my best."
"If you succeed, then you know where to find me. If you fail, don't bother looking for me. Not that you would find me, of course," Carlito smiled wickedly, standing and walking back out of the park.
SJ sat for a moment, watching the dragonling go.
'I better get some sleep. It looks like I have a busy day tomorrow.'
"Especially as you have a full day in the chamber as well."
Checking her display, it was now approaching 01:00. Standing, she shrunk and changed her dress colour to her standard for night flying. Taking off, she rose before heading back to the tower. It had been a hectic day and night, and she had much to contemplate with Malaki and the chief, never mind her first-class quest.
