A giant insect stood in the doorway. It had large, black, bulbous eyes like a bug, no pupils, just tiny facets reflecting the light, a dark brown chitinous body, almost black, and a pair of swords at its sides. A giant shell like a beetle or turtle\u2019s covered its back, and the entire effect made the bug-man look slightly hunched.<\/p>\n
It had four arms, each one covered in chitin but shaped almost like a Human\u2019s, complete with fingers, and two long mandibles coming out of its mouth, shaped like pincers. A pair of waving antennae were attached to the thing\u2019s head. No hair, no nose, no\u2026clothing, really. Just a loincloth and a belt and a pair of swords<\/em> sheathed at its side?\u00a0<\/p>\n There was something shiny and metal pinned to its chest, but she was mostly just staring at the ant-person in front of her.<\/em><\/p>\n Erin stared at the ant-creature, lost for words. Then it opened its mouth and began to speak again.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Miss Human. I was wondering if my colleague and I could take up a moment of your time\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shut the door. Then she bolted it. Where did she put the kitchen knife?<\/p>\n \u201cYou idiot. I told<\/em> you this is why I should have opened the door.\u201d<\/p>\n A second, louder, muffled voice came through the door. A second bug-person?<\/em> This one had a slight rasp to it, sibilant. Erin heard the two talking as she looked around. Weapon. She needed\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n The Goblins\u2019 knives were on the table. She grabbed both and tried to think. Knife. Chair? There were lots of chairs.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it was a bad time?\u201d<\/p>\n Or windows. Erin looked around. Plenty of windows. She\u2019d jump out one if she needed to.<\/p>\n \u201cMove over. Let me show you how it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone knocked on the door again. Erin froze, and then went back. Very slowly, she opened the door.<\/p>\n A giant lizard\u2014no, a miniature Dragon that looked sort of like a Human stared down at Erin. He had to be at least six-and-a-half feet tall.\u00a0<\/p>\n He was huge, muscular, with scars parting the rippling scales instead of flesh. His head was shaped like a lizard\u2019s\u2014or a Dragon\u2019s. No nose, again, but a snout and slitted pupils, not round. His scales were light green, and he had sharp, sharp<\/em> claws on each hand. Yet he also had a very humanoid body\u2014except for his feet, which were taloned like a dinosaur or lizard\u2019s. Or a Dragon\u2019s, again. He even had a long tail, which dragged on the ground behind him, and neck-spines sticking out the back of his head!<\/p>\n When he smiled, she saw his teeth. Pointed and sharp. Oh, and he had a forked tongue. The Dragon-man raised one claw and opened his mouth wider in a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Miss. Sorry if we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shut the door, bolted it, and dragged a table in front of it. She could feel her heart pounding out of her chest as she pushed another table in the way. Knives were no good. He was huge!<\/em> She\u2019d have to jump out a window after all. She heard the first person, the bug-guy\u2014he sounded like a guy\u2014speaking drily.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job not scaring her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up. This is your fault. I told you I should go first. I\u2019m not a horrific Ant.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but I have my badge on. You have not brought yours. Again. For the eighth day in a row. Therefore, I was the most logical choice to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Were they talking?<\/em> Erin listened hard. Her hands were shaking so hard she couldn\u2019t hold anything. She heard them trying the door and finding it locked.<\/p>\n \u201cNow what? I do not believe breaking and entering would be appropriate at this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, are you crazy? Let me talk. That was just a misunderstanding caused by seeing your face. I\u2019ll straighten all this out.\u201d<\/p>\n One voice was higher than the other and had a strange clicking<\/em> quality about it. Erin guessed that was the insect\u2019s. The other, the lizardman, pronounced his words with elongated s\u2019s. And they were both speaking in English.<\/p>\n \u201cHello? Miss? We\u2019re not dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n One of them was knocking on the door. Erin tried not to hyperventilate. Her eyes darted to the window. But she had to ask.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Are you a Dragon?\u201d<\/p>\n She heard a surprised laugh from outside the door.<\/p>\n \u201cAm I a Dragon? Aha. Haha. Well, that\u2019s just\u2014oh, Ancestors bite me. I mean, do I look like one? I\u2019m not even Oldblood, but maybe I do. Klb, buddy, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are blushing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet. I\u2019m in a good mood now.\u201d<\/p>\n The lizardman raised his voice again.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me? I\u2019m not a Dragon, Miss Human. I\u2019m just an incredible Drake in service to the City Watch. Me and my idiot partner were on patrol when we noticed the smoke. May we come in? I promise we won\u2019t bite.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr inflict other forms of bodily or mental harm upon you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up.<\/em> Are you trying to scare her?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin debated. Somewhere in her mind, she was trying to decide whether she should be laughing or panicking. And if she were going to laugh, would it be funny laughter or hysterics?<\/p>\n She couldn\u2019t decide. So instead\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Give me a moment. I\u2019ll open this door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin dragged the tables out of the way and hesitantly unlatched the door. She opened it and stared at the insect and giant lizard again. The insect just stared at her. The lizard, on the other hand, opened his mouth and curved his lips upward. It might have been a smile.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Hi.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s hand tensed on the door. The lizard guy put his hand on the door and stopped her from closing it. She tried, but suddenly the door was locked into place. He gently opened it and gave her a lazy salute with his other clawed hand.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, sorry, Miss. We\u2019re not here to hurt you, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hoped that was the case. She couldn\u2019t budge the door an inch. But this wasn\u2019t the time for flight, right? She took a different tack.<\/p>\n \u201cW-want something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n The lizardman blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. That\u2019s great.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin opened the door slowly. The lizardman smiled and carefully stepped inside. The giant insect walked in too and gave her a polite nod.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Hi.\u201d<\/p>\n The two stared around the empty inn. Erin pointed to the table while keeping her eye on them the entire time.<\/p>\n \u201cFood\u2019s over there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOoh! Pasta! This is good stuff!\u201d<\/p>\n The lizardman\u2014Drake\u2014rubbed his hands together. The noise the scales made sounded like sandpaper. He went to sit at the table, but the insect guy paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI would gladly partake of nourishment if offered. However, we would not wish to deprive you of your meal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? No. I\u2019ve got lots of pasta.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin pointed vaguely back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me just get a plate and\u2026forks. Do you, uh, want a drink? I\u2019ve got water.\u201d<\/p>\n The two strangers exchanged a glance. The Drake raised one claw.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have a glass if that\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n The ant man instantly copied him with a nod.<\/p>\n \u201cI will accept the pasta and water as well. But may I inquire if you have any more meat-based dishes? Corusdeer, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n What was a\u2026? <\/em>Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026No. No I do not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA pity.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin went to get the plates. She heard the two sitting and chatting idly while she went to the kitchen. There she took a moment to sit on the ground and slap herself a few times. Then she got the plates. An idea occurred to her as she was filling the cups with water, and she poked her head out.<\/p>\n \u201cHere. Uh, I\u2019ve got juice as well. Want a glass?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake blinked as she offered him a cup. He stared at the liquid inside and eyed his companion.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, thank you. It\u2019s\u2026blue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I made it myself. It tastes good, really.\u201d<\/p>\n A moment\u2019s hesitation and the giant lizard-man accepted it with a shrug.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019ll gladly accept. Klbkch, you want any?\u201d<\/p>\n He turned to his companion, and the other figure declined.<\/p>\n \u201cI will pass for the moment. We should get down to business rather than partake of food.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a moment. Let\u2019s eat first. This looks good!\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared. Here was an opportunity. She had two creatures who could not only speak English for some reason, but were also not inclined to kill her and were eating her food. There were so many questions she could ask about herself, about where she was, about everything really.<\/p>\n It might be her questions would decide her ultimate fate. Probably not, but they were certainly important. But before Erin could ask any of the questions, including how a \u2018Drake\u2019 and giant ant learned to use a knife and fork, she had to ask again.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Are you sure<\/em> you\u2019re not a Dragon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026So someone on the walls spotted the smoke and called it in. Since it didn\u2019t seem like a grassfire and since we knew this place was abandoned years ago, the Captain decided to send someone to check it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo put it succinctly: we saw the fire and decided to investigate.\u201d<\/p>\n The giant lizard turned and glared at his ant man companion.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what I said.\u201d<\/p>\n The ant fellow replied stoically; his voice never seemed to change, unlike the boisterous lizard guy. He was\u2014precise.<\/p>\n \u201cYou said it poorly. I am merely rephrasing your words for the benefit of all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee, this<\/em>. This is why no one else is willing to be your partner. Along with you being, y\u2019know, you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour hurtful remarks are unnecessary. Besides which, I believe we are getting off track. We are in the presence of a member of the general public, remember.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Right. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n The lizardman cleared his throat. It sounded weird to Erin; much deeper and bassier than normal. She was transfixed, as much by the surreality of having them eating with her as the fact that the ant man had excellent table manners and his companion did not\u2014and the way they just\u2014talked, bantered, even. It was beyond weird.<\/p>\n Actually, everything<\/em> was weird to Erin at the moment. Not least were the two creatures sitting across from her.<\/p>\n Well, maybe \u2018creatures\u2019 was unfair. They were probably people. They acted like people. But they looked\u2014<\/p>\n Erin stared at the lizardman\u2019s arms. They were huge. She\u2019d seen bodybuilders on magazine covers and terrible gym commercials, but this guy was bigger than 90% of the male population. The Human male population. And he was green. And he had scales.<\/p>\n He glanced her way. His eyes were like a snake\u2019s. Or a lizard\u2019s. She looked away hastily and glanced at the ant man. At least, she thought he was an ant.<\/p>\n While he wasn\u2019t that much smaller than the average guy, the insect guy looked tiny next to his partner. But of the two, he was definitely higher on the weirdness scale. Mainly because he was a giant insect. He had antennae<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin jumped.<\/p>\n \u201cMe? Hi, yes, me.\u201d<\/p>\n The lizardman gulped down some of the blue juice.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, but can we ask you a few questions about where you\u2019re from? It\u2019s pretty odd to find a Human out here, let alone in an abandoned place like this. Not that we mean to pry, it\u2019s just that it\u2019s kind of our job to ask these questions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh, it\u2019s no problem. Ask away.\u201d<\/p>\n The insect guy leaned forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, to begin with, may we inquire where you come from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m from Michigan.\u201d<\/p>\n The two exchanged a glance while Erin mentally slapped herself.<\/p>\n \u201cMichigan? I\u2019m not familiar with that city. Or is it a nation\u2026? Is that north of here? Over the mountains, maybe? On this continent?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh. No. It\u2019s a bit further than that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, so are you\u2026lost? Or travelling maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, actually I got lost and\u2014this is stupid. Why am I making excuses?\u201d<\/p>\n Again, the glances were exchanged. The Drake coughed into one claw. The ant man began making notes on a pad.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, I don\u2019t know?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin sighed and spread her hands on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cLook. It\u2019s complicated, and I can\u2019t really explain. But would you believe\u2026magic? Like a crazy, crazy, uh, teleportation spell?\u201d<\/p>\n To her surprise, the two took that at face value. The Drake looked at his companion and raised both brows, but not in disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, a [Teleportation] spell? Was it a misfire or did someone target you? That\u2019s a Mage\u2019s Guild issue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot if they did not cause it. Intriguing. Was it a magical duel, perhaps? Some high-level spellcasting?\u201d<\/p>\n The terms were flying over Erin\u2019s head, but she did her best to describe what happened.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. I didn\u2019t see anything when it happened. I just sort of turned the corner and\u2014look, the point is I suddenly appeared around here. And then\u2026Dragon.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you. It\u2019s flattering, but I\u2019m not a Drag\u2014oh.\u201d<\/p>\n The ant man leaned forward.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you mean to say you found a Dragon?<\/em> Somewhere around this area? And you\u2014survived the encounter. Unharmed?\u201d<\/p>\n His voice was patently incredulous. Erin blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cIs, uh, that a bad thing? I mean, it\u2019s a Dragon yeah, but isn\u2019t he\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Both she and the ant man looked at the lizardman.<\/p>\n \u201cLook. It\u2019s getting sort of embarrassing. I\u2019m not a Dragon. I\u2019m a Drake. And yeah, we\u2019re distantly related cousins, but Dragons are\u2026there\u2019s no way. That would be huge. You said you saw one? You sure it wasn\u2019t a Wyvern? It was probably a Wyvern.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin vaguely knew that word, but she shook her head adamantly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt breathed at me. Fire. And then I was chased by little green men.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoblins. And by the way, some Wyverns breathe fire too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo they are<\/em> Goblins. But\u2014well, hold on\u2014then I found a giant dino-bird\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA big\u2026big leathery thing. With wings.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, right. Those annoying things. What\u2019re they called, Klbkch?\u201d<\/p>\n The insect person looked up from his plate and replied calmly. He had a notepad open next to his meal and was taking notes. Was he writing with a\u2026quill? And inkpot? Erin was fascinated.<\/p>\n \u201cRazorbeaks. Go on, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n There wasn\u2019t much else to say. Erin tried to summarize the rest of it.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, after I got the eggs, there was a crab rock, I mean, a rock crab, and then I found blue fruits before that and\u2026I met you two. A not-dragon and an insect. Who don\u2019t want to eat me? Or is that after the meal?\u201d<\/p>\n The lizard guy looked shocked and offended.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course we wouldn\u2019t eat you! That\u2019s barbaric, and besides, it\u2019s illegal. I mean, okay, sure, it happens sometimes in distant villages, but we wouldn\u2019t do that. Right, Klbkch?\u201d<\/p>\n The lizard man turned to his friend.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. We would not violate our duty as guardsmen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour duty? You\u2019re\u2026guardsmen? And you\u2026you\u2019re K\u2014kbch?\u201d<\/p>\n The insect man raised one hand instantly and bowed slightly in his seat.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur pardons. We have not introduced ourselves. Allow me to correct this mistake. I am Klbkch, Senior Guardsman in the employ of the City of Liscor. This is my partner, also a Senior Guardsman.\u201d<\/p>\n He nudged the Drake, and the other one looked up from sucking down a huge mouthful of noodles.<\/p>\n \u201cRelc!\u201d<\/p>\n The lizardman raised his glass.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd this blue juice tastes good!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. And I must apologize again, but our true intent in coming here was to ascertain the danger posed here.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what? Me?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake shrugged, picking at his teeth with a claw and glancing around.<\/p>\n \u201cNot you, specifically. Really, it could be anything. We thought it might be a random fire or a few Goblins. If there were some stupid kids, on the other hand, we\u2019d be dragging them back right now since it\u2019s dangerous to stay here. Bandits on the other hand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin met his gaze in alarm. He had very yellow eyes with black pupils.<\/p>\n \u201cDanger? Why danger? Is there something wrong with me staying here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, there\u2019s nothing wrong with you staying here. Aside from dying, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDying?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc kicked Klbkch under the table. Erin noticed the motion and the slight impact.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a possibility. This, uh, place is sort of bad. For your health.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked blank. Klbkch cut in.<\/p>\n \u201cThe plague. This location was once a small community until everyone here died. Horribly. Admittedly, this was a decade ago, but it was evacuated and has been condemned since then.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin put her head in her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cSo am I going to die by puking out my guts or something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cActually, the plague symptoms manifested themselves as\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Relc kicked Klbkch again.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you shut up and let me talk? Look, Miss Human. You\u2019re probably not sick if you\u2019re still walking around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd not oozing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up.<\/em> Ahem. We were just sent here to make sure no Goblins or nasty creatures started living here. We\u2019ve got no problem with Humans. Well, at least the non-violent kind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. There is no law against occupying this area.\u201d<\/p>\n They both stared at her. Erin felt compelled to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Thanks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Want another plate of pasta?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake had eaten most of his, and he looked fairly satisfied if how much he\u2019d put away was anything to go by. He brightened up, and the Klbkch-person raised his hand politely as well.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will have another as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin ladled noodles onto each plate. The diners were silent for a moment as each slurped down their noodles, or in the case of Klbkch, did something complex with his mouth-hole. Erin didn\u2019t look closer.<\/p>\n After a while, Relc put down his fork.<\/p>\n \u201cThis really is quite good. How\u2019d you make this all the way out here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I found some flour and butter and stuff in one of the cupboards. It had a runey\u2026thing on the shelves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be a preservation spell. It is quite common among higher-class establishments.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you cooked it, then? Do you have levels in a [Chef] class, then?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared at Relc.<\/p>\n \u201cLevels? Oh. No. I\u2019ve got levels in, uh, [Innkeeper].\u201d<\/p>\n He blinked at her, but idly, as if they were just making passing conversation and this wasn\u2019t amazing.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I see, I see. That\u2019s convenient. Did you earn them here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, yeah. Every time I fell asleep I kept leveling. I\u2019m, uh, level 4.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot bad! Especially if you just got here a few days ago. Did the notification wake you up right as you were falling asleep? I hate that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very annoying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. It is.\u201d<\/p>\n The two looked at each other as Klbkch continued to eat in silence. Erin coughed into one hand and decided now was the time.<\/p>\n \u201cSo. Leveling. Classes.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc blinked, then tapped at his chest with a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about it? Oh, are you wondering about mine? I\u2019m a [Spearmaster]. This idiot\u2019s a [Swordslayer]. We both have levels in [Guardsman] as well, but not nearly as much as our primary classes. Pretty cool, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n He grinned and was clearly waiting for some reaction. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cRight, right. Um, good to know.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled uncertainly, and he deflated a bit.<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014thanks. [Spearmaster]. Me. Him\u2014[Swordslayer]. No, it\u2019s cool. We\u2019re [Guards]. Yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc coughed a few times into his claw and glanced at her.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re an [Innkeeper], right? Got any other classes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, no. No.\u201d<\/p>\n Another quick glance. Klbkch and Relc hesitated, and the Drake shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cSo four levels in\u2026? That\u2019s too bad. But you\u2019re young; leveling takes time after all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Right. Um. Let\u2019s pretend I have no idea what leveling or classes are. I\u2019m, uh, from really far away, and we have different\u2026traditions.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc and Klbkch exchanged a glance.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026You mean you don\u2019t level in this Michigan place?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, no. We level, it\u2019s just, uh, different from you guys. And I never paid much attention in school and all that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n This time, the look she got was ranging beyond skeptical into incredulous. Relc sat back with a frown and popped another sliver of sausage into his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have to teach Humans how to level? Weird.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch agreed, although he gave Erin a look of what might have even been sympathy.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is unusual. I was under the impression levels worked uniformly across all species. However, I too understand the issues of communicating leveling and the system of classes. Even so, it is odd to think there is a nation that does not teach it in some way. Unless you are referring to a cultural difference in classes?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had no idea what that meant. She spread her hands on the table, looking from face to face.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. No. Maybe? Look, I level. You level. We level. Everyone levels, right? We all can level up in, uh, classes and gain skills. How am I doing so far?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc nodded amiably. He was slurping down noodles with his long tongue. Erin was fascinated, although she wasn\u2019t sure if he was being disgusting or not.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s pretty much how it works. What were you confused about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm. I gained levels just from cleaning an inn. And I wasn\u2019t an [Innkeeper] before this. So why\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc waved a claw airily.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, that<\/em>. New classes without an apprenticeship, you mean? Simple. You must have satisfied the requirements for the class, that\u2019s all. I know it\u2019s sort of weird gaining a new class suddenly, but it happens. I knew a guy who gained four levels in [Farmer] just because he kept growing carrots in pots next to his window. Not [Gardener], [Farmer]. I guess it was because he grew lots of carrots. Leveling is weird that way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026okay, let me think.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin had to massage her head while the two guardsmen looked at her in concern. Well, she assumed they were looks of concern.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a world. Everyone levels in it. Humans, lizard people, talking insects, cats, dogs, Goblins\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, what did you just call\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch leaned forward, cutting Relc off.<\/p>\n \u201cActually, I would like to correct you on that point. While the thinking races may level, animals and even creatures such as Dragons are not capable of leveling. Which is common knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n They were giving her very, very strange looks. Erin hesitated, but she was already in too deep, so she decided she had to gain as much information as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, really? How about Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey can level. Now, about what you just said. I\u2019m not a lizard\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. It is part of our shared past. Once, of course, all races fought with tooth and claw and magic, but then they divided. Those who decided to forsake their natures and pursue a different truth received the gift of leveling, while those creatures who stayed true to their nature kept the might of their natures instead. According to historical records, at least. It is the subject of some studies, but that is the consensus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? So that means\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Relc\u2019s fist smashed into the table. Every plate on the table jumped into the air, and Erin nearly fell out of her chair. She looked at Relc. He was scowling, but when he glanced at her pale face, he stopped and looked guilty.<\/p>\n \u201cUm. Sorry about that. Really. But, uh, can we talk about that name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cN-name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. You, um, called me a lizard person, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yes. Yes, it is. I\u2019m a Drake, not one of the Lizardfolk. There\u2019s a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. Sorry about that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, don\u2019t apologize. Look, maybe I overreacted a bit. I\u2019m not, uh, mad\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch kicked Relc under the table.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe it was my turn to do that. Apologize to the Human for your rudeness.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yeah, sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc bowed his head down low, until the neck spines along the back of his head were pointing at the ceiling. Erin waved her hands urgently.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, no. Please don\u2019t do that. I didn\u2019t know it was so rude. If I\u2019d have known, I\u2019d have never\u2014there\u2019s a big difference between lizard people and Drakes, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch raised one finger politely.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly a few differences, but the animosity between their cultures is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin saw Relc go for a huge kick, but Klbkch swung his legs up, and Relc glared at him until he was quiet. The Drake turned back to Erin huffily, and she realized this was an important issue to him.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up<\/em>. I\u2019m still sorry. But yeah, there\u2019s a big difference. I mean, sure, Humans say we look similar, but we\u2019re totally different. They have those neck frills, and they\u2019re way too colorful. We build cities out of proper stone, but the Lizardfolk live near water and can breathe underwater too, some of them. They have Naga and, like, jungles in Baleros. Whereas we Drakes like drier climates. We enjoy warm sun, open spaces\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice rocks to laze about upon while we should be performing our duties.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re just an overgrown ant. You be quiet. Anyways, we\u2019re special. Those guys are just amphibians that learned to walk on two legs. We\u2019re<\/em> related to Dragons. We\u2019ve got special powers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can breathe fire. Some of us can, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc sat back and folded his arms with a triumphant grin. Erin and Klbkch stared at him in silence.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? It\u2019s a great power!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am sure it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. That sounds amazing. Really\u2026really cool!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc nudged Klbkch with a triumphant smile of approval.<\/p>\n \u201cSee? She gets it. Told you it was cool.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it\u2019s awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI feel I must mention that you, personally, cannot breathe fire, Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up, Klbkch!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc looked annoyed and embarrassed at the same time.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly a few Drakes can do it, okay? Not breathing fire is perfectly normal. And some of us can, so there.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Erin anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re still cool, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin grinned and gave him a thumbs up. Then she winced in regret. She\u2019d used her bad hand. The Drake focused on the bloody bandages with a trained eye and suddenly frowned and leaned forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cOoh, nasty. What happened there? Looks like a bad cut. Were those Goblins?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, this? It\u2019s nothing, it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch stood up suddenly. Erin flinched, but he raised two of his spindly arms.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, I mean no harm. But your hand. May I see it?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hesitated. Then she slowly extended her hand. On the outside, her bandage was grey and red with congealed blood. Some dripped to the floor. Relc winced, but Klbkch studied the injury carefully without touching it. Then he looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cAgain, apologies. But could I trouble you to remove the bandage?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin hesitated. But then she slowly unwrapped her hand. And flinched. The pain that had been slumbering in her hand suddenly flared, and something dripped to the floor.<\/p>\n It was yellowish-white pus. It dripped from her wound. And the wound itself was different. Instead of the thin red line, it had changed. Parts of the injury were darker red and\u2014Erin looked away.<\/p>\n Relc hissed softly. However, Klbkch made no sound. He inspected her wound for a few seconds, his antennae moving slowly, and then looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Um, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin tried to breathe. Her hand was suddenly burning.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2014sorry, it\u2019s a mess. I cut my hand, and I guess it just got infected, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not an infection.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is poison. Of a sort.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure? It doesn\u2019t feel like\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a fish in the rivers near here. It secretes a mucus that damages the area it touches. Such as in this case. I have seen several similar afflictions as a guardsman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have? I mean, it\u2019s not an infection?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin was trembling. The insect man held her gently.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, do not be alarmed. This is treatable. Allow me.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached down. Erin looked and saw him pull something out of a belt pouch at his waist. She blinked as he held up a bottle full of a shimmering, emerald-green liquid.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a low-grade healing potion. If you pour it over your injury, it should heal your affliction.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc opened his mouth, but the bug man turned his head, and the Drake hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cYep. Good thing it\u2019s meant to treat light infections too. Klb, are you going to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch didn\u2019t respond. Gently, he uncorked the bottle and held it out to Erin. She accepted it gingerly, but hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is\u2014I mean, is it safe? For Humans?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch and Relc both nodded. Relc was eying his partner, but the ant man was intent.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, believe me. It will heal you.\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stared into his eyes. They were compound eyes, large ones. Brown and fractal. Like an ant\u2019s. And they were creepy as hell, but Erin decided she could still trust them.<\/p>\n She gripped the potion tightly in her right hand and poured it slowly over the open wound on her left hand. She gasped in shock. Klbkch instantly checked her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2014it doesn\u2019t hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc snorted gently. It sounded like a leaf blower starting up.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not. Why would anyone make a healing potion that hurts when you use it? But look at that!\u201d<\/p>\n He pointed. Erin\u2019s eyes went down to the cut in her hand. It was closing up with amazing speed. The flesh was joining together, and in an instant, the entire cut vanished. She gaped.<\/p>\n Klbkch plucked the half-empty bottle from her hands before she dropped it. She was too busy poking at her hand to realize, but when he\u2019d stoppered the bottle, she turned and gave him a huge hug.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you\u2014ow!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApologies. It is unwise to hug those with exoskeletons. Please, are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin stood back and rubbed at where his pointy bits had poked her.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no I\u2019m not. And how can I\u2014I can\u2019t thank you enough. That\u2014that was a healing potion, right? How can I repay you for\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She cast around for something to give him, but Klbkch held up one of his\u2026hands.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, it was nothing. That was merely a low-grade healing potion of no great worth. Let us call it payment for the meal. Unless, of course, you object?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin looked around, flustered, and shook her head rapidly.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, thank you<\/em>. I mean, this is probably worth\u2014can I get you another plate? Or\u2014or you could come back. I\u2019ll feed you two again if you want\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will accept gladly. But for now I am full, and I believe it is time to be going. We would not wish to intrude upon your hospitality for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc paused as he gulped down more blue fruit juice.<\/p>\n \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n His partner turned to face him, looking the same, but he lowered his mandibles and he sounded<\/em> mildly exasperated.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are still on duty, if you recall. The Captain will be expecting a report. If we do return, we will have more time to socialize.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc considered this with a nod for logic. Then he held up a finger.<\/p>\n \u201cOr, and hear me out. Or\u2026we could have more food and stay here longer.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch stared at him until the finger lowered by itself.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sure you would prefer that. But we are being paid to work, not to enjoy ourselves. Moreover, you are eating all of this Human\u2019s dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc glanced at the table. He stood up immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Well, let\u2019s be going. Um, sorry about that, Miss. Here, let me just pay for the food\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Erin tried to protest, but a scaly hand prized hers open gently and deposited several copper coins and two silver ones into her palm.<\/p>\n \u201cI insist. That blue drink is really good, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we\u2019ll be off then. Good night to you.\u201d<\/p>\n The two left the inn. Erin watched them go. The door closed, and she heard them speaking lightly about reporting back and filing\u2026<\/p>\n Then she heard nothing at all. Erin went to go sit down and ended up sitting on the floor. She stared at the door. She stayed sitting for another hour in complete, stunned, gratified shock.<\/p>\n What just happened?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Relc and Klbkch left the inn. They began walking through the grass under the night sky. It was cool, but both moved quickly. Each one scanned the landscape as they walked and kept their hands on the spear and swords at their sides. They weren\u2019t nervous, just wary.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, they were also moving a lot faster than average to get back to the city before complete nightfall; they had to clock out and file that report. This patrol had taken longer than they thought, but they were so busy thinking that it took five minutes before Relc finally broke the silence. He turned to Klbkch and murmured.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a lonely girl.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs she female? I could not tell with complete accuracy. She sounded so, but I have met few Humans in social settings.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc nodded wisely and glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cI can. It\u2019s the things on her chest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMammary glands? Breasts, I think they\u2019re referred to. Or maybe the word is tits.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? I thought those were birds.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is what I heard some small Humans saying once. But she\u2019s female. And young, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake nodded slowly, frowning back at the old inn.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I\u2019d bet on it. I\u2019m not sure why a Human would be out here anyways, let alone in that place.\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cInquiring into others\u2019 personal affairs is only a matter for the Guards while we\u2019re on duty. Respecting another\u2019s personal space is a principle of social interaction.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc elbowed him, but Klbkch had sidled out of range.<\/p>\n \u201cShut up. She just seems lonely, that\u2019s all. Why else would a Human female want to hang out with a Drake and an overgrown bug?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch was silent for a while.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you believe she is a lawbreaker or fearful for her life?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc shook his head again.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if she was, who\u2019d hide there? You\u2019d have to be mad, or be a [Warrior] or [Survivor] to want to live by yourself. Plus, the plague! Do I look sick? Am I oozing?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake checked himself with vague paranoia, but Klbkch shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was almost certainly safe as I and Watch Captain Zevara assured you repeatedly, Relc. Besides, that young woman\u2019s presence is proof enough. She would be dead within the day if the disease were still present.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBet she didn\u2019t know. And her expression when we walked in\u2014she\u2019s never seen a Drake or an Ant before in her life. Well, the Ant part makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would prefer that you call my species by their proper name.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc ignored that. He glanced over his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think? I bet she\u2019s some kind of runaway or a child that got separated from her clan. Do Humans have clans? Or is it all [Lords] and [Ladies]? Maybe she\u2019s not even from this continent.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited for more speculation, but the ant man had turned his head and was refusing to speak. Relc glowered, but then grudgingly snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cFine. Antinium.<\/em> Happy?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch replied at once, as if nothing had happened.<\/p>\n \u201cHer being a runaway would be most likely. I find it hard to believe any Human would wander so far into the grasslands by accident, and she did not seem to be looking for directions. Her magical teleportation story is also possible, but why would she not have asked to be taken to the Mage\u2019s Guild? It is clearly a cover story.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBastard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are correct in at least one definition of the word. But speculation is pointless in any case. We investigated the smoke, and now we can make our report. She is not breaking the law since the inn was abandoned nearly ten years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about the Dragon? Do you think she made that up?\u201d<\/p>\n Klbkch hesitated and glanced at Relc. His pincers made a clicking<\/em> sound as they came together in thought.<\/p>\n \u201cShe was not lying, at least not intentionally. But it is possible she was mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. A Dragon? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc laughed, and the Antinium shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cIt seems more likely that she was hallucinating. However\u2026she may have run into a fire-breathing salamander. I cannot imagine she would survive an encounter with a real Dragon. Armies would not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlus, we\u2019d know if a Dragon lived around here. They\u2019re pretty obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c…Indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n More silence. At last, Relc summed up the contents of their report.<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026scared Human female? Not a threat? Probably a traveller? Makes good pasta?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was my assessment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight, right. Let\u2019s tell the Captain and get some sleep. Or rather, I\u2019ll sleep and you do\u2014whatever Ants do to sleep. Sitting-sleeping or whatever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgreed. And it is very restful. You should attempt it sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPass.\u201d<\/p>\n The two walked in silence for quite some time. The road back to the city was long, and in any case, they were still alert for potential dangers that might be sneaking up on them. Not that either had much to fear from most predators so long as they kept their eyes and earholes open, but you never knew.<\/p>\n After a long time, Klbkch broke the silence.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, shall we return tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc blinked and looked at his partner in disbelief. Because he had been about to say the exact same thing, and he was sure Klbkch would shoot it down.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, definitely. Right after work?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe may be able to fit checking in there as part of our duties if we convince the Captain it is necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc slapped Klbkch on the back of his shell in delight.<\/p>\n \u201cKlb! That\u2019s so devious! We can waste hours and say it was all an investigation! Now you\u2019re thinking like a Drake!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will endeavor not to in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo roast yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n They walked on for another few minutes until Relc broke the silence again. There was just one last thing he had to bring up. He eyed his partner, looking amused, but Klbkch refused to respond. Relc indicated the empty bottle hanging at Klbkch\u2019s belt.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, a lesser healing potion of no worth, huh? You know, I\u2019ve never heard you lie like that.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium\u2019s voice was calm as he replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you have had me tell her the true value?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no. It\u2019s for the best. Mind you, I think she figured it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you going to explain that<\/em> to the Captain, huh? That\u2019s supposed to be special-issue. We won\u2019t even get another shipment of that quality for months, probably! All the way from Pallass once the Blood Fields are frozen.\u201d<\/p>\n The Antinium was unmoved.<\/p>\n \u201cI did not believe a lesser one would be worth the risk. I shall make do with a replacement, and I will deduct the cost from my pay. Besides which, it was used to protect a civilian.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a regular do-gooder, huh? Trying to level up your\u2026[Good Person] class? Is that a class?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know fully well that I have no levels in any class of the kind. I was merely being kind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, suuuure<\/em> you were.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no sexual attraction towards Humans. Unlike you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe?<\/em> I don\u2019t like Humans. They\u2019re scaleless, hairy, and they smell funny. I mean, this one\u2019s nice, but I definitely wouldn\u2019t want to see what it looks like under those clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. It\u2019s not very interesting. They are very fleshy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEw.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed.\u201d<\/p>\n The two walked on in silence. Eventually, Relc spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014It\u2019s not that I\u2019m not interested. I have an open mind! I wouldn\u2019t mind looking. If I was offered. They\u2019ve got nothing on good scales, but I could get over the fleshiness. Maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeviant.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up.\u201d<\/p>\n The two were almost in sight of the walls now, and Relc waved up at the figures watching them. He turned to Klbkch, but the inn wasn\u2019t even visible from here. The Drake smiled, and Klbkch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cShe was quite interesting in any case. It was pleasant talking to her.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Yeah, I\u2019m glad we didn\u2019t have to kill her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Erin sat against one wall. She was falling asleep. She wanted to run around screaming about lizardmen\u2014Drakes\u2014walking ants, and a crazy world, but that was pass\u00e9. Besides, she\u2019d already done that for a few hours anyway.<\/p>\n Her mind was swimming. Her eyes were drooping. Erin was about to fall asleep. But her hand didn\u2019t hurt. So she was smiling.<\/p>\n At last her mind finally blanked. Erin\u2019s breathing deepened, and her eyes closed.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [Innkeeper Level 5!]<\/p>\n [Skill \u2013 Basic Crafting obtained!]<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Blearily, the young woman stared up into the darkness.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Just let me sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n She closed her eyes once more, but she was still smiling as she drifted off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A giant insect stood in the doorway. It had large, black, bulbous eyes like a bug, no pupils, just tiny facets reflecting the light, a dark brown chitinous body, almost black, and a pair of swords at its sides. A giant shell like a beetle or turtle\u2019s covered its back, and the entire effect made […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693081,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693130],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-13470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-1","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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