“It’s not about how I can give you a Quest,” Arwin said, leaning against the table as his body shook off the effects of suddenly losing a wave of magical energy. The power was already trickling back into him, but it would be a few hours before it returned completely. “It’s about if you want it. This isn’t some instant path to power.” “I’d start at the beginning again,” Kien said, his eyes flicking through the air as he read a notification visible only to his eyes. “Not exactly the beginning,” Arwin said with a shake of his head. “You’d have your Titles — and whatever I make you.” “But it is a start.” Kien swallowed. His eyes sparkled with something for the first time since Arwin had met the man and his head jerked in a stiff nod. “I… was not expecting to survive this. Defeating someone who bears my powers felt like an exceptionally unlikely outcome. But this gives me a chance. I accept your Quest.” “What exactly does it offer?” Lillia asked. “I’ve never seen one of them before. Is there a drawback if you fail?” “Presumably, I will die.” The corner of Kien’s lips quirked up in what could almost have been a smile before his weary expression took control of his face once more. “It has given me the location of a powerful monster in the vicinity of Milten. I am to defeat it. Alone. Should I succeed, I will earn a class.” Sounds like the consequences of the Quest aren’t expressly in the Quest itself. Not sure if that’ll hold true for other Quests or not… but getting killed is a pretty significant consequence. Unless your name is Elias, that tends to be permanent. “Well, that’s certainly straightforward,” Arwin said. “At least you don’t have to do things hoping the Mesh will give you a class. You’ll do it, then?” “Of course. I have fought monsters before. I thought I would be fighting the next one without a class and with only stolen power. If I can earn it for myself again… I will not accept failiure. I am Kien of the Twin Blades. This opportunity will not be wasted.” “I see,” Kien said. “Then I will find another way to deal with this. UIntil then, I will seek out this monster that your Quest has assigned to me. Once I have claimed my class, I will be able to begin preparing to grow once more.” “I can try to have your weapon made shortly,” Arwin said. “I’ve got a lot on the plate, but this won’t take too long. What do you use? A sword?” Kien arched an eyebrow and Lillia sent Arwin a pointed look. “Kien of the Twin Blades,” Lillia said through a snicker. “What do you think he uses?” Arwin coughed into a fist. “Ah. Right. Yes, I can make something like that.” “Then I will retrieve it after the monster has been defeated.” “You don’t want to wait?” “No.” Kien shook his head. “Your weapon will be gracefully accepted, but I will defeat this monster with what I am, not what you give me. If I cannot do that, then I do not deserve victory.” That’s a stiff way of looking at things. The only thing that matters is winning, not how you do it… but I’m not going to tell him how to live his life. More challenge should mean the Mesh rewards him more appropriately as well. “Just don’t push yourself too hard,” Arwin said. “You look like you’re about to keel over. It isn’t going to help anyone if you get yourself killed before you even get a chance to accomplish your goals.” Kien let out a snort. “I am aware. Do you have a cloak I could borrow? I wish to explore the town without showing my face. Someone may eventually recognize me.” “Reya should have some spares,” Lillia said. “You can wait in the basement for now. It’s out of the way. Just don’t touch the demon tree growing there. It might kill you.” “It… what?” Kien stared at Lillia, waiting for her to laugh, but she never did. “What? I’ve gotten into gardening. Gods forbid a woman have hobbies,” Lillia said. “Feel free to wait on the streets if you prefer.” “I am certain the demon tree will be perfectly acceptable company.” Lillia smiled and rose to her feet. “Good. Off we go, then. I’ll get you a cloak once everyone else is up. Shouldn’t be too long.” She led Kien from the table and out of the common room. A part of Arwin was tempted to follow after them and get a look at just what Lillia was talking about — but his thoughts were a bit too cloudy to let him move from his spot. I’ve got a pile of puzzle pieces, but I still don’t know where they go. The Guild is stealing classes for some reason. I don’t know why, but I suspect Kien and his brother might be the chink in their armor. We’re so close to the truth. I can almost taste it. Arwin needed to get his hands on the dagger that Hein had used to steal Kien’s magic. But to do that, they were going to need to beat the man in the tournament. If they were lucky, he’d have the dagger on him. If they weren’t… they’d have to find a way to make him share the dagger’s location. I don’t even know why Hein would be in the tournament in the first place. The guild wouldn’t put him there for no reason. They have to be aiming for something. I just wish I knew what. Either way, if Kien plans to take out his brother, he’ll need a team. There’s no way he’ll be doing it on his own. Arwin blew out a short breath. Answers were close. Closer than they’d ever been. He refused to let them slip through his fingers. The door creaked open.