Astel

  ***

  At the start of our third day, we finally arrived in town. And that smell that was on me wasn’t as bad as before. At night, as Philip was sleeping, I found some nice smelling, non-poisonous bushes to roll around in, and now I don’t smell nearly as bad. Still, I’m going to find a bathhouse and clean up as soon as I can. As we approached the gates, with Philip not being nearly as far away from me as he was on the first day, he let out a breath of relief.

  “Never in my life have I ever thought I would be so happy to see these gates.” Philip said.

  “I can’t wait to take a bath.” I muttered.

  “I’m gd you’re the one who said it and not me.” He said.

  “You really got to work on how you talk to women.” I said. “So, what procedures do I need to go through to enter?”

  “Just follow me, I’ll handle everything.” He said. “After we enter, we’ll head to my office and we’ll give our report as to my dey.”

  “Are both of us needed?” I asked.

  “It would be helpful for us to have a hunter accurately describe the exact situation.” He said.

  “Very well.” I nodded. “After that we get that travel pass?”

  “If by that you mean a guild card, then yes.” He said.

  As we talked, we approached the gate. I half expected there to be trouble, but as soon as Philip showed his identification, we were let in with no issue. They didn’t even try asking for my id. So, I was grateful.

  Having entered town for the first time in over a week, I was carefully took in the sights. The buildings were mostly wood and brick, and built in a different way from the average buildings in The Empire. It looked more rustic I suppose? Even the tiles on the roof were different. Still, it was a town with walls, and as expected there were many people walking about. A lot more with weapons in hand. Something I wouldn’t see back home. The people looked rougher, but still well groomed. Still, as we walked, I noticed a ck of magical tools as well as enchanted items. Not only that, but from the swords I did see, I realized just how out of pce my own weapons would look. Maybe I should get a local sword? No, my life depends on it, I’m not going to buy something inferior.

  “Here are some inns if you wish to stay the night, those rge tubs are to clean off, the shops over here have mainly traveling goods. If you want fresh meats and fruits, head to the market square. Also there are shops to repair shoes and clothing. At the east end of town there's various bcksmiths' tool and weapon shops where you can fix your gear or repce it and just up here is the Guild house.” Philip expined as we walked.

  “Huh, where I’m from the first thing people would normally point out is the church.” I said.

  “Sorry, I didn’t take you for the religious type.” He said. “There’s three churches in town. Two for commoners and one reserved for nobles. The closest one is just east of the market square.”

  “I’m not very religious, where I’m from, bathhouses are near churches.” I expined.

  “I see, it’s the same here.” He nodded. “In that case, let’s head there first. I doubt you want to potentially meet nobility as you currently are.”

  “I don’t think anyone would.” I said.

  Taking me through the busy town square and through a series of roads that eventually led to two white stone buildings. One, complete with a tower and bell, and another that gave off a faint scent of soap.

  “That’s the bathhouse.” Philip pointed out. “Although I want to tell you to take your time, I would much rather prefer it if you were quick. I’ll be waiting in the church.”

  “Got it.” I said.

  “I really hope I have enough money.” I said.

  “Looks like you might actually have to take some jobs if you want to make travel easier.” Raven said, nding in a nearby tree.

  “Probably.” I couldn’t help but agree.

  As I entered the building, one of the women running the pce smiled and approached me.

  “Hello, would you like to make use of our services?” She asked with a polite smile.

  “Yes, and forgive me for asking, but do you also clean clothes here?” I asked. “And if so, how long would it take?”

  “Normally cleaning and drying clothes takes a few hours, but if you’re in a rush we can use some magical tools to get it done in a few minutes.” She said. “Although that is rather expensive.”

  “Do you take foreign currency?” I asked.

  “Yes we do.” She nodded.

  “Good.” I said. “I’d like you to do that, and rent a private bath if you have any avaible.”

  “Very well. Please follow me.” She said.

  After paying, I was led to a private room where I was able to get cleaned up. Going faster than usual, I cleaned up and exited the building with my hair still a bit damp. Unfortunately whatever they used to dry clothes was unable to be used on hair. And given how long my hair was, it wasn’t the easiest to dry. Still, with my hood up, I looked for Philip.

  “He’s still inside.” Raven said, nding on my shoulder.

  “Yeah, he did say that.” I nodded.

  Entering the church, I searched for Philip. He seemed to be near the front, offering thanks to a statue. As I approached to tell him that I was ready, I paused.

  “Hey…” I muttered.

  “Um…” Raven too seemed stunned.

  “Doesn’t uh…” I started. “Doesn’t she look familiar?”

  “Yeah…” She said. “That’s… That’s me…”

  “That’s you…” I said.

  Looking at the painted statue, we saw the human body of Raven. Rather, it was the person whose body we took. It was an exact replica of her. Gncing at the inscription at the base of the statue, I read “Fleur Montes, the first Saint, and savior of all of humanity.”

  Oh no.

  “Ah, you’re done?” Philip said, turning from his position.

  “Yes I am.” I said, still looking at the statue. “Is that…?”

  “Yes, it’s Fleur herself.” He nodded. “The first Saint.”

  “I didn’t know who the first Saint was.” I said.

  “I’m not surprised.” He said. “Many pces only celebrate the Goddess herself, none pay much mind to any Saints aside from the current one. As far as I’m aware, this is one of the few statues we have of her.”

  “So, what happened to her in the end?” I asked.

  “Who knows.” He shrugged. “Some say that she ascended to godhood, others say that she lived the rest of her life out peacefully. But enough of that, we have business to attend to. Please, follow me.”

  Doing so, I couldn’t help but be confused.

  “Well, I think we know what happened.” I said.

  “Does that make me a demigod?” Raven asked.

  “Probably.” I said. “But why would the first Saint want to kill me? I don’t remember doing anything to her.”

  “I don’t know…” Raven said. “Maybe she didn’t want any competition?”

  “Maybe…” I thought about it.

  It seems like she’s still amazed about her body’s original owner. I am too, but what concerned me more was the why. Why did she attack me, and how did she get the power to do so? Also, how is she still alive? The first Saint appeared hundreds of years ago! Even as a demigod, she should be dead! Well, I mean she is now, but they don’t live much longer than normal humans. She should have been dead already! She should be less than worm food! How was she still alive!?

  …

  You know what, let’s not worry about it. Aside from, arguably, getting the first Saint killed, I stole her body and now am starting to sound like a vilin shouting about how she should be dead. Let’s just assume that she somehow survived and is now going to hunt me down for revenge.

  …

  Wait, isn’t that what Styx was trying to do?

  …

  “I think we might be in trouble.” I said.

  “We might.” Raven nodded.

  “Until I get my powers back, just stay a bird.” I said.

  “Right.” She said and then suggested. “And maybe we should wait to get them back before we get to the capital.”

  “Probably.” I agreed.

  Trying to keep my cool, I followed Philip, keeping an eye on my surroundings as I did so. Not long after, we arrived at an official looking building. It wasn’t like what I expected, but then again I’ve never been to this world’s tax offices. Or even one of Earth’s tax offices. With Philip leading the way, we entered. The inside was rather simple. There were desks for working and various bookshelves for keeping documents. That aside, there were three other people in the first room. Two office workers and someone who appeared to be wearing a knights uniform.

  “Hello hello!” Philip loudly announced. “I’m back!”

  “Philip!” The knight looking man shouted joyfully. “You’re back!”

  “Yes brother, I have returned with slight deys.” He said, the two embracing.

  Though I wanted to get this over with quickly, I didn’t say anything and let this reunion go on. Given that he was expected back almost two weeks ago, I’m not surprised that he would be worried.

  “Tell me, what happened?” Philip’s brother asked, looking him over. “Were you hurt? Taken captive? Chased by wild animals?”

  “I’m fine, no harm came to me, although the story is somewhat distressing.” Philip said. “Please, allow me to make my report.”

  “Yes yes, of course.” He nodded. “As for your friend…”

  Looking at me, he raised his eyebrow. He seemed curious at my appearance, and his eyes did linger on Raven for a good bit. Despite this, I kept an even expression, face still partially concealed by my hood. Wait, I might look suspicious. Well, if I were to lower my hood, I don’t think anyone would recognize me, but it would draw a lot of attention, and I don’t exactly want to introduce myself. Luckily, Philip was still here.

  “She’s my benefactor. Astel, Bernard. Bernard, Astel.” He said introducing the two of us. “I owe her many thanks. For now, let’s head to my office and I’ll expin what happened.”

  Being hurried along, his brother had no time to protest. Soon enough, me and Raven found ourselves in a rgish room that was longer than it was wide. At the far end was an ornate desk, with a matching chair behind it and a short distance away from them was a table with five chairs surrounding it. We took our seats at the table, and were joined by another official looking man. Judging from the polite greeting the two gave him, he must be their boss or something close to it.

  Once we were all seated, Philip began telling his story of what happened. I’ve already heard of this on our way to town, so there was nothing new for me to learn. Eventually, however, he finished his tale by pcing the bag of rabbit horns on the table.

  “-and after that, Astel escorted me back here.” Philip said. “Although thankfully no more demons appeared that needed to be dealt with.”

  “I see.” Bernard nodded before turning towards me. “I suppose I owe you thanks. Not only for rescuing my brother, but also dealing with some demons. Thank you on behalf of our Lord and our family.”

  “I was simply in the area.” I said.

  “Even if you were, many other hunters would hesitate.” He said.

  “Ah, about that.” Philip said. “Astel here isn’t a hunter, but rather a Ranger.”

  “A Ranger?” He asked.

  “Yes, it seems that she’s on a journey.” Philip expined.

  “I see.” He nodded. “In any case, what you did was no small thing.”

  It was just some rabbits…

  “I was paid for my work.” I said.

  “Still, I would feel conflicted if we were just to leave it at that.” He said. “Is there anything you require?”

  “Funds for my travel are always helpful.” I admitted.

  “I’ll have it arranged.” He nodded. “I’ll send it to your guild account.”

  “Ah, no brother.” Philip said. “Astel here isn’t a guild member. She comes from a pce where there is no guild.”

  “I see. You truly are on a journey.” He said surprised.

  “I pnned on having her join to make her travels easier.” Philip said.

  “In that case, leave it to me.” He said. “You should return home and inform mother of your return, she’s been worried sick about you.”

  “Ah!” Philip said. “I’ll return right away! Astel, once more thank you!”

  Before I could even say anything, Philip rushed out of the door.

  ““…”” Benard and I watched the door silently.

  Um, okay, what now?

  “Well, I suppose I should introduce myself properly.” He stood up, outstretching his hand. I’m Bernard Coleman.”

  “Astel.” I said, rising and shaking his hand. “And this is my traveling companion Raven.”

  “Raven.” He nodded. “How creative.”

  “I thought of naming her Blue Jay but it didn’t suit her.” I joked.

  “I suppose not.” He agreed. “Let’s head to the guild and take care of that troublesome stuff.”

  “I would be grateful.” I said. “Would there be any issue if I don’t have any identification?”

  “Slight, but I’ll deal with that.” He said. “Now, follow me.”

  Doing as he said, I followed him down the street to the guild house which was previously pointed out to me. Entering, it wasn’t too crowded, but I saw many rough looking people, all with weapons at their sides. Coming from the Empire, it was odd to see this many weapons in the hands of regur people. No, these aren’t actually regur people, these are hunters. I know that I’m trying to blend in with them, but how does one hunt with a sword?

  My unasked question aside, we headed towards a counter with an employee behind it that was unoccupied. Seeing us approach, I was sure I saw their eyes showing annoyance. Well, she was being approached by a knight with a suspicious looking fel (Myself) so I’m not surprised.

  “Greeting, and welcome to the Hunter’s Guild.” She said with a purely customer service smile and voice. “How may we be of service to you?”

  “Man, I haven seen someone like that since I was on Earth.” I said.

  “Tell me about it.” Raven agreed. “It reminds me of a few of my early jobs.”

  “I’d like to have a guild card issued for this one here.” Bernard said.

  “Then please present identification or voucher so we may begin the process.” She smiled.

  “Don’t worry about that stuff, it’s just a repcement for a travel pass.” He said.

  “Very well, allow me to get started on the application.” She said. “If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to voice them.”

  “…” I quietly watched her.

  “Stop being creepy.” Raven said.

  “How long does this st, rather do I need to worry about renewing it?” I asked, the first thing that came to mind.

  “Once a year, if it remains inactive.” She said.

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “If you haven’t used any of the features the card offers, such as banking, accepting or issuing requests, or rank changes, the account associated with the card will be marked as inactive and closed.” She expined. “You can reopen an old account, however if it is done a year after the closure of the account, all ranks, achievements, and money will be removed.”

  “Ranks aside, that seems a bit harsh with the money.” I muttered.

  “Normally the money is passed on to the next of kin if one is avaible.” She said.

  “I see.” I nodded.

  Right, well I suppose if someone does die on the job, their family will get the money. After two years that is. Better te than never I guess. With nothing better to do, I let my eyes wonder as she filled out the paper. As my mind wondered, the application was finished.

  “Here you go.” She said. “Please check over it to ensure the information is correct.”

  “Right.” I said.

  Looking it over, I saw very little in the way of information. There was basic physical information, my gender and age. According to her, I’m 17. I don’t look that old right? I only turned 14 not long ago… Well, let’s just leave it at that. I don't think I’ll be able to accept jobs otherwise.

  “Looks right.” I said, handing it back.

  “Great.” She said. “I’ll submit this right away. Your guild card should be ready in the morning. Welcome to the guild Astel.”

  “Thank you.” I said.

  Stepping away from the counter, so as to not get in other people’s way, Bernard put his hand on my shoulder. Luckily I was still wearing my cloak, otherwise I would have been seen to be putting my hand on my dagger.

  “Now that you’re a member of the guild, we can contact you at any time.” He said happily.

  “Is there any need to?” I asked.

  “Only if we need more information on that incident.” He said.

  “I’m not sure what more I could add even if you asked.” I admitted.

  “I suspected as much.” He nodded. “Still, procedure is procedure. We’ll be in contact if we have any further questions.”

  “I understand.” I said.

  “Until next time.” He said.

  Shaking hands once more, Bernard took his leave, leaving me and Raven in the guild.

  “Wanna see what jobs they have here?” Raven asked.

  “We don’t even know what rank we are.” I said.

  Still, we headed towards a wall that had various papers pinned to it. Looking at them, I was surprised. Despite being called hunters, there is not one request for hunting anything. No, there is one asking for squirrel tails, but that’s it. Most of them are for gathering herbs or minerals, or finding a lost pet. Are these like for beginners?

  Looking at the other boards, I saw simir requests. It took far too long before I found something that actually involves hunting. Given that I only had a sword, and that I didn’t want to run after a deer until it dropped dead, I obviously didn’t accept it. I don’t even think I could accept it as I don’t know my rank. With that side show over, I exited the guild and headed into town.

  “Alright, first order of business, rations, weapons, maybe some clothes, and a map.” I said.

  “Do you think they sell maps here?” Raven asked. “Isn’t that some sort of national secret?”

  “It wasn’t in the Empire.” I said.

  “This isn’t the Empire.” She reminded me.

  “I suppose that’s true.” I nodded. “Alright, let’s check out the weapons first.”

  “You think they got any cool swords?” She asked.

  “I’m in saving mode, so I hope not.” I said.

  We headed towards some of the various shops that were pointed out to us this morning. They were more standardized than I thought, and as such, they were boring. To put it simply, I bought a bow and some arrows that I could easily carry around. It wasn’t a war bow by any means, so let’s hope I don’t face off against anyone in halfway decent armor. Alongside that, I got some rations and a few spices, a bar of soap, a shirt, extra socks, and other clothes. Also a viking looking knife. I wonder if those guys exist here? No maps were avaible, but I was able to buy a sort of travel brochure thing that at least told me of some local customs. After that I rented a room at an inn and bought Raven that steak that I owed her. And thus ended our first day back in town…

  Grayburne