Chapter 11:

Dull, aching pains tore through my body, waking me with a violent shiver. I gasped, reflexively gripping the bedsheets hard enough that my knuckles turned white. My eyes opened in a haze, and only after a moment did I realize I was laying down. Had I fallen asleep? The roof above me flapped in the wind. A tent. I sat up tenderly. 

I rubbed my face, clearing the fog from my brain. A woman’s voice rang out. 

“Awake?” 

I turned my head, and my eyes widened. She sat in a chair next to my bed. She was young, perhaps early twenties, with a delicate, heart shaped face framed by silver hair hanging to her waist. She wore worn, bloodied leather armor, and held a spear she idly played with as she sat. Her eyes studied me carefully. 

“Who are you? Where’s Gale?” I asked, tilting my head in confusion.

The woman smiled. “I should ask the same. It’s not every day you meet a Saintess.”

Huh? Saintess? I healed a few people, sure, but Saintess? I furrowed my brows in annoyance. As if I wanted to be referred to by such a… girly name. I could accept a moniker if it were, “Aria, Slayer of Beasts and Men,” or “xxxLord_of_Fallen_Shadowsxxx” but Saintess? Never. My edgy teenage self would never forgive me. 

I shook my head. “I’m not a saintess.” 

“You have golden healing magic, yes?” 

“Uh, yeah.”

“And you healed hundreds of common folk yesterday without rest, without pay?”

I didn’t answer. Sweat dripped down my brow and I averted my eyes. That did sound… pretty sainty. 

She shrugged her shoulders. “There are worse titles to bare.” 

“Wait, yesterday? How long was I out?” 

“Eighteen hours, or so I’m told. Night approaches again.”

Had I been out for so long? I looked up towards the woman again. An amused glint flickered in her eyes as she watched me. For some reason, a cold sweat dripped down my back. Why did she seem… predatory?

“Who are you?” I asked again. 

She stood, setting her spear aside, and gave what would have been a graceful curtsy, were she not covered in blood, soot and dirt. 

“I am called Mirabelle. Might I have the pleasure of being graced with the Saintess’s name?” 

My lips twitched. I really couldn’t get used to this. I awkwardly scratched my cheek. 

“I’m Aria.” 

Mirabelle extended her hand, taking mine, and brought it to her lips. I felt the dainty touch of something soft on the back of my hand. 

“A pleasure to meet you,” She said. 

I froze. What was she, some big-shot noble? I tried to maintain my poker face. I took my hand back and stared at it blankly. This girl really needed some lessons in social etiquette. 

I pushed the covers to the side and stood from the bed. My knees trembled, but Mirabelle put a hand on my shoulder to steady me. I regained my balance, giving her a grateful look. 

“Are you well?” 

“Well enough. Tired, a bit achy. I think I pushed way too hard last night.” 

She smiled gently. “I heard you came from Shortleaf by foot. It’s no surprise that you’re still recovering.”

I stretched, feeling the cracks in my body as the stiffness faded away. My skin and clothes seemed clean. Had someone washed me in my sleep? Creepy. 

“Have you seen my friend?” I looked up towards her. 

“The blonde one? He’s helping with recovery. He’ll be working until the light fades.”

I nodded. “Why did you come to see me?” I suddenly realized I still had no idea why she was here. 

“I hoped to receive your help. I need a healer.” 

My eyebrows raised. “Where are the other healers? I heard something about them being taken by the guy who rules here?” 

Her lips fell into a frown. Something like anger rippled across her face before it was suppressed, returning to the cat-like smile. “They are unavailable.” 

“What do you need a healer for?”

“I plan to kill the Demon General, Atrax. By tonight, if all goes well.” 

Her frankness startled me. Kill the Demon General? Wasn’t that way too soon for us? We’re supposed to be fighting orcs and goblins, maybe a bird-bear hybrid, certainly not a general right off the bat. It was in the system mission, sure, but… I couldn’t imagine us fighting something like that yet. 

I thought of the people I’d healed yesterday, the wounded children and wailing mothers. If I hadn’t seen that, maybe I could stick my head in the sand and walk away, but not now. I wouldn’t let my hard work go to waste. 

“I will help you.” I hardened my eyes, resolute. 

Mirabelle looked at me for a moment, before smiling and patting the top of my head. Immediately after, she froze, wiped her smile away, and swiftly pulled her arm back to her side. Was that a flush? No, must be the light. Wait, why does everyone keep patting my head?!

“I was hoping,” She said, gathering control of her voice, “You could show me your abilities. I need to know if you can be relied upon in the coming fight.” 

“Sure, want me to heal someone outside?” I asked. 

“No need.” 

I looked curiously at her as she rolled up her sleeve. With one quick motion, she pulled a dagger from her belt and slit from the top of her wrist to her elbow. My eyes widened in shock, mouth falling open as blood spurt from the wound. What the hell?!

In a panic, I rushed forward and activated my healing magic at full power. A flashing golden light exploded in the tent, covering every wall with its vibrant hue. Her skin knitted back together, and even I was astonished at the speed of it. When had my magic grown so strong? 

She reflexively opened and closed her hand a few times before smiling widely at me. “It seems the rumors were not unfounded. I’m pleased.” 

I looked at her in shock. “What the hell is wrong with you?! What would you do if I were a fake?”

She calmly appraised me before saying, “Were you a fake I would die, whether here or when the city fell, that fate we would share.” 

I shook my head. This lady was crazy! I pointed a finger close to her face, pouting. “Don’t do that again. I’m not healing you next time.” 

“I’ll save my blade for our enemies, worry not.” 

She picked up her spear and left the tent. I looked at the swinging flap before sighing and walking out behind her. 

The city, though still damaged, seemed to be in a cheerier atmosphere than when I’d arrived, despite the coming raid. People looked resolute, no one standing idle. Those who saw me lit up like a Christmas tree, grabbing those close to them and pointing over. My lips twitched. This was going to be… a huge pain in the ass if the trend continued. 

I tried to ignore the reverent stares and whispers as I followed behind Mirabelle. She looked over her shoulder and asked, “Is your companion a capable combatant?” 

“Gale? Yeah, he’s super strong. He’s got sword skills and wind magic and stuff.” I replied absentmindedly. We continued walking, though I didn’t know where. It was at that moment that I noticed something in the corner of my eyes. There was a small, almost unnoticeable notification popup in the corner of my vision, saying “99+”.

99+? I mentally opened it, and choked on my spit, coughing violently as the vast array of  Hero Points flooded my vision. I looked at the total and gasped. 

[Hero Points: 3394]

Holy hell! That was more than the mission reward! I almost felt guilty staring at the ill-gotten gains. Had this all come from healing people yesterday? I looked at the shop, and was flooded with an array of items. Most of them were consumables, with the most eye catching items costing thousands of points. I scrolled through them as we walked, and my eyes caught on one. 

[Aspis: Shield of the Hero. A wrist-mounted device, this band activates a protective shield within 2 meters of the user. Shield strength and size depends on caster intent and mana intensity. Can be summoned to wrist if unequipped. Usable only by the Hero.  6/6 uses. Refreshes one use every 10 minutes. Unlocks additional uses under certain circumstances. - 2500 points.]

I had thought about buying a weapon first, but the battle with the goblins played fresh in my mind. Gale was somewhat proficient with a longsword, but lacked defense. As a frontline fighter, something like this could turn the tide in a fight. I grit my teeth at the price. Damn system had to be fleecing me! Whatever, I purchased it. I’d give it to Gale when we met up. 

Now, to shop for myself. A grin played across my face while I looked. Hmm. Clothes, more clothes, another staff, some potions…

…

What the hell? Where was my cool equipment? This wasn’t right, I was supposed to summon fire swords and shoot lasers, where the hell were my lasers?! I scoffed at the item shop. What idiot would waste points on more recovery magic?  Wait.

[Basic Support magic Starter Pack x1 - 500 points]

This could be good. I purchased the pack.

[Spells Learned:

Enhance Attribute

-Allows the caster to enhance an attribute of target on touch for thirty seconds.

Minor Protection

-Reduces incoming damage by 10% for one minute. 

Alter Sight

-Allows the caster to enhance the sight of target on touch for one minute. 

I scratched my head. It wasn’t…bad per se, but it was a far cry from giant swords and fireballs. Was I destined to sit on the backline for the rest of my life?

My train of thought was interrupted when I walked into Mirabelle’s back. I bounced off of her unmoving form like a hotdog on cement. A girlish yelp escaped me as I tumbled to the ground. Mirabelle glanced over her shoulder, plainly confused. I looked up at her, teary eyed and pouting. 

“Why’d you just stop?!” 

For some reason, she clutched her chest, mouth agape, and stumbled back a few steps. “She really is the Saintess — what power…” 

I thought I heard her whisper something weird. “What did you say?” 

“Cough, I said we arrived.” 

Had I been mistaken? Someone so cold and prim couldn’t say such ridiculous things. I disregarded it and stood. I looked around, now realizing I had no idea where I was. Wait a minute. Hadn’t Gale told me not to go weird places with strangers? I looked around, and the only people I saw were armored, covered in scars, all exuding an aura of battle experience. 

I looked at Mirabelle horrified, eyes widened. Her waking up beside me…Gale being gone…her kissing my hand. Oh shit! I stepped backwards and fearfully crossed my hands over my chest. 

“A-are you…after my body?” 

Mirabelle stared at me like a pilgrim seeing social media for the first time. Her face twitched, forming various expressions, before she sighed and wordlessly pointed above my head, one hand on her face. I looked up. 

ADVENTURER’S GUILD

Oh. I gave her a blushing smile. Whoops.