Robert and the others bid farewell to Eldrin at The Bound Book, and then asked Ash to guide them to a suitable inn. Ash, knowing the perfect place, led them back to the merchant''s district and the inviting inn, The Flowered Pot. Pleased by the inn''s cleanliness and maintenance, Robert approached the counter to inquire about rooms. The innkeeper informed him that rooms cost 10 silver per night, including dinner, a drink, and breakfast. When asked about his own accommodations, Ash assured Robert, "Do not worry, milord. I''ll find a place. Will you need me tomorrow?"
Robert, without responding, turned back to the innkeeper and booked three rooms for the night, handing over 30 silver. "All three rooms are on the second floor, left side, and are adjacent. Dinner starts in an hour and lasts for three," the innkeeper explained. Thanking the innkeeper, Robert led the group upstairs, distributing room keys. "Relax in your rooms. I''m going to start working on the spellbook," he instructed the two children. Entering his room, Robert retrieved the blank books and his tier 1 master spellbook. Deciding on a 20/60/20 split for combat, utility, and healing spells, he began transferring combat spells to one of the blank books. After an hour, with 30 combat spells completed, a knock interrupted his work. It was Elara and Ash, ready for dinner.
Following dinner, Robert returned to his room and spent the night completing the books. By morning, he had filled all four books with nearly 300 spells, mostly tier 1 and 2, with 25 tier 3 spells for future growth. He noticed that the "Explore the City" quest had been completed, but the third part remained inactive, likely awaiting a trigger. Early that morning, while the children were still asleep, Robert went downstairs to inquire about the tavern''s location. The innkeeper provided directions, and Robert quickly headed there to dispose of the books.
"Well, well, well, if it isn''t the esteemed Captain Stormheart," Robert greeted the woman, taking a seat across from her. "Quite the surprise to see you here." The Captain chuckled, a playful glint in her eye. "Please, tell me that wasn''t a pickup line. Because it was a terrible one." Robert smirked. "My wife would certainly agree. But seriously, what brings you to this humble inn? Not for the world-class cuisine, I presume." He gestured towards the waitress and ordered the same meal as the Captain. "So, what''s the real reason behind your visit, Kaelan?"
"How long do you plan to stay in the city?" she asked Robert. Robert paused, considering his answer. "I don''t know for sure," he replied, a hint of unease in his voice. "Perhaps another day or so. Is there a problem?" A silence fell over the table as the server arrived with Robert''s breakfast. Once she left, Kaelan spoke up. "There wasn''t a problem until someone mentioned my name at the gate to the noble district. It seems to be a question now regarding our relationship, and now I''m fielding questions about you and your business here." Robert shifted uncomfortably. "I apologize for the misunderstanding. I wanted to avoid unnecessary questioning from your guards, so I...implied a closer relationship than we actually have. Perhaps I was a bit hasty."
"I''m not worried about the guards, they''ve been reassigned and will not have a happy few months, the issue is that there were two men there who heard. One of them was the son of an Earl and he told his father about what happened, his father went to Duke Marcisiant who happens to be my uncle, he of course sent for me to find out who this strange man was who seemed to be on a first name basis with me," Kaelan told Robert. "Ouch, ya I figured you were high up, seeing how your status page showed some relation to the Royal Family, but related to a Duke, congrats, that being said, I am sorry for causing you issues," Robert replied sadly, "That being said, the System normally sends me back home as soon as I complete whatever task I was given, which shouldn''t take much longer, just need it to tell me what that is."
Kaelan paused, then asked, "So, where are you on your quest?" Robert pulled out his quest sheet. "I finished the second step, but the third hasn''t appeared yet." Just as he finished, a distant bell began to toll. Captain Stormheart abruptly stood up. "I must go. Enjoy your breakfast," she said, rushing out the door. Robert noticed the concerned looks of the other patrons. He called over the innkeeper and asked what the bell signified. The innkeeper replied, "That''s the alarm for an impending attack." Before he could fully process the news, Elara and Ash burst into the inn. Spotting Robert, they hurried over to his table. Ash''s face was etched with worry. "I''ve never heard that bell before," he said. Robert, still a bit bewildered, prompted, "Explain."
Ash explained quickly, "Everyone in the city knows about the bells. That one''s near the north gate. Three long, two short rings mean an attack''s imminent." Before Robert could delve deeper, he received the expected notification:
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 15.3887%" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">The next Part of the Quest Chain has been Added!</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="658">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="158">Name</td>
<td width="103">Type</td>
<td width="153">Description</td>
<td width="118">Award</td>
<td width="126">Notes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="158">Defend the City</td>
<td width="103">Quest Chain</td>
<td width="153">Lunaris is under attack. Head to the north gate and provide aid.</td>
<td width="118">2500 exp, increased reputation with the City of Lunaris</td>
<td width="126">This is the third part of a quest chain.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Elara confirmed she''d received her quest as well, but hers was different: she was to stay with Robert and learn. Turning to Ash, she said, "We need to head to the gate. I''m releasing you from your service. Find a safe place to stay." Robert handed him three silver coins and urged them to finish their breakfast quickly. With a luck wish, Ash took off. Robert and Elara quickly donned their armor and bid the innkeeper farewell before heading towards the north gate.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
As they approached the North Gate, they noticed heightened activity. Guards were bustling about, and Robert spotted what looked like soldiers mixed in with them. They made their way towards Lieutenant Walsh, who was directing a group of guards. "Good morning, Lieutenant," Robert greeted him. "Seems like a busy morning for you all." Walsh glanced over. "Ah, Milord Williams, good morning. Yes, it''s quite hectic. Is there something specific you need assistance with?" Robert smiled. "Actually, I''m here to offer my assistance. The System has tasked me with helping defend the North Wall. Where might I be most useful?"
Walsh paused, then asked, "You''re saying your quest requires you to help defend the city?" Robert, a bit puzzled, replied, "Yes. I got the quest update after the alarm sounded." Walsh considered this. "Normally, we don''t need help from adventurers. But the System granting you this quest is...beyond my authority. Let''s go find someone who can handle this." With that, Walsh turned and headed towards the nearby guardhouse. Robert and Elara followed closely behind. They ascended a set of stairs leading to the upper wall. At the top, Walsh spotted Captain Stormheart and a group of others. He approached the Captain and whispered something in her ear, then quickly turned and headed back downstairs.
Captain Stormheart sighed and gestured for Robert to approach. "Mr. Williams," she began, "please explain why you''re here." Robert, a bit unsure, replied, "Well, I received a quest. The System gives you quests it expects you to complete." The others in the group seemed to perk up at the mention of a quest. "Mr. Williams," Stormheart asked, "can you provide the details of this quest?" Robert opened his quest window and shared the details with her. She shook her head. "Well, that''s not much to go on. It simply tasks you with aiding the city in defending the North Gate." One of the men, the oldest of them stepped near and asked, "Captian, who is this man and why is he here, this is not the place nor the time for civilians to be on the wall." Stoneheart standing at attention replied, "Duke Nariantian may I introduce Robert Williams, it seems he was sent to our fair city on order from the Great System and has been issued a quest to help defend the gate."
The Duke, eyeing Robert with disinterest, asked, "Why would we want help from this man and the child he brought?" Robert, a bit irritated, replied, "She''s my student. And while I usually complete quests, I have no problem failing this one if I''m not wanted. Besides, I need to see Eldrin at the Bound Book. Good luck with the defense." He nodded to the Duke and turned to leave. "Wait," Stormheart called out. "I know you''re new to the Kingdom. You wouldn''t have a license, would you? What business do you have at that shop?" Robert turned back, smirking. "Oh, we''re just discussing magic. Seems he hasn''t had many opportunities to talk to someone with several Tier 6 Spheres. Elara, let''s leave the professionals to their work."
Robert and Elara hadn''t taken three steps before a voice boomed, "Halt! I did not give you leave to leave my presence," the Duke declared. "What is a Grand Master Mage doing passing through our Kingdom?" Robert paused, considering his response. "I was taking my student through her first dungeon run when the System decided to interrupt and provide a more suitable learning opportunity." The Duke raised an eyebrow. "Why would the System take such an interest in you? I''ve never heard of it paying that much attention to anyone." "That''s a question I can''t answer," Robert replied. "Can''t or won''t?" the Duke pressed. "Sir," Robert said carefully, "please forgive my ignorance. On my world, while some countries have nobility, it''s mostly in title. I''m not quite sure how to address you without causing offense. Some things, the System keeps to itself."
"Are you willing to aid in the defense of our city?" the Duke asked. "That depends on what''s attacking," Robert replied honestly. "I know little of your political landscape. I won''t start killing people without knowing it''s the right thing to do." The Duke smiled. "That makes you a better man than most I deal with. This is a dungeon overflow. We''ll be facing monsters." Robert, confused, asked, "How did this happen, and what kind of monsters are we dealing with?" Captain Stormheart stepped in to explain. "We believe someone tried to destroy the dungeon''s core but stopped before finishing. It''s a common tactic to weaken a place before a larger attack. As for the monsters, it''s bad. The dungeon was level 75 to 100, and thousands of creatures are on the loose. They''ve already destroyed several villages on their way here."
"How long until they arrive?" Robert asked. "Within minutes," The Captain answered. Robert nodded and asked, "So where do you want me?"