“What the hell is going on?!” Liam questioned, narrowing his eyes at Lucy while two men rushed over to both sides of the table and pointed their swords at Liam in a threatening manner.
Lucy, who was equally as confused said as she turned around, “I’m not sure.”
Liam got a good look at the two men that were growling menacingly at him while keeping their weapons pointed.
The two men looked to be some sort of dog or wolf like Beast-kin. They wore clean metal plated armor with a cloth-like surcoat over their armor that ran down to mid-thigh. On the surcoat was an picture of a flag with a paw print with claws within a howling wolf head with wings spread out. They didn’t wear any helmets. In their hands were steel-like swords with glowing runes running up the blades.
Liam turned his gaze on the man that stood right behind Lucy. He was taller and wider than the other two men, wearing the same armor and surcoat. His facial features were more bear-like with his ears and brown hair. In his hands was a morning star weapon.
“What is the meaning of this Fred?!” Lucy shouted as she stared up at the man.
“Lucilindiana?” Fred, the bear-folk said with a confused expression. “Is everything alright? We got word that a demon-kin was causing trouble in one of the Application Rooms and rushed over here as fast as we could?”
Lucy pointed to Liam while keeping her irritated expression, “Does he look like a Demon-kin to you?”
Fred looked straight at Liam and eyed him up and down. With a suspicious tone of voice, Fred replied, “No, but he could be using an illusion type spell, hiding his appearance.”
Lucy let out an irritated sigh before responding, “Fred, you know Illusion magic doesn’t work in these rooms. There are protective Runes and Enchants restricting any Illusions and Charm-like magics placed in all of these rooms. You should know this since you’re head of security here.”
Fred looked down at her for a moment before letting out a deep laugh. “You’re right. My apologies. We got worked up and didn’t want to take the chance since we were informed it was a worshipper of an Immoral Vice.”
Immoral Vice? Where have I heard that before? Liam thought to himself as he tried to wrack his brain.
“A worshipper of an Immoral Vice?” Lucy repeated, stunned at his words. “Which one? How did…”
Before she could finish a loud thud echoed from the hallway. The door across the way from the room Liam was in suddenly broke free as smoke escaped out the door.
The three guards that were standing outside spun around just in time to see a tall slender man with pointed ears, wavy long brown hair, mesmerizing green eyes, a pair of demon like wings, and a wicked pointed tail. He wore a tight shirt and skinny-like fashioned jeans with dark brown leather boots.
He was coughing as he exit out of the room, but then froze as soon as he saw the guards standing close by him.
He was about to run away, but as soon as Fred turned his body to the side enough to look at him, the male demon-kin saw Liam.
Liam watched as the man locked eyes on him. He then watched as the male demon-kin let out a very angry hiss before dodging the first guard who reached out to detain him.
The male demon-kin then sprinted forward right towards Liam.
Confused, Liam watched as the man ran at him. However, after taking a few step in and not paying any attention to anyone else, the man was suddenly slammed to the ground as a morning star rammed right into his back.
The demon-kin dropped to the floor hard. Cracks formed under him as he went face first with the weapon resting on his back right between the wings.
Liam noticed the familiar dark purple mana that engulfed the top part of the morning star. It was Gravity magic.
Fred looked at Liam after releasing his grip on his weapon, leaving it and the gravity magic still on the Demon-kin. He cocked an eye before asking, “A friend of yours?”
Liam looked from the Demon-kin to the man and shook his head. “No. Never seen him before in my life.”
The tall wide man narrowed his eyes at Liam before stating, “Are you sure? He seemed to not be particularly happy to see you.”
Liam nodded. “You’re right. He didn’t, but I don’t know why.” He then looked back down at the male who was laying on the ground unconscious.
“He might have wanted to use him as a hostage,” Lucy suggested.
“Oh? And what makes you think that?” Fred asked.
“Liam here is a newly integrated person,” Lucy stated. “I believe there couldn’t have been any way for this Incubus to know who he is let alone have had any interaction with him.”
Fred raised a brow as he looked at Liam. “A newly integrated arrival huh?” He looked Liam up and down before adding, “A half breed or a muddled breed?”
Liam’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the giant man.
“Easy there tiger. I don’t mean it in a derogatory way. I’m not like that. I’m only asking because I don’t see any beast-kin features on you,” Fred stated as he put his hands up. “If you’re going to try and get access to Arkadian Citizenship you will have plenty of people asking you if you are half or muddled. Now some will be displeased with your existence, but not all will.”
Liam kept quiet and continued to listen to the man. “I have some advice. If you don’t want to deal with the negativity then don’t mention you have Beast-kin heritage. If you do say you are then just ignore those idiots. Its just senseless idealism spouted from a time when Beast-kins didn’t mate with those outside the country. Anyways, welcome to Gashat Post and sorry for the confusion earlier.”
Fred then picked up his weapon and ordered his men to cuff the Incubus that was still unconscious and hauled him out. Fred closed the door after the last man walked out.
Lucy shook her head and looked back at Liam. She gave him an apologetic look before saying as she sat back down, “I apologize for that. We have never had that happen before.”
Liam stared at her. “Which part? Where someone went crazy and tried attacking another or your guards getting the rooms mixed up?”
“The latter,” Lucy replied. “The former is the reason why we have these procedures and policies in place. If that Immoral Vice Worshipper had slipped by not only would this island be in danger but so would have the kingdom.”
“What is that?” Liam questioned as the words nagged at him.
“The Immoral Vice?” Lucy asked.
Liam nodded.
“We don’t have much time to go over what it is, but I will give you some important information since…this happened,” Lucy started. “The Immoral Vice is short for The Seven Immoral Vices. When you hear someone say Immoral Vice they are talking about one of the seven. They are seven powerful beings that hold power and magic that is based on the Vice they represent. Their goal is to spread corruption throughout the world. Since it was an Incubus I will assume he belonged under the Immoral Vice of Lust. Many Incubi are under her.”
Liam’s brow furrowed. If what she was saying was anything like what he knew from back on his planet then Vice was another word for Sin. And if that was the case then he had come across someone who had worshipped an Immoral Vice. The Lich had the words Hubris which was another way to say Pride.
Could it be that he sensed that I killed that Lich and that was why he looked so angry? Liam thought. No, that wouldn’t make sense. That Lich was a dungeon boss and was in the Tutorial Area. There couldn’t be a way anyone would know about that…
“Each Immoral Vice has a group of worshippers. Much like how deities can bless their followers, the Seven Immoral Vices can do the same, except not on the same scale as a Deity. It is said that the lower worshippers don’t like the other worshippers from other Immoral Vices. Some believe they have some way to tell when someone has a power from other Immoral Vices. They don’t like them to the point where they would attack them on sight.”
Liam’s brows furrowed as he listened. What she said nagged at the back of his mind. It was bugging to the point he couldn’t hear anything else she was saying. After a few seconds it dawned on him why that Incubus had attacked him. It was because he had received the ability called Hubris Aura. He had an ability from an Immoral Vice even though he didn’t worship that being.
Liam groaned internally. God damn it. This is going to be annoying. I wonder if there is a way to get rid of an ability.
Liam was taken from his thoughts as he heard Lucy ask, “Is everything alright?”
Liam blinked before looking at her. He then said, “Oh, yes. Sorry. I was just thinking that back on my planet we had something similar but instead of calling them Immoral Vices they were called Deadly Sins. I was just thinking about how there is a lot of similar things on this world and my world.”
“Oh, I can actually help clear that up right now,” Lucy said with a smile. “You can learn more about it in a library in the capital since we don’t have any books on the topic in the library on the island, but the reason why you feel that there are similar things from both worlds is because many years ago beings all over the world were transported away from our plant to other plants carrying with them knowledge and traditions from here. If you find something similar that is because what those people shared wherever they went stuck on the planet they went to.”
Liam stared at her. Shocked and surprised at what he heard. It took him a moment to process everything before he asked, “So the reason why things like the immoral vices, zodiacs, and more is so familiar is because the people here from this planet shared that?”
Lucy nodded. “Yes, but I will have to stop you from asking anymore questions on the topic and wait to see a library that has books on it because we have already spent too much time away from the main task. So, before my supervisor comes in here and starts questioning what is going on, let’s proceed.”
Liam didn’t want to stop. He wanted to know more, but the look on Lucy’s face told him she wouldn’t continue on the topic.
Looks like that is something I need to find out as soon as possible. How and why did they come to our world? How did we not know there were different species of people living on our planet? There is so much I want to know now. Liam thought before letting out a defeated sigh. “Fine let’s get on with it then.”
Lucy gave him another smile before she started peppering him with questions.
After an hour and a half of Lucy questioning Liam, they had finally finished.
Liam stretched his arms and legs before standing up with Lucy.
“Thank you for hanging in there,” Lucy started. “I know it’s boring and tedious, but as you saw earlier it is necessary.”
“I can understand that,” Liam nodded.
“As an apology for what had happened, I will talk to my boss to see if we can offer some compensation,” Lucy offered.
Liam looked at her. He wasn’t expecting her to say that. He wasn’t necessarily hurt since they did not attack him, but he could see why she was worried about it. “You don’t have to. Nothing happened to me and in the end the real target was captured.”
Lucy shook her head. “No, I insist that we find a suitable compensation. If you follow me I will lead you to the building entrance and I will see what I can do.”
Liam let out a sigh, understanding he wasn’t going to win this. “Alright.”
Lucy led Liam out of the room and to the right down the hall. After a few twists and turns, they finally walked out into a wide open reception area where people of different races bustled about.
Behind the desks or walking around the room were Beast-kins of different shapes and sizes wearing similar uniforms. They were either doing desk work, talking to one another, or to other races.
Liam was astounded by the architecture of the room. He had some suspicions from the material of the walls and floors after he exited the Transportation Portal room, but he was now certain of it. He was standing inside a tree.
Hanging along the sides of the walls were vines and branches woven into shelves. Flowers decorated some parts of the walls and along the door frames. Even the desks were made from parts of the tree.
“This is amazing,” Liam whispered as he took it all in.
Lucy smiled as she looked at him. “Don’t be too impressed yet. Some of the buildings here on the island are made within trees, but these ones aren’t nearly as impressive as the ones in the capital. Many Construction focused Beast-kins put their all in the designs of those ones. The ones here are made by fledglings or apprentices practicing.”
Liam turned his gaze to her. “If this was made by apprentices then I can’t wait to see what a master Construction worker can do.”
“If you could please wait for me in this room, I will be right back,” Lucy stated as she walked away from Liam.
Liam took in the room once more and thought of his father. Before the craziness of the world and people disappearing, his father was a construction worker. Liam believed his father to be really good at his work.
He wasn’t a top notch construction worker you’d see working in big cities. Instead, he helped out those around the town or close by. He had worked a few times with his father to help him out.
At first he wasn’t sure why he charged so little when he did work that could cost more. After he had asked his father about it, his only response was, He didn’t care about making a lot of money. He just wanted to help those who needed it.
I wonder if you’re really here and if you are, are you continuing your construction work? I bet you’re enjoying the different styles here in this world if you are. Liam thought.
“Um hello there,” a voice suddenly said. The sound of the voice was soft and sweet with a hint of curiosity mixed with it.
Liam, snapping out of his thoughts turned to see a little girl staring up at him. She had long ashy grey colored hair with lightly stripped cat ears and a matching tail swishing behind her. She had a pair of goggles resting on her forehead pushing up the bangs that slightly hung over the lens. She wore a plain olive dress with straps that ran over her shoulders. A long sleeve shirt covered the areas where her bare skin would have been seen. She looked to be close to or in her early teens.
Liam noticed stains splotched around the dress like she had spilled some kind of liquid.
He then noticed her baby blue eyes staring at him with pure curiosity and interest that Liam wasn’t sure what to do.
“Um, hi?” Liam started.
“You’re new here aren’t you?” the little girl questioned.
“Yes,” Liam slowly answered.
“By chance do you like Alchemy?” the little girl asked.
“It is one of the crafts I have learned when I was in the Tutorial Area…,” Liam started to say until he was cut off.
“I knew it!” the little girl shouted. “I saw you come out and had a feeling you were a fellow Alchemist. Tell me! What level is your Alchemy at?!”
Liam took a step back, confused and a little concerned at this little girl’s enthusiasm.
Before Liam could respond he heard someone shout, “Abby!”
Both Liam and the little girl turned to see a taller and little older version of the little girl making her way to her.
This lady had the same colored hair, ears, and tail as the little girl. Her hair was in a pony tail and looked to be a little shorter. She wore black pants, an aqua blue tank top, and black fingerless gloves. She stood up almost as tall as Liam, but looked to be a couple inches shorter.
As she approached the little girl, she grabbed her by the arm and stated, “I told you not to run off and stay by my side.” The woman turned to look at Liam and apologized, “I’m sorry. My little sister loves to approach people that she thinks likes Alchemy. I hope she didn’t do or say anything weird.”
Liam let out a small chuckle before shaking his head. “No. She’s fine. I was surprised when she first approached me and asked those questions, but it’s alright.” Liam then looked down at the little girl and replied, “I do like Alchemy and my level is currently at nineteen.”
The little girl’s eyes widened as Liam answered her question.
The taller girl looked at him with an impressed expression. “That’s pretty good. How long have you been working on that?”
“I think about a month,” Liam replied.
The taller girl looked at Liam suspiciously as the little girl beamed.
“That’s amazing!” the little girl shouted. “You should…”
Before she could finish her sentence, the taller girl placed a hand over her mouth and said, “I know I said that that was pretty good, but I don’t think you should lie about how long it took to get that high.”
Liam looked at her with a confused expression. “I wasn’t lying. I started shortly after I arrived at the Tutorial Area and worked on it as much as I could under my mentor.”
“Tutorial Area? Then that means…,” the taller girl started as she stared at Liam with a shocked expression. “Did you just arrive to our world then?”
Liam nodded.
“Then if you just arrived and here nonetheless…,” the taller girl looked Liam up and down. Her eyes then landed on Liam’s and noticed them thin out into slits. Hers did the same. “You’re a Cat-folk aren’t you?”
Liam slowly nodded. “You saw my eyes didn’t you?” He let out a sigh before adding, “I’m a Half-breed.”
Both girls gave him a smile.
“Well, as fellow Cat-folks we welcome you to the island,” the taller girl smiled. “I’m Cindy.”
“I’m Abby,” the little girl greeted with a wide smile. “We’re Tabby Cat-folks. What kind of Cat-folk are you?”
“I…uh…,” Liam stammered. “I’m not entirely sure yet.”
Abby tilted her head a bit before asking with an innocent look, “Does your status not say?”
Liam shook his head. He then said with the best poker face he could muster, “No it doesn’t.”
“Oh. Well, that sucks. I’m sorry it doesn’t say,” Abby said with a smile.
“Well, we need to head out now. Our business here is already done,” Cindy said.
“If you need any help with anything you should come by our shop. Or whenever you need any Alchemy stuff too,” Abby stated as she pulled out a card and handed it to him.
Liam gave her a smile as he took the card.
“I swear,” Cindy started. “It’s not our shop, but our uncle’s. Feel free to stop by. As a fellow Cat-folk, we’ll be happy to help explain or show you the town.”
“Thank you I appreciate it,” Liam nodded as he gave them both a wave while watching them walk away.
Abby waved enthusiastically before disappearing within the crowd of people.
Liam looked at the card and let out a chuckle. It read, ‘The Cat’s Paw-ldron. Your one stop shop for most Alchemy supplies.’ It had a picture of a cauldron with smoke forming a cats paw.
“That’s cute,” Liam muttered before putting the card away.
As soon as the card disappeared he watched Lucy walking towards him.
“Sorry it took so long,” Lucy stated as she approached. “I have talked to my superior and he has agreed to pay for two days of room and board at an inn we recommend. That also includes meals.”
Liam’s eyes widened as he looked at her. Paying for room and board as well as the meals for two days at a recommended inn was good compensation. Too good for what had happened. Apparently he wasn’t the only one who thought this.
“That’s a little suspicious. – Eri.”
You’re telling me. Also, thanks for the warning about what happens when walking through that portal. I’m going to assume my teammates didn’t come here? Liam said to Eri.
“Your assumption would be correct. They each appeared in different places around the world. Before you ask, there are other places Beast-kins could appear and that’s where they went. – Eri.”
Figures. Liam replied to Eri. Any ideas why they are willing to do this?
“None, but we’ll talk more once when you get to a room. – Eri.”
Liam nodded, forgetting he was talking to Eri as Lucy stood there waiting for a response. He looked at her and gave her a sheepish look before saying, “Thank you. I appreciate what you have to offer as compensation, but don’t you think it’s too much?”
“Nonsense,” Lucy started with another one of her smiles. “This is our way of saying sorry for the guard’s ineptitude for earlier. If we don’t do at least this much our honor and pride of the Arkadian Kingdom would be questioned.”
Liam let out a sigh, “Alright. I’ll accept. Can you show me where it is?”
Lucy’s smile grew wider as she responded, “Perfect. Let me show you where it is now.”
“Thank you,” Liam said as he followed her out of the door.
“What the hell is going on?!” Liam questioned, narrowing his eyes at Lucy while two men rushed over to both sides of the table and pointed their swords at Liam in a threatening manner.
Lucy, who was equally as confused said as she turned around, “I’m not sure.”
Liam got a good look at the two men that were growling menacingly at him while keeping their weapons pointed.
The two men looked to be some sort of dog or wolf like Beast-kin. They wore clean metal plated armor with a cloth-like surcoat over their armor that ran down to mid-thigh. On the surcoat was an picture of a flag with a paw print with claws within a howling wolf head with wings spread out. They didn’t wear any helmets. In their hands were steel-like swords with glowing runes running up the blades.
Liam turned his gaze on the man that stood right behind Lucy. He was taller and wider than the other two men, wearing the same armor and surcoat. His facial features were more bear-like with his ears and brown hair. In his hands was a morning star weapon.
“What is the meaning of this Fred?!” Lucy shouted as she stared up at the man.
“Lucilindiana?” Fred, the bear-folk said with a confused expression. “Is everything alright? We got word that a demon-kin was causing trouble in one of the Application Rooms and rushed over here as fast as we could?”
Lucy pointed to Liam while keeping her irritated expression, “Does he look like a Demon-kin to you?”
Fred looked straight at Liam and eyed him up and down. With a suspicious tone of voice, Fred replied, “No, but he could be using an illusion type spell, hiding his appearance.”
Lucy let out an irritated sigh before responding, “Fred, you know Illusion magic doesn’t work in these rooms. There are protective Runes and Enchants restricting any Illusions and Charm-like magics placed in all of these rooms. You should know this since you’re head of security here.”
Fred looked down at her for a moment before letting out a deep laugh. “You’re right. My apologies. We got worked up and didn’t want to take the chance since we were informed it was a worshipper of an Immoral Vice.”
Immoral Vice? Where have I heard that before? Liam thought to himself as he tried to wrack his brain.
“A worshipper of an Immoral Vice?” Lucy repeated, stunned at his words. “Which one? How did…”
Before she could finish a loud thud echoed from the hallway. The door across the way from the room Liam was in suddenly broke free as smoke escaped out the door.
The three guards that were standing outside spun around just in time to see a tall slender man with pointed ears, wavy long brown hair, mesmerizing green eyes, a pair of demon like wings, and a wicked pointed tail. He wore a tight shirt and skinny-like fashioned jeans with dark brown leather boots.
He was coughing as he exit out of the room, but then froze as soon as he saw the guards standing close by him.
He was about to run away, but as soon as Fred turned his body to the side enough to look at him, the male demon-kin saw Liam.
Liam watched as the man locked eyes on him. He then watched as the male demon-kin let out a very angry hiss before dodging the first guard who reached out to detain him.
The male demon-kin then sprinted forward right towards Liam.
Confused, Liam watched as the man ran at him. However, after taking a few step in and not paying any attention to anyone else, the man was suddenly slammed to the ground as a morning star rammed right into his back.
The demon-kin dropped to the floor hard. Cracks formed under him as he went face first with the weapon resting on his back right between the wings.
Liam noticed the familiar dark purple mana that engulfed the top part of the morning star. It was Gravity magic.
Fred looked at Liam after releasing his grip on his weapon, leaving it and the gravity magic still on the Demon-kin. He cocked an eye before asking, “A friend of yours?”
Liam looked from the Demon-kin to the man and shook his head. “No. Never seen him before in my life.”
The tall wide man narrowed his eyes at Liam before stating, “Are you sure? He seemed to not be particularly happy to see you.”
Liam nodded. “You’re right. He didn’t, but I don’t know why.” He then looked back down at the male who was laying on the ground unconscious.
“He might have wanted to use him as a hostage,” Lucy suggested.
“Oh? And what makes you think that?” Fred asked.
“Liam here is a newly integrated person,” Lucy stated. “I believe there couldn’t have been any way for this Incubus to know who he is let alone have had any interaction with him.”
Fred raised a brow as he looked at Liam. “A newly integrated arrival huh?” He looked Liam up and down before adding, “A half breed or a muddled breed?”
Liam’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the giant man.
“Easy there tiger. I don’t mean it in a derogatory way. I’m not like that. I’m only asking because I don’t see any beast-kin features on you,” Fred stated as he put his hands up. “If you’re going to try and get access to Arkadian Citizenship you will have plenty of people asking you if you are half or muddled. Now some will be displeased with your existence, but not all will.”
Liam kept quiet and continued to listen to the man. “I have some advice. If you don’t want to deal with the negativity then don’t mention you have Beast-kin heritage. If you do say you are then just ignore those idiots. Its just senseless idealism spouted from a time when Beast-kins didn’t mate with those outside the country. Anyways, welcome to Gashat Post and sorry for the confusion earlier.”
Fred then picked up his weapon and ordered his men to cuff the Incubus that was still unconscious and hauled him out. Fred closed the door after the last man walked out.
Lucy shook her head and looked back at Liam. She gave him an apologetic look before saying as she sat back down, “I apologize for that. We have never had that happen before.”
Liam stared at her. “Which part? Where someone went crazy and tried attacking another or your guards getting the rooms mixed up?”
“The latter,” Lucy replied. “The former is the reason why we have these procedures and policies in place. If that Immoral Vice Worshipper had slipped by not only would this island be in danger but so would have the kingdom.”
“What is that?” Liam questioned as the words nagged at him.
“The Immoral Vice?” Lucy asked.
Liam nodded.
“We don’t have much time to go over what it is, but I will give you some important information since…this happened,” Lucy started. “The Immoral Vice is short for The Seven Immoral Vices. When you hear someone say Immoral Vice they are talking about one of the seven. They are seven powerful beings that hold power and magic that is based on the Vice they represent. Their goal is to spread corruption throughout the world. Since it was an Incubus I will assume he belonged under the Immoral Vice of Lust. Many Incubi are under her.”
Liam’s brow furrowed. If what she was saying was anything like what he knew from back on his planet then Vice was another word for Sin. And if that was the case then he had come across someone who had worshipped an Immoral Vice. The Lich had the words Hubris which was another way to say Pride.
Could it be that he sensed that I killed that Lich and that was why he looked so angry? Liam thought. No, that wouldn’t make sense. That Lich was a dungeon boss and was in the Tutorial Area. There couldn’t be a way anyone would know about that…
“Each Immoral Vice has a group of worshippers. Much like how deities can bless their followers, the Seven Immoral Vices can do the same, except not on the same scale as a Deity. It is said that the lower worshippers don’t like the other worshippers from other Immoral Vices. Some believe they have some way to tell when someone has a power from other Immoral Vices. They don’t like them to the point where they would attack them on sight.”
Liam’s brows furrowed as he listened. What she said nagged at the back of his mind. It was bugging to the point he couldn’t hear anything else she was saying. After a few seconds it dawned on him why that Incubus had attacked him. It was because he had received the ability called Hubris Aura. He had an ability from an Immoral Vice even though he didn’t worship that being.
Liam groaned internally. God damn it. This is going to be annoying. I wonder if there is a way to get rid of an ability.
Liam was taken from his thoughts as he heard Lucy ask, “Is everything alright?”
Liam blinked before looking at her. He then said, “Oh, yes. Sorry. I was just thinking that back on my planet we had something similar but instead of calling them Immoral Vices they were called Deadly Sins. I was just thinking about how there is a lot of similar things on this world and my world.”
“Oh, I can actually help clear that up right now,” Lucy said with a smile. “You can learn more about it in a library in the capital since we don’t have any books on the topic in the library on the island, but the reason why you feel that there are similar things from both worlds is because many years ago beings all over the world were transported away from our plant to other plants carrying with them knowledge and traditions from here. If you find something similar that is because what those people shared wherever they went stuck on the planet they went to.”
Liam stared at her. Shocked and surprised at what he heard. It took him a moment to process everything before he asked, “So the reason why things like the immoral vices, zodiacs, and more is so familiar is because the people here from this planet shared that?”
Lucy nodded. “Yes, but I will have to stop you from asking anymore questions on the topic and wait to see a library that has books on it because we have already spent too much time away from the main task. So, before my supervisor comes in here and starts questioning what is going on, let’s proceed.”
Liam didn’t want to stop. He wanted to know more, but the look on Lucy’s face told him she wouldn’t continue on the topic.
Looks like that is something I need to find out as soon as possible. How and why did they come to our world? How did we not know there were different species of people living on our planet? There is so much I want to know now. Liam thought before letting out a defeated sigh. “Fine let’s get on with it then.”
Lucy gave him another smile before she started peppering him with questions.
After an hour and a half of Lucy questioning Liam, they had finally finished.
Liam stretched his arms and legs before standing up with Lucy.
“Thank you for hanging in there,” Lucy started. “I know it’s boring and tedious, but as you saw earlier it is necessary.”
“I can understand that,” Liam nodded.
“As an apology for what had happened, I will talk to my boss to see if we can offer some compensation,” Lucy offered.
Liam looked at her. He wasn’t expecting her to say that. He wasn’t necessarily hurt since they did not attack him, but he could see why she was worried about it. “You don’t have to. Nothing happened to me and in the end the real target was captured.”
Lucy shook her head. “No, I insist that we find a suitable compensation. If you follow me I will lead you to the building entrance and I will see what I can do.”
Liam let out a sigh, understanding he wasn’t going to win this. “Alright.”
Lucy led Liam out of the room and to the right down the hall. After a few twists and turns, they finally walked out into a wide open reception area where people of different races bustled about.
Behind the desks or walking around the room were Beast-kins of different shapes and sizes wearing similar uniforms. They were either doing desk work, talking to one another, or to other races.
Liam was astounded by the architecture of the room. He had some suspicions from the material of the walls and floors after he exited the Transportation Portal room, but he was now certain of it. He was standing inside a tree.
Hanging along the sides of the walls were vines and branches woven into shelves. Flowers decorated some parts of the walls and along the door frames. Even the desks were made from parts of the tree.
“This is amazing,” Liam whispered as he took it all in.
Lucy smiled as she looked at him. “Don’t be too impressed yet. Some of the buildings here on the island are made within trees, but these ones aren’t nearly as impressive as the ones in the capital. Many Construction focused Beast-kins put their all in the designs of those ones. The ones here are made by fledglings or apprentices practicing.”
Liam turned his gaze to her. “If this was made by apprentices then I can’t wait to see what a master Construction worker can do.”
“If you could please wait for me in this room, I will be right back,” Lucy stated as she walked away from Liam.
Liam took in the room once more and thought of his father. Before the craziness of the world and people disappearing, his father was a construction worker. Liam believed his father to be really good at his work.
He wasn’t a top notch construction worker you’d see working in big cities. Instead, he helped out those around the town or close by. He had worked a few times with his father to help him out.
At first he wasn’t sure why he charged so little when he did work that could cost more. After he had asked his father about it, his only response was, He didn’t care about making a lot of money. He just wanted to help those who needed it.
I wonder if you’re really here and if you are, are you continuing your construction work? I bet you’re enjoying the different styles here in this world if you are. Liam thought.
“Um hello there,” a voice suddenly said. The sound of the voice was soft and sweet with a hint of curiosity mixed with it.
Liam, snapping out of his thoughts turned to see a little girl staring up at him. She had long ashy grey colored hair with lightly stripped cat ears and a matching tail swishing behind her. She had a pair of goggles resting on her forehead pushing up the bangs that slightly hung over the lens. She wore a plain olive dress with straps that ran over her shoulders. A long sleeve shirt covered the areas where her bare skin would have been seen. She looked to be close to or in her early teens.
Liam noticed stains splotched around the dress like she had spilled some kind of liquid.
He then noticed her baby blue eyes staring at him with pure curiosity and interest that Liam wasn’t sure what to do.
“Um, hi?” Liam started.
“You’re new here aren’t you?” the little girl questioned.
“Yes,” Liam slowly answered.
“By chance do you like Alchemy?” the little girl asked.
“It is one of the crafts I have learned when I was in the Tutorial Area…,” Liam started to say until he was cut off.
“I knew it!” the little girl shouted. “I saw you come out and had a feeling you were a fellow Alchemist. Tell me! What level is your Alchemy at?!”
Liam took a step back, confused and a little concerned at this little girl’s enthusiasm.
Before Liam could respond he heard someone shout, “Abby!”
Both Liam and the little girl turned to see a taller and little older version of the little girl making her way to her.
This lady had the same colored hair, ears, and tail as the little girl. Her hair was in a pony tail and looked to be a little shorter. She wore black pants, an aqua blue tank top, and black fingerless gloves. She stood up almost as tall as Liam, but looked to be a couple inches shorter.
As she approached the little girl, she grabbed her by the arm and stated, “I told you not to run off and stay by my side.” The woman turned to look at Liam and apologized, “I’m sorry. My little sister loves to approach people that she thinks likes Alchemy. I hope she didn’t do or say anything weird.”
Liam let out a small chuckle before shaking his head. “No. She’s fine. I was surprised when she first approached me and asked those questions, but it’s alright.” Liam then looked down at the little girl and replied, “I do like Alchemy and my level is currently at nineteen.”
The little girl’s eyes widened as Liam answered her question.
The taller girl looked at him with an impressed expression. “That’s pretty good. How long have you been working on that?”
“I think about a month,” Liam replied.
The taller girl looked at Liam suspiciously as the little girl beamed.
“That’s amazing!” the little girl shouted. “You should…”
Before she could finish her sentence, the taller girl placed a hand over her mouth and said, “I know I said that that was pretty good, but I don’t think you should lie about how long it took to get that high.”
Liam looked at her with a confused expression. “I wasn’t lying. I started shortly after I arrived at the Tutorial Area and worked on it as much as I could under my mentor.”
“Tutorial Area? Then that means…,” the taller girl started as she stared at Liam with a shocked expression. “Did you just arrive to our world then?”
Liam nodded.
“Then if you just arrived and here nonetheless…,” the taller girl looked Liam up and down. Her eyes then landed on Liam’s and noticed them thin out into slits. Hers did the same. “You’re a Cat-folk aren’t you?”
Liam slowly nodded. “You saw my eyes didn’t you?” He let out a sigh before adding, “I’m a Half-breed.”
Both girls gave him a smile.
“Well, as fellow Cat-folks we welcome you to the island,” the taller girl smiled. “I’m Cindy.”
“I’m Abby,” the little girl greeted with a wide smile. “We’re Tabby Cat-folks. What kind of Cat-folk are you?”
“I…uh…,” Liam stammered. “I’m not entirely sure yet.”
Abby tilted her head a bit before asking with an innocent look, “Does your status not say?”
Liam shook his head. He then said with the best poker face he could muster, “No it doesn’t.”
“Oh. Well, that sucks. I’m sorry it doesn’t say,” Abby said with a smile.
“Well, we need to head out now. Our business here is already done,” Cindy said.
“If you need any help with anything you should come by our shop. Or whenever you need any Alchemy stuff too,” Abby stated as she pulled out a card and handed it to him.
Liam gave her a smile as he took the card.
“I swear,” Cindy started. “It’s not our shop, but our uncle’s. Feel free to stop by. As a fellow Cat-folk, we’ll be happy to help explain or show you the town.”
“Thank you I appreciate it,” Liam nodded as he gave them both a wave while watching them walk away.
Abby waved enthusiastically before disappearing within the crowd of people.
Liam looked at the card and let out a chuckle. It read, ‘The Cat’s Paw-ldron. Your one stop shop for most Alchemy supplies.’ It had a picture of a cauldron with smoke forming a cats paw.
“That’s cute,” Liam muttered before putting the card away.
As soon as the card disappeared he watched Lucy walking towards him.
“Sorry it took so long,” Lucy stated as she approached. “I have talked to my superior and he has agreed to pay for two days of room and board at an inn we recommend. That also includes meals.”
Liam’s eyes widened as he looked at her. Paying for room and board as well as the meals for two days at a recommended inn was good compensation. Too good for what had happened. Apparently he wasn’t the only one who thought this.
“That’s a little suspicious. – Eri.”
You’re telling me. Also, thanks for the warning about what happens when walking through that portal. I’m going to assume my teammates didn’t come here? Liam said to Eri.
“Your assumption would be correct. They each appeared in different places around the world. Before you ask, there are other places Beast-kins could appear and that’s where they went. – Eri.”
Figures. Liam replied to Eri. Any ideas why they are willing to do this?
“None, but we’ll talk more once when you get to a room. – Eri.”
Liam nodded, forgetting he was talking to Eri as Lucy stood there waiting for a response. He looked at her and gave her a sheepish look before saying, “Thank you. I appreciate what you have to offer as compensation, but don’t you think it’s too much?”
“Nonsense,” Lucy started with another one of her smiles. “This is our way of saying sorry for the guard’s ineptitude for earlier. If we don’t do at least this much our honor and pride of the Arkadian Kingdom would be questioned.”
Liam let out a sigh, “Alright. I’ll accept. Can you show me where it is?”
Lucy’s smile grew wider as she responded, “Perfect. Let me show you where it is now.”
“Thank you,” Liam said as he followed her out of the door.
