Alburet did some math in his head, factoring in Bob’s happiness with him and the bonuses that gave him to his stats. Factor in that instead of losing 10% of his mana it would take a total of 15% to have Bob and Copy Bob to both be up at the same time. Alburet chewed his lip as he considered all the ways the Copy Ability could be used before he nodded his head. He could always summon two Tinys so he could have an off tank to do things like pick up ranged mobs, or he could have an extra 50% damage if he had two Bobs. Decision made, he touched the Demon Copy ability.
“First normal choice I’ve seen you take. Well, normal for people like me. All the two-souled I’ve dealt with almost always take the ranged Fire Burst instead. It’s as if they can’t understand how important it is to keep their demons happy.” Stewart said, taking the book back from Alburet and putting it in his desk.
“Well, the math works out to give me an increase in damage if I use two imps, more if I can get Bob to max happiness. Or, when necessary I can have two destroyers with one dedicated to pick up adds, or dedicated to just protecting Stacia,” Alburet said with a smirk.
Stewart chuckled, getting to his feet, “I see. It does me good to know you are considering that a priority. If we are done, I think I’m going back upstairs to get some coffee.”
“Sounds like a good idea. I need to see what Stacia would like to do today, as well,” Alburet said, stepping towards the rune.
Stewart coughed once to get Alburet’s attention before he stepped on the rune. “How serious are you about her exactly, Alburet? None of us has asked if you are trying for more than just casual sex.”
Alburet shrugged, “As soon as I can figure it out in my own head I’ll let you know. I’m torn on whether a two-souled has any right to court one of this world or not. As for Stacia specifically, I do like her a great deal but I’m not sure I should end up in a relationship with anyone.” He turned his head just enough to catch Stewart’s eyes, “I have done things that while right were also very wrong in other ways. It’s a weight I carry and will for the rest of my days and because of that I find myself wary of embracing others. If they find out my crimes they very well might cast me away, as my own family has done.” He stepped onto the rune, vanishing from the darkness to reappear in the light of day.
Pushing the thoughts aside, he hurried into the inn to see what Stacia would like to do for the day. He was going hunting regardless. As he climbed the stairs he got a message from Fluffball, he paused to read it.
Message from Fluffbalclass="underline"
I’m thinking of hunting the Orcs again today, but this time picking up the quests from the fort. I would also like to talk with Stacia about her mom, if you don’t mind me taking her time for a bit.
Instead of replying right away he went up to his room, entering to find Stacia getting her gear on. A smile twitched at his lips as he watched her get dressed in the leathers. Her eyes were sparkling when she noticed him. Closing the door, he leaned against the wall enjoying the view as Stacia somehow made putting clothes on as much of a show as taking them off usually was.
“Are we off to hunt, master?” Stacia said once she was ready.
“Possibly. I was meaning to go hunting again, but was unsure if you wanted to come along today or go spend all your wealth.”
“I would rather be by ya side, master,” Stacia said, coming over to stand before him. “Unless ya wish me to stay behind.”
Alburet embraced her gently as he replied, “You can come. Fluffball wants to hunt Orcs again so we should hook up with her again today. She was also asking if she could take up some of your time to discuss something about your mom. I wanted to check with you first,” Alburet told her as he held her to him.
“Aye, that be fine master. Shall we invite her over here before we head out then?”
Alburet sent Fluff a message letting her know that Stacia agreed and to come on over to the inn. He sighed, “Guess we’ll have a late start to the day. Why don’t you go get some tea so we can greet her properly, kitten.”
Stacia leaned in, stealing a quick kiss before she slipped away, “As ya wish, master.”
Stacia returned to the room a few minutes before Fluffball knocked on the door. Stacia welcomed Fluff into the room as Alburet stood by the table. “Hey Fluff, welcome to my room. Would you like some tea while we talk?” Alburet asked, holding up a cup.
“Err, I was hoping to speak with Stacia alone, if that’s okay,” Fluff said nervously.
Alburet nodded, setting the cup down, “Lady talk, got it. I’ll be downstairs. Come get me when we’re ready to go kill some Orcs.” Alburet said, making his way out of the room. He wondered what Fluffball could possibly want to talk about that she didn’t want to discuss in front of him. Shaking his head at how odd women could be he went downstairs to wait. He snagged a mug of dark ale as he took a seat at the bar.
An hour later the women came downstairs. Alburet was chatting with a seemingly friendly Alistern and didn’t see them come down the stairs. Stacia approached, gently touching Alburet’s shoulder, “We be ready now, master.”
“Oh,” Alburet said as his muscles relaxed after the unexpected touch on his shoulder. “Okay. We’re heading out, Alistern. I’ll do as I said though, so worry not.”
“I will always worry when me girl be out huntin’, but after we discussed ya plans mayhap I will worry a mite less,” Alistern replied before turning to his daughter. “Be careful Stacia. More deaths are because of over confidence durin’ a hunt than anything else.”
Stacia leaned over the bar giving her father a brief hug, “I promise, Da’. Alburet will guard me with his life, no worries.”
The trio left the inn, heading out to the portal guild. As they walked Alburet looked over at Fluff, who seemed to be lost in thought. He sent her and Stacia a group invite, which was accepted by both of them. Stacia took his left arm proudly, as any woman might of a man she adored. After a few more steps Fluff took his other arm a little hesitantly, glancing at Stacia who nodded encouragingly.
They got to the portal guild, finding it as busy as the day before. They exchanged pleasantries with Kim briefly before going off to wait. Alburet spotted the envious looks a few of the single male adventurers threw at him while they waited. When Rolland retrieved them for their portal, Alburet tipped him as had become habit before he used the teleport.
“We should get the quests from here before we head out,” Fluffball said when he appeared.
“Good plan. Can’t believe we didn’t do it yesterday,” Alburet agreed as they headed inside to get the quests for the Orcs.
They entered the fort proper to find a Sergeant behind a desk in then main room, who watched them with interest as they approached. “How can I help you folks?” The Sergeant asked as they got to the desk.
“We’re going to be out thinning the Orcs today, so we thought it prudent to stop by and see if you had any quests for us, sir,” Alburet replied, taking an at ease stance before the Sergeant.
“Yeah, there are a few things you can do depending on just how aggressive you want to be. Kill off thirty orcs for one of them, ten wargs for another, and if you’re feeling really froggy you can assault the orc village and kill the current Chief.”
“We’ll see what we can do for you, sir,” Alburet said, giving a salute before the trio took their leave.
Quest: Kill thirty Orcs
Reward: Increased Reputation with Stormguard Guard factions plus ten gold.
Quest: Kill ten Wargs