Chapter 30 - Liar! Give Me the Book!
“Can you really talk to your Hawk?” Harvey added.
“Nope! Just thought it sounded cool.” Hannah laughed. “It does share impressions with me, though. If I sent it looking for tracks, it could give me basic directions to follow.”
While they talked, Julian gave a short lecture on their theories about The Loom and skill creation. A few of the new arrivals were ready to take that first step, so they moved to the back of the room while people cycled through their first skill creations. Once the lecture wound down and the excitement in the church faded, the three of them slipped out to the yard behind the forge.
“How was the trip?” Harvey asked.
“Pretty exhausting.” Hannah groaned. “But we found a lot of people, which is all we can ask for.”
Julian nodded in agreement. “Without a slispack, we couldn’t bring enough food and water for everyone, so we haven’t eaten since we left. Mind if we dig in while we chat?”
“Go ahead.” Harvey encouraged.
“How are things around town?” Julian asked between a mouthful of potatoes.
“I’ve been holed up in the forge most of the time, but from what I’ve heard over dinner, it’s going well. There have been a few more monster incidents, but only one veilstrider died.” Harvey shared.
“Damn, do you know who it was?” Julian swore.
“I think her name was Jennifer.” Harvey shared.
They were both silent, eyes downcast as they stopped eating. It was obvious they knew who he was talking about. Everyone here had been rescued by the pair at some point.
“She was a great person,” Hannah whispered, finally breaking the silence.
“Yeah. She really was.” Julian agreed.
“I… I don’t know what to say.” Harvey added. He’d been so focused on crafting the last few days, he’d neglected getting to know all the new faces around town. His work was important, but guilt that he might’ve been able to save her if he’d been at the wall tugged on him.
“It’s fine. We didn’t know her long, obviously, but she did a great job keeping people’s spirits up while we walked. Super funny lady.” Hannah explained.
We know that we’re going to lose people. Seeing all the people who died before we found them is proof enough. It just hurts.” Julian added. “Hopefully, things will get better once the wall’s done. How are things going for you?”
“Pretty great. I finally got my profession and have gotten way stronger since you left.” Harvey said
“No kidding!” Hannah replied.
“Yeah, reading the guidebook gave me the option to create a profession at the loom, and once I did, I was able to start leveling it just like my class,” Harvey explained.
“Do the levels give stats? Or is there something else we haven’t found yet?” Julian asked.
Instead of answering, Harvey grinned and shared two screens.
Your profession, Apprentice Inventor, has reached Level 5. +3 Strength, +3 Endurance, +2 Wisdom, +2 Willpower, +2 Free Points