Chapter 29 – The Call for Reinforcements
Chapter 29 - The Call for Reinforcements
There is less information than I would like, but this is the best I can get for the moment.
After a mild success in pulling herself out of the human emotion pit. Velasteros doubled down on learning and training. Mostly ignoring reading books for pleasure. Besides one book before bed. She was dedicated to patching up gaps in her knowledge and improving herself.
Madam Heart granted her permission to read books on the Calamity Conflict. Which is what people had labelled Clam’s war.
It truly is a stupid name. Good.
For her former master, who granted her life and stole the meaning from it. A stupid name after passing was the least that should occur.
The books were on the fourth floor. However, they were kept in a locked chest for safekeeping. Velasteros also read up on the law. Technically forbidden to create books but not illegal to own them, so Madam’s Hearts collection was safe, but in her own words, just because it was safe didn’t mean she should shout it to the world.
Thank you, Madam Heart, for giving me this opportunity. I’m not sure how I can thank you enough for everything so far.
The books didn’t cover everything, but they covered enough. They spoke of different Calamities; her name was mentioned. Velasteros couldn’t confirm that information with her memories, but she wouldn’t be surprised if more existed. Perhaps Clam even created one to replace her after her suicide charge.
I guess I might never know. Though I wonder how much loyalty the rest of my siblings have for our former master. With his death, it doesn’t appear from the records that they went out of control in revenge. Though the fact that there are all these Calamity Spawns might point to otherwise. The reports and findings could be incorrect, but the Calamity Spawn only started appearing after Clam’s death. These books only mention a Calamity Spawn referred to as the Blizzard Spawn, believed to be from the White Calamity… Annoyingly doesn’t give details on what this Spawn was, but it came into existence soon after Clam’s death. However, it does mention that various Spawn came into existence or were revealed at much later points.
The question if these Calamity Spawn were a plan that was never utilised or something that came after, or perhaps something in between.
It doesn’t matter for the moment, but I would like to know the answer… but that might risk encountering them.
Velasteros really didn’t know if she wanted to reunite with any of her siblings. The idea that they would recognise her and find out that she was alive… that was information that could be abused. Especially since she didn’t have the power she once had.
There was no reason to believe they would be friendly about her return.
It’s only faint, but I can remember laughs…
Velasteros packed up the books. There was nothing else to find here. She had gotten the base level of knowledge that she’d been missing.
I’ve solved some problems, but I am still so weak and trying to rush levels doesn’t seem to work. It was a warning that Catcher had given her. Trying desperately to level up was the fastest way to not level up at all. She didn’t know how much truth this statement actually had. Potentially, it was similar to some lessons in her stories, ones about rushing being bound to cause issues. Whether that be pain, loss, or death. Depends on the tone of the story.
For the moment, Velasteros decided to place her bets on that magic book. The enchanted book that had made her mouth a puppet to spew its contents. Despite the lesson in caution the situation taught her. Another fact came to light. [Intelligence] made learning various different uses for skills easier. It wasn’t the key by itself, but it did make more keyholes for the single lock. This avenue was currently the scorpion’s only hope for dedicating herself to something she wanted to pursue while also gaining the power she needed.
Velasteros began another stroll around the city. It had been a long moment since she had. Pretty much the last time she went out, she saw a target, talked with Catcher, then had a slight crisis. Thankfully, she had a few days to process everything, nearly a week since that encounter. She couldn’t lie and say she felt 100%, but she was improving. In a way, she was able to understand that she happened to be in the perfect place to have this crisis. Multiple people put a hand out in comfort, some with physical aid, or just trying to assist her emotionally. Even the owner of the inn had someone check at the library. Whether that was out of kindness or potential loss for a paying resident didn’t really matter.
People who look out for each other…
The scorpion had been in a reflective mood. It was honestly not to be. The past was yelling, her future actions stared her in the face, while she just stood there, still only barely understanding who she was supposed to be. She loved books, and it certainly wasn’t an obsession. Besides that, she wanted some amount of strength and freedom, but was that enough to make a scorpion a human?
Her vague memories of the past shed no light on any happy times with her siblings. Perhaps such a thing was tough to ask for when she was a mindless monster, but even if she wasn’t, a part of her said that she shouldn’t expect much. They were all created by a man who chose to craft powerful beasts to cause destruction. Hard to say, anyone who actually had a brain would be positively influenced by Clam if he wanted them to be his loyal weapons.
She took a peek to see if there had been any new postings. She was warned not to take up any jobs since no one knew what could happen, but that didn’t stop her from seeing what existed.
Oh? There was one large posting that seemed to be the centre of attention. She could hear murmurs from people sitting down discussing it.
“A call for reinforcements?” Velasteros read the message on the postboard. Unlike all the rumours and murmurs, this gave a more thorough description of the situation and actually explained the threat. Something that the scorpion was wondering was impossible due to how secretive the last few days had been.
Was that party not enough? No… what is written here seems to be the plan of attack. The area where the Calamity Spawn has infested seems to be larger than expected, so they need multiple people to help contain it when the assault begins.
Risks were likely high, but Velasteros lacked two things. Combat experience and levels, and this could be a good way to develop both.
There was a direction on where to wait to discuss further details later today, so the scorpion countered her blessing that she decided to visit before the job started. She left the building to go to the designated spot, and when she arrived, she met a familiar face.
“Hi, Catcher.” Velasteros sat down to Catcher, who had a new hat resting over his face. “Are you waiting here as well?”
His hand flopped over to his face, and he removed the hat. “So, are you joining in this mess?” Not directly answering, he deflected the question to Velasteros.
“Yes, despite the fact that I don’t believe I could help much, I do believe I can be of some assistance.”
Catcher frowned. It wasn’t an expression the scorpion saw him make often. “While I would love to say an excellent idea, as it would be a good experience for your training. The fact remains that this will be difficult and your skill set is the most suited for this, and I don’t want you to be acting as a tank. This is far too dangerous for a fledgling mage.”
“I don’t plan on being a tank. Just back up.” Velasteros said solemnly. “I think I can help, so if I can provide you with some support, then I’ve done my job.”
“Hehe.” Catcher chuckled. “Look who has gotten cocky after a month on the job.”
“Hmmhmm.” Velasteros closed her eyes and quietly smiled as she leaned back in the chair. “I had a good teacher.”