Chapter 30 – Familiar Feeling
Chapter 30 - Familiar Feeling
What followed after the gathering could be summarised as quick. People had to make a decision soon after the meeting’s completion as time apparently was limited. The intensity of the situation had made Catcher more adamant about Valmyst not being part of the mission, but he could hardly force her not to come. Well, not without physically injuring her, which wasn’t something he felt willing to do, even if the thought crossed his mind for a moment.
Revealing this more blatant evidence that the situation could be called a little bad made some people back out, but more people than the scorpion expected stayed. Willing to risk their lives to at least stop this minor Calamity Spawn. Everyone quickly got their supplies together and were ordered to move out. With the promise of pay and the city they lived in continuing to be safe, they quickly moved to prepare whatever was missing.
This led to the next problem.
Walking.
It wasn’t a short trip to where they needed to go, not to mention the path was very rocky.
Mountains should be destroyed.
The walk around the mountains was exhausting. The path went up, down, left, right, then repeat. The mountain range near the city was where the Calamity Spawn was located, and the path towards the nest had to be given by the spirits to be the absolute worst experience.
The only positive aspect was that Catcher was there, so she had one person to take that wouldn’t make her lose her mind. Reflecting on her thoughts, she figured that was a little bit of a rude thought, but then she remembered everyone else was annoying. The adventures around them were dead serious. None even felt like cracking a joke, which she usually would be fun with, except for the fact everyone stared at her with a level of disappointment, annoyance, or other emotions that involved looking down upon her. Velasteros had stopped trying to figure out the emotions in these people’s expressions.
The reason for the atmosphere that made everyone’s mood could be argued to be obvious. Dealing with a Calamity Spawn meant honestly anything could happen, and the chance of death was dangerously high.
Then there was a mage who most people guessed was a newbie. Velasteros did ask if Catcher knew why, and the answer was a combination of factors. a) she looked young. b) she hadn’t been in the city for long. c) some had probably overheard part of her conversation with Catcher. d) apparently didn’t have the vibe of someone who had been around the block a few times. e) Apparently part 2, a lot of mages usually brag or explain what they can do before a group mission; if they don’t explain anything, it usually means they are lacking in ability.
I have a lot to complain about those options. I get it is pick and choose since they are a mix of options, but damn, mould that destroys books! We were in a rush! And there is no reason I need to explain my abilities!... Even if I should’ve… Ergh. Everything else is bulshit.
The reason for the explanation was because mages tended to be ranged party members, but also their options could vary drastically between individuals. This didn’t mean a mage explained everything, just the basics. If they shot water in rays or like a catapult shot, if they buffed allies, weakened enemies, etc. Only a rough outline was required, and Velasteros did keep quiet because she couldn’t really help these allies in that way today.
…I really need to improve my abilities. I’ve been practising my magic even when I’m not on missions now. I think I understand the meaning of the scope of skills increasing, but I might only be on the border. I can’t complain about time. I’ve only been around for a few months.
“Is the bag not too heavy?” Catcher asked.
“It’s not too bad. Apparently my strength is good enough.” This had been the first actual test of her [Strength] while in her human body, and it was safe to say there felt to be a bit of a nerf. Perhaps it was similar to her agility, human legs made sprinting much easier, but her scorpion body being larger and more stable had allowed more effective use of the stat. The reason for the bag was that there were a lot of supplies people wanted to bring, especially with such a large group, so to help with logistics, a few people assisted in carrying some extra loads for the group, and Valmyst volunteered to help. She wanted to at least improve her impression to get a leg up in future work.
“That’s good, but don’t be afraid to put some points in as you level up. I know a few mages that get a little pissy about the thought, but if you can’t walk long distances then you become a burden.”
“Wouldn’t Endurance be the better stat in your example?”
“Yes…” Catcher let out a defeated sigh.
Before long, the marching unit had made their way to the destination. A flat terrace of stone by a large opening into a mountain. Valmyst had been given a little history dump that this mountain had many tunnels and caves throughout it.
“Good to see everyone has arrived safely.” Henry Morrow spoke to the group. It was also the first time Valmyst had heard him speak, and he certainly articulated his words in such a way that gave off a noble snobbery. His party had been waiting and expecting their arrival. “I’ll get to the point quickly. We have marked out the areas where we need people to defend and prevent excess vermin from escaping.”
The group didn’t have time to unpack anything before the plan was given. Groups needed to be sorted as Henry made it known they needed to act soon, as the infestation was larger than they expected and there were signs they were going to awaken soon. The one positive was that this ‘elite’ team was going to be the ones doing the initial bombing to annihilate the swarm.
A large map was rolled out with numbers already indicating how many people were going to be required at each location. People who knew each other started forming groups, and Catcher pulled Valmyst to a spot that should be relatively safe for her. He initially planned on going elsewhere since he knew his skillset was better elsewhere, but his concerns over his junior won out, and he wanted to make sure Valmyst was going to be somewhere suitable and safe.
As Henry walked around making sure everyone quickly understood the arrangement, he suddenly paused. “Do I know you?” He stood next to a young girl whom he should’ve never met before.
“No?” Velasteros answered calmly. No lie was going to be told. “We walked past in the street once, but that is it.”
“Hmm. I see.” Henry Morrow took the young girl’s words and nodded. “Are you interested in going on an adventure?”
His tone shifted ever so slightly. Probing.
He must be looking for something familiar. But I don’t know what Sarah would say?
The scorpion's knowledge of Sarah was minimal. One of the mistakes was not spending enough time learning about the woman.
I guess just be honest? Worst case, he has a lie detection skill, making some up might backfire. Plus, it is not like my answer is that crazy?
“Going on an adventure? Not really? I mean, I would like to see some places, but I can’t lie; that is mostly because different places have different books.” Velasteros scratched her head. “...It is more embarrassing saying that out loud than I expected…”
Catcher chuckled. “There is my bookworm.” Velasteros frowned as she looked over her shoulder to see Catcher pointing at her.
“I see. Sorry for disturbing you.” He didn’t say anything more. Far too busy, and he seemed satiated for the moment.
I have a strong feeling that could’ve gone badly…
She decided to count her blessings and continue focusing on what was currently important, but being next to the man had made the scorpion feel his power and yeah… she didn’t think it was possible for her to defeat him at all.
I guess that means I won’t have any stray thoughts about trying… haha…
After that, everything moved quickly. Groups moved through the mountain to get into position. Small talk wasn’t made as everyone expected something to happen soon. Eventually Valmyst’s group reached their goal. Where they had a view of a large cave system that almost seemed hollowed out. Within it was a large swarm of metallic-looking insects. They shared some similar aspects, but there weren’t exactly copies of each other; the only truly consistent elements were the metal elements and their overall size.
…
The Iron Calamity’s Spawn, the Iron Army. The gigantic hoard of these pests had struck a familiar unease inside the scorpion’s heart. Their very existence served to remind her soul of something from those old days, and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling.
The Iron Army, during this rest time, when the swarm grouped together and wasn’t active, was the most effective time to eliminate them, because otherwise they could spread far and wide, destroying everything in their path. That information was what Valmyst tried to focus on, as the feeling Velasteros felt surge in her system made her deeply uncomfortable.
“Chitter.” Then, without warning, the swarm of bugs began to wake.