121. Diviner
I happily exited Adans shop, waving goodbye at the Cyclops man as I carried the Horn of the Caller in between my silver claws. It was worn around my neck like a necklace, with a string connected around its edge, keeping it attached to so I would not lose it.
I glanced around the street I was in. It was still night; I did stay back to chat with Adan for a few hours, even after multiple other custors ca in. However, I did not waste enough ti for it to already be dayti.
Nav followed after with a tired look on his face.
Alright, Salvos the [Mage]... what do you wish to see next of Unarith?
I tapped a finger on my chin as I cast my gaze around the city. There were a multitude of things to see. Not much trade went on here not as much as a Human city. There still were so vendors, as evinced by Adans presence. It just was very different from what I was used to.
I could spend a very long ti, just wandering around Unarith, taking in the sights with awe, asking questions to my tour guide, and learning more about Kobolds and their culture. But I was bored!
Lets go back!
I spun back around to face Nav. The red-scaled Kobold blinked. He tried to work his jaw which seed a lot more difficult than for a Human, since his mouth is elongated.
B-but you just you only visited one place
He stared at as I simply cocked my head. He tried to muster up more words before giving up and sighing a raspy breath.
Very well, we shall make our return to the shrine.
Yay!
Leading the way back to where we ca from, I skipped behind Nav until we reached the tilled fields and crossed the bridged path to minaret standing tall with a wide base. It was emptier now, than before. There were no groups of Kobold n and won chanting with their hands clasped together. Perhaps they finally decided to retire to bed.
Kobolds did need sleep, after all. Not as much as Humans. A light nap, compared to them. Maybe so Humans could get a Skill or a Class that helped them forego sleep entirely. But this was part of the Kobolds Species. They did not need any outside aid to help them be better than Humans this way.
I approved of it!
We went up the spiral staircase in the center of the chamber, back up to where I left Xidra. I rapped lightly against her door and called out.
Xidra the [Herbalist]. Are you there?
I quickly corrected my mistake before Nav could give an odd look. Or, an even more odd look that he had given today. The door swung open, revealing a well-dressed Kobold behind it. She wore slender, fitting robes that complented her green scales.
She nodded at , and stepped past us.
Salvos the [Mage], I trust Nav the [Warrior] has taken good care of you?
He sure did!
I agreed, giving the red-scaled Kobold man a thumbs-up. He ignored it, bowing lightly towards Xidra with a hand against his chest.
First Dragonling, I have completed the task you have given . May I take my leave?
You may retire from your duties. I wish to speak with Salvos the [Mage] upstairs.
Yes, First Dragonling.
He quickly escaped before I could even wave goodbye at him. I shrugged as I watched him disappear down the stairwell, turning back to Xidra with a smile.
I bought a horn.
I showed the Horn of the Caller to her, lightly raising it from my chest. She fixed a curious gaze at it.
A single dium Grade item? I would have thought soone such as you would have been better equipped with at least so High Grade equipnt.
Nope!
I shook my head and followed her as she started up the stairs. She walked with her hands behind her back, so I mimicked her. To blend in.
I was a master of disguise, no one suspected a thing!
Why do you not have any, if I may ask?
Because theyre expensive.
Expensive?
Yep. They cost a lot and were almost always low on gold, you know?
We as in
My companions and I!
We ca to the top of the stairwell. We stood on the covered roof of the minaret. There was a dod ceiling above full of brightly colored gems, placed to create an intricate design that did not really an anything. It was just a nice looking pattern. Xidra stopped and faced .
That is quite surprising. I would have assud one at your level could simply scavenge for items.
We dont really need most of the things we get, so we end up selling them. And I buy things I like like this bracelet!
I showed off the golden object wrapped around my forearm. She gave it an approving look.
It is shiny.
Right?
I paused and stared around the mostly empty room. Other than getting a good view of Unarith as well as a weak breeze that brushed against my face there was nothing here. No one here.
Whens your friend arriving, anyway?
I finally asked. The confusion on my face was evident. Xidra gave a Kobold smile.
He arrives. Look.
She pointed out at the sable sky. I narrowed my eyes and saw sothing moving amongst the stars. The scintillating light from above limn the figure that was heading straight at us. It looked like a bird? Except, it was far larger.
It was a Kobold. Except, it had wings.
Watchhhhhhhh out!
A voice cried out as the figure rapidly approached us. I grabbed Xidra and pulled her out of the way. The winged Kobold crashed into the top of the tower, sending dust up into the air before he rolled to a stop.
I blinked as a blue-scaled Kobold glanced up at , a surprised look on his face. He was lying upside down, but quickly leapt to his feet.
Oh, uh, sorry about that.
I slowly lowered Xidra back to the ground as he dusted himself off. She gave him a reprimanding look.
Hoxle the [Diviner], why did you do that?
Im still trying to get used to my wings, Xidra.
He did not address her with the sa formalities as other Kobolds had shown so far. He was rather carefree, scratching at his scales as he averted his gaze from the First Dragonling.
You are late, and you nearly struck our guest.
Well she handled it just fine, didnt she?
I did!
I agreed, nodding beside him. I bead as I took a look at the odd Kobold. He was nothing like the others in the city. Which ant I was blending in just fine. Xidra stared at .
Why are you making that face, Salvos the [Mage]?
Because Im a master of disguise!
She shook her head, letting out a soft sigh.
One would hope so, considering that you can take on the form of a sapient Mortal.
Wait, wait, wait. Is she into ?
Hoxle leaned forward, trying to whisper into Xidras ear. I cocked my head, puzzled.
How do I break it to her that Im not into
Quiet, Hoxle the [Diviner]. This is not a casual setting. You are making a fool out of yourself in front of our guest.
Oh... sorry!
He bowed apologetically my way. I shook my head.
No, its fine. But what are you not into?
Nevermind that.
Xidra sighed, stepping between us.
Salvos the [Mage], this is Hoxle the [Diviner], my nephew, and the one who will be aiding you to your companions.
I glanced between them.
You two are related?
That is right. He may not seem capable, but I assure you he very much is.
I identified Hoxle, only to be proven right.
[Diviner - Lvl. 103]
Huh.
I pointed at the wings sprouting from his back, frowning.
Why does he have wings, anyway? Shouldnt you have wings since hes related to you?
Kobolds are not born with wings, Salvos the [Mage]. It is a result of his evolution that he can now fly.
I blinked and took a step back.
You guys can evolve?
I ntioned it, did I not? Gexlis evolution enabled him to live in the wild, almost like a monster. He could track even from miles away.
But you have Classes!
Hoxle snorted, crossing his arms as his wings folded behind his back.
Why are you asking so many weird questions? Of course we have Classes. I just hit Level 100 and unlocked my evolution.
He bead as his tongue stuck out of his elongated mouth. I hesitated. Was this like how Humans could get a second Class at Level 100? Scratch that was this like how Demons like could get a Class at Level 100? I wanted to ask more questions this was surprising! But Xidra spoke before I could.
Mind your manners, Hoxle the [Diviner]. Salvos the [Mage] is not soone who is familiar with the ways of Kobold society or our path with the Sesstern.
She shook her head before resting her eyes on .
That is because she is not a Kobold like us. She is a Demon.
Wait, what?
Hoxle took a step back. He turned to with wide eyes. I almost thought he was going to lash out at . And he did.
The Kobold man lunged forward, grasping for with his claws. I frowned and stepped around it. The [Diviner] fell on the ground.
Hey! Did you just try and attack ?
No I
He crawled my way and grabbed by my legs. He stared up at with sparkling eyes as I tried kicking him off.
What is the Netherworld like? Do you have any Demon friends? How did you even get to the Mortal Realm?
I have questions for you too! Let ask mine first!
Thats enough.
Xidra yanked Hoxle away, forcing him to stand up. Scowling, he followed the commands of his aunt.
Salvos the [Mage] is not here to answer your questions. Nor are you here to pester her. I have called you here to aid her.
Gahhh fine, what does she want?
He turned towards , still unhappy. I fumbled for my robe pocket, producing the compass and map Daniel had given .
Id like to find my companions. Theyre over at Ghostlight. A Human city near the Plaguelands Dead Zone?
Oh, this is easy.
He grinned, taking the map from . Xidra gave him a dubious look.
Hoxle the [Diviner], when did you learn how to read Human cartography?
Ive been doing studying, Xidra.
He waved a hand as he unfurled the map. He placed it on the ground as I peered over. Tracing a clawed finger across the map, he ca to a stop and tapped at it. I watched with wide eyes as this happened.
Here.
Hoxle stood up. My eyes were fixed on the location he had pointed out.
This is where Ghostlight is.
Fascinating.
Xidra ca over, almost looking proud. She placed a hand on her nephews shoulder.
I was hoping to ask you to lend your Skills to help Salvos the [Mage], but it appears that is not necessary, correct?
Um, no?
I finally spoke up. I picked up the map and placed a finger at the spot he had marked.
This is where you said Ghostlight is.
Yeah. Thats where it is!
But its blue.
Of course.
He crossed his arms, a triumphant look on his face. I stared at him. Then I shook my head and sputtered.
Thats the ocean!
Wait, what?
I scowled, throwing the map down to the ground.
Even I know that much!
No, I thought that was but
He trailed off as Xidra sighed. She poked his side.
Hoxle the [Diviner], let us not waste anymore ti. Your fascination with Human culture does not help us here.
His shoulders sagged, and I gave him a judging look from the side. How can he not read a map? I folded the map back up, keeping it because I had no idea how to read a map. The Kobold man took a step forward, holding out a hand.
Give your ass-thing.
I stopped.
Huh?
That ass-thing you have. That tal ass-thing in your hand.
Oh.
I passed over the compass as he grumbled, taking it. I shied away from him and almost hid behind Xidra. Hes weird! I watched him take a deep breath as a glow overcos him.
What is he doing?
He is blessing that item of yours with [Tracking]. Co, it does not take long.
Hoxle walked back towards as the light engulfing him vanished. Now, only the compass was glowing. He handed the now-lambent compass back to , and I reached for it. He shook his head.
Touch it.
...ok?
I placed a clawed hand over the compass, raising a brow. He clasped his hands over mine and snapped his eyes shut. Speaking slowly, he addressed .
Salvos, tell , who are you searching for. Envision their faces. Imagine where you last saw them. Think of their relationship with you.
Nodding, I did as I was told. I rembered Daniel. The [Hero] from another world. He tried helping find a way back to the Netherworld. And while he was not always helpful, I appreciated the sentint.
And there was Edithe. The red-haired woman full of fury. Except, she was far more reticent now. Apprehension had gripped her, keeping her from burning with the sa passion as before. It would have been nice if I had t this version of Edithe when we first t maybe she would not have hated then. But now, I wanted to return the fire into her life.
Do you see them?
I do.
Good. Now say their nas. Say who they are.
Even though my eyes were closed, I could see flashes of light. An iridescent sheen that held my vision. I opened my mouth, speaking simply.
Daniel, my companion. Edithe, my companion. I wish to find them.
I waited for sothing else to happen. For the light to beco overwhelming. But it just vanished. I heard the sounds of claws clacking together, and opened my eyes to see Hoxle with his hands clapped together.
And thats it!
Youre done?
Yeah! You can just look at your ass-thing.
Compass.
I corrected him before looking down at the compass. I blinked as I saw the hands of the compass both pointing in the sa direction. It was not a direction I had ever seen them point before. It was directed to my right, and when I tried to reorient it, it moved to face the sa direction as before.
The Skill will take a week to wear-off. It will lead you directly to your companions, Edithe and Daniel, until then.
Woah.
I stood at the edge of the tower, having followed where it was pointing. I gently ran my hand across it. Like it was so kind of precious jewel. I wanted to cherish it. It was going to save from getting lost for the next week. And even better it was going to lead back to my companions!
Spinning around, I leapt at Hoxle and wrapped my arms around him.
Thank you so much!
Hey! Hands off! I told you Im not interested in won!
I obliged and took a step back. I glanced back down at the compass, softly holding onto it.
Ive gotta go, now.
You wish to leave imdiately, Salvos the [Mage]?
Of course! My companions must be worried. I promised them I would be back days ago! Or was it a week?
I tapped a finger on my chin. I did not exactly keep track of the days. I had no reason to. Not like Humans who felt the need to sleep when it turned night. The two Kobolds led the way as I walked behind them, carefully holding onto the compass like it was so kind of treasure. They chatted casually as I watched the compass hands spin around as we spiraled down the stairway.
By the way, Xidra
Please address properly, Hoxle the [Diviner].
Right, right. You know, I just want to say sorry that I didnt hunt you down imdiately when you disappeared. But I was busy. Those Scale Sentinels targeted too! I didnt even hear about what happened until you sent that missive just earlier.
It is fine. They went after you as well?
Yeah. But it seed like a distraction. I beat up a few of them and wait.
He ca to a stop, and I almost ran into him. I blinked, glancing up to face as he turned around.
You said your friends are at Ghostlight, right?
Around there. Why?
The Kobold man paused. He pricked at his scales, an uneasy looking crossing through his face.
Now mayyyy not be the best ti to tell you that the Scale Sentinels are planning another attack on Ghostlight.
I stared at him, in shock. He shifted his feet uneasily as I fixed my look onto him. I opened my mouth, trying to find words to co out. I always wondered how Daniel and Edithe always lost their words. I realized now what it was like.
H-h-how did you?
He shrugged.
I forgot, alright?
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