{Alex}

  The next day was mostly normal, excluding the increased requests for repairs. They wanted to test my mana and patience. It was like they were trying to make me feel needed or rather they were trying to milk me for everything they could get before I left. My pockets were getting nice, and fat and Yen made sure I was able to rest peacefully. I had grown to love the tiger goddess. Scarface came to me with a new and strange request that had me licking my chops with excitement. “Alex, I was wondering if you would look at my grandfather’s sword,” he said as he laid it out in the back of the wagon. Iron, zinc, copper, they all sang, but that was like the mad warbling of a man singing country after one too many compared to what he unwrapped. The bright green sword sounded beautiful beyond words as it sang in my hands. Whatever this was, it was rare and worth reverence.

  “What is it made of?” I asked in awe. He sighed looking at the blade.

  “Mithril. My grandfather got it from an elf during the great war.” I didn’t care where he got it or how. I cared about hearing and healing it. I bet it sounded amazing when whole. I knew I didn’t have the power or ability to fix it but would drain everyone if I could. The mentioned mage turned mana battery was looking at the broken blade in my hands with the same look in his own eyes.

  “Can you do it?” Mage asked in amazement. I sighed as I held the wonder in my hands. This was what fantasy books were made of and now I fully knew why.

  “Can I use a core’s mana for my own?” I asked as my mind probed the metal. He shrugged. “If you get the giant’s core and everyone who has mana together, we can try something tonight.” He wrapped up the blade and ran away to set things up. I growled after him hoping to look closer at the weapon. It was almost as beautiful as a Knight.

  Around the campfire, everyone gathered around me. The night was clear, the moons out and stars shined down on us. It was like the world itself was ready for my dark ritual. I knew some would just be watching and others would be helping us but didn’t care. Scarface lay out the blade and a large core on top. “I couldn’t get the giant’s core, but I was able to get a firefox core." He said with an apologetic shrug. Either this worked or not, I didn’t care. I just had to try. Something felt right about the core and the metal like they fit somehow. Was this another key I needed? I smiled and didn’t care if it looked evil or not in the firelight.

  “Everyone link up and let me draw from you.” I said as I touched the broken pieces. It was so wrong that they were apart, like Yen and I and some faces yet to be seen. I placed the softball-sized orb over the broken parts. The metal was strangely warm as though heated by mana running through it. My mana moved into the metal, and I could feel it flow through the shards as though even just the metal touching each other would let my mana flow through it. With a deep breath, I started. My mana was nearly drained, and I pulled from my bracelet. I started pulling in mana from everyone gathered around me. My mana veins started to burn, and it hurt like hell, but I wasn’t going to stop. I was going to make this thing whole even if it killed me. It was too much, but I started feeling more come in. The blade pulled everything I had, everything from the bracelet and so much more. The core started to be dragged down into the blade as though melting into it. My right eye turned red, and my nose started running. That was odd, but I was more interested in the magic. I felt the mana slack and risked a glance back. The mage had passed out. Fear started to grip my heart. I might not have enough mana to do it. The metal started softening and I watched the edges merge slowly.

  Turning back, I pushed harder, willing the blade to be whole. My hair stood on end, and I felt lightning spark between my fingers and into the blade. A shape formed in my mind and on a whim, I worked it into the blade on the cross guard. Just like that there was a boom and crack of lightning. Everyone stood there in silence. I leaned back and tried to laugh, joy filling every part of my being. Something was wrong though. I kept going back and then my head hit the ground. Why couldn’t I hear? What was this? Oh, Pain. Everything hurt and I was going to pass out. I hoped I would pass out soon. Ouch. Thank God, everything went black as hands moved over my body.

  I came to in the back of the wagon. It was moving. How long was I out for? Why does this keep happening? Why does everything hurt again? “What the hell?” I moaned badly needing food, water and maybe something for the pain.

  “You’re awake. I have no clue how you did it, but you opened your channels again. Everything I’ve read said it should have burned them out, not open them wider.” Mage said like a fucking moron. A picture came to my mind and my mood lifted more than a little.

  NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: MANA FORGED VEINS LEVEL 5. YOUR MANA VEINS CAN NOW CONDUCT MORE MANA.

  I checked on the pool inside my body and found it to be the same size. My veins felt far stronger now. “Can skills level up?” I asked with an evil grin. Mage shook his head stunned.

  “No. They can be unlocked, but I have never heard of one leveling up. What does that mean?” He asked, his eyes shining.

  “I have mana-forged veins level five now.” He just looked at me blankly. I would need a bigger bracelet and food. “I need food.” I growled at the grinning fool.

  “You should, you’ve been out for two days.” Fucking hell. I missed out on my tiger for two days. I would have to fuck her brains out to make up for it or that could just be my own desire for my tiger lover.

  “How is the sword?” I asked, not fully sure if I had done it or dreamed it. He beamed at me and I felt my heart lift a little.

  “Amazing. Gaia’s swinging tits. You not only fixed it, you imbued it with fire.” I remembered the symbol. A fire rune. Somehow, I now knew what it was. I knew the owner would just have to touch the rune to light the blade. It would last for as long as the blade and user had mana. I just found another key. I smiled as I reached for my notebook. He handed me a bracelet as soon as he saw me move. “Put this on. No magic for at least a day.” I frowned at his words. “You could easily screw up your channels before they solidify.” I nodded and put it on feeling my connection to the mana shut off. It felt wrong and dirty, like I was normal again. "Normally it takes moments, but from what I can see, yours need time to cool down."

  “Food now and then I need to talk to Yen.” I demanded. He nodded and waved at one of the hunters. I focused on my notebook and started writing down everything that happened. Maybe I could use this for something.

  After a while, she hopped into my wagon and Mage said he would rather walk. I didn’t care as my focus was solely on the beautiful woman in front of me. She held up a basket and I opened it. I smiled at her as I reached over to stroke her cheek. Her blush deepened and rubbed my hand with that stunning face. “Sorry, I have been preoccupied these past few days.” I said looking deep into her eyes. My heart was hammering in my chest as I smiled at her. She held up a chunk of bread to me and I took a bite. Somehow her feeding me felt romantic. She blushed looking as she watched me eat from her hand.

  “It’s o, o, okay,” she said brokenly as though she was very nervous. I took the bread from her hand and turned it over, kissing the back of her hand softly. She bit her lip and sniffed my hair. “to to tonight?” She asked. I assumed she was asking if I could make things up to her tonight. I smiled, leaning up to kiss her lips. She pushed against me, and I growled into her mouth as she moaned. The man driving the wagon frowned and turned away. Good, you don’t like it, don’t watch. I thought with a smile as my mind focused on my muscle goddess. Who was looking at the floor of the wagon.

  “Yes, tonight. My tent if you want.” I said lifting her chin to look into those amber eyes. She whimpered and stood quickly, nearly falling out of the wagon as it tilted. I reached for her, but she pulled away like she was afraid of getting too close with others around.

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  “I have to go.” She said as she jumped from the wagon. Landing on all fours, she ran to the back of the caravan, her tail high and twitching. It gave me a delightful view of her toned ass in those tight pants. “Sexy and cute all at the same time.” I laughed to myself, taking another bite of bread.

  Soon after Scarface came to me. He looked forlorn as he bowed to me. “Thank you for fixing my grandfather’s sword.” He said sadly. Why was he sad? I nodded not sure what to say. “I have seven gold for you. I know it's not what it’s worth, but it’s all I have.” He looked up to me as though asking for forgiveness.

  “Works for me.” I said, as I took the bag with a smile. He looked at me blinking as though I had grown two heads. “What? Did you expect me to argue or ask for more?” It was all he had, why ask for more?

  “If I asked someone in the city it would have cost me a small mithril at least.” He said as though not sure if I would change my mind or demand the blade.

  “Nope. I got a new skill and knowledge. That is worth more than some coins to me.” I could have milked him for gold, but I wanted the town to like me and want to protect me. The best way to do that is to have a reputation that he would more than likely brag to others about. He beamed at me. “Now if you please, I’d like to fill my belly.” I said dismissing him.

  The wagon pulled into town, and I saw Happy Valley for the first time. To say I was not impressed was an understatement. From the name, I expected something from the sound of music. This was not it. It was shabby, drab, and run down. The houses at least seemed well-built, and the people looked a bit rough as they eyed me with suspicion. Yen pulled me to the side of the wagon out of view of anyone and kissed me hard. I pulled her close and grabbed her ass making her squeal a little. I smiled up at her as she blushed down at me. I knew I probably had an evil smile, but Yen didn’t seem to mind my looks or the sounds I made. “I know you won’t stay.” She said, with regret that mirrored my own heart. I smiled and pulled her chin down for a softer kiss. She moaned into my lips and part of me hoped that she would be willing to join me for one last night.

  “No. I want to stay with you, but this life doesn’t suit me.” I said feeling like my heart was breaking a little. She nodded and bit her lip. “Next time you are in town, stop by and give me a reason to buy a new bed.” I said with an only mildly evil laugh. She shuddered and shook in my arms. Leaning down she whispered in my ear.

  “Next time give me a reason to call you master instead of Halthos.” She said sweetly and I couldn’t help myself. I grabbed her ass and pulled her into another deep kiss as my dick stood tall and bravely pressed against her legs. She purred and pulled away as Captain came around the corner. I frowned at the interruption as Yen bowed to him and ran off.

  “She tried her best and for that, I’ll fix your wagon before I leave you.” I growled coldly at the man. He looked at me blinking like the fool he was.

  “You fixed everything we asked you to and for coppers at that.” He said, looking mildly shocked. I pointed at the wagon behind him.

  “The axle is getting ready to snap on that one.” I said rubbing my hands together. I walked over and touched it feeling the metal slide back into place. “How much is she worth to you?” I asked, over my shoulder. He put his hands on his hips and smiled.

  “Thirty gold or I can give her to you if you stay with us.” He said with pride. Fuck, too rich for my blood. Maybe I should have tried to milk Scarface for more coins.

  “Keep her safe and next time you pass through we will have a drink and she will be staying with me.” I said making it clear that I wasn’t debating it. He smiled and nodded as he rubbed his own hands together.

  “I will hold you to that.” He said turning away from me. I put my pack on my back and followed the red work of art through the wide dirt street to a large stone building. It was obvious what this place was for and would hold my future. McDonalds' Knight reached up and knocked on the doors. A huge human man came out of a small door embedded in the large one. He looked up at Mcdonald's and then down at me.

  “That one I understand.” He nodded up at McDonalds. “What the hell do you want?” He asked, frowning at me. He was tall, built like a blacksmith, and had a beard that a dwarf would be proud of. His long copper hair was wild as it fell down his back. Dressed in only a pair of wide tan pants and large boots. He hooked his thumbs into the rim of his pants, and I hoped he wasn’t going to pull them down. That was something I didn’t care to see.

  “Hello Sir, I’m looking for a job.” I said hoping that I was putting on my friendliest smile. He frowned at me as though already bored.

  “You.” He pointed up at the Knight. “Get your ass inside. You” He pointed at me. “Get fucked.” He said, starting to turn his back on me. Time to put on the charm.

  “Did that last night. I’d rather have a job if you don’t mind.” I said looking into the eyes of the huge man. He leaned back and laughed hard. I didn’t know what he expected, but I often said things most people don’t expect.

  “Come in.” He said, as he walked inside. The large door opened, and McDonalds walked in. It was clear she refused to look at me and I was happy for that. I saw a shop that had five alcoves for Knights. Three of them held Knights that looked fairly similar to McDonald’s. I wasn’t given the chance to look them over or drool over them before being dragged into an office. He slammed the door and growled at me. “Now are you familiar with contract magic?” He asked coldly as though a wrong answer might get me ripped in half. I nodded, my heart hammering in my chest. This was the next step in my master plan, and I couldn’t fuck it up. “Can you read?”

  “Not yet.” I said standing before his desk as he moved to the chair. He groaned and put a page away that he had just reached for.

  “Fine. Contract Magic. For the time of our first meeting, you will be unable to lie. If I am happy with your answers, you will be offered a job for the next three months. Do you agree?” He asked and a plan formed in my mind.

  “Let’s make this fair. Neither of us can lie.” Like hell I would put myself in a vulnerable spot without being on equal footing with him. He raised an eyebrow.

  “Contract Magic. For the time of our first meeting, NEITHER of us can lie. If I am happy with your answers, you will be offered a job for the next three months. Do you agree?” He asked with a sigh.

  “Yes, I agree.” I felt a slight weight on my neck as my face went slack. I had faked my expressions almost all the time. It seemed like that was a lie. Interesting. ‘I wonder if this alone would cost me the job.

  “Now what are your skills?” I moved my head to the side as though looking at a bug.

  “Metal magic, Mana forged veins level five, Metal sense, Enchanting. Sadly I only know the fire rune and my mana is going to be a pain in the ass for you.” I said coldly like listing off items on a grocery list. He looked at me blinking as though I was an alien.

  “What is wrong with you?” He asked, reaching for something under his desk. Did he think I was a monster or would pose a threat to him?

  “I’m a sociopath. My emotions aren’t normal. I have learned to fake it though.” I said. This not lying thing sucks. How could I persuade him to hire me if I had to tell the truth? He nodded but still looked a bit worried.

  “I had an uncle like that. He was a good man, but never hid it. Don’t hide from me when we are alone.” He said and I felt my heart lift a little. I nodded. “What else may bite me in the ass?” And like I felt my heart sink again.

  “I’m a wanderer and I like beast women.” I said coldly.

  “No judgment here on the beast women, I like demon women myself.” he blinked and blushed. I gave him a slight smile and nodded as he swore. “The Wanderer thing is odd. I take it you are one of Princess Gvlodanda’s failures?” He asked mildly intrigued.

  “Yes. I’m free to speak openly about it. Old and moldy broke the contract and shorted me two gold.” He roared with laughter at my words. I smiled and he stopped, a shocked look on his face.

  “That smile is unsettling.” I let my face move into a neutral expression. “What do you want?” He asked and I felt my heart begin to hammer as my mind went over everything I wanted. I started smiling knowing my words would unnerve him more. Did I want to screw this up?

  “I want to build nightmares that will bring this world to its knees and do so safely from the shadows with a harem of beautiful beast women beside me.” He stood there with a slightly worried look on his face.

  “You scare me, but I like you. I don’t think I can afford you though.” My mood fell a little at his words. He blinked as though he had said something he really didn’t want known. “I now see the flaw in both of us being unable to lie.”

  “I have to share, so do you.” I laughed slightly and knew it was dark. “How much does someone need to live on?” I asked.

  “Two silver a month.” He said not sure where I was going.

  “How much do you pay one of your workers?” I asked growing in confidence. I hated interviews and just wanted to work.

  “I pay one of my grunts three silver a month, but Jordean I pay thirty silver a month.” He said leaning forward.

  “So, pay me three silver and let me show you I am worth more. If I fail, you are out nothing. If I prove my worth, we can negotiate later.” I said, crossing my arms. He nodded and held out his hand.

  “Welcome to the team. Call me Yavl...” He started, but I held up my hand.

  “Let me stop you there. I won’t care about what your name is. I’ll just call you Boss.” I said smiling. He stood there blinking and then burst into laughter.

  “I like the sound of that Runt.” He said standing up. I took his hand and felt the pressure lift from my neck. I fought to keep my face blank, but it was a challenge.

  “I can start in the morning. Now who do I talk to about a house?” I said moving to the door.