Original Enchantment (True Calling LitRPG Book 1)

by Thad Ward

  Ada furrowed her brow and accepted it, examining it closely. “What’s this?”

  “An apology,” Ike said. “I know you’re worried about me, and I know I shut you down. It didn’t sit well how our conversation ended, so I wanted to say I’m sorry. I made these so you wouldn’t have to worry as much.” He slipped the other band onto the helix of his ear. “Go ahead and put it on.”

  Ada raised her eyebrows and complied. “You know, most folks wear ear cuffs in pairs.”

  “If you wore both of these at the same time, they’d be pretty, but useless,” Ike explained. “You’ll understand soon. Just wait here for a second.”

  Ike turned around and walked down the street away from Ada until he was at a distance they’d normally have to shout to hear one another. Then he turned back toward her and willed the ear cuff to activate. “Can you hear me?” he whispered.

  “Fuck!” Ada said. Ike could tell she was startled even from a distance. Her voice had a faint ethereal quality but was clear otherwise. “It’s like you’re right next to me. What are these?”

  “Something I invented,” Ike said. “Part of the enchantment on the Songbird Statuette dealt with sound mimicry and part of the enchantment on the Bloodthirsty Map dealt with targeting something from a distance using a sample from it. I also noticed how certain items like boots or bracers only work in pairs, like they’re two halves of the same item as far as the game’s concerned. Combine all of that and you get the Echo enchantment, which lets you speak to one half of the item and be heard from the other half. Putting it on earrings or something just seemed to make the most practical sense.”

  Ada laughed. “So what you’re telling me is you made the magical equivalent of two cans attached by a string.”

  “Basically,” Ike said. He crossed his arms and smiled proudly. “It should help coordinate while we’re out adventuring. As a bonus, you can get in touch with me whenever you want. I was hoping it might make you a little less worried.”

  “I’m not worried about you in-game,” Ada said sadly. “Well, sort of. You know what I mean. Even so, these are sweet.”

  Ike quirked an eyebrow. “You mean ‘suh-weet’ in the gamer sense or ‘aww, you’re sweet’ in the romantic sense?”

  “Yes,” Ada said with a giggle.

  Ike smiled and started walking back toward Ada. “On the note of adventuring, did you have any plans for today?”

  “Let me see,” Ada said, putting a finger to her lip thoughtfully as she walked toward Ike. “I should probably give this map back to Venin, assuming he’s made good on his promise. If he did, I might be able to get another quest. And I’ve got a date tonight with a strange man I met in a dungeon.” The two stopped when they reached each other. “Other than that, my schedule’s wide open.”

  “Sounds like you’re free,” Ike said with a smile. “Care to head out into the field? I need to look for leads on the goblin’s leader and I’m itching to try out some of my new enchantments.”

  Ada returned the smile and nodded. “Sounds good as long as we’re back in time for the show.”

  “I still need to pick up some basic gear,” Ike said. “I bought clothes, armor, and weapons the other day but didn’t have time for traveling necessities. A backpack, a bedroll, food, rope, that sort of thing. If we’re headed out, I need to complete my kit first.”

  “Okay,” Ada said. “You do that while I go track down Venin. Meet back in front of the Weir Crest in, say, an hour?”

  “Works for me. See you in a bit,” Ike said with a thumbs up. There was a brief moment when neither of them turned away to go about their business, a pregnant pause when they looked into each other's eyes and it felt like something was missing from their parting.

  Ada was the first to break away, blushing slightly and breezing past Ike. After she was a few steps away, he heard her whisper in his ear, “You know, it’s not like we need to stand next to each other to keep talking now.”

  Ike spent the next hour and change passing through shops devoted to general goods and traveling supplies. As he did so, he made small talk with Ada under the pretense of testing the ear cuffs, though he was pretty sure she didn't need her Suspicion skill to see through that lie. The conversation was intermittent, with quick comments followed by equally quick responses that reminded him a lot of text messaging. Sometimes Ada would go silent for a few minutes only to speak again with an apology for being busy. Ike smiled at the distraction, certain everyone around him thought he was hearing voices – which of course he was – but not minding in the slightest.

  Ike had spent his time in the game so far compiling a mental wish list of things he was sorely lacking. First was a replacement for his satchel, so he spent a large portion of the money he'd set aside on a nice backpack. He was sure, with its added comfort, durability, and storage compartments, it would pay for itself in no time. He hadn't forgotten the cold night by the lake, either, so his second purchase was a warm bedroll that strapped securely to the top of the backpack.

  Next on Ike's list were provisions. He started with a waterskin, some basic cutlery, and a light frying pan that could serve just as easily as a pot or a plate. Then he bought a few days worth of food, including salted pork, dried fruit, and the same hardtack Ada had shared with him in front of the dungeon. Ike shuddered to remember the foul taste of the rat meat, so he also opted for a few spices: Salt and pepper shakers, sticks of cinnamon, and a small jar of honey. At least he'd be able to make things a little more palatable when they went hunting or foraging. He finished his grocery list off with a bag of coffee grounds. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he inhaled its familiar aroma before stowing it in his pack.

  It was mid-morning by then. Ada informed Ike that she'd tracked down Venin and was getting sworn in as a bounty hunter. Ike hurried through the remainder of his list, which consisted of an assortment of gear he expected to be useful while adventuring: A length of silk rope, a grappling hook, a piece of chalk, a whetstone and oil to maintain his weapons, materials for making bandages and salves, a tubular leather case filled with writing supplies, and a nice parchment to enchant as a map.

  Your Appraisal skill has increased to level 2.

  Ike was smiling at the notification when a large man in overalls approached him. “You are a genius!” the man said, sweeping Ike up in a bear hug without any preamble.

  “Hurk!” Ike was about to ask who the man was but only managed to choke out a noise of confusion and alarm. He had been considering that his pack was on the heavy side, but the big man didn’t have any trouble lifting it and Ike at the same time.

  The man put Ike down and beamed a broad grin. “I did it! I caught the damn pig and leveled up! All thanks to you, Ike!”

  Ike caught his breath and squinted at the man before recognition dawned on his face. “Clay? Wow, I barely recognize you without all of the...”

  “Mud?” Clay finished. “Yeah, farming is dirty work. And wrangling Princess is as bad as it gets.”

  “Is that the name of the pig you had to capture?” Ike said. “I’m glad it worked out for you.”

  Clay looked Ike up and down. “You look like you’re headed out of town. Got a quest?”

  Ike nodded. “Yes, but it’s pretty nonspecific. I’m hoping to get a lead on the leader of some goblins that attacked town two nights ago.”

  Clay stroked his thick, red beard. “You don’t say. It just so happens I got a second quest right after finishing that last one. Someone’s been stealing livestock from the outlying farms. I need to track them down. Any idea if goblins do that in this game?”

  “It stands to reason,” Ike said. “The ones I saw didn’t have the best dental hygiene, but their teeth looked sharp enough. I’d bet they’re meat-eaters.”

  “Sounds like we may have a common purpose, then,” Clay said. He spread his hands and smiled. “I hope it’s not too forward of me, but you’ve been a big help. Mind if I tag along?”

  Ike tilted his head in consideration. He w
asn’t sure what Clay’s farmer class might bring to the table, but the man definitely had size and strength, something Ike and Ada were sorely lacking. Ike nodded. “Sure, I’d love to have you along. Just let me see if it’s okay with my other party member.” He activated his ear cuff. “Ada, do you have a sec?”

  “I was just about to ask you the same thing,” Ada said, her voice echoing over the ear cuff. “I’ve got another bounty. Well, sort of. The magistrate wants me to track down the location of the goblin stronghold.”

  Clay’s eyes widened. “Wow. Is that like a magical walkie-talkie?”

  Ike nodded to Clay but continued to talk to Ada. “That can’t be a coincidence. Do you remember Clay? The guy whose boots I enchanted yesterday?”

  “The man covered in mud?” Ada said. “How could I forget.”

  “Well,” Ike said, “Clay’s standing right next to me and has a quest to catch some cattle rustlers.”

  Clay laughed. “When you put it that way, I sound more like a cowboy than a farmer.”

  “And you think the goblins might be stealing the livestock,” Ada finished the thought, then paused. “Do you remember back in the dungeon? When you guessed the game arranged things so certain people were more likely to form parties? Do you think that might be the case here?”

  Ike looked up at Clay’s hopeful grin. “No doubt in my mind. And it may work out better to go with that flow than against it. Besides, we could use a frontliner. Unless you want me tanking again.”

  Ada laughed. “Sorry, I just remembered how you got clobbered by the wailer. Sure, let’s bring him along. The more the merrier.”

  Ike gave Clay a thumbs up. “You’re in. We were going to head out soon. Want to grab your gear and meet us in front of the Weir Crest?”

  Clay let out a thunderous roar of excitement and pumped his fist. “Man, a week and a half tilling soil, churning butter, and milking cows. Now I finally get to do something fun. You have no idea how excited I am. Goblin hunt! Aw yeah!”

  Ike laughed and shook his head as Clay ran off. It was hard not to be swept up in the big man’s enthusiasm. He was like a giant kid off to play make-believe.

  Ike was the first to arrive at the Weir Crest. He waved to Angus and Maisy before retrieving his satchel from his room. There wasn’t much left in it, just the bottle he’d used for water and the old tinderbox from Idalia’s office. He cast Minor Reshape to reduce the satchel to a flat bolt of cloth and stuffed all three items into his new backpack.

  Ada was waiting for him out front of the tavern decked out in her traveling gear. She’d added a new accessory, as well: A bandolier with an assortment of small pouches across the front of her body. “All set?”

  Ike adjusted his pack on his shoulders. “Yup, I think so. I remember reading something about keeping a pack under ten or fifteen percent of your body weight, but it’s hard to estimate, so I may have overshot a little.”

  Ada smirked and shook her head. “You know we’re going to be back before the end of the day, right?”

  Ike shrugged. “Call it practice. I’d rather be over-prepared if something unexpected happens. Besides, you’re one to talk. What’s all of that?” He gestured to Ada’s bandolier.

  “Not much point having the Alchemy skill if I don’t put it to use,” Ada said. She touched each of the different pouches in turn. “I’ve got a few healing potions, some poison for my arrows, a flask of acid, a sort of smoke bomb, and…,” her finger rested on the last one, “something if we bite off more than we can chew.”

  Clay walked up as Ada was finishing. “Ooo. Is it a bomb? I bet it’s a bomb,” he said with a wide grin.

  “Way to spoil the surprise,” Ada said with mocked indignation. She withdrew the bomb from its pouch. It looked like a ball bound with twine and had an eight-centimeter-long fuze sticking out of the top. “It’s made with blasting powder. Sort of a primitive grenade. I’ve only got the one, though.”

  “Man, you two look like the real deal,” Clay said, jamming a thumb over his shoulder to his own bag. “All I’ve got is the basics. Not much in the way of starting gear, and farming’s not exactly a way to get rich quick.” He frowned. “I feel like a newb. I hope I don’t slow you guys down.”

  “We’re all the same level,” Ike said reassuringly. “Besides, gear’s only part of it. Ready to party up? We can compare stats and work out strategies on our way out of town.”

  Clay nodded. “All in.”

  Clay Smith has joined your party.

  Chapter 21

  Picking up the trail

  C lay admitted it was his first time in a party, so Ada explained how to see character windows while Ike reviewed Clay’s abilities.

  Ike focused on each of Clay's skills in turn, making notes aloud. "So you're good with animals and you can grow things. Not surprising for a farmer. You can communicate with animals and plants. Very druidic. Knowing the weather could be handy, too. How does Fellowship work?"

  The party passed under the western gate. A rich-looking merchant or nobleman was engaged in an argument with Adger, who glowered back with his arms crossed.

  “I can see connections between people,” Clay explained. “I just got it when I leveled, so I haven’t had much time to use it, but I see these threads. I think the colors mean the kind of the relationship and the thickness means how strong it is.” He squinted, looking from Ada to Ike. “Like this red one connecting you two.”

  Ada looked away abruptly. Ike cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject. “Your mana pool’s pretty scarce. Do you get much use out of your spells?”

  "Some of them," Clay said, apparently oblivious to the subtext. "Shepherd's Sense lasts all day and lets me keep track of a person or animal I touch. I've used it for... herding sheep. Nature's Bounty is useful for making food. I just need something like a berry bush or an apple tree. I haven’t had much chance to use Lay of the Land, and I just got Minor Reaping."

  Ada’s eyes were unfocused in a way that told Ike she was looking at game windows. “You’ll get a chance to try Minor Reaping when we get into a fight. Why don’t you cast Lay of the Land now? We could use an idea of where to go and you should have a chance to regenerate the mana.”

  “Sure,” Clay said. He stooped down and touched the ground, closing his eyes in concentration. The air around him seemed to still briefly. “I don’t feel anything like a goblin camp. At least I don’t think I do. But the farms where the livestock got taken are that way.” Without opening his eyes, he pointed southwest.

  Ike took out his parchment and enchanted it with Minor Cartography, taking mental note of the area Clay indicated before they headed in that direction. Ada and Ike took turns explaining their own abilities to Clay, who expressed awe and excitement if not always full understanding. Some of Ike’s enchantments seemed especially confusing to Clay. Remembering Clay’s low Wits score, Ike wondered again if the game assigned attributes or simply assessed what was already there.

  After half an hour of walking, Ike checked his map. “We should be close.” He whipped his head up as he heard a woman scream ahead of them, then immediately broke into a run, stuffing the map haphazardly into his pouch.

  Ada and Clay kept pace with him. “That’s the farm up ahead,” Clay said. “Do you think it’s them?” He unslung the sickle and round wooden shield he’d been carrying on his back. Now that Ike saw it clearly, he was pretty sure the shield was just a modified barrel lid.

  “Okay, Ike,” Ada said, “what do we need to know about fighting goblins?” She took Clay’s cue and readied per bow, nocking an arrow.

  “Individually, they’re pretty weak,” Ike said, breathing heavily as he jogged. “The ones I saw had four health. I could take one down with a single hit from my partisan. They have a bonus to attack in groups, though, so expect there to be more than one and split them up if you can. And the last ones I fought didn’t speak our language, so don’t be afraid to talk tactics in front of them.”

  The party crested a hill. Ahea
d of them, an elderly woman was keeping a group of five goblins at bay with a shepherd’s crook. The creatures feinted toward her in turns, taking apparent glee in her torment. One dove in, stabbing a knife into the old woman’s leg and causing her to fall. A ways off, three goblins were spread around a small herd of sheep, waving their arms and shouting to drive it westward.

  “Okay, here’s the plan,” Ike said. “Ada, you’ve got the best range. Do what you can to slow down the three taking the sheep. Clay, you and I are going to hit the group attacking the old woman. Once two of them are down, go help Ada kill her three and calm the sheep. I should be able to handle the rest.”

  Ada gave Ike a firm nod. “Got it,” she said before sprinting toward her assigned group, giving the first set of goblins a wide berth.

  “Little bastards!” Clay snarled, charging forward. “Get off her!”

  Ike wasn’t sure if Clay was faster because of his size, a higher Might attribute, or sheer rage, but the big man got to the fight first. He didn’t bother using his sickle. He just lowered his shield and plowed into the goblin who’d attacked the old woman. The goblin panicked and slashed at Clay’s legs, scoring a hit but failing to arrest Clay’s momentum. With a grunt of pain, Clay lifted and flung the goblin into its allies, then fell back a step to stand in front of the woman.

  “We’re here to help,” Ike said as he passed by her. “Stay behind us.” He glanced over to see that Clay hadn’t managed to kill the goblin, but he had stunned it and knocked down another goblin it had landed on. That left three to deal with.

  The centermost goblin who was combat-ready charged at Ike wielding a club. With a thought, Ike activated Shield of Faith. The translucent floating shield appeared in mid-air, deflecting the attack with ease.