Chapter 390 (1/2)

Randidly pondered the sheets in front of him. In terms of amount of time, he had spent very little going over the dossiers that Mrs. Hamilton had provided to him, as he chose the people who would join him on his trek through the Raid Dungeon. More so, he had admired her fearsome ability to list out an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, and other notable facts about them.

“Well…” Randidly said slowly. “I think of the top tier, I’d prefer Alana to come along. In addition, she can have an extra spot to give away to anyone that she thinks best. Clarissa, as well. Her brand of magic, and the variety she has access to is invaluable. Ptolemy might be her second, but his healing Skills are definitely worth bringing…”

Mrs. Hamilton made a dismissive gesture. “The magicians don’t really need a leader. They will be able to make it without much guidance. Including you and Lucifer, who is on his way, that puts the number at 6. There are 4 more spots. This is a Zone wide thing, you know. We should consider the political ramifications if we don’t invite a representative from the Northern Villages.”

Randidly rubbed his forehead. “Don’t I have you guys so I can avoid this? The real problem is they don’t really have anyone who can keep up with us, both in Level and equipment-”

“Speaking of-”

Both Randidly and Mrs. Hamilton turned to the new voice. Sam stood there, hands behind his back, the leather apron he wore displaying the clear signs of recent burns. Randidly grinned at him.

“Have something for me?” Although Randidly hadn’t explicitly stated it, he had hinted that he was looking for a total upgrade in terms of equipment. Training spears could be made of roots, but if he could have a spear that would give him additional benefits…

“Something like that,” Sam said with a nod. Then he glanced at Mrs. Hamilton, and then back at Randidly. “...I have to agree with Mrs. Hamilton, however. As fucked as it is, we can’t just do what we want.”

With an exaggerated motion, Randidly sighed. But then he nodded.

“Speaking of…” Mrs. Hamilton glanced at Sam. Randidly felt a flash of annoyance. If they already had an idea of what was going to happen, why were they bothering to consult him…?

You baby otherwise. Neveah said in a matter of fact tone, causing Randidly to snort. Well, perhaps that was true. He would much rather be included in the discussions than feel like they were controlling what was going on with this Dungeon, especially because the stakes were so high, and neither of them would be on the expedition.

But that line of thoughts made Randidly wonder how strong both of them were. Although it hadn’t been confirmed, he suspected that both of them had obtained Classes, and good ones, based upon the jumps in Aether that they were consuming. Although neither appeared to leave Donnyton, one of the buildings bought by the Village gave quests and missions, and generally very specific ones. In this way, they could slowly accumulate experience and level in a way that didn’t expose them to danger.

They also both had training areas, and theoretically, they could be practicing there, or sparring. Or they should be, at least. Everyone should have some basic level of strength…

More issues for another time…

“Speaking of,” Sam picked up the line of conversation, “A delegation is coming down from the North. Should be arriving now. Do you want to be there to meet them, or just-”

“Let’s see the equipment first,” Randidly said. Sam nodded.

*****

Dinesh wondered why his Class hadn’t ended up being Babysitter.

“Its fucked, isn’t it?” Tykes said, grinding his teeth as he looked at the swarm of people preparing the best packs for the group of 10 that would head North to the Raid Dungeon. “People like us are just as strong as any of the top people here. But do you think they would ever pick someone like us?”

As Dinesh watched Health, Stamina, and Mana potions get placed into the bags, he wondered if Tykes wanted to make this a weird racial thing. In Dinesh’s mind, it was eminently clear why neither of them had been chosen for the expedition, or wouldn’t be, because the final lists hadn’t been released yet.

Dinesh wouldn’t be chosen because he was good as a mage and a fighter, but where he really was great at battlefield management and tactics. Only good enough for 5th place at the Tactics Assessment, but more than enough to impress everyone around him.

Hell, with the combination of his Assessment finish, earning top 10 finishes in everything but the Combat Assessment, and his association with Paolo and Kayle, had earned Dinesh a relatively unlooked for respect from most people. Which is why the upper tiered people at Donnyton, like Dozer and Alana, had been greeting him politely. And Tykes had adopted him as a “friend”.

Mostly, Dinesh suspected, because he was a very quiet guy, and would let Tykes talk, and was one of the only other brown people in Donnyton. Which didn’t seem like a big deal… until Tykes’ anger made it clear that it was something worth paying attention to.

Which led to the reason that Tykes wouldn’t be chosen: he was a hotheaded, angry teenager.