The following days for Daniel each fall into the same pattern as the day before.

An early breakfast in the Top followed by training with Litzburn at the hall. In the late afternoon, Daniel spars with Mary before retiring for dinner with her and a lecture about the basics of Adventuring. The moment dinner is over, he is escorted by a grateful Pierson to the Clinic where he works alongside the minimal staff, using his healing skills, spells and on occasion, his Gift to reduce the waiting line. The line at the Clinic never seems to reduce, no matter how much he does, but the work itself is rewarding.

Each day is packed, every morning a struggle as Litzburn berates him for forgetting part of what he learnt the day before, driving the willing Adventurer ever harder. On the fourth day of training, he finally manages to make Mary move from her spot, the casual blocks insufficient. On the sixth, after chaining together a series of strikes, he makes her move regularly and pick up speed. On the seventh day, he finally breaks through.

Level Up!

Adventurer Level 2

You have gained 5 attribute points and 1 skill proficiencies.

The Level Up notification is dismissed, leaving Daniel on the floor rubbing his jaw. The level up had caught him unawares, distracting him for a crucial moment leading to the blow that he forgets to block properly. Still, he can’t help smiling. Sure, the first level was always easier to gain after any class change, but in a week!

Mary stands over Daniel, offering him a hand up and a murmur of,

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. You and Litzburn. This, this will help a lot,” Daniel says as he lets himself get pulled up.

“It’s your hard work.” Mary smiles, clapping him on the back. “We’re done for today. You might be rather useless in the mornings from what Litzburn says, but you work hard. You should spend the evening deciding where to put your points. I have dinner with Elise and Charles tonight as I leave tomorrow.”

Daniel nods, a bit impatient to review his Status Screen. It’s been such a busy week, he hasn’t had time to review it, but he can certainly see the wisdom of her words. After all, he’s going into the Dungeon tomorrow for the first time. “Thank you again.”

“Daniel, your Gift – don’t take it for granted. Most others have to start out slow, buying potions from the apothecary for healing and if they run out or are too gravely injured, leave the Dungeon until they are healed. You don’t have to.

It’s also a double-edged sword as you may come to rely on it too much. Just, don’t push yourself too hard. That includes the Clinic,” Mary adds. She hasn’t asked what his Gift costs him as yet, but it was common knowledge that there must be a cost of some form. Still, his performance in the morning has given her an inkling, but it was his secret to keep. As they talk, Mary leads him to the corner where she hands over her training sword to be put away once again.

The clerk returns after setting her training sword in its special spot in the armory with a real mace which she takes from him with a nod. Mary then turns to Daniel, offering him the mace. “This is the last thing I can do for you for now Daniel. The rest will be up to you.”

Daniel takes it and murmurs his gratitude, hefting the mace and looking it over.

Steel Mace

Damage: 3 - 7 + .5 Strength + 2 Quality Bonus Durability: 50/50

Item Class: Common

Quality: Good (+2 bonus to damage)

Daniel can’t help but marvel at the weapon, the nicest he has ever owned before eventually slipping the mace through a loop in his belt, “I talked to Khy’ra last night. I’ll visit once in a while, but I won’t be there every day anymore. As much as I like helping, I can’t. She understands. Mary, all this -

the training, the mace, the advice, how can I ever thank you?”

“You don’t need to. I’m leaving tomorrow for Starhaven. My team’s waiting for me, and I need to get back. If you are ever in Starhaven, buy me a drink as thanks if you must. Just don’t come too fast.” Mary smiles slightly at that, clapping him on the shoulder once more before turning to leave. Daniel understands her message - Starhaven only has Expert level Dungeons and was no place for a novice Adventurer like him. Not yet, at least.