Fork in the Road

Jesse was in awe, watching Max go toe to toe with the Were-lion was something else but coming out on top was even more impressive as he led the filthy Max to the bathhouse, staying nearby as eyes were watching the two with fear and judgment as Max began his long soak alone.

"Tamir... That magic was you wasn't it? I never had a spell like that before but after you gave me this Primal Hunter job I've felt... different? I've felt much more in tune with this body, my magic feels less chaotic and a bit more refined."

A chuckle echoed in his head as if it was an empty chasm, his eyes meeting his reflection that wasn't him, kinda. Sure it had the silver hair and the defining features but the eyes were a deeper red than the dried blood on his skin. The reflection seemed to make movements that weren't his own as Tamir sighed and a voice almost like sandpaper began to talk.

[[Yes, it was me. Or should I say it was us and what abilities you had yet to grow into before, to put simply I made pathways that had a much strenuous journey to them easier, and Primal magic is one of the most difficult to master. For magic to be primal it must be raw and untampered, your elven side helped you learn it in the beginning but primal is the start of chaos due to primal nature being bound by no laws other than survival. Take for example the wolves that had chased you years ago, they didn't think about anything other than a full stomach and the taste of blood in their maws.

What I did was give you more guidance, that is a job. When the main system has determined the proper path that you would best prosper upon, it hands you to a manager kinda like me. A manager is someone from another world, mostly earth, who was brought in for deeds they had done. Even taking mythical ones and ones that lack true existence, the ideals they are based on given form. Unlike you however Nathan, most managers have a slew of people under them so the user actually lacks contact with their manager unless they have talent or the possibility to become something unique.

For example, a common job here is the basic knight. Now sure it's simple and basic but that is the basis, how you choose to further yourself within the job is your own choice. Have faith behind your sword strikes and a god who shows you favor? You become a Paladin. Are you an aspiring magic user who can juggle the arcane and the skills of a sword? You're a Sword Scholar. Or perhaps you choose to instead focus on your spiritual being and hone it with the strikes of a sword, a Samurai. Just because you are given a job it is your own to make of it what you wish, I simply evaluated everything I know about you and deemed this the best fit, and now that you have a starting path it is your own to make what you wish of it. You'll have me with you of course as well.]]

Max kinda got the idea that Tamir was conveying. Jobs worked almost like in video games where someone based on achievements, stats, and skills would be properly awarded. However, people had little say in what exactly was handed to them in the beginning. But after they got to choose how to better advance themselves with their interests.

"I kinda get what you mean? So like since I have the job Primal Hunter it allows me to be more in tune with my body, letting me be more capable of certain things like better hunting prowess, my fighting ability is kinda tossed into the air by instinctual designation and my Primal magic has become a bit easier to refine. But... I have more skill with a sword than a bow? Sure my ancestry would be a good counter but I didn't use a bow very often other than the occasional hunting for dad and I."

A bellowing laugh began to give him a headache as he groaned and hissed a good bit as his stomach bubbled. The reflection had become murky due to his washing as Tamir sighed and shook his head. Max sank into the water with a pout as he rubbed his temples.

[[Have you noticed how when it comes to weapon skills you seem to be lacking them? Yes, you have killed Goblins, Orcs, and plenty of other creatures with your sword but that said I have kept them a bit hidden like the luck stat because they are not very needed. You have adept sword and bow skills but bow is adept level five and sword is adept level two. When we get time I will show you how to utilize active skills and get you set on the path to learning ones of the weapons. For now, wash up and rest. You deserve it little champion.]]

The water rippled as his reflection shifted to a normal one and he only stared at himself as he sighed, finishing up as he was starting to prune in the water. As he stepped out he took a bit more notice of the fact that Jesse's hand was wrapped up and not well taken care of as he sighed. Slowly he pulled Jesse into the bath and hushed his protests with a finger over his lips. Gently he began to gather up mana, using it to slowly mend the bones in the Gnome's hand and wrist before beginning to heal it up the best he could so that a healing pot would do the trick.

Jesse almost fainted as he watched Max perform this marvel, healing magic. Jesse panicked as there were few who could use healing arts and they typically were only seen by church healers who were blessed with such a power. Jesse vaguely understood to keep quiet about it but his mind began to toil a bit as he huffed, head shaking as he pouted, this relaxation making him think about just what he had recently lost.

Once Max had finished the two went to the inn for a drink and a good meal. The inn was full of people and eyes were all on them as Max had a large plate of food before him and was devouring it in a fashion that seemed well mannered but a tad barbaric due to the quick pace. The two sat in silence for some time as Jesse cleared his throat and looked sorrowfully at the boy.

"Max... You have done more for me than you could understand. I owe you my life and after you made those bastards pay for what they did to me and... and my brothers and sister. That being said I can't keep up with ya boy. You're a human kid who can go toe to toe with a Goblin camp and it's king, don't even get me started on the fact that you took on that beast of a captain. I... I finally received my job last night when I arrived in this town with those we saved. A chef, of all things I was selected to be a chef like the rest of my family! But I think that path is one I need to walk alone.

I think you're a good kid Max but you're more than I can keep pace with and I can't let the Woh line die with me because I stuck by my savior's side... I'm going back home to deliver the news to my family and gather supplies. I value what you made me with all my heart and I can never repay you, you can always eat free when I get everything said and done. I'm sorry I got yer spear broke, I"

Max raised his hand to stop the Gnome who had tears in his eyes, choking on words as he was overwhelmed with the calmness and the flood of heartache as things had seemed to calm down and he finally got to breathe. Max simply stood up as he offered his hand to Jesse who looked at the hand, sniffling as he wiped his running nose and took the hand, shaking it calmly. Max simply pulled Jesse into a hug as he nodded and in a hushed voice said.

"I'm sorry for what they did and their suffering is nothing compared to what you're going through. I understand your choice but let me aid a friend in need once again. I'll fix the spear and write you a letter of recommendation for the Ashcrop and Son company to aid you at a discount. Our time with one another might have been short but thanks to you we did a lot of good your family will be proud of. Thank you."

Jesse tightly embraced Max as the two hugged. Max was disheartened to see a friend take a path all their own but he understood, all the same, Jesse was to be trusted and needed to walk a different path. As the Gnome went to leave the bar Jesse turned to Max,

"Menna left a message for ya. He said that once you become stronger and are able to make a hunter, the hunter becomes the hunted to seek him out to prove yourself. He also promised to stick to a strict diet of wildlife, bandits, and Goblins. He is eager for your growth Max"

Max chuckled as he nodded in understanding, he handed Jesse the note and watched his only friend leave as a fork in their paths diverged them for now. Whispers filled the inn as Max was left on his lonesome, a pair of women began to approach him as he nervously coughed at them and shook his head to signal he wasn't interested. The tall one adorned in a rather nice attire was at first glance human until Max caught the scent of cold blood and a hint of venom. Upon closer inspection, he saw that she was in fact an odd mix of lizardfolk and beastman.

Her 'skin' was actually just scales, specifically a tan color as if skin and tightly knit to give the illusion as her light auburn hair was tied back in a ponytail. The small one had an all too familiar scent that made him place a hand on the pommel of his blade as his eyes narrowed. After his recent encounter, he was a little distrustful with Goblins as the two sat down quietly before the tall woman cleared her throat.

"My name is Cleo Abbarant and beside me is a friend who is very concerned about you, Beth. I am the Mayor of Hourton that you so boldly demanded a presence with and Beth here is the city mage, a blessed Goblin. She is much different from the ones you encountered so please lower your guard and remove your hand from your blade. I was apprehensive about this meeting but seeing that Beth has confirmed that the head you brought us was in fact a Goblin King's not to mention your beat down of Leon, what I'm trying to say is we should talk"

Beth was shaking as Max sighed and lowered his guard enough to stop scaring the poor girl who was fidgeting under the table as Cleo placed a large coin pouch on the table and narrowed her snake-like eyes at Max.

"This is thanks for destroying the camp, killing the king, and aiding in the escape of the captives but I ask you to leave tomorrow morning. You reek of trouble and for being so young that doesn't sit very well with me boy. And before you do that you tend to the wounds of the Lion since you caused them."

Max scoffed as he reached into his bag and gathered what would be needed to fix the slash to the eye. He would tend to the needles before he left and the rest would be time plus a healing pot as Beth blurted out.

"Y-Your magic is very unnatural! I couldn't see you when you entered my magic array and when I pin-pointed you I couldn't make your form out then suddenly you repelled me with a huge amount of mana that shocked me! H-How are you able to do that! I-I-I... Who did you study under! Are you a mage! What exactly are you!"

Cleo hushed the Goblin quickly as her head shook and she huffed but Max only chuckled as he offered the wares to the two so they could fix Moore up. Max took a deep breath as he let out a sigh, smiling at Beth kindly.

"My name is Maxamillian. I am a human and I studied under Olivia Maim, a Teietian in Alpine who helped me hone my magic skills. As for you Miss Cloe, I ask for two days, room free please and after catching up on much-needed rest I will leave. Your Lion will be taken care of within time and make a full recovery."

Max kindly smiled as he gave a polite bow, grabbing the coin purse as he made his way to his room, yawning as he really needed a nap.