Chapter 8. The Boss:

The next eight days weren't as eventful as his first day on the job. He would be sent out to collect resources and would only occasionally fight monsters and wild animals. During this time he started to hone his skills at controlling steam. He categorised his abilities as steam shot and steam blast. Steam shot was what he first used against the thieves and was the first ability he discovered, it was simply releasing steam and shooting it out to a distance of 30cm to 10 meters. Of Course he wasn't that skilled at it when he first fought the wolves so his maximal range back then was only about 5 meters. Meanwhile his steam blast would be like a small explosion. The steam would burst out of his palms far faster and with more force than with a steam shot. It was also warmer and had a longer range but it came with the disadvantage of having a major knock back effect on Dave. There was also the problem that if he would blast at a wall or the ground the steam may also scorch him too.

Dave returned to the research center after completing another job today. This was his ninth day on the job. Just as he was about to head home Tom approached him.

"Dave, could you come with me please?"

To this Dave replied.

"Yes of course"

Tom led Dave to the third floor of the research center. Up there they entered a small room. In the small room were 3 chairs and a table. A middle aged man was sitting in the largest chair in the room. The man looked at Dave and spoke.

"Tom it's alright you may leave,"

After this he gestured for Dave to sit on one of the two chairs on the opposite side of the table.

The man introduced himself as Jorge Seller, also known as the owner of this research center.

Jorge was a big shot within Copper Cantury and was probably one of the 10 most influential people within the fortified Town. Jorge started by asking Dave about his power to which Dave answered truthfully that he didn't know and hoped that the research center could help him. After a round of chatting Jorge agreed to do a few tests on Dave. These were basic tests but they could end up useful for both sides. Magic was a wide field and it was highly unlikely that anyone knew of all its branches. Copper Cantury had only two research centers and they both specialized in only one type of magic. This magic being of course the magic of magic wielders who wield magical tools. It was extremely common for a magic user to use more than one branch of magic but in Copper Canturys magical community over 90% were Magic wielders causing there to be no other feasible magic route to take within Copper Cantury. This is why it mattered so much that a magic user of a different branch willingly came to teach it to one of the research centers. As it would become a game changing event that could help the research center be more competitive than their rival. Dave basically offered part of his magic for the price of a few tests and sharing some simple information such as the results. Dave would also discover what type of magic he uses which would be a grand piece of support for himself. It was commonly known that Mages and Wizards tended to be well off unless they had problematic habits. With his hopes up Dave did the tests. Jorge explained that they will need to continue testing for the next 4 days to get the proper results. However, after the tests end it may take a few days before the results will be handed to Dave.

These 5 days of testing continued alongside his work. For Dave these few days passed in no time. Yet the results arrived on his 15th day at work. The results were quite unexpected. It seemed that Dave's magic mimicked a method used by some monsters. It was clear that it was classical magic and not scientific magic. Sadly for Jorge it seemed that this sort of magic can't be easily taught and might even be impossible to teach. Jorge asked where did Dave get his magic from but Dave wasn't willing to tell him that. Still Dave did a good job as a resource collector so Jorge and Tom both agreed to keep him around even after the contracted time period would end.

On Dave's 16th day on the Job he was given a special task. This task would be harder to collect than anything he has been tasked to collect yet. That was because this time Dave needed to hunt a living monster. He needed to hunt a Kavrakato. These monsters were solitary monsters that looked like a lizard with eight crab legs on each side. These were monsters that were rarely found in this region. What made them so valuable to the research center was their rear crystal. These elliptical crystals could hold a large amount of energy and could power large amounts of equipment for extended periods of time.

Dave was handed a spear from the Research center to aid him in hunting the monster. This time Dave even knew where he had to go to hunt the monster. He had to head to the grand copper mines of Copper Cantury. Jorge pulled some strings to give Dave access on one of the smaller abandoned mines for a day. Dave wasn't the only person the research center sent today but he was the only one tasked with hunting a Kavrakato. The other two people were magic wielders tasked with finding Egglobomic Snails. These snails have the ability to produce light in the dark. Originally people thought they were monsters however one day Science users stood up and made a racket claiming that they were only animals. Since no one found proof that their glow is caused by magic the general public started to mostly stand on the science users side. However this is was still debated to this day. Jorge stands on the side that believes them to be monsters therefore he wishes to prove that by finding solid evidence. This is why he sent two magical item wielders to go and collect some for his experiment.

As the three arrived Dave started to feel hungry. This was odd since Dave just ate before heading out to work. The three entered the mine in silence. Deep inside Dave was jealous of the other two who didn't have to fight. However a job's a job and they were hired for different tasks. As they went deeper down the two wielders saw a glow in the distance. According to their expressions, this had to be the glow released by Egglobomic Snails. The two separated from Dave and headed towards the side tunnel. Dave continued heading down the main tunnel searching for a Kavrakato. Eventually he heard a hiss.

*KHEEESSSSSS*

Dave took out his spear and prepared for battle. Sure enough a Monster rushed out of the dark. Dave didn't have time to put his torch on the ground so he threw it at the monster. The fire ignited the beast. On fire but these monsters could regenerate very quickly. While it regenerated at a slower rate of its ignition it still slowed down the effects of the fire to a major degree. Dave pushed his spear forwards towards the monster's head but it was an agile beast as it swiftly jumped sideways. Before Dave could pull back his spear the monster leaped at him. Dave jumped forwards in the nick of time causing the Kavrakato to barely miss him. However the fire surrounding the beats reached his back. His back. It was on fire! While Dave's mind entered a panic he felt a feeling, a feeling telling him to shoot his steam at his back. While Dave's mind was in panic his body unhesitatingly moved its arm back and shot out a steam blast on himself.

The force shot Dave into a wall however the fire on his back was put off. Dave didn't have time to celebrate as…

*KREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*

The beast charged at him. It walked on the walls of the cave as it got closer. Dave spun his spear and smacked the head of the Kavrakato. This gave Dave a second to get his balance back and aim his spear again. However the Kavrakato wasn't going to cooperate as it jumped onto the roof of the tunnel. It started to walk in reverse as it opened its mouth and gave another hiss.

Dave lifted his spear preparing to throw it at the beast. However before he could throw it the monster opened its mouth even wider,

*KWOOOOOOOOOOO*

The sound coming out was strange but Dave could see the back of its mouth starting to glow white.

*VOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

A beam of light shot out of its mouth forcing Dave to hide behind a nearby rock. The rock was almost sliced in two. Dave leaped up preparing to throw his spear at the beast when he heard a loud thump. Dave peeked forwards only to see that the Kavrakato had crashed onto the ground. At first Dave was confused but then he understood. The monster was still on fire and it was clearly burnt to death. Dave approached its still burning corpse. He noticed a problem. He threw his torch on the monster leaving him with no torch, once the monster ceases to be on fire he may get lost in the mine. Dave was about to try and use his spear to push it up to the mines exit. When Dave felt strange again. He was about to think of possible solutions of what to do if the fire would cease such as searching for a Egglobomic Snail to use as a light source when… he felt hungry. He lifted his hands. He moved his palms forwards, and finally he shot out steam. He caused the fire to dissipate. He trapped himself in the mine. Yet he did not care at all. In the pitch black darkness he thumbed his way to the corpse of the lizard. Despite its temperature he tore it into bits using the spear. He ate its neck, its stomach and tail, he ate them all, he ate them essentially rare. Luckily the lizard was scorched by fire before it died and after it died Dave shot steam at it causing its insides to be at least partially cooked.

As he tore the lizard to bits he started to return to himself. Yet he had not completely recovered yet. He lifted the crystal and moved it closer to his mouth. Yet he resisted his urge to swallow it whole and forced himself to put it in his pocket. Dave ate a bit more and eventually got up. He noticed that these urges and feelings he had all came from an entity inside him. Every time he lost control and ate monsters it would take a clearer form. He now could see within him. It looked like a small black squid with tiny little glowing green eyes.

"YOU! It was YOU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY MIND!"

Dave was enraged to see the dead Equi now in his mind. It didn't speak or say a word, it only sent him a feeling. From what he felt he understood that the Equi sent him its emotions and feelings. Currently it sent him a strange feeling showing him that it did not want to be there. Dave didn't know how he understood it but it was clear the Equi didn't want to be stuck within Dave's mind. It seemed to understand what he was saying but it itself either couldn't speak or maybe it simply didn't want to.

Dave looked around only to notice something strange.

"I can see?"

His surroundings were pitch black a moment ago, but now he could see all kinds of glowing shapes around him. They were footprints. Human footprints. They were glowing. He could see the wall he crashed into earlier was glowing as well. He dazedly followed the trail of the footprints. He noticed that wherever he walked he would leave glowing footprints. These glowing footprints were in a colour completely different than any colour he ever saw in the past. As he kept following the footprints he noticed they were getting dimmer and dimmer. Eventually he reached the last lit footprint just as he arrived it lost all its luster. Dave couldn't see the walls of the mine he had not crashed only because he followed the footprint trail. He looked around searching for a route out. After crashing into a few walls he heard a sound in the distance. Dave lifted his spear and prepared for some attackers. However what he saw around the corner were colours. Not only the glowing colours left behind from his footprints but also the colours he used to see his whole life colours like orange. Out of the corner the two magic wielders came around one was holding a torch while the other was holding a box full of glowing snails. After meeting up with the two the trio headed out of the cave. Dave returned to the research center and returned the spear.

He expected that after he exited the cave these odd colours he was seeing alongside the old colours would disappear but they were still there. It was quite disorientating. Leanana gave him a new shirt after the back of his current one was burnt. After thanking Leanana and putting on the new shirt Dave returned to his room in the tavern. Dave as usual collapsed onto his bed and fell asleep in no time.

For the next few days Dave continued this lifestyle without many new changes. However one fateful day on his 31st day at work things started to change. Dave walked on his way to the research center. He heard a commotion in the crowd in front. Dave walked up to the crowd to see what the fuss was about. When he got there his eyes landed on a poster.

[BELTON DECLARES WAR ON NEBRAL]

Belton and Nebral were two small countries bordering the kingdom of Massadra. Belton was a wealthy kingdom ruled by a young king named Elbar II. Elbar the second was a military genius that has led forces in the front line since he was a prince at the age of 14. Now he was a king, a 28 year old king with a score to settle with the Republic of Nebral. According to Elbar the three Grand senators of Nebral tried to secretly have him assassinated so that his younger brother would ascend the throne. He also claimed that they colluded with many powerful people in his kingdom to give him troubles ascending. Last year Elbar ascended the throne. It seems he was gathering his army this entire time to invade Nebral. Nebral and Belton each were only a 6th of the size of Massadra. This was in terms of geographical scale and not population. Belton's population was four fifths of that of Massadra and Nebral's population was about the same as Belton's with a difference of maybe a few thousand people less.

Dave didn't care to much in about this war after all he was in Massadra a neutral nation in this conflict. Since this poster just arrived today that means the war probably started about a month ago. News about wars that don't include Massadra itself wouldn't arrive too quickly to unimportant towns. Also Belton and especially Nebral weren't too close to Copper Cantury. Copper Cantury was in the middle of the north western parts of Massadra while Belton was to the northeast of Massadra and Nebral was to the east of Massadra and south of Belton.

Dave headed to work as usual. As he stepped inside he could see Tom and Leanana talking to each other with worried faces. Dave couldn't understand why they were so worried, the only reason he could think of is the war between Belton and Nebral and it didn't affect Massadra so why would they care.

After getting his task Dave set out to accomplish it. Today's task was simple, in fact it was extremely simple. He had to bring in some monster meat. The type didn't matter; the only requirements were that it must be edible and fresh.

Dave had recently bought a Machete to help him fight monsters. As he exited the town he headed towards the golden tree where he fought with the wolf-like monsters. Recently he had heard a rumor that these trees release a scent that attracts monsters. Many monsters set their nests or dig their dens nearby. Dave already went to this tree a few times and every time he would be attacked by monsters. When Dave arrived a pack of Niriana Cats surrounded him. These Monsters Look like massive fur less cats. They also have the ability to spew fire from their mouths and to make things worse they are as large as a dinner table. This pack of five Nirana Cats glared viciously at Dave. Dave was not the newbie he was a month ago he could shoot steam at enemys up to 14.5 meters away. His steam blasts have become nearly twice as powerful as before. He without hesitation lifted his left arm and blasted away two of the Nirana Cats. At that instant the pack leader Shot out fire from its mouth. Just as it was about to hit Dave, he swung his left arm towards the fire and used another Steam Blast to repel that attack.

Before the cats could react, Dave ran towards one of the cats to his right. he swung his Machete and chopped off its head. This enraged the Nirana cats completely. Another one of the cats leaped towards Dave with its hulking body looking like someone threw a massive hammer at Dave.Dave shot it with a Steam Shot causing it to fly away from its original course. As it landed next to Dave he jabbed the Machete into its neck. Before he could pull it out another one of the Nirana Cats spewed fire at him forcing him to doge sideways. Now Dave was disarmed yet he had to face the three remaining Nirana Cats. The leader charged at Dave while another Spewed fire. Dave moved sideways causing the fire to hit its back.

Dave followed this up by using a Steam shot to slow it down however this did not slow down the beast as much as he expected. In the next moment it headbutted Dave into the air. Dave was already used to combat as he might feel fear in a fight he behaved as if he felt nothing. As he was uncontrollably flipping in the air he shot one of the Nirana cats before crashing down to the ground. Dave saw the pack leader Charging at him again seemingly not minding the fact that it was on fire. Dave didn't make the same mistake and this time waited for it to get closer and once it was close enough he blasted it with steam. Since the Nirana cat was so close to Dave some of the steam recoiled on Dave causing him to fall backwards. Before Dave crashed into the ground he turned his body slightly and rolled back onto his feat. This time all three Nirana cats Spewed fire at the Same time. Dave Leaped to the right and charged towards his Machete. He grabbed it and shot steam at the closest Nirana Cat. he rushed to the leader before it could spew out flames again.

Dave Slashed its eye causing it to squeal. Before Dave could slash it again the other two Nirana cats rushed towards Dave. Dave ran to the side of the leader and shot steam at one of the other Nirana Cats. The Cat that Dave did not shoot at leaped at Dave its claws nearly reaching his face. Fortunately for Dave he managed to blast the Nirana Cat in time. The leader has already turned around and was about to Bite Dave. Dave rolled onto the ground avoiding its bite. As he flipped up he slashed at the nearest Nirana cat slicing its left ear off. The leader charged at Dave headbutting him into the air again. Dave crashed onto the back of the injured Nirana Cat. he Slashed his machete it again making a big cut on its stomach. Dave started to back off slowly. The injured Nirana Cat collapsed onto the ground while it wasn't dead, however it wasn't going to be able to fight anytime soon. The uninjured Nirana cat spewed fire at Dave again. Dave blocked it with a blast.

The Leader charged at him once more but this time Dave Leaped diagonally forwards and took cover behind the almost dead Nirana cat. The Leader jumped above its injured comrade and tried to slash Dave with its claws. Dave moved left to avoid its attack as he slashed at its foot with his machete. Its foot started bleeding profusely. Dave charged at the last uninjured Nirana cat. It panicked and tried to spew fire but Dave reached it before it could shoot out its fire. Dave slashed at its neck penetrating its air valve. In a matter of moments it died. As Dave turned around to finish off the other two Nirana Cats, he noticed the leader had escaped. Dave slowly walked up to the heavily injured Nirana Cat. He ruthlessly stabbed its neck finishing off the final one.

Dave had a few scratches and bruises but he came out victorious. Now that he looked at the four dead monsters he noticed that there was a major problem.

"How am I supposed to bring them back?"

Dave knew that there were many monsters nearby and once he left they would eat all the remaining Nirana cats. However it seemed that the smell of blood awakened a certain Equi's appetite. It urged him to eat their meat. Every time Dave lost control it would last less time and he could resist it more effectively however he still needed to eat before he would recover. Now on his 3rd time losing control he slashed the Nirana cat in front of him as he ate it raw. After he ate some of it he moved onto another one and after eating its lungs he moved to the next. After eating parts of the 3rd one he regained control again. He had three partially eaten Nirana cats and an uneaten one. The shape of the Equi in his mind became even clearer. He felt as if he gained a few scattered bits of knowledge out of nowhere. However he soon lost the ability to recall these bits of information.

Dave knew he wasn't strong enough to carry all four Nirana cats therefore he went to the headless Nirana Cat he hadn't eaten. He put its head in his bag while dragging the corpse with him back to Copper Cantury. On his way he was attacked by a lone wolf-like monster. By now Dave knew their name. These monsters are called Smith Wolves. This small monster was blasted aside by Dave. It quickly escaped once it knew it wasn't capable of dealing with Dave.

Once he arrived in front of the North gate, the local guards jaws dropped to the floor. They looked at Dave as if he was a monster. The sight of Dave Dragging the Monster on his way to the research center gained a large amount of attention from the passers by. After all Nirana cats are the top monster in the local food chain. While alone they might not be the strongest Nirana Cats always live in groups of at least 2. Hunting such a monster is a major achievement in these regions.

After arriving in front of the research center Tom came out to greet him and also told him that Jorge wanted to talk with him.

After arriving in Jorges office Jorge offered Dave an offer. Jorge offered to promote Dave to a Wiper. Jorge explained that Wipers are monster hunters who Wipe out all monsters in a region thus disposing of all dangers in the region, or at least for a period of time. Dave was also told that this Job is far more dangerous that what he has been doing until now but in return he will be paid far better. According to the contract Dave would need to agree to have his job changed. The difference between a wiper and what Dave was currently doing was immense, however it seems that Dave has been purposely fighting monsters recently. With the Nirana cats being a good example, he only needed to bring in a dead monster even a single small herbivorous one would be enough yet Dave returned with a Nirana Cat. Dave took a while to think c;early if he truly wants to do this. In the end he decided to agree. According to the contract Dave needs to be paid directly for what he did in his previous job at least one day before his job change. Since it's the beginning of a new month James only needed to pay him for what he did today. Due to this James paid him directly the payment for today's work and since he did so now by tomorrow Dave could come to work as a Wiper. Dave left the office and headed to the tavern.

"It seems tomorrow is going to spice up my routine."