The Golem Adventurer - Chapter 21 Plans

Our group had disembarked at the front gate of Haldin. Under the Commander’s authority we were allowed to bypass the checkpoint and enter the city without hassle since we were considered part of an official defensive operation. It was a nice token of appreciation. The majority of the returning adventurers had broken off from us to return to their own business. I just wanted to sit down and relax, more from mental fatigue than anything. This was the first time I stayed awake over twenty four hours and what I can only describe as a weary haze hung over me.

[Warning: Spiritual Attunement levels are dangerously low. The imitation of rest and consumption of food is advised.]

Another thing to worry about. This body can’t “get used to” things the same way a living body does. Unlike the mind, the spirit is fickle. I can’t train myself to go nights without proper food or rest like before. Even when I asked how I could, the same mantra is repeated ad nauseam to me.

[Upgrades are required.]

When we were still on the carriage, I had a bit of time to think about the events of the past day. The Guildmaster’s words rang true. I was still mortal. A part of me had become complacent after the last few conflicts. The battle at the sty should be more of a wake up call than anything. If that Orc Chieftain had angled his ax swing just a bit more to the right, it’s blade would have sunk deep into my core. The easiest solution right now would be to better equip myself. There are some small things I can do to improve my defensive capabilities. A simple chain mail shirt would be an option to let me keep my maneuverability while giving me another layer of defense to protect my center. Weight isn’t a factor at least so a chest plate would be beneficial too. I can’t just rely on my natural armor to protect me anymore…

We had finally reached the Guildhall by the time I was finished ruminating. I’m done with thinking for now. I wanted to sit down, eat and rest. Whatever I decided didn’t matter at the moment, not when my body is in shambles like this. I’ll need to heal first and foremost.

The interior was just a rowdy as any other morning, it was still the time where adventurers would come in for the days quests. However, the moment we enter, silence had fallen on the room as people turned around to face us. Vella was there waiting for our appearance as well and approached the Guildmaster.

“Guildmaster Kurtz! What news of the sty? Is everyone safe?”she asked worriedly.

Kurtz yawns and scratches his back lazily, “Yes yes, everyone returned unharmed,” he looked over at me, “Relatively.”

She followed his gaze and was shocked at my disheveled appearance, “A-Arlan!? What happened to you!?”

“Orcs.” I said frankly.

“Go ahead and sit down, Arlan. I’ll have one of the stewards bring you a meal.” the Guildmaster ordered, “When you’re ready, come meet me in my office to talk.” I’m glad he and the other adventurer’s with us had decided to keep my… actions to themselves out of respect for my wishes. The Guildmaster was quick to warn me that it wouldn’t stay a secret for long. Too many people saw what I did. It will come out eventually. But for the moment, I can have peace.

I sat in one of the small tables over at the lounge as I await my meal. The morning rush had ended but the Guildhall was still brimming with people. There were still a few glances at me here and there. People were just curious at my condition I guess. I wasn’t too bothered. The food came quickly as Vella was the one who had delivered my meal.

“I.. heard what happened at the village from the Guildmaster,” she whispered somberly, “You did what you could, Arlan.”

“I know,” I replied stoically.

She gave me a warm smile as she set down the plate in front of me, “…I made sure to double check what meat they’d used before giving it to you,” It was mashed potatoes and a small loaf of bread. Along with roasted slices of chicken.

If I could return the smile, I would. Vella was quite empathetic. With that, I took hold of my utensils and dove into my meal as she returned to her duties. If there was anyone watching they would have been surprised at the sight of a golem gorging himself on a meal.

Halfway through my plate, I was disturbed by a commotion from the Guildhall’s entrance as two familiar figures had stepped in. It was Hina and Tessa, both of whom had begun looking around. Picking up their intentions I waved my working hand in the air. Immediately upon seeing me, they both started to rush over to my position.

“Arlaaaaaaaan!!” Tessa had her usual worried look on as she sprinted over to me, collapsing onto my body as she sobs over me like a child.

Hina had a hand to her face as if she was a disapproving mother, “…To think you’d be that reckless.”

“I’m guessing you heard what happened then?” I asked curiously. Someone seemed to have spilled the beans already.

She continued, “One of the gate guards recognized us when we returned from our training. He said there was a Orc Sty discovered nearby and that you single-handedly went in, killed over twenty orcs, countless goblins, an Orc Chieftain and a Sowmother along with saving almost all of the people they’ve kidnapped.”

I continued eating, “I did. I saw what they were doing to their prisoners and I put a stop to it…”

Irritation flared up within Hina, “You realize you could have died, right? A small army would have been needed to stop that many orcs but you went ahead and took them all on without any thought about your own safety!”

Now I was starting to get irritated, “Stop. I know what you’re trying to say, Hina. The Guildmaster already said the same thing to me. I’ll try to keep my safety in mind next time but I won’t promise you I wouldn’t do the same thing again in a heartbeat.”

Hina had enough, “Gods, save me! I’m seeing a golem in front of me but all I can hear is the same nonsense that every heroic fool of a man says!”

I could see the soft glow of red lights reflect off the wooden table as I leaned in, ” I saw what was going on in that sty,” I whispered, “They were eating people like it was a banquet! The Sowmother, that ‘thing’, was chewing on a child like it was jerky! I don’t have a lot of regrets, Hina. I wasn’t planning on letting their deaths be one.”

Hina just kept staring at me. Even Tessa backed away to give me a disappointed look, “You’ll risk death even if it means leaving behind all the people who care about you?” Hina asked.

I was going to say “who” before I caught myself. They both looked angry the moment I began to mouth that word, “You know, both of you have only known me for a couple of days,” I sighed, “I didn’t think I’d have people who would care about me in such a short time.”

“Oh?” Hina said frankly, “Is there a required set of time before we could?”

Tessa’s face began to sink, “Did… you think we weren’t friends, Arlan?”

She looked like she was about to cry, like I had just killed her favorite pet.

Hina coughed embarrassingly, “I-If that’s what it takes for you to get it through to your head, I’ll admit I have a… certain fondness for you,”

I would blink if I could. I’m not good at this, with… “feelings”. This was more sappy melodrama than I wanted in my life.

“Alright, alright! You both made your point,” I said, waving them down, “I’ll remember that there’s people waiting for me to return. I promise I’ll keep that in mind the next time I want to wade into disaster.”

Tessa seemed happy at my statement. Hina, however, just leans back down her chair in annoyance, “I give up…” she says, defeated.

I put my now empty plate to the side, “Well… there is something I’m planning that should give your worries a rest.”

Hina looked back up at me, “Hm? What do you mean?”

“Well you did tell me to get stronger, right? I’m already nearing the cap on my level. But I have information that there might be something that can help me in the ruins to the northwest.”

I saw there and explained my plan. If they’re really worried about me dying, there was only one solution. Get stronger. But with me nearing my cap, it’s obvious that it won’t be enough. Upgrades are… required. Here’s hoping that Celecia’s information is true, then.
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