Matters were back to normal on the streets outside.

It was like nothing had happened, and the building I emerged from barely attracted a second glance from the passersby. Huh, I guess being chased through the plague quarter isn’t that unusual.

I wasn’t sure if I could prevent a repeat incident, but it was time I took a few precautionary measures.

Picking a likely subject—a passing elf—I studied his face, gait, and mannerisms intently. The player was a fighter of some sort and about the right size and shape. Perfect. After the elf passed out of sight, I wove the illusion I readied.

The lines of my body, clothes, and face blurred as they were overlaid by a casting of light. My voice, though, remained unchanged, having nothing to mimic.

You have cast lesser imitate, assuming the visage of an unknown elven fighter. Duration: 1 hour.

I glanced down at myself. To my own eyes, I looked no different, but hostile eyes would be fooled—hopefully. However the mantises had found me, I suspected they hadn’t relied on visual recognition. Still, there was no harm in trying to confound Gintalush’s efforts. As persistent as my two hunters had proven, Wengulax’s partner had likely not given up the chase yet.

I was sure he was out there somewhere, still hunting me.

Strolling nonchalantly through the doorway, I exited the building and entered the street. No one paid me any heed. I glanced to my left. Back that way lay the south gate—and where I’d last seen Gintalush.

No thanks, I decided and headed east.

The road ran parallel to the safe zone’s south wall, and the overarching fortifications was a constant looming presence, but after my encounter with the two mantises I was feeling more kindly towards the Triumvirate knights. I stayed alert for danger, and while some passing groups of players threw me hard, assessing looks, no one tried anything.

Eventually, deciding it was safe enough, I saw to my player progression. I’d gained four levels from the skirmish, and after a moment’s thought, I equipped the looted rings from Wengulax—they were the only items of immediate use—and distributed my new attribute points.

Your Magic has increased to rank 10 (net 0 from items).

Your Dexterity has increased to rank 28 (net +5 from items).

Your Perception has increased to rank 25.

With my player progression taken care of, I opened my profile and reviewed the changes to myself.

Player Profile: Michael

Level: 84. Rank: 8. Current Health: 100%.

Stamina: 100%. Mana: 20%. Psi: 100%.

Species: Human. Lives Remaining: 2.

True Marks (hidden): Pack-brother.

False Marks (fabricated): Lesser Shadow, Lesser Light, Lesser Dark.

Attributes

Available: 0 points.

Strength: 6*. Constitution: 14. Dexterity: 28*. Perception: 25. Mind: 41. Magic: 10*. Faith: 0.

* denotes attributes affected by items.

Classes

Available: 3 points.

Primary-Secondary Bi-blend: mindstalker (fabricated). mindslayer II (hidden).

Tertiary Class: None.

Traits

slayer’s heritage (hidden): +2 Dexterity, +2 Strength, +4 Mind, +4 Perception.

beast tongue: can speak to beastkin.

Marked: can see spirit signatures.

Nightwalker (hidden): improved senses in the dark.

anointed scion (hidden): bound to House Wolf.

inscrutable mind: +8 Mind.

secret blood (hidden): conceals bloodline.

mental focus: increases effectiveness of Mind skills by 10%.

Skills

Available skill slots: 0.

Dodging (current: 55. max: 230. Dexterity, basic).

Sneaking (current: 64. max: 230. Dexterity, basic).

Shortswords (current: 61. max: 230. Dexterity, basic).

Two weapon fighting (current: 53. max: 230. Dexterity, advanced).

Light armor (current: 48. max: 140. Constitution, basic).

Thieving (current: 41. max: 230. Dexterity, basic).

Chi (current: 49. max: 410. Mind, advanced).

Meditation (current: 70. max: 410. Mind, basic).

Telekinesis (current: 50. max: 410. Mind, advanced).

Telepathy (current: 47. max: 410. Mind, advanced).

Insight (current: 64. max: 250. Perception, basic).

Deception (current: 59. max: 250. Perception, master).

Abilities

Constitution ability slots used: 1 / 14.

lighten the load (Constitution, basic, light armor).

Dexterity ability slots used: 19 / 23.

crippling blow (Dexterity, basic, shortswords).

minor piercing strike (5 Dexterity, advanced, shortswords).

lesser backstab (5 Dexterity, advanced, sneaking).

basic trap disarm (Dexterity, basic, thieving).

simple lockpicking (Dexterity, basic, thieving).

set trap (Dexterity, basic, thieving).

whirlwind (Dexterity, advanced, two weapon fighting).

Mind ability slots used: 8 / 41.

simple charm (Mind, basic, telepathy).

stunning slap (Mind, basic, chi).

one-step (Mind, basic, telekinesis).

minor reaction buff (Mind, basic, chi).

simple astral blade (Mind, basic, telepathy).

short shadow blink (Mind, basic, telekinesis).

minor chi heal (Mind, basic, chi).

simple mind shield (Mind, basic, meditation).

Perception ability slots used: 14 / 25.

improved analyze (5 Perception, advanced, insight).

lesser trap detect (Perception, basic, thieving).

conceal small weapon (Perception, basic, deception).

facial disguise (Perception, basic, deception).

ventro (Perception, basic, deception).

lesser imitate (5 Perception, advanced, deception).

Other abilities:

simple slaysight (hidden) (Class, basic, telepathy).

Known Key Points

Sector 14,913 exit portal and safe zone.

Sector 12,560 nether portal and safe zone.

Sector 1 safe zone.

Equipped

spider’s bite shortsword (+15% damage, webbed), concealed.

ebonheart (+30% damage), concealed.

enchanted leather armor set (+20% damage reduction, -15% Dexterity and Magic).

slotted-potion belt (2 minor heal, 3 moderate heal, 1 full heal, 1 full mana potion, 2 invisibility potions).

apprentice’s ring (+2 Magic).

troll’s talisman bracelet (+6% damage reduction).

gift of the unbound ring (immunity to tier 1 and 2 entanglement spells).

band of stillness ring (immunity to tier 1 and 2 Mind spells).

wayfarer’s boots (legendary item, +4 Dexterity).

backpack, small bag of holding, alchemy stone.

medallion of the stygian brotherhood (summon stygian beast).

simple potion bracelet (3 full heal potions).

trapper’s wristband (18 / 20 traps available).

ox ring (+4 Strength).

band of the cat (+4 Dexterity).

Backpack Contents (Key Items)

Money: 14 gold, 5 silvers, and 3 coppers.

bounty letter authorization.

tavern bill of ownership.

Tartan token.

2 x full mana potions.

8 major mana potions.

Vivane token.

Kesh Emporium access card.

10 x smoke bombs.

cats’ claws.

spectacles of ward seeing (detect tier 4 wards).

3 x vials of viper’s venom (rank 4 poison).

2 x full heal potions.

hunter eye (single use).

Miscellaneous Loot

Blowpipe (exotic weapon), 2 x punch daggers (+3), bull’s ring (+2 Strength).

Alchemy Stone Contents

(0 / 150 ingredients stored).

Bank Contents

Money: 841 gold, 4 silvers, and 9 coppers.

2 x full healing potions.

2 x full mana potions.

shortsword,+1 (+15% damage, +10 shortswords).

Open Tasks

Find the Last Wolf Envoy (hidden) (find Ceruvax).

Stay True to Wolf (hidden) (acquire a mana-based Class).

Heist in the Dark (steal chalice from the Power, Paya).

My skills had advanced nicely in the battle, and another of my Mind disciplines—telekinesis—had advanced to the second tier. I expected the other two would follow shortly, and soon I hoped to be able to upgrade all my Mind abilities.

Assuming I can afford it, of course.

Unfortunately, things in Nexus were more expensive than I anticipated. What had seemed like a small fortune when I’d entered the sector, was now mostly gone, and if I didn’t want my player growth limited by money—or my lack thereof—I needed to find a steady source of income.

Which was partly why I’d changed my mind and decided to seek out the bounty hunters’ guild. The other reason being: I needed to confirm the truth of Loken’s words.

After the Powe’s recent actions, I would be foolish to trust anything he said simply on his say-so. And while visiting the guild could prove dangerous if Loken had lied, I felt the risk worth taking. Knowing how widely I was being hunted was crucial information and would impact my future course.

My thoughts flickered back to my green-clad pursuers. Although, even if the Guild is not after me, someone else definitely is.

It was all the more reason to get off the streets quickly. Turning my attention fully outwards again, I scanned the passing buildings. Another wall had appeared on the horizon. It ran from northwest to southeast, and judging by its placement, I suspected it formed a divider between the Dark and plague quarters.

Not much further, I thought. If the information broker or guild is on this side of the south gate, I will encounter one of them soon enough.

~~~

A short while later, I came across a squat, monstrosity of a building with a stark, unpainted signpost. The letters, ‘BHG HQ,’ had been burned deep in the wood.

BHG HQ? As in bounty hunters’ guild headquarters?

I frowned at the sign. There was nothing inviting about it. If anything, it appeared to be little more of an afterthought. Why use such an ambiguous signboard? I wondered. It would do nothing to attract prospective clients.

My gaze drifted to the building itself. The structure had quite obviously been designed with defense in mind. The walls were formed from unembellished granite blocks, the windows were arrow slits, and the entrance was protected by a steeply rising staircase and a studded metal door.

There were no guards in sight, neither patrolling the flat-topped roof, nor outside the entrance, and the double doors were shut.

I stared at the building for a long moment. It was not what I anticipated. Sure, I expected the guild to exude a military air. What I had not expected was that its headquarters would be so… unwelcoming.

This has to be the right place.

Before climbing the stairs, I took a long look at my surroundings but failed to spot any green-clad hunters. Wherever Gintalush was, he had not caught up with me yet.

With a shrug, I strode up to the entrance. There was no lock on the door, and left with no other option, I banged a close fist against its surface. “Hello!” I yelled. “Anyone in there?”

There was no response.

I glanced over my shoulder. My position atop the stair was exposed and left me feeling vulnerable. If Gintalush was anywhere nearby, he was sure to spot me…

I pounded on the door once more. Again, no answer was forthcoming, but I didn't let that dissuade me and kept at it.

“Hello! You’ve got—”

The door slid open a touch, revealing a pair of angry gray eyes.

I lowered my fist in surprise. Granted, the walls and door of the building might be thick, but not even my sharp hearing had picked up the sound of the newcomer’s approach. My mindsight—which I’d kept active—had also failed to detect the stranger’s presence. But, as I well knew, both the ability and physical senses could be defeated.

Whoever this is, they are both shielded and stealthy.

Curiously, I studied the newcomer. Or tried to.

You have failed a perception check and are unable to analyze your target. This entity bears a Mark of Greater Dark and Lesser Shadow.

My lips turned down. Resorting to more mundane means, I tried to pierce the gloom surrounding the newcomer but failed to make out anything except for the eyes.

“What do you want?” the player asked in a gruff—and distinctly male—voice.

I frowned. I couldn’t pinpoint where his voice was originating from either. “Who are you?”

“Call me Eyes,” he replied laconically.

Appropriate. “Is this the bounty hunters’ guild?”

The storm gray eyes flickered up and down my form. “You don't look like a client,” he pronounced.

“I'm not,” I said. “I'm looking for work.”

“Huh. Check the noticeboard in Market Square then.”

I scratched my chin. That was a good point. “I should have,” I admitted. “But I'm here now. Can’t I see whoever is in charge?”

Eyes was silent for a moment. “Are you a member of the guild?”

I shook my head. “I'm not—”

“Then you’re outta luck. This is the guild’s headquarters, and only members are allowed inside.”

I ground my teeth in frustration. This was taking too long. I scanned the streets again. There were plenty of players about, but none wore the striking green of my hunter.

“What are you looking for?” Eyes asked abruptly.

“Nothing important,” I replied before returning to the matter at hand. “Look, let me in, and I'll—”

“That isn't true,” Eyes said, interrupting me again. “That's the third time you've scanned the streets.”

My eyes narrowed. “How long have you been observing me?”

He ignored my question and shot back one of his own. “Who is hunting you?”

I didn't answer.

“It can't be guild members,” Eyes mused absently. “Your bounty was revoked months ago.”

My brows flew up and I glanced down at myself. The elf illusion I’d wrapped about myself was still in place. “You know who I am?”

“Of course,” Eyes said, sounding amused. “You were scanned the moment you touched the door. You are Michael. No last name. A level eighty-four mindstalker and former guild mark.”

I bit my lip. So Loken had been telling the truth. Ishita really had taken down her bounty.

“Did Ishita hand your death contract over to someone else?” he asked casually.

I sighed. “I don't know. But the ones chasing me are clad in green and named—”

“Mantises,” Eyes hissed.

“That's what everyone keeps calling them,” I agreed.

“You better go.” A hint of pity leaked into Eyes’ voice. “I cannot let you in. However you managed to lose your hunters, they will find you again. Mantises are relentless. I don’t know who told you to come here, but you won’t find sanctuary in the guild.”

“I’m not looking for protection,” I said patiently. “I told you. I’m looking for work.”

“Then check the bloody board in the square,” Eyes said in exasperation. “It contains a listing of all the jobs authorized for non-members.” The door began to swing close.

I stuck a foot in the door. “Wait! Does that mean there are other jobs, ones reserved for members only?”

“Of course. Now remove your foot.”

I kept my leg where it was. “How do I become a member?” I had no particular aspiration to become a bounty hunter, but reserved jobs meant better bounties and just as importantly—more money.

“You don't,” Eyes said in annoyance. “Get a few more levels under your belt and maybe you will be allowed to apply.”

He wasn't going to get rid of me that easily. “So, there is a level requirement. What is it?”

Eyes sighed. “You’re an annoying little noob, aren't you?” he muttered. “No wonder Ishita placed a bounty on you.”

I ignored the snide remark. “What is the minimum level required for membership?” I persisted.

“There isn't any,” Eyes admitted. “But that doesn't mean there aren't any entrance requirements. To be considered for guild membership, you either need to convince an existing member to apprentice you or complete a couple tier four bounties.” Before I could ask what that was, he went on, “That's a bounty fit for players of level one hundred and fifty or greater.”

I withdrew Gelar’s bounty authorization note—still in my keeping all this time—and waved it through the narrow slit. “Does this qualify?”

Eyes’ gaze dropped lower to scan the parchment’s contents. “That’s a tier three bounty,” he finally pronounced.

“But the wyvern was level one hundred and ninety-eight. That's almost a tier five creature!” I was guessing that the bounty tiers followed the same grading as did abilities.

“You don't give up, do you?” Eyes said, answering obliquely.

I grinned, sensing his resistance crumbling. “I don't.”

“Come on in, then. Han can decide what to do with you.”