You're an excellent swordsman but your lack of empathy proves you're weak morally. That means you're not worthy to be part of the new party I'm forming." Initially confused by the compliment, Gerritt snarled at Lyra as he leaned closer to intimidate her. Then he caught sight of Yellsbeth reaching for her axe with a hungry grin slipping onto her face. "Do it, boy. I've been itching to test my axe against that pretty face of yours," she said ever so quietly for their ears only. Gerritt eased back, though his hand moved to reach for his sword hilt until doubt slipped into his eyes. Instead, he took a full step back and sneered at them. "You could have been part of something great, but you've chosen to be losers instead." He spun on his heel to leave. Maera called out to him. "Mr. Banner, as your party now consists of just yourself, you have five days to register at least three new members, or the Guild will have to revoke party status for The Keenest Edge." "Fine! I will!" he yelle

Alex had Richard create a trench for the bodies of their fellow students while he collected their Guild Cards. He recalled these were to be returned to the Guild Hall, if possible, to report their deaths. Devya returned and handed twelve raw jewels to Alex, who frowned at her. "These should be divided amongst the survivors." "I was useless in battle," Richard said wearily. Devya's eyes flared once more. "Only you and Mark managed to actually kill the goblins." Larry, who'd been frozen in fear, suddenly shouted at Alex. "How did you get so fucking good with a bow! I'll tell you how. You cheated with your blessings!" Alex gave him a weary look. "I was an expert bow hunter at home because my dad taught me. I'm guessing those skills just got better here. As I proved by failing to pick a lock, my skills are weak without training. If I tried to swing a sword around, I'd probably just hurt myself." He tried to distribute the gems, but Larry outright refused, and the others insist

The Guild is satisfied with the outcome and won't demand further action against Alex. The party will be absorbed into the next class and given their instruction again."The Dwarf looked at Alex. "Except for you. None of the Instructors will agree to train you."Alex scowled. "That hardly seems fair.""The world isn't fair, but I suggest you may have a better grasp of how to survive in it than most. That said, the Guild isn't throwing you to the wolves. I will personally see to your registration as an Adventurer and citizen. You will be free to remain in the barracks until your group graduates, at which time, like the others, you will need to make your own way. In place of additional training, I recommend you offer your services as a porter for existing parties. This will give you experience in the field, a minimal income, and you can work on your reputation as a team player."Alex watched the Guild Master carefully but realized this was the best he could hope for, so he nodded. He tur

Jhaan Pallistone, their Elf Master Archer, sat at her side and matched the archetype Alex expected for an Elf. Tall, slim, and gracefully muscled. Instead of arrogance, as Gerritt suggested, he wore an amused expression with a twinkle in his eye. The next member was another Elf named Dystra Tharilus, who was apparently a highly skilled Assassin. Again, the Elf was tall and sleekly muscled, but his dark coloring and severe expression contrasted dramatically with Jhaan's. Grim, but not necessarily arrogant, as Gerritt suggested. Across the table from him was Halle Shahidi, their Water Mage. He thought she might have once graced the nightclub scene in Delhi, India, but that might have just been the vibe she gave off. Young and flashy. The brilliant smile she excitedly sent his way when he nodded to her made him wonder if she was the giggler. She seemed excited just to be included. Next on the bench, flicking glances at him from under the dark bangs of her long ebony hair, was Thorn

The weaponsmith finally seemed satisfied and gestured toward a display of knives, but Alex immediately shook his head. "I can tell just by looking that these are all out of my budget. I just arrived, had some training which I barely survived, but I managed to collect a small amount of money from the goblins we killed. I'm going out on a porter mission, which won't generate much money." The weaponsmith fixed his eye on him. "Which God blessed you?" Alex took a deep breath. "Agron—" The Dwarf's face began to redden, so Alex spoke quicker. "Ullentra and Ffornexa." The shopkeeper stopped and stared at him with disbelief in his eyes. Alex showed him his Adventurer Card, and the man's eyes widened. "It was you! The one who killed the slavers!" Alex looked at him cautiously, then nodded. "Agron's Blessing, but no innocents were killed," he added quickly. The Dwarf looked at Alex for a moment. "You're the first to use the gift selectively." Alex nodded. "So I've been told." The weap