World Witout Wizards: Guard

On our way back, we were again followed by a crowd of children. Now I could call them that because I was an a.d.u.l.t. Older people didn't simply glare at us but bowed as we passed.

"What are they doing, mom?" I asked when the a.d.u.l.t neighbors bowed almost to the ground.

"You are now a representative of the HAND, son, and they are orcs. Although not all orcs live in wild desert lands, people are biased against them. They are considered to be aggressive and underdeveloped. The orcs are afraid of the servants of the HAND.

"But they're normal! I've lived side by side with orcs all my life, they're a bit erratic, but this is no reason to treat them in a special way!"

"Let me explain, son," the dwarf scratched his beard, "They belong to a different race and have a temper, but any orc can learn to be polite."

"Have you seen an orc-woman?"

"Yes, I have" I shuddered at one memory of strict lady Beona. She was very severe. Beona used to participate in the raids before. Her husband was an ordinary peasant. At first, he wasn't eager to date her. But eventually, the man decided to marry this female orc, despite her unattractive appearance."

"Everything can happen in this world," Naomi nodded sadly. "You never know what's in store for you."

"Nine months later she came to him with two little half-orcs. He married her. And now he looked like an orc. Though he has normal skin and no fangs… Beona taught him to hunt and work with an ax. He was weak and sluggish, but after living with her he was no longer a wimp," my father said.

"He's no match for you, darling," mom smiled. "We need to stop gossiping. Now you are the representative of the HAND, which is the judge and witness to everything. You need to learn some skills before you can really see everything. But first of all, you have to rest and regain strength... It'll take at least ten days to recover from the effects of magic…"

"That's too long! I must be with the Baron in twenty days!"

"I think you'll manage it. The Baron's estate is not far. You asked what reconnaissance was. It's a military term. It means exploring new enemy lands. Maybe when you're at Baron's disposal, he'll take you to a campaign against enemies... That's unlikely. You should learn to use a weapon first. The ability of Repelling an Attack is clearly not enough. No one can kill you, but you can't hurt anyone either."

"I need to tell you something." I hesitated, not knowing how to say to my parents about what I had seen in the nightmare. "I seem to have received a Compatibility with two-handed swords bonus. It's called 'Heavy Iron.'"

"Hell! Why didn't you tell me about it right away?!" my father screamed. "I'll make you the most excellent weapon! Wife, will you help me to enchant the sword?"

"Take it easy, darling. We have time—ten days—and can prepare everything for our son. Usually, beginners are given hand-me-downs, when they enter the service. Just remember Oulsasts's bastards. So, it is not only weapons that we need to make."

"Of course," John nodded gravely, "I will forge the armor of light steel: a b.r.e.a.s.tplate, couters, poleyns, and a buckler. It'll be the best armor, made by John Greystle."

When we got home, I literally fell on the bed from fatigue. But even in my sleep, I could hear the sound of the blacksmith's hammer.

The first thing I saw when I woke up was a changed magic interface. I was too tired yesterday to examine it in detail, but now I decided to study the gift thoroughly.

New pictures appeared before my eyes as if imprinted in my mind, so I was eager to figure all its features out. I looked at a funny little man with his arms and legs apart and studied the stat points.

Strength good (+1)

Dexterity normal

Intelligence normal

Stamina good (+1)

Perception normal

All stat points were average, I had only two bonuses.

Where is luck? I clearly remember such a characteristic was available in previous MESSAGES.

It was probably a hidden characteristic or bonus that I couldn't recognize. I wanted to learn my skills. They were designated by an icon, depicting the crossed sword and hammer. The heading was 'Skills and Abilities'. So, what did the black fog give me?

Regeneration +2, passive skill. It allows you to restore health during the battle and rest; it can deplete the body

Repelling an Attack +2, active skill. It repels physical projectiles and attacks, whoever they come from. It operates on electric, acoustic and mental attacks and requires melee weapon or shield.

The Strike of the Sun, active skill. It allows you to deal damage to creatures of shadow and to dazzle others.

Available skills:

Heavy iron. You are confident in battle with two-handed swords. Attack bonus +1

Blacksmith's apprentice. Years of work with bellows and anvils were not in vain. You can forge weapons and armor of good quality.

Herbalist's apprentice. Plants are your second family. You know how to recognize useful and harmful herbs and mushrooms.

Apothecary's apprentice. Helping the alchemist, you saw a few recipes. You know how to make a certain number of weak potions.

Black guard. You are an embodiment of the HAND justice. All your actions should be guided by the power and d.e.s.i.r.e of the HAND. The citizens of the Empire treat the guards with great respect, and their enemies fear them. Any criminal, free creature or revolutionary, is likely to try to kill you without hesitation. Follow all orders coming through magic, or you'll become a criminal and an outcast.

Green blood. You have the blood of elves in your veins. Bonuses are blocked – a half-breed.

Grey blood. You have dwarven blood in your veins. Bonuses are blocked – a half-breed.

Night vision. Both of your ancestors had better eyesight, so you can see well in the dark.

It's amazing! I didn't think I'd have so many advantages. Even the recipe list and forging scheme were available as well as the list of beneficial and harmful plants.

I'll be able to make the poison of roadside belomora and healing potion of woodleaf roots and magic mushrooms. Now I realized why mom had written down the recipes only for me. She didn't need books, she used magic.

Apart from the advantages, I also had a list of disadvantages.