Chapter 182: A Stupid Story to Call Their Own

When we arrived back in Viswa, it was quiet. I wondered how long it would take for this place to fill up. It would be good to see this town—my town—filled with happy, smiling people. It was a nice place, with a nice view, and deserved nice people. As it was, there were only twelve inhabitants, not counting Kasia, Bogumir and Vitek, because while they kind of lived here, they kind of didn’t.

Teofil and Patryk were both standing in the town square, chatting away, watching Polikarp smooth out the dirt. None of the holes in the buildings had been patched, and knowing the kind of man he was, I probably wouldn’t want him to try, but he was pretty good at smoothing out the dirt. It looked smooth and straight. Even all of the chunks of Hanka’s crew had been cleaned up. If it wasn’t for the damage on the buildings, you’d never expect anything to have happened here.

The place could really use a [Stonemason] or a—I gagged—[Carpenter]. Maybe it was better if we built any new houses out of stone.

When Polikarp noticed me, he stood straight and proud. His new shoes were already dirty, and his hat was so big it almost made him look like a normal person, but not quite. I figured that was as good as it was going to get.

He waved at me. “Hi, Mayor Aurelia!”

I waved back. “Hi, Polikarp. You’re doing great! I can’t even tell anything happened here. It looks brand new.”

He swelled with pride and his face turned red. It was always nice to see a man proud of his work.

“You seen Kasia?” I asked.

“No.” He shook his head. “Last I saw her she was with Bogumir.”

I walked around town some more until I heard a faint sound. It had to be Vitek’s accordion. I followed the music and as I drew closer and the sound got louder, I also heard his voice. Eventually I got to a house, and it was clear Vitek was inside. I thought about knocking, but figured I’d just try to see if the door was locked.

When I pushed, it opened and the sound grew louder still. Inside was Vitek, merrily singing a song, apparently to Romana, who was holding her baby. Maybe he was singing to the baby.

“Everywhere you go, you gotta live and fight, no, I won’t give up

I won’t give up

I won’t give up

Remember, remember, you have a free heart

Remember, remember, no one can buy you

Remember, remember, you have a free heart

Remember, remember, no one can buy you”

The teen boy, whose name I still didn’t know, was also there. Ola was there, as was Hubert. So were Dagmara, Igor, Anton, Ignacy, and Odeta. And to the side stood Kasia, happy, little Bogumir in her arms like a doll. She probably held him there so he could see better. Everyone was smiling, most people were clapping along to the song.

This was good. This was beautiful. This was my dream, only smaller. The groundwork was there. We could build on this. We could create something special.

Maybe it was the events of the past couple of days. Maybe I was tired. Maybe it was the talk I’d had with Vasil, right before entering the town, but seeing it all made me emotional. I felt happy as well. I had really done something good here. I helped these people. How many more could I help? How many more smiles could I bring into this world?

To see so many happy faces in a place like Silesia. I hadn’t known it was possible, but here I was. Here they were. In my town. This could actually work. Maybe there was something for me after I was done slaughtering my way through everyone who had wronged me. Maybe there was hope.

Kasia was the first to spot me, and her smile grew even bigger. The care and appreciation she felt for me had never been more obvious.

Bogumir was next. “Hecate! How nice of you to join us.”

“Hecate!” Vitek growled with a big grin. “Oppa heyyyyy!” he shouted and immediately switched into his favorite song about the big hangover.

I couldn’t stop myself from grinning as well. Vitek’s stupid song about getting drunk and getting a hangover suddenly felt like home. I didn’t even care if it was one of his abilities doing this to me, I was just happy to be feeling this way.

As I walked up to Kasia, she switched to holding Bogumir with one hand, the other she held out for me. I grabbed it and simply held it. Together, we watched Vitek and the rest. Together, we stood, her warm hand in mine.

Maybe it was not so bad to take a step back every once in a while, to enjoy the moment, to enjoy each other. After all, revenge wasn’t all there was, not anymore. I would see it through, of that I was certain. Menekrates would die, as would Sokólski and anyone else who dared to get in my way. Anyone who threatened my friends or my people would meet the same end.

I knew the road ahead would change me. I knew I would likely have to do things I would not be proud of, things most people might not understand. But the world would be a better place for it. Hopefully they would see that.

I thought back to the conversation I had with Kasia back in Berava. She thought I was scary back then. I had wondered if I was a monster. Maybe part of me was, but there was also a part of me—this part, the part that was holding hands with Kasia—that was soft and gentle. I could be both. I knew that now.

I could be strong when I had to be. I could be a monster when I had to be. I could be kind and soft… when I was allowed to be. And it was all still me.

After some time, Teofil, Patryk, and Polikarp also joined us. Polikarp’s new shoes were perfectly silent, and even though he did manage to drag some mud into the house, I couldn’t even be annoyed with him when I saw his grateful expression. Everyone was here now, and this might have been the first time no one was annoyed with poor, annoying, lumpy-headed Polikarp.

I thought of Perry again. He would have loved this. Vitek even reminded me of him in some way, the way he managed to play the crowd. The way he managed to make it all look so effortless. The way he made everyone feel good. The way he was so unapologetically himself.

Of course he was more different from Perry than he was the same, but the similarities they shared still made me think of him, and I was grateful for it.

Vitek’s stupid hangover song made me think of Perry’s stupid minotaur story, and I snorted before I could stop myself. Vitek had his hangover song, just like Perry had his minotaur story. They just would not stop sharing it with the world. And why would they? Everyone loved it. I loved it, even though I always pretended I didn’t. I had even come to love the stupid song. It was super catchy and it was so very Vitek. Maybe everyone needed a stupid story to call their own.

I wondered what Kasia’s story might be. Vasil’s. Even Bogumir’s. They must have had one. I just didn’t know it yet. Maybe I should ask them one day. I realized I’d really like to know.

And what was my stupid story? Did I have one? Could it be the story of how I shot one of my escorts when I was still in my bed? How scared they were the whole road to Silesia? Nah. That wasn’t it. It was funny, but not that funny.

It was probably the story of how I killed the Swamp Devil. That one had started to live a life of its own. In reality I had shot him because he jumped me and startled me, I hadn’t even known what he was at the time. All I could see were those furry pants—no, those were his legs—and his crazy eyes and scary teeth. People told that story all over the country now. Not the way it actually happened, of course, they were creative.

I wish I had been able to take his head. He would have made a fine addition to my collection. Unfortunately that was before I got [Headhunter], and you know, he startled me. My panic reflex is to shoot someone in the face. I couldn’t hold that against myself. I couldn’t be upset. It was his fault. Not mine. Plus, he ate babies. I digress.

I glanced at Kasia, who was enraptured by the song. She looked so peaceful, not a hint of fear or worry on her face. In that moment, I wished she could stay like that forever, but I knew she couldn’t. I hadn’t told her yet, but tomorrow we’d be heading back to the cathedral. She’d be able to see Kuba and Skelly again—that would surely put a smile on her face. It would also be her birthday soon. If we kept a good pace, we’d be able to celebrate it at the cathedral with her brother.

She’d finally get a Class then. I wondered if she was worried. I was. I hoped she’d get something good. Definitely not [Carpenter], like Kuba. She didn’t deserve to be punished like that—she had a beautiful and pure heart. Hopefully Mēnē had been paying attention and would bless her with something cool.

I pushed the thoughts aside. I was worrying again. Now was not the time for worrying. Right now was a time for celebrating. Celebrating each other. Celebrating our victories. Celebrating life.

Tomorrow, we would begin our journey back to the cathedral. Tomorrow, it would all start again. But today… today, we simply enjoyed each other’s company, and didn’t think about anything else.

=======

STATUS SCREEN

[Hecate, Gunwitch Level 26]

[Path of the Self]

Here lies no path laid by divine hand, but one carved by your own will alone. To walk this road is to answer to no god, to grow not through devotion, but through sheer, unrelenting force of self.

Forgo specialization in either domain. Gain a skill point every 5 levels instead of every level. Double all stat points gained per level. Skills may be upgraded multiple times instead of once.

STATS

Strength: 24 (11 + 13)

Dexterity: 45 (37 + 8)

Barrier: 8 (1 + 7)

Attunement: 248 (21 + 227)

Stamina: 23 (23 + 0)

Luck: 31 (1 + 30)

Chaos: 27 (1 + 26)

Headhunter Totems Equipped: 5/5

Believers: 24

SKILLS

[Quickdraw]

Type: Passive

Speed doesn’t kill. You do.

Drawing and firing weapons is faster. Also applies to spells. Effectiveness scales with user level.

[Clean Entry]

Type: Bullet Hex

Ignores barriers, excuses, and last words.

Infuses a bullet or projectile with the power to bypass any barrier or armor. High mana cost.

[Omniglot]

Type: Passive

Words are weapons. Now you’ve got the whole armory.

[Reload]

Type: Active

Never caught empty-handed. Or empty-gunned. You get it.

Uses mana to instantly reload weapons with spectral ammunition. Replaces bullets that were previously loaded (counts both physical and magical reloads). Low mana cost.

[Reload - Upgraded]

Offering: [Stefan Kanski, Concussionist - Hand]

Offering: [Lady Midday - Scythe]

Type: Active

Never caught empty-handed. Or empty-gunned. You get it.

Uses mana to instantly reload weapons with spectral ammunition. Replaces bullets that were previously loaded (counts both physical and magical reloads). Low mana cost.

Each bullet created by [Reload] gains the following bonuses:

+100% Kinetic Force

+25% Damage

+5% Life or Barrier stolen per hit

[Soul Index]

Type: Utility

Like [Inspect], but nosier and with a paper trail.

Displays class information and active status effects. Records data to System archive. Medium mana cost.

[Artifact Index]

Type: Utility

Like [Analyze], but with a better memory than yours.

Reveals item details and properties. Records data to System archive. Medium mana cost.

[Headhunter]

Type: Buff

Some people collect rocks. You collect heads. Your enemies will lose their minds over your collection. Literally.

Claim the heads of your defeated enemies. Shrink them and bind them to your weapons or gear as totems. Each head grants bonuses based on the strength and nature of the fallen. Maximum amount of totems increases by 1 every 5 levels.

[Blink]

Type: Mobility

You were here, now you’re there.

Instantly teleports to a location the user can see. Possible distance scales with Attunement. High mana cost.

[All Is One - Upgraded]

Type: Passive

Perfection through unity.

You become one with your weapons. You grow with them as they grow with you. You will no longer be able to use other weapons. Your bond with your weapons is reflected physically.

Offering: [Lubomir Drevek, Flame Adept - Hand]

Offering: [Flameowl’s Cry - Sword]

You gain the [Flame Breath] ability.

Toggle: +5% chance to apply [Pyroclasm] on hit. This is doubled while on fire.

+52 Attunement. Scales with level.

+26% Mana Regeneration. Scales with level.

+104% Attack Speed while on fire. Scales with level.

+104% Movement Speed while on fire. Scales with level.

+104% Damage while on fire. Scales with level.

+52% Fire Damage. Scales with level.

+26% Fire Resistance. Scales with level.

+26% Fire Absorption. Scales with level.

-26% to enemy Fire Resistance. Scales with level.

[Mana Shield]

Type: Barrier

Who needs armor when you have unreasonable amounts of mana?

Your Mana forms a barrier, absorbing damage at the cost of Mana. Points of Damage absorbed per point of Mana scales with Attunement.

[Mēnē’s Watchful Eye]

Type: Passive

The moon sees all.

You gain enhanced awareness of your surroundings in all directions. Scales with Attunement.

[Generous Gift - Upgraded]

Offering: [Jerzy Ruta, Kinetist - Hand]

Offering: [Russet Damage Conversion Ring - Ring]

Type: Passive

Their loss, your gain.

You can now decide the percentage of enhanced damage you apply.

Permanently gain +5% enhanced damage after every kill. (210%)

Permanently gain 0.5% control over projectiles fired by you after every kill. (21%)

Permanently gain 2 Attunement after every kill. (84)

Permanently gain 0.5% of Damage is converted into barrier. (21%)

Permanently gain 0.5% Fire Resistance after every kill. (21%)

[Ballistics Expert]

Type: Crafting

A true crafter understands that the tool and the user are one. Your understanding of projectiles, their flight, and their impact is no longer limited by mortal physics.

You are now able to magically craft projectiles. Yes, Hecate, that includes bullets.

[Disguise Self - Upgraded]

Offering: [Zwotokapka - Flower]

Offering: [Chaos Seed]

Type: Active

Ever felt like your face just wasn’t doing you any favors? Now it doesn’t have to be your face! Just try to remember who you actually are.

Disguise yourself as a person. Low upkeep.

This skill is now extremely effective. Those attempting to see through your disguise are more likely to feel a sense of calm when they look at you, though there is a chance they may experience an intense sense of dread instead. Perception checks against your disguise have a higher chance to fail during sundown.

Your disguise may subtly shift to match the expectations of the observer, meaning two people who have observed you may see different things.

There is a rare chance that people looking at you may occasionally, momentarily, see your face as a cluster of blooming flowers or a void of absolute darkness. This may lead them to question their own sanity.

There is a rare chance that people looking at you will smell the faint scent of the zwotokapka flower.

There is a rare chance that objects you touch are affected by your disguise.

+26 Chaos. Scales with level.

May have other effects not listed in description. Effects are subject to change.

[Forged Credentials - Upgraded]

Offering: [Sambor Kurek, Tvardziel - Hand]

Offering: [Zwotokapka - Flower]

Type: Toggle

Reality is whatever you say it is. Want to be [Classless] again? Or a [Mayor]? You could even pretend to be a [Saint]!

This skill is extremely effective as long as you have a barrier up. When you do not have a barrier this skill is still significantly more effective compared to the base version. Effectiveness scales with the amount of barrier you have left. Perception checks against your class have a higher chance to fail during sundown.

[Haste]

Type: Mobility

Why run when you can run faster?

Increases the user’s movement and attack speed. Duration and increase scale with Dexterity. Low mana cost.

[Stunt Double]

Type: Active

Finally, someone else can get shot for you.

Creates an autonomous illusion of yourself. It deals no damage but may confuse enemies. Medium upkeep cost.

[Majestic Flow]

Type: Toggle

Why wait for a natural breeze when the universe revolves around you anyway?

Your hair is enveloped in a gravity-defying breeze. Anyone who views your luscious locks must make an Attunement check. If your Attunement is higher than theirs, they are momentarily awed. Low upkeep cost.

[Crowning Glory]

Type: Active

Your hair was already doing most of the work anyway.

Allows fine mental control over your hair. Grants the ability to harden, shape and extend it at will. Low mana cost.

EQUIPMENT

Head  

[Bies’ Teaching - CloverWaveSolPoison]

Gain the [Sage’s Resonance] passive

+100% Mana regeneration

+30% Faster cast rate

+20% Skill effectiveness

+25% Poison resistance

+20 Attunement

+10 Luck

Torso  

Red Silk Velvet Dress

Hands [Flamegrip - Bracers, ethereal]        

These bracers can not be repaired.

+10 Attunement

+20% Fire Resistance

+5% Mana stolen per hit

+5% chance to summon a [Flame Serpent] on hit.

Belt     

Cord

Totem: Strzyga Matriarch

Toggle: Grants wings capable of flight. Drains moderate amount of mana.

Boosts party members’ Strength based on a percentage your Strength.

Boosts party members’ Dexterity based on a percentage your Dexterity.

Boosts party members’ Attunement based on a percentage your Attunement.

Boosts party members’ Stamina based on a percentage your Stamina.

Totem: Mateusz Brodzka, Fighter

+5 Strength

+5 Dexterity

+15% Physical Resistance

+10% Movement Speed

Totem: Anna Sikorzanka, Pyromacer

You no longer get cold.

+8 Strength

+7 Barrier

+20% Fire Resistance

Legs    

Classy Undergarments

Feet    

[Russet Boots of Attunement - Boots]         

+20% Fire Resistance

+5 Attunement

-10% Stamina drain                 

Amulet             

[Edge of the Alkonost - Amulet] 

Passive: Feather Fall

Falling damage is reduced by 50%

+35% Faster cast rate

+6 Attunement

Ring1  

[Rumours - Ring]        

Passive: Chain

Your spells have a 50% chance to bounce to the next hostile within 5 meters for 50% damage.

Ring2  

[Russet Damage Conversion Ring - Ring]   

12% of Damage is converted into Barrier

+9% Fire Resistance

+6 Attunement

Weapon Main        

[Bies's Wisdom - CloverFrostHeartSquareClover]

25% Chance to cast [Slow] on striking

25% Chance to cast [Blink] when struck

20% Chance to cast [Greater Heal] when struck

+30% Faster cast rate

+20% Skill Effectiveness

+20 Mana after each kill

+20 Health after each kill

All Resistances +20%

+20 Attunement

+20 Luck

Totem: Jerzy Ruta, Kinetist

Mentally influence the path of projectiles fired by you. Scales with level.

+14 Attunement

+20% Mana Regeneration

Weapon Off-hand   

[Hecate's Revolver 2]

Totem: Lubomir Drevek, Flame Adept

Weapon fires flaming projectiles.

Deal +30% damage to burning targets.

Killing a burning target restores a small amount of Mana.

Sidearm          

[Stabigail – Dagger]   

When unsheathed, the dagger momentarily emits a blinding white glow and releases a puff of glittery smoke accompanied by a dramatic choral note.

+3 Dexterity