B2 Chapter 154: Mask

Waking early the next morning with the rising sun, Kaius had set about breaking the fast of their little troupe with a hearty meal of fried potatoes and bacon. Despite everything that had happened, he could see the appeal that artisan classes held to many. In another life, being a cook might have been his calling, what with how gratified he felt when he saw the looks of appreciation on his party member’s faces as they ate their breakfast.

They set off shortly after, making their way further towards Deadacre. At first, Kaius was worried that Ianmus would notice the quail egg-sized gem that sat in the pommel of his blade. With his sharp eyes, he was sure the man would notice the difference. Yet, if he had, Ianmus gave no sign.

That, at least, was something.

They walked across rolling fields, skirting around shallow hills and fording thin streams as the sun beamed down on them from above. It was a warm heat, filled with the brilliance of the mid-summer sun. Thankfully, there were just enough clouds to prevent it from growing stifling, while few enough in number that it could in no way be called gloomy.

More than once they diverted their way around the occasional copse of trees that studded the plains and served as shelter to the wild’s primal denizens, or redirected when they spotted some herd of beasts. Ianmus gave them odd looks for that. Understandable after so many days of them throwing themselves into fights at the first opportunity.

Yet, even if it was mildly suspicious, it was far easier to explain away than waving around a crystalline sword that had been plain metal the night before.

Sitting astride Porkchop’s back, Kaius looked over to their half-elf companion. The man kept pace with them comfortably. For all he seemed unused to the rigours of long-distance travel, the man was no slouch.

He just hoped that he wouldn’t be in too much of a rush to sequester himself inside the safety of a city’s walls.

“Just get it over with and ask him, Kaius.” Porkchop said with a soft snort, startling him.

Kaius rolled his eyes. He hadn’t been hemming and hawing that much, it was just a big ask. Still, his brother had the right of it. There was no point waiting.

“Ianmus,” he called out, causing the mage to look in his direction with a questioning look on his face. “I have a request, if you are amenable to it.”

The man cocked his brow at him. “Oh, and what would my mighty saviour like to ask of this humble academic.” Ianmus teased, after so many days in each other’s company he’d begun to relax, revealing a subtle and quick wit.

Kaius chuckled, before he quickly explained their problem – how having Porkchop revealed as a greater beast would cause a hullabaloo they would rather avoid.

“Which is why I was hoping you would be willing to stay with Porkchop an hour or two outside of the city, while I go see if I can purchase an artefact that will shift his status.” he finished, watching the half-elf’s face closely for any sign of dissatisfaction.

Instead, he found something unexpected. Plain confusion.

“Why would you need an artefact? I would have thought that the two of you would be able to Mask well enough without one’s assistance to at least get into the city. I mean sure, if the guards have reason to peer deeply, you might need one, but I don’t see why they would take that much of an interest.” Ianmus said, clearly puzzled at his question.

Kaius too, found that he was growing confused. Masking? What was that? And how in the world would they be able to hide their status without an artefact or skill?

“I’m sorry, Masking? I don’t know what you mean.” he replied.

Ianmus’s eyes widened in realisation. “Of course! You two met when you were unclassed! My apologies, I would have brought it up early if it had occurred to me.” he responded, bobbing his head politely. Kaius gestured for him to continue.

“Masking directly involves interacting with your class or bloodline construct, so it is one of those things that is annoyingly difficult to share with unclassed due to the restrictions around the selection process. Most don’t bother trying to teach it until after someone has reached class advancement.” Ianmus finished, pausing for him to digest his words.

Kaius groaned, rubbing his eyelids in frustration. Of course, another lesson that he missed due to circumstances. He just hoped that it wasn’t some great secret, and Ianmus would be able to share it.

Porkchop beat him to the punch.

“What is it, and will it help us get into Deadacre without giving away what we are?” his brother asked.

Ianmus nodded emphatically, before he launched into an explanation of the ability. “Yes, yes, it’s down right perfect, and no great secret either. Not well known amongst common folk, but almost everyone who comes from a learned or well off background knows of it, and can use it to varying levels of proficiency. I’ve heard that the Guild teaches it to their members once they have proven themselves and risen out of Copper rank too.”

Kaius nodded, gripping the loop of leather attached to Porkchop’s under-armour a little tighter as his brother stepped into a particularly large pothole hidden in the grass.

If the guild gave it out at Bronze rank, then it was no great secret indeed. Leaving copper only took confirming that you have delved the fourth layer, or by reaching level sixty and doing enough high-copper tasks, and that was if they were being overcautious.