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Half A Hero 43
“Where are the rats?!” Ghwyr looked around and saw a massively empty room.Ghwyr and the rat exterminator was standing on a wooden floor elevated from the ground where the rats had supposedly nested. They descended into the creaking stairs while carefully looking around in case a giant rat might pop out of nowhere.Their flickering torch wasn’t enough to light up the massive room. It only illuminated a few feet from them, so it was possible that something might be lurking in the dark somewhere. However, the boy seemed to be unfazed by the darkness. He navigated the huge space well unafraid of the giant critters that might’ve been hiding below.“M-m-must be… hiding… s-s-somewhere.” The boy replied hesitantly.Ghwyr turned to the boy, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you’re a rat catch—well, an expert on this matter?!” He asked.“I-I-I- am so s-s-s-orry! S-s-sorry…” The boy profusely apologized. “I…I… had me map here… we could locate them… also had me bait and poisons…” He took it out of
Half A Hero 44
Ghwyr immediately stood up and pushed the boy away from another huge clump of soil hurled towards them.“Get away, now!” Ghwyr shouted as he activated his shield. “I will take care of this!” He said as he unsheathed his sword.The boy ran out of the stock house and left him there against the abomination at the bottom floor.The monster refused to show its true self, preferring to hide inside the hole it created. Its red raging eyes stared at Ghwyr, unblinking and following his every movement. Its eyes faded in the darkness once again then, a huge chunk of rock flew from the hole and almost hit him, if it weren’t for his trusty shield.The rock shattered into pieces as it hit his shield. Ghwyr gritted his teeth, feeling the wave of impact that coursed throughout his body. The monster was one mean brute and Ghwyr fears that it might do the same attack over and over again if he didn’t find a way out of it.“You’re one nasty rat.” Ghwyr picked up a piece of the shattered stone in his han
Half A Hero 45
It has been days since his mission at Bracken Delta has ended. The mission was a huge success, and even got a handwritten recommendation from the lord of the town. However, as always, that part seemed to be fairly neglected by the other adventurers. Some of them were just unable to swallow the reality of how good he had been in their ranks, that they just end up mocking him.Some had a name for him that they whisper under their breath as he passed the halls. They call him the Hunter, a mocking and condescending name for his accomplishments. According to them, the only reason he got the top rankings and commendations was because of the missions he took. They say he had it easy just killing all sort of critters instead of doing some other bounties, like escorting individuals and other errands.No matter how hurtful they may be, Ghwyr just ignored them. He had no time for childish ploys and nonsense, though it would have been better if they just focused on doing their own stuff, rather t
Half A Hero 46
Ghwyr tumbled to the floor, unable to comprehend how the instructor was able to catch him as quickly as he did. He turned around and saw the instructor arms-crossed while tapping his feet, staring at him angrily. “Well, would you like to sleep on the floor all day?” The man with an eye-patch asked. “N-n-no… sir.” Ghwyr shook his head and stood up. “Good. Now, scram and get comfortable over there!” The grumpy man pointed at the very back of the class. Ghwyr immediately scoured to the back, passing the sitting attendants who couldn’t look at him straight in the eyes. They were avoiding eye-contact, as if they were ashamed of being there and Ghwyr might have an inkling as to why. He sat at the very back, beside an adventurer who seemed to be mumbling something while weirdly rocking back and forth. “Next!” The man’s voice echoed throughout the room. Ghwyr’s seatmate shuddered hearing the man’s voice. He too had chills just hearing the man’s deep raspy voice. There was a certain growl
Half A Hero 47
Ghwyr’s heart pounded violently on his chest. As they assumed their fighting stances. He took a deep breath and tried his best to calm himself as they met each other’s gaze. He clenched his jaw and took a step back, holding his sword with both hands while pointing it at his opponent.“Nifty.” Heffer One-eye commented as he touched his blade with his.The instructor had a laxed and open stance, his one arm behind his back while his swordarm outstretched and pointing at Ghwyr. He tapped Ghwyr’s blade lightly with his, taunting him to do the first move but the halfling didn’t bite his bait.“Hmmm…” The instructor’s face contorted while he waited for Ghwyr to do the first move.Ghwyr stared at him intently as he pushed back the instructor’s blade with a nudge. The instructor didn’t react, he seemed to be expecting the move coming from him. He slid his front foot forward and readied himself to lunged at the one-eyed instructor. However, before he could strike, Heffer was already on him.Wi
Half A Hero 48
Ghwyr fell on his knees with just one gentle push. His knees haven’t recovered it strength yet. He had been trying to hit the instructor for a few minutes now, but all he did was hit nothing but air. He tried using the zigzag attack again, but as it turned out, Heffer had already predicted it and simply pushed him by the shoulder.“You’re still in no shape to fight, and yet you want to continue?” The one-eyed instructor asked.Ghwyr used his wooden sword to get up to his feet. His arms burned as he pushed himself back up, yet his eyes were fixed on Heffer.“N-not… yet… done.” He said as he heaved his breathe.“Oh, so you’re still going at it, huh?” The one-eyed swordsman was unimpressed. “Fine, let’s dance.” He gestured Ghwyr to attack at once.Showing no fear, Ghwyr screamed and rushed towards the arrogant instructor. However, his legs had failed him again. As he was about to lunge at Heffer, his knees gave out, stopping his momentum immediately.He kneeled on the floor, cursing unde
Half A Hero 49
“Left… right… left…rig—left?” Ghwyr could barely catch-up Heffer’s attacks. He kept on counting the one-eyed swordsman’s movement and strikes, but every time he thought he had caught up to it, the swordsman changes his tempo.“Right!” Heffer smirked as he sneaked into Ghwyr’s right flank and went for a piercing stab.Ghwyr was able to parry it at the last second. The impact of the attack flung him to the wall, winding him.“A parry at that angle?” Heffer looked at the chipped part of his wooden blade. “Quite impressive all things considered. Did you know how many times you’ve died already?” He pointed his weapon at Ghwyr once again.“Y-you… h-h-haven’t… killed me… yet.” Ghwyr replied as he turned to Heffer.The one-eyed swordsman scowled at his answer. “Hmmm… maybe you’re right. So, how about I end it now?” Heffer dashed towards him before disappearing from his line of sight.Ghwyr tumbled forward as he tried to avoid the assault. He wasn’t sure where the attack would come from, but h
Half A Hero 50
Ghwyr waited for the blade to descend into his head and end his misery. But the dreaded moment didn’t come. He opened his eyes and saw the blade just above his head.“Well done, Ghwyr.” Heffer shook his head as he spat a spittle with blood from his mouth. “You got me good, right here.” He smiled, showing his two missing teeth.“W-what… just h-happened?” Ghwyr looked around and saw the surprised faces of the entire class.Everyone was wide-eyed and mostly slack-jawed after hearing Heffer’s announcements.“Yes, you heard that right!” He turned to the rest of the class. “This adventurer has just saved you sorry asses. To those interested, we shall convene here tomorrow at 8 in the morning!” He announced.The rest of the class clamored after hearing the news, while Ghwyr sat there against the wall. His body was hurting and unmoving. His muscles were screaming in pain, burning with every little movement that he attempted. He stared at the entire class and listened. Maybe if recovered some
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- Half A Hero
63
Ghwyr was dropped off at the western point of the dungeon which was a barren hill very far from the main city. The sun was already setting at the horizon the moment they arrived there. During their long and windy trip, they had passed about five towns that he wasn’t familiar. He didn’t even think that there were towns and villages located in such a remote place as this.He looked around the barren land and saw nothing but dead trees and dry boulders lying on the ground untouched by man. From his position, he could see a small visage of the sea below. The peaceful blue sea was a great contrast to the brown and lifeless color of the hill he was standing on.He shook his head and tried to get that thought out of his head. There were some more pressing matters he needed to attend to; for one, it was already dusk, and he needed to make camp immediately.He looked at the sun setting at the horizon and without skipping a beat, he began to make camp. He made a simple tent out of dried branch
- Half A Hero
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The following morning was just like any other morning in the capital. The cold breeze and the chirping birds were all the ordinary things that he usually heard every morning. But nothing was ordinary that day. Today was the day of their test, the Dungeon Crawl. Ghwyr woke up early and readied his kit, checking everything was there and making sure that he didn’t leave a thing. One missing item could be a matter of life and death. After checking the bag for the third time, he donned his armor, and checked his weapons. When everything was set and done, he went down to the bar and ordered a hearty breakfast before waving his goodbye to Mama Berta. “Will yah be gone for a while?” The barkeeper asked. “It’s a dungeon crawl, Mama Berta and my first time at it. I am not certain how many days that would take us to finish.” He answered while taking a deep breath. “Why’re yah sounding like yah gon’ die?” The barkeeper sighed and shook her head. “Tip from me… make sure yah finish the crawl be
- Half A Hero
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Chills ran down his spine as he thought about what just happened. The sweet old lady, Baba Sheby could be one powerful opponent if you get to her bad side. Now he realized why so many adventurers called her witch.He shook his head and went around the market, trying to kill the last few hours and get himself entertained to relax himself from all the studying he did. Good thing the market wasn’t short of mouth-watering stalls for him to splurge a little bit of his budget on.There were stalls for grilled meats, of all kinds, exotic cuisines from all over the kingdom lined up on one street. He wondered around for a few minutes, checking up the stalls just to know which ones to buy from. After a couple of rounds, he set his eyes on the fried squid stall and the weird yet queued upon green noodles from the Zimazo region.He first went to the fried squid section and ate the butterflied and battered fried squid. It was skewered in a thin wooden stick to easily grip the food while he walked
- Half A Hero
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“Hmmm… pretty interesting my dear halfling.” The old woman smiled and sipped her tea.Ghwyr nodded enthusiastically at her. “Oh, I still have more…” He said as he picked the stories he could share in his head.He still has a lot of things he could’ve told her, like those other adventurers that were treating him differently and often shunning him. However, he didn’t want the old woman to worry more than she already was.He noticed how worried she was as he continued to speak about his adventures. He told her how he got his new armor and weapons, and how he learned a new style in combat which he was proud the most. Baba Sheby nodded and smiled at his stories, but her eyes had a hint of gloom in them. He ended his story with the current situation he was at, the Dungeon Crawl.“You fearless little one.” She shook her head. “I have always worried about you ever since you told me what you wanted to be. Not everyone could achieve their dreams in your profession, and I have always prayed to m
- Half A Hero
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The petite old woman waddled towards her small round table at the middle of the room, near her cozy and colorful fireplace. The place hasn’t changed for years. There were still those dried herbs and flowers the old woman hung by the counter of her kitchen which he could visibly see from the living room. The furniture all over her house were still the same red lumber, elegantly carved into beautiful set pieces of chairs and tables with mystical animals in the base of each furniture.Baba Sheby pointed him to his seat. Ghwyr thanked the old lady and sat on the chair with a carved unicorn on the base. It was his favorite seat and even without him telling that to her, Baba Sheby seemed to know that it was.While the old woman was preparing her tea, Ghwyr peeped at the counter at the corner of the room. Behind the beautiful furniture carved with a serpents and ivy vines wrapping on its edges was a simple, yet huge shelf filled with items from potions, dried herbs, spices, peculiar trinkets
- Half A Hero
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Ghwyr sighed as the one-eyed swordsman stormed out of the room. He turned to the other adventurers who looked stunned at what just happened. Their eyes were staring at the empty doorway before going back to the board with all the diagrams drawn there.“W-what now?” The adventurer with an upturned nose asked.Ghwyr stood up while shaking his head, astounded at their cluelessness to the situation. “We better get studying.” He said while glancing at them. “Or else we die inside that damned dungeon.” He walked out and left the other adventurers mumbling and throwing insults at him like little children having a fit.He wasn’t sure how did they became adventurers. They may not be seasoned like the higher ranks, but they should at least know a thing or two about being tact and insightful towards certain situations. Now, they were left with no one to teach them or explain things from the mini book. Ghwyr highly doubted that Heffer would even return tomorrow, knowing the moody nature of their
- Half A Hero
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After a quick breakfast of toasted bread, goat butter, and soft cheese, Ghwyr went up the stairs and into his room where he donned his armor and sling his blade on his side, ready for the day ahead! He locked his room and headed for the Guild Hall with just half an hour to spare.He arrived at the bustling guildhall with adventurers lining up early in the administration desks just before they opened. In their hands were parchments from the bounties they pulled out of the board.Curious, Ghwyr went to the board and was shocked to see the board riddled with a lot of requests. Parchments upon parchments were nailed into the board and he saw a lot of adventurers claiming some of the bounty request, but the board wasn’t thinning.He looked at some of the most recent request and found out that most of them were party related. He turned to the adventurers on the queue and realized most of them were not at a party. He checked at the party bounty requests and noticed the hefty rewards in store
- Half A Hero
56
Three days had passed, and everyone already had a good hang of the ability they were taught. The armor-searing spell wasn’t as taxing as they thought it would be (until you have to incorporate it with some other spells and moving attacks). Although using it in actual combat might be a little tricky than they thought it might.Not all armors were created equal, and some had high-level enchantments more than others. In fact, not all opponents were built equally! Heffer was very keen on letting them understand about it before they could brag about the silly spells he taught them. After mastering the armor-searing spell, a few days back, Ghwyr and the remaining students of the terror swordsman were taught a few more spells in their arsenal. The firebolt spell for their additional attack, the stoneskin spell for additional defense, and lastly, the enhancement spell for well… enhancing their attributes like their speed, agility, and strength while on battle.It didn’t take them long to rea
- Half A Hero
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Another week has passed, and their numbers dwindled even further. After Heffer showed them the dance and the steps that came along with it, five more adventurers dropped out from the program to continue adventuring. The nine students were now down to four.As Ghwyr recalled, he noted one of them arguing with Heffer that the lessons he had taught them up until that point were enough to help them survive attackers and bandits. They didn’t need to know more of it since; they were burning their coins already and they were getting broker by the day they stalled from adventuring.Heffer didn’t argue with them. In fact, he didn’t say a word. He simply allowed them to take their leave and wished them luck with their adventure. However, before they left, the swordsman made them promised something.“Don’t ever show your face in this class again, nor teach this skill to anyone, or else I will kill you.” Heffer threatened. “I have eyes and ears everywhere. If I see you brag about being taught by
