Psychokinetic Eyeball Pulling

Chapter 6: A Wayfarer's Introduction

“Hello? Do you plan on making me wait all day?” A familiar voice travelled to the back of the room.

Master Rumaisa scoffed at the impudent words. “I should take care of my esteemed customers' needs.”

Astrid chuckled at the sarcasm. “I’ll join you.”

They walked out as the group of eyes landed on Astrid.

“Ah, Astrid.” Jonathan said. He wiped the pompous look off his face and replaced it with a twitching smile.

Astrid didn't bother hiding the scowl on her face. He dares show his face after... She glanced at Leena as a boiling heat itched at her palms.

“It’s such a surprise to see you here, my lady. Your beauty truly brightens up even the darkest of days.” He bowed. “You would be pleased to know that I was enrolled in the seafaring division for our first mission.”

Astrid was about to blast him out the door when she perked up at his words.

“First mission?” Astrid wondered.

“Don’t you know?” Jonathan looked confused.

“Know what? I’ve been training relentlessly these past two weeks for the Wayfarer’s exam.” Astrid said.

“They've tasked us with an extermination mission into the Underbelly of the ship.” Jonathan placed his hand on his chest. “I’ll show my worth and travel further than everyone in our generation.”

“Have you faced a Spawn yet?” Astrid remarked. “You might think that now, but it's different when their beady little eyes are staring back at you.”

Astrid leaned over the counter. Staring directly into his eyes. “You should have seen it when I popped their eyeballs out of their skull. Pop!” she shouted as Jonathan's shoulders recoiled.

Jonathan quickly cleared his throat as his cheeks heated. “Yes, well, I’ve undergone strict training. Are you not joining us? Are you suffering side effects from the attack in the Lower District? I heard you almost died?”

Astrid said. “Of course I’m joining. It seems you have forgotten the strength of a Sinwen.

“I’m well aware of the strength of a Sinwen, but will you have that same power? I heard you are walking the path of a mage. Who's to say that you will match them?” Jonathan shook his head.

Without a thought, the items in the shop started levitating. The golden necklace around Jonathan’s throat started floating. Tightening around his throat.

“Are you sure now?” Astrid said. Then, as if nothing happened, the room turned to normal. She placed the objects back where they belonged.

“Y-you’re crazy.” Jonathan stormed out of the room with his posse in tow.

A sigh appeared behind Astrid.

“I don’t know what I expected. Well—I did—I suppose.” Master Rumaisa said.

“Mutts need to know their place.” Astrid said. “Besides, how the hell is he going to beat the Spawn if he runs away from me?”

“You have tormented him since young, Astrid.”

“Yes, well, he shouldn’t have put his grubby little hands on Leena.” Astrid scowled. “It’s like training a dog, isn’t it? That golden necklace makes a fine collar.”

“You’re a piece of work, you know that.” Master Rumaisa said.

Just as Astrid was about to head on through the back to finish the design of her new dress, she heard the bell ringing from the door once more.

“Listen here…” Astrid spun as another group entered the shop.

“Expecting someone else?” A young man, rough in his twenties, confidently approached the counter as a woman walked by his side.

The man’s head was shaved at the sides with a fringe that almost covered his eyes. While the woman had a slender body with short chestnut hair. The clothes and leather armour they were wearing had holes ripped into them. The stench of unwashed bodies surged forward.

“I’m needing these repaired. Thank you.” He placed a rucksack full of clothes on the counter. Astrid noticed the badge on his chest. Wayfarer.

“Had a nasty run in with some dire wolves.” He continued.

“Dire wolves? That means you’ve returned from a Forgotten City?” Astrid said in excitement.

“You mean a bubbled-city? Only nobles call it that. It’s clearly not forgotten if we’re down there, is it?” the man said. “Are you new here? Never seen your face before-ow!” Daniel yelped as a boot struck his calf.

“Apologies, my lady. Daniel refuses to learn the faces of nobles. Landing us in the shitter often,” the young lady with short hair bowed her head, “ah, pardon my language.”

“I tend to be quite petty, but I’ll let him off the hook.” Astrid nodded.

“Oh, trust me, young Wayfarers. She has no qualms with foul language.” Rumaisa added.

"Agreed." Leena chirped in.

"Who's side are you on?" Astrid said.

"Yours, of course, my lady."

“Ah, you’re a noble. What’s your name? What are you doing behind the counter?” Daniel quickly dodged another boot to his leg. “What? I ain’t allowed to ask questions, Lisa?”

Lisa’s face turned red. “Can’t you at least behave yourself until we get back into the Lower District?”

“My name is Astrid Sinwen.” Astrid said.

At the words, Daniel’s eyes widened.

“I’m just a customer like you.” Astrid added.

Can’t hurt getting to know a wayfarer’s party. They’re all young as well. They must be talented.

“Astrid, it’s a pleasure to meet you. We were actually looking for someone to join our party. I take it you’ve heard of the subjugation mission in the Underbelly?”

“You can’t just recruit a princess of Rebirth on a whim, Daniel.” Lisa scowled.

“But we need someone.” Daniel scratched the side of his stubble.

“Yeah, and we’ll just recruit one on the Humanity Board.” An exasperated sigh left Lisa’s mouth.

“Ugh, that takes forever, though. I can’t stand waiting. Besides, they’re usually wimps. How many of them ever leave the ship?” Daniel continued. “They bloody sign up as a Seafarer, take their monthly wage and leech off the government. Damned leeches.”

“Well…”

“Exactly.” Daniel said. “So, how about it? What class are you?”

“I’m a mage but, even if I wanted to do it...” Astrid said. “How could I trust you?”

“A mage, how lucky! See, easy as that, Lisa.” Daniel laughed. “Trust is easily earned. Can’t you tell from my noble demeanour?” Daniel raised his head.

“You’re going to get us thrown in prison.” Lisa sighed.

“What’s the mission, exactly?” Astrid crossed her arms. “What’s your role”

Daniel nodded. “Our commander has tasked us to take the fight to the Spawn, kill em’, that’s about it.” Daniel's eyes flashed a determined look.

“You’re jumping into a mission and you don’t know the full details?” Astrid said.

“Jumping in?” Daniel laughed. “It's not my first rodeo into the underbelly, golden missy. I know the capabilities of my group and I would never take a mission if it was something I knew we couldn't handle. I ain’t just a pretty face, you know.”

“Pretty face? To goblins maybe.” Lisa said. “But he’s telling the truth. Not once has he brought us into a dire situation. Actually, I’ll rephrase that. Not once has he brought us into a dire situation that he hasn’t brought us out of.”

“Ouch, I have feelings.” Daniel pouted.

“Give me a day to decide?” Astrid said.

“Sure thing. We need to gather supplies, anyway. Meet you back here, same time.”

“Excellent. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Astrid.” Daniel left with the group.

“Likewise.”

Astrid turned to Leena. “Those people…”

Leena said. “Yes, my lady?”

“I want their names and background. I want to know if they can be trusted.” Astrid said. “Oh and Leena, discreetly.”

“Of course.” Leena left in a flash.

“It’s better to be cautious and suspicious of anyone.” Master Rumaisa said. “Well, let’s get started on the design of your dress. I’ll need to work all night if it’s needed by tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh my.” Master Rumaisa put on a shocked expression, followed by a smile. “Say that again.”

“I want it ready by tomorrow!” Astrid ignored her and trotted out of the room. My first mission… Will father even allow it? I’ve not passed the examination to become a wayfarer yet.

The beating sun welcomed her as soon as she entered the streets. I should prepare anyway. Potions, a weapon just in case–those scalpels came in handy. I’ll grab something more substantial, however, and food. Need to have food.

The shopping district in the Upper District was huge. It took Astrid six hours to finish her shopping. A big rucksack was completely full, the heavy weight slumped on her shoulders as she felt the force trying to tug her backwards. Maybe I should invest at least some points into strength… wait a minute.

Her mind latched onto the bag and adjusted it. She made sure not to levitate it all the way up, just enough so it reduced the amount of stress on her petite shoulders. Ah, it doesn’t use too much mana doing it this way.

It was a long way back to the Sinwen Manor. Halfway, she could feel her mana depleting. Spotting a bench, she sat down. It was next to a garden filled with red and yellow flowers. Bees would buzz by her ear, but she didn’t mind. Astrid gazed at the Beekeeper class user going on with his work before turning to her stats within the System. If she wanted to become stronger–quicker–she had to be careful where she was spending her points.

Strength. It was something she would have had to focus on if she became a Magic swordsman just like the rest of her family. But now it had little use, especially now that she could lessen the burden with Psychokinesis. The odd few points wouldn’t hurt–just in case she ran out of mana.

Dexterity. It improved the body's flexibility and the speed at which the body listened to the commands it was given. An archer or rogue's stats of choice. This one was quite important for Astrid. She had no movement ability so far and only relied on her own two legs.

Constitution. Improves the skin's toughness and how many hits you can take before bleeding out. Dying isn't fun, so this one is a must.

Intelligence. The mage’s bread and butter stat. It improves the mana container within one’s body and increases the damage dealt with spells. It could also grant the Mana Defence skill. Highly sought after by warriors. It increased their magical defence.

Finally, Wisdom. Increases the person's perception and observation. It also helped fend off against any mind abilities. This should also improve my Psychokinesis skill, I’ll need to test it but it should help me to sense matter from further.

So that leaves intelligence, wisdom, constitution, dexterity. Astrid nodded at her order. Then her thoughts turned to her father. He would probably say no, given what happened in the Lower District. Should I go behind his back if they turn out to be trustworthy? Ah, I’ll sleep on it.

“So they can be trusted, then.” Astrid held a file open, information regarding the group was scrawled within. Everything from their birth to the day their System awakened to what class they were given. However, their advanced classes were hidden. Astrid knew it was to protect the Wayfarers from the pirates out at sea. Then it moved to their personalities and mission success.

Three warriors - Rob, Losef, and Daniel. One rogue - Brett. One archer - Lisa, and a healer - Rachelle.

Their mission success rate sure is impressive.

“Burn it.” Astrid handed the files back over to Leena.

“My lady. Are you sure this is a good idea?” Leena said.

“It’s fine. I left a letter on my father's desk explaining what’s happened and where I’m going. By the time he sees the letter, he will have enough time to stop me if he wishes.” Astrid continued. “But I doubt he will. I've awakened. I'm just having my first mission brought forward a couple of weeks, that's all. "

“Yes, but--” Leena sighed. “All you Sinwen’s are the same, stubborn as mules.”

Astrid chuckled. “Careful now. I might just report that to the family.”

“Then do just that.” Leena huffed.

Astrid stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Leena's toned shoulders. “I'll be back in no time.”

“Ah–you.” Leena said.

Astrid looked at the clock. It’s almost time. She untied a sack from under the counter. Pulling out a black and brown outfit, she admired it for a second. It was something she was working on through the month from working at The Noble Seamstress. It was a dress mixed with a cotton-polyester blend and lightweight armour covered all the vital areas and arms. She had also requested a hood to be stitched on it. The less attention, the better. She wanted to be treated like a regular adventurer, even if only for a while.

Uncommon Crafted Equipment - Level 5 - Battle-Mage Dress: Made with durable fur of a Dire Wolf, imbued with magic, and lined with heat resistance fabric. Finished with Cold-Steel.

| +5 Intelligence

| +3 constitution

| +10% heat resistance

Master Rumaisa made sure to only use low-level materials so she could at least get access to the stats that would provide some help to the mission.

The door opened, Daniel peeked his head inside. “Anyone here?”

“Just me.” Astrid said.

“Excellent. Meet at the service tunnels in ten minutes.”

Astrid nodded. She slung a backpack over her shoulders. It held the outfit, food, and any medical supplies that she might need.

“Take care, Astrid.” Leena held her hands against her chest.

Nodding, Astrid could feel the thumping within her chest.

My first mission.

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