Adam offered them a polite smile before he replied. "Greetings. My name is Adam, and I'm here to see Lady Arjan. I believe she's expecting me for an appointment?"
The guard stiffened and eyed him with caution, clearly recognizing his name. "You're the [lesser Necromancer]? Don't look like much. You ain't one of those crazy System-hating freaks, are you?"
Adam hid his annoyance and chuckled softly before shaking his head. "Not at all, sir. I have no issues with the System. Besides, I'm sure a respectable woman like Lady Arjan wouldn't be associating with such extremists, no?"
Reminded that Adam was there on the invitation of his superior, the guard hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "Fine, follow me."
Adam trailed behind the guard as they passed through the manor's expansive courtyard and entered the main building. The interior was just as lavish as the exterior with opulent furnishing and expensive pieces of art adorning the walls. The guard, unbothered by the many servants going about their business, guided Adam through the foyer to a set of grand double doors and announced their presence.
"Lady Arjan, your guest has arrived," the guard called out.
Moments later, the double doors slowly opened to reveal a spacious chamber where Lady Arjan, an elegant naga dressed in fine silks, awaited. Her upper body was that of a beautiful human woman with light skin while her lower half was a long snake tail with green scales that she had lying along the couch she was reclining on. She also wore a necklace adorned with several yellow Sunstones, the rare and unique gemstone found only in the Kalahari desert.
"You are punctual, human. I'm glad to see that you are not foolish enough to waste my time," said Lady Arjan, her voice cold as she set aside the book that she had been reading and studied Adam with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "I've heard much about your… talents. I expect you to live up to your reputation. Drushk You may leave us."
The guard bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him. Lady Arjan gestured to a nearby chair, and Adam obediently took a seat with a polite smile on his face. He'd long since gotten used to the condescending attitudes of Askar's upper class. It had annoyed him at first, but so long as he got paid good money and didn't need to go back to being a penniless vagrant, he could endure a little bit of arrogance.
"Thank you for having me, Lady Arjan," Adam said respectfully. "I understand that you require my assistance with a few blood contracts that you would like to have done. Please share the details with me so that I can provide the best possible service."
Lady Arjan continued to study him for a moment longer before finally speaking.
''Very well, I would like 2 blood contracts between me and some servants.'' lady Arjan said with a decisive tone.
"Of course. If you have no other specifications, then we can begin straight away," Adam said eagerly. He could feel that he was rather close to increasing his level and was hopeful that he would be able to do so in this session.
Lady Arjan agreed, but not before warning him about the consequences if he did anything improper, Given that he wasn't suicidal, Adam quickly reassured her of his professionalism.
''Drushk, come here.'' commanded the Naga. Adam could barely contain his excitement, as the lizard kin walked into the room
''yes lady Arjan, what must I do,'' Drushk called out, ''Bring in the two servants, and hurry up.'' replied Lady Arjan.
''yes, lady Arjan.'' the lizard replied while bowing, quickly leaving the room and then rapidly entering however this time he entered with 2 lizard kin servants.
''Thank you Drushk.'' Lady Arjan stated.'' ''of course lady Arjan.'' the lizard kin replied.
''Okay, so I'm guessing that you would like a servant-master contract, or would you like something else?'' Adam stated towards lady Arjan.
''yes exactly that,'' lady Arjan stated
Adam began preparing all he needed for his skill to work ''so Adam is it, where did u obtain such a skill as this its very unique I must admit.'' lady Arjan exclaimed.
Adam continued his work as he considered his response. Nothing about his Class or business was explicitly illegal, but his situation was delicate enough that he needed to be cautious with the information he shared. "I received instruction on how to earn the [blood contract] Skill when I was younger from a traveller. He told me about necromancy and the Skills it offered, so I felt like it was a path worth pursuing."
Lady Arjan seemed to accept his explanation, nodding thoughtfully. "Interesting. I'm surprised that the great temple of Karno has allowed you to operate unmolested."
I wish. My life would be much easier if I didn't have to pay those bastards bribes constantly, Adam thought bitterly.
the temple of Karno was an organisation formed by the followers of the god Karno, which hold an oversized degree of power within the city. the city was ruled by a powerful [Merchant lord], but the Temple had been gradually accumulating influence for as long as Adam could remember.
Lady Arjan scoffed disdainfully before responding. "Typical. The temple has long since forgotten that it is not their place to enforce this city's laws.
Adam wasn't sure how to respond to that. It was surprising to him that she felt so comfortable voicing these opinions to a stranger, Instead of saying something that might get him in trouble, Adam merely hummed noncommittally and continued his preparations Which coincidentally are complete.
''Okay everything is prepared Lady can i proceed?'' stated Adam
''yes you may begin i would like this to be completed as quick as possible.'' Lady Arjan said '' you two come here and let the Human do his work.''
''yes mistress.'' the 2 lizard kins stated
Adam found nothing unusual and activated [blood contract] and began inputting the specifics of the contract, it was perhaps a couple of minutes before he was done then at once the skill activated, Adam proceeded to prick both of the servants finger.
and as expected a single drop of blood appeared on both of their hands floating a couple inches above the hand mixing together and then proceeding to infuse with Adams contract skill then at once the blood began to travel towards the contact and soaked into the servant signature, lady Arjan who also created a tiny cut onto her finger her blood floated towards the master signature and soaked in completing the contract.
both the servants and lady felt a slight tinge inside of there body which disappeared as quickly as it appeared finalizing the contract and finishing the ordeal.
Lesser Necromancer has reached Level 19! Skill Point Gained!
Adam couldn't help but laugh and cheer with excitement, which Lady Arjan immediately reprimanded him for. "What is so funny, human? I hired you to work, not act like a fool in my presence."
"I apologize for the outburst, Lady Arjan " Adam said quickly, trying to suppress his excitement. "I've been trying to increase my Level for nearly a year now, and I just received the notification that I've finally succeeded. It caught me a bit off-guard. It won't happen again."
Contrary to his expectations, Lady Arjan glare immediately softened considerably and she even offered him an approving smile. "I see. Then I apologize for my words, human. There are few endeavors in this world more sacrosanct than personal growth and the acquisition of power. What Level have you achieved?"
Caught off guard by her sudden change in demeanor, Adam hesitated for a moment before responding. There were some people who refused to share these kinds of details, but he wasn't important enough for it to really matter. "I've just reached Level 19, Lady Arjan Thank you for your understanding."
"That is surprisingly high for someone of your age and background. If you are lucky, then you may be able to achieve a Class Evolution within the next few years," said Lady Arjan
After giving Lady Arjan his thanks, Adam pulled on the strange presence in his mind and moved to do just that. The first thing he did was examine the new Skills available to him. Adam already knew that he intended to use his Skill Point to modify one of his already existing Skills, but it was always worth taking a look to see if he'd met the requirements for something new.
Available skills:
Active:
Minor Siphon Vitality - Temporarily lowers the Vitality of the target while increasing your own. Effect increases over time. This path leads to further skills related to the manipulation of stats. +1 Spirit. +2 Willpower. +1 Control
Create lesser bone Golem - Allows for the creation of a small bone golem, a simple construct with limited intelligence. Physical abilities vary with materials used for construction. This path leads to further skills related to the creation and modification of artificial beings. +1 Spirit. +1 Willpower. +2 Control
Adam quickly went through his options and noted the only newly available Skill since his last Level increase, [Create Lesser Flesh Golem]. Much like the rest, it was a good Skill and the best of the bunch which Adam took.
As Adam was pondering over his new skill there was a knock on the door.
The same lizardkin guard from before, looking somewhat panicked, stepped into the room. "I'm so sorry, My lady however there is something urgent that needs your attention."
Lady Arjan's expression changed rapidly from annoyance to concern. ''very well, guard. what is so important?''
What?!