Denizens of the Labyrinth

Jazmel returned with his new companion Baek and the group were astonished to see them together. He explained quickly what had transpired and they all agreed it was a weird offer but the benefit of having someone as strong as Baek with them, would be a bonus unlike any other.

Sadé listened to all this while she stroked the head of Saif who was both terrified but also reprieved at being released by that awful man. Jazmel soon learned his name was Cain and it left a bad taste in his mouth to say it.

“I thank you for helping me my Lady. But I ask that you allow me to be a retainer for you too.” She asked and everyone looked around to see how Sadé would respond.

“Saif…” she began and then she went quiet.

“What level are you?” Katie asked, drawing their attention.

“Level 13.” Saif said and the others understood, she would not survive alongside them. she was far too weak and that was something Jazmel knew immediately.

“You are ten levels behind Sadé. How can you hope to help her?” Katie explained, her tone was rough, but Jazmel knew it was the honesty the girl needed.

“Well, those are not her only options.” Baek said, stroking his beard he wondered for a moment.

“Well?” Jazmel asked.

“We can send her back to the first floor. If she completes the trials and takes the time to level up. She will be able to accompany you along the way as a retainer. If you so wish it.” He explained to them all.

“When a Seeker takes on a retainer, the system allows them a level of control. You may know where she is and she yourself. But it also allows you to set her tasks. If you see it fit, you can task her to get stronger, depending on what you offer her, she might be able to join with you sooner rather than later.”

“Can you teach me how to do that?” she asked, and he nodded, inclining his head lowly.

“Then I will do so, if you permit it young Master.” He turned to Jazmel now, who nodded. Quite shy at being called Master by someone quite older than him and incredibly stronger. After a few moments of explaining, Baek had already taught Sadé everything she needed, and they waited for Sadé to figure out what tasks to set Saif.

“Do you wish to take on this position of retainer?” Sadé asked Saif.

“I do my lady.”

“Then I accept.” Sadé said and Jazmel felt something form between them, like a link of a chain.

“As I have accepted you as a retainer, it will only fully connect us after you complete certain tasks. Do you wish to accept these tasks from me?” Sadé asked.

“I do my lady, I do.” She said, bowing low for Sadé.

“I bid you then, you must have undergone two tier tribulations. That is my minimum requirement. Once completed, you may join us as we continue through the labyrinth.” Sadé commanded and Saif merely kept herself low. Jazmel watched as what Sadé ordered seemed to hang in the air for them, it seemed the system was creating the task for her. After that, Sadé and Saif hugged and smiled.

“Before we move on, we should prepare you for your own journey.” Patton said and everyone began to think about their next steps.

“What will you need?” Sadé asked her and Saif simply looked at the ground, unsure.

“Do you know how to defend yourself?” Jazmel asked and she nodded.

“I can use a knife and my father taught me how to hunt with a bow.” Saif said.

“Are you any good with a bow?” Patton asked to which she grinned.

“I am best with a bow.”

“Great, we will go and buy you a bow.” Patton said but Baek waved him away.

“There is no need, I will equip her with everything she will need. I will also gift her a gate token, it will take her to a random first floor in the labyrinth and she can begin her levelling up.” Baek said and a small velvet pouch appeared in the palm of his hand, and he gifted it to Saif who thanked him greatly.

“There is a bow in there, I am sorry. I do not use long range weapons it is the weakest one I could give you. It is tier III, so there will be some restrictions on how much you can use it. But once you have tiered up, you should be quite capable.” He smiled at this, and the group all looked at him, shocked.

“Come on then.” Katie got up and headed for the door and they all looked at her.

“Well, you can’t go through the labyrinth in that dress, Sadé lets go and find her some clothes.” Sadé rose and with a smile she followed Katie, leaving the men behind.

“I will follow, I will make sure that nobody bothers them.” Bannerman said and hurried off after them.

“I would like to stay and chat, but I must leave you to return. I must tier up.” Patton said with a great grin.

“Tier II?” Baek asked and Patton inclined his head.

“It is extremely hard to become a tier II Seeker before reaching the tenth floor. You should be proud.” Baek commented and surprisingly Patton grew shy, Jazmel watched the interaction with a smile. Patton left them and soon it was Jazmel and Baek sitting alone, in silence. The inn keeper appeared, bringing fresh tea, and poured for both, Jazmel was grateful for the distraction, but he was still nervous.

“You seem worried about something.” Baek finally said, sipping his cup of tea and refraining from looking at Jazmel.

“I am, to be honest.”

“Why?”

“I do not know what you want?”

“Why do you think it is, that I want something from you?” Baek asked him.

“You are stronger and greater than anyone we have met in the labyrinth so far. I could not stop you if you wanted to do anything to us.”

“You will be pleased to know, that there is no way for a retainer to harm their Master.” Baek explained to him.

“I do not think you mean me harm.” Jazmel confessed.

“But I would like to know what you seek by becoming my retainer.” Jazmel wondered.

“It was a simple wager, I lost and there should always be a winner and a loser.” Baek said, sipping from his teacup again.

“But what do you gain from being like this with me?” Jazmel asked, honestly.

“I think fate surrounds you and I would be able to see new things whilst I follow you as you continue through the labyrinth.” Baek answered.

“I promise you, young Master. I hold no ill will for you or your friends, I merely saw something interesting in you and wish to see if anything blossoms from it.” He told Jazmel and Jazmel felt a little better after hearing that. Jazmel sipped his own tea and felt a little soothed as he inhaled the aroma of the tea leaves. They sat in silence and enjoyed their cups.