Among magic users, Warlocks are often seen as the underdogs—weaker in almost every regard.
"That is so cool!" the girl exclaimed. "We haven't even introduced ourselves yet," I noted. Unlike Wizards, Warlocks have a much smaller pool of spells at their disposal.
"Oh, right! My name is Hazer Abyozhzh Al-Bayan, but just call me Al-Bayan," she said. "And I'm Sven Laocard," I replied. "What? You're a Laocard? Please, forgive my lack of respect!" Al-Bayan bowed slightly.
Unlike Sorcerers, a Warlock's spells are generally weaker. Sorcerers are born with magic in their blood; they control it instinctively and rarely lose their focus.
"Hey, we were getting along just fine," I said, holding up my hands to keep her at a distance and shaking my head. "I'm your friend. You don't have to address me so formally." "Thank you, you're so kind!" she chirped, reaching out to pinch my cheek.
I brushed her hand away. She decided it was best to see me home, and we navigated through back alleys I didn't recognize. Classes are something inherent to a person. Fae and certain ghosts can see statistics, and sometimes, by coming into contact with them, a class can be activated or attributes revealed. But this was strange. Gaining a class just by touching a faerie? That was practically unheard of.
"Is this your mansion?" Bayan asked. "Yes," I said. "I hope you don't get scolded too badly." "I hope so too. Well, see you later." "Goodbye!"
I headed inside. How was I going to explain leaving clean in the morning and returning filthy in the evening? Whatever. I just hoped she wouldn't hit me like my first mother used to. I eased the door open and shut it quietly. As I turned around... Ahem.
I slowly turned back. "Care to explain yourself?" Marie Laocard asked, looking irritated. I started spinning a story immediately. "I was playing Laglogng with the kids on the street," I said. "And then?" "Then we went out of town to the river to go swimming." "Fine."
She walked away to the left. I hoped it would be this easy next time. Perhaps it's normal here for kids to vanish at dawn and reappear at dusk. I retreated to my room, threw my clothes into the wash, and headed to the bathroom.
Warlocks receive their spells from patrons. They can even enhance their patron's skills or refine them. You don't even need a written contract; sometimes the patron doesn't even know you're siphoning their power. The subclasses—the patrons—can be anything.
I really wanted the Hexblade subclass. You get a brutal black blade that transforms based on the owner's personality and combat style. A sword for every concept. My eyes began to grow heavy. The best part? The entity from the Shadowfell asks for nothing in return. You just get the sword and learn magic from it.
I woke up the next morning feeling like a mess. Oily skin, greasy hair, aching eyes. I wished I could have stayed asleep forever. I dragged myself to the bathroom, washed up, and dressed in something more presentable. When I went downstairs for breakfast, I found my mother dressed up, wearing makeup, and acting extremely impatient.
"What's going on?" I asked. "Nothing much, your father is just arriving," Marie said. I went to the dining room, but they wouldn't serve me. "Elkar, can you get me some food?" I asked. "Forgive me, but Lady Marie ordered that no one touch the food until Lord Arthur Laocard arrives," replied Elkar, a Goliath maid.
I slumped onto the living room sofa and opened my system stats:
Name: Sven Laocard Race: Human Class: Warlock Subclass: ??? Traits: Perfect Eyesight, Tough, Aberrant Mind.
I figured the subclass field would stay blank until I found a patron. Maybe I needed a certain reputation or achievement first. But how would otherworldly beings even find me? Divination, maybe? I'd figure it out later. I needed to buy my first skill from the shop.
Sacrificial Blade (Epic) A small basalt blade laced with golden webs and a red gem at the base. When you draw your patron's circle and cut an offering, it is sent directly to them. Requirement: Warlock Class. Price: 50,000 Bao
Damn, where would I hide it? I couldn't exactly call it a gift; they'd ask who gave it to me.
BATTLE PASS!!! Level 1: 10,000 Bao Level 2: Gift Goblet Level 3: Upgrade Stone Level 4: 10,000 Bao Level 5: Inventory Slot Points: 146/200
What? Why did the rewards change? I was about to look closer when— "Sven, your father is here!" Marie called.
I stood up and went outside. Standing there was Arthur Laocard, the fourth most powerful man in the Kingdom of Mordelia. He wore a white shirt with three buttons undone and a blue frock coat that gave him the air of a pirate—a look completed by the eyepatch over his left eye. His hair was longish but didn't cover his eyes, and his sideburns transitioned into a short beard. Dust particles seemed to dance in the air around him.
For some reason, he was looking at me sternly. "Hello, Father," I said. "Hey," Arthur grunted. "How was the conference?" "Fine." Arthur frowned slightly. "Why are we standing around? To the table!" Marie said, ushering him inside.
Why was he so moody? I just hoped he hadn't seen through me.