The Starlight party was already there by noon, and Elliot called a meeting in the tavern's common room. Most of the able-bodied people in town came to hear what he had to say.
Elliot stood on a chair so everyone could see him and said, "For the next week, we'll be working to make this town's defenses and abilities better."
"Anyone who wants to learn basic sword work and defensive techniques can come to me for combat training."
Diana stepped up. "I'll be teaching how to shoot arrows and set traps with skills that are useful for hunting and giving early warning."
"And I," Helena added with grace, "will be teaching anyone who is magically gifted basic healing spells and protective spells."
Lily just waved shyly, which showed that she was still learning.
Evelyn said, "We'll also be figuring out which repairs are most important." Her voice drew attention even though she didn't raise it.
"And helping to plan work parties to deal with them quickly."
...
The people in the town were eating it up, asking questions, and volunteering for training. They were clearly excited to see heroes who really cared.
Rex stood at the back and watched, leaning against the bar where Mara was serving drinks. She seemed to be caught up in the hope that filled the room, and her walls seemed to come down a little in the face of all the positive energy.
"They seem real," Mara said softly, as if to herself.
"Yes," Rex said. "That's why they're dangerous."
She gave him a sharp look. "What does that mean?"
"Nothing. It's just that honest people often break their promises."
"They'll make some repairs, teach some people, and then leave. And everyone will be back where they started, but now they will have hope to lose."
"That's very cynical, even for you."
"That's a realistic way of thinking."
Elliot called out to them before Mara could answer. "Hey, Mara, and you, Rex!"
"Would you both like to take part in the training? We could use some good hands."
Mara said right away, "I'm too busy running the inn or tavern, whatever you call it."
On the other hand, Rex recognized his opportunity. He had to join their group to stay with them for a week.
He needs to get close to them and find out what they do and what they don't do well. And the most important part is that he needs to create a good image of himself for them.
"I'd be interested," Rex said as he pushed away from the bar. "I've never had any real combat training."
"It might be helpful for me to protect this inn."
Elliot's face lit up. "Great! We begin at dawn tomorrow."
"You can bring any weapon you feel comfortable with, or we can give you training equipment."
Rex said, "I'll be there."
As the meeting concluded and everyone dispersed to their respective tasks, Rex noticed Helena observing him with a scrutinizing gaze. She smiled a little when their eyes met, then turned away.
Rex thought. "Now...that's interesting."
Diana was getting volunteers ready for her archery lessons. She moved quickly and didn't waste time.
Lily was chatting with some energetic local kids, and they were all excited.
Evelyn stood next to Elliot, holding his hand and looking like a devoted partner.
None of them knew that a predator had just been invited into their group.
The rest of the day was a blur of things to do. The heroes helped out with different things in town, and their presence made everyone feel better.
Garrett came back from his fishing trip looking worn out but happy with what he had caught. He had no idea that Mara and Rex were having problems.
Rex performed his duties flawlessly. He is a helpful worker eager to learn. This young man, who poses no threat, is grateful for the opportunity to train with heroes.
All the while, his timer was running out, and the fact that he hadn't finished his mission yet was hanging over his head like a sword.
[TIME REMAINING: 6 HOURS]
[DESIRE LEVEL: STILL 95/100]
[YOU'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME]
[MAYBE MAKE A MOVE? UNLESS YOU WANT TO GET COOKED]
Rex became so enraged that he clenched his teeth. Mara was busy with guests and working to stay away from him.
She always had a reason to be somewhere else when he tried to get close. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What do I have to do now...?! Think, Rex, think!"
He needed to try something new. He needed to experiment with something that could penetrate her barriers without her awareness.
Rex watched Mara work as the sun went down and dinner service started. As always, she was quick, but there were times when her mask slipped.
When she stopped talking, she would touch the spot on her neck where the marks were hidden under her collar. Her expression revealed that she was conflicted when she glanced at Rex and then quickly averted her gaze.
She reflected on what had transpired last night. It had been enjoyable. However, she was equally convinced that it couldn't happen again.
Rex had six hours to change her mind.
Elliot's announcement at dinner that they would be having a party that night was the answer.
He said with a smile, "We've made good progress today."
"And I think this town deserves a night of fun after everything it's been through."
"Drinks are on us, and should anyone wish to listen to some music, I will gladly provide it."
The crowd at the tavern cheered, and Rex saw his chance.
To celebrate, drinking was a must. Alcohol lowered inhibitions, creating the perfect environment for Rex to connect with Mara during the festivities.
Just a second. That was all he needed.
As the evening's fun began and the tavern filled with music and laughter, Rex took up a strategic position. He helped serve, joked with customers, and made sure people could see and use him.
He also kept a close watch on Mara.
She was really smiling as she served drinks and thanked the grateful townspeople. The mood was getting to her, breaking down her defenses and making her relax in a way he had never seen before.
Rex thought, "This is it."
"This is my last chance, and I pray to myself that I didn't fuck this up."
He just had to wait for the right time.
Elliot pulled out a mandolin and played heroic ballads that everyone sang along to as the party went on. Rex then made his move.
He looked at Mara and pointed to the kitchen, mouthing the words "I need your help with something."
She thought about it for a moment, then nodded and followed him away from the crowd.
This was it, and there are still six hours left for him to complete his first mission.
All he needs is just five points. And one last chance to finish his job or die trying.
Rex turned his gaze to Mara in the kitchen, the party's sounds muffled behind them.
"What did you need help with?" Mara asked, her voice careful.
"Nothing," Rex said. "I just wanted to talk to you while away from everyone else."
Her face got harder. "Rex, we've already talked about this..."
"I know. And I'm not trying to get you to change your mind about us." It was straightforward to lie for Rex as always.
"I just wanted to let you know that I understand."
"You're married, and you have this peaceful life. We know that last night was a mistake, and it won't happen again."
Mara's shoulders got a little less tense. "Thanks...I'm glad you get it."
"But," Rex said as he got closer, "I also wanted you to know that it meant something to me."
"Not the physical part, even though that was amazing, but the connection!"
"The way you believed in me. You let me see the real you, not just the innkeeper that everyone else sees."
Rex knew he had hit the right note when Mara's breath caught.
He said softly, "For what it's worth, you should be seen that way every day."
"Not just once because things fell into place...you should feel wanted, appreciated, and special because you are all of those things."
"Rex..."
He gently cut in, "I'm not asking for anything."
"I'm just being honest with you."
"No matter what you decide about us, this, or anything else, you should know that someone is watching you. And he sees you for real while thinking that you're amazing."
Mara's eyes were full of tears that she hadn't shed yet, and her voice was rough with emotion when she spoke. "Why are you...doing this?"
"Because it's true...and because it was important for you to hear it after all this time..."
[DESIRE LEVEL: 100/100]
[THRESHOLD MET]
[MISSION COMPLETE]
[REWARDS PROCESSING]
The notification flashed in front of Rex's eyes, and he felt a wave of relief. This motherfucker, he had finally done it.
He had hours to spare, and he finished the mission not by seducing or manipulating, but by being honest about his feelings.
Well, mostly being honest. There was definitely some manipulation going on.
Garrett's voice came from the main room before either of them could say anything else. "Mara...?"
"Where did you go? People want more drinks."
Mara quickly wiped her eyes. "I have to go."
"I know."
She was about to leave, but then she stopped at the door. "Rex?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks...for looking at me..." Then she was gone, back to the crazy party.
Rex was alone in the kitchen, looking at his stats as they changed.
[CONGRATULATIONS]
[QUEST: FIRST TASTE - COMPLETE]
[REWARDS: +5 TO ALL STATS, SKILL UPGRADE, TITLE UNLOCK]
[NEW TITLE: HEARTBREAKER]
[NEW SKILL: EMOTIONAL INSIGHT LV.2]
[YOU ARE NOW LESS PATHETIC]
[SLIGHTLY]
Rex crossed his arms. "The fuck do you mean by—hahh... less pathetic? At least I can still roll with that."
He turned his head to the main room, where the party was still going on. He could see Elliot playing the mandolin through the door.
Evelyn was watching with a loving smile. Helena was laughing at something Garrett said. Diana was beating some of the local men in arm wrestling. Lily was showing kids a simple magic trick.
One mission is done.
Four new goals have been set.
And one week to see how much trouble he could cause.
"Heroes," Rex said to himself as he walked back to the party. "Let's find out how brave you really are."
"The real game was just starting now..."