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Chapter 18 - Debriefing and Doubts
The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 18 - Debriefing and Doubts
The debriefing took place in a private room, not Guildmaster Stonehand's main office. Elara was present, her expression neutral as Grak gave a concise report, punctuated by nods from Silky. He detailed the patrol route, the leech encounter, the discovery of the war party, the ambush, and the fight, including the elimination of the Scaleshaper. He presented the map and the mana pebbles.
When he described the fight, he mentioned Kael's contributions factually. "Kid's fast. Faster than he looks. Had another 'artifact surge'. Saved Silky. Took down two warriors." He didn't editorialize or offer theories, just the facts as he saw them.
Elara listened intently, her gaze flickering towards Kael when Grak mentioned the 'surge'. "Casualties?" she asked.
"Minor cuts for the kid," Grak reported. "Arrow graze for Silky, already healed. None for Grak."
"Impressive outcome against a Scaleshaper and six warriors," Elara noted. "Especially considering Kael's official experience level." Her eyes met Kael's, a clear warning within them.
"He pulled his weight," Grak grunted, which felt like a significant admission from the Orc. Silky offered a slight nod of agreement.
Elara formally logged the report, took custody of the map and pebbles for analysis, and authorized their quest payment, including hazard bonuses for engaging a superior force and eliminating a high-value target (the Scaleshaper). Kael received a hefty pouch of silver and, more importantly, 50 Guild Points. These points contributed towards rank advancement and could be exchanged for goods or training within the Guild.
As Grak and Silky left – Grak heading for the tavern, Silky vanishing silently into the Guild Hall's corridors – Elara stopped Kael.
"A word, Kael." Her voice was low, serious. They stepped into an empty alcove. "Artifact surges. Twice now. You're drawing attention. Grak is loyal but not stupid. Silky is observant. How long do you think you can maintain this?"
"I... I don't know," Kael admitted honestly. "It just happens when things get bad."
"You need to get better control over it," Elara warned. "Or, preferably, integrate these 'surges' into a believable progression. People expect Tier 1 adventurers to improve, to show flashes of greater skill as they level. What they *don't* expect is inconsistent, inexplicable bursts of power far beyond your displayed level, followed by a return to mediocrity. That breeds suspicion faster than anything."
"How?" Kael asked desperately. "How do I show progression without revealing..." *Everything?*
"Focus on skills over raw speed or power," Elara advised. "Show improvement in technique. Use basic [Swift Blade] skills like [Parry] or [Basic Strike] with more precision. Use your [Shadow Scout] senses more overtly – point things out, explain *how* you detected them using standard class abilities, even if you're really using enhanced versions. Make your growth seem *earned* within the confines of the classes you show. And perhaps," she added thoughtfully, "consider 'discovering' a new low-level skill you can attribute to the artifact, something less flashy than impossible speed."
It was sound advice, a roadmap for deception. Kael nodded, relief warring with the exhaustion of maintaining the lie.
"Good. You performed well today, despite the risks you took with your secret. You function adequately in a team. Keep training, keep learning, and *be careful*." She dismissed him with a final, pointed look.
Kael collected his earnings and points, feeling the weight of Elara's warning. He had survived his first real Guild mission, earned some respect, and grown significantly stronger in secret. But his balancing act was becoming increasingly precarious.
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Publishment date: 8/4/2025
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