CHRONICLES of a PC Gamer Stuck Inside an RPG (Book One: Duelist)

Chapter 24 - Oath

Well, to say that I was surprised by this sudden development was an understatement. It was one thing for us to hold hands as if we were pursuing a romantic relationship. It was quite another matter for Kalistra to pledge her allegiance to me in my pursuit of the crown. I received another pop-up and pushed it aside. "Um, thanks?" I replied with uncertainty. I wasn't sure what to do. Frankly, I was embarrassed that someone so arrogant and haughty (and powerful) would agree to serve under my banner. Moreover, I was humbled by her pledge.

Kalistra slowly returned to her feet. "I'm sure you have just gained enough experience points to advance several levels. But I ask that you delay advancing to the next few levels. The reason is that when you're at level one, you can earn experience more easily than if you are at a higher level," she explained. "Also, with your divine blessing still active, you may be fortunate enough to unlock more innate abilities, too," she added. "It is said that King Merlin himself had at least a handful of them. Thus, the more innate abilities you own, the stronger your claim as his rightful successor in the eyes of the common folk."

"I understand and I'll delay my advancement as you suggested," I readily agreed. "However, how will I survive my next street fight? I'm sure Ebenthal has friends looking to prevent me from testifying at his upcoming trial," I pointed out.

Kalistra turned her head back and motioned for Gendun and the female student to join us. When they arrived, my teacher introduced the woman. "This is Sister Maisen. She has graciously agreed to serve as your bodyguard until you are officially enrolled in our dojo. However, her service charge is one gold coin per day and payment is due in advance."

I looked at the female warrior. Up close, she was even more intimidating than I thought. She was actually taller than me; her physique resembled a wrestler's such as the late Chyna. I didn't mind having a "governess" to look after me during the early stages of my player character development. However, I wasn't happy with the idea of paying for a bodyguard since I was trying to enroll in the dojo precisely to avoid this expense.

But then again, Kalistra had presented me with a way to power level my PC at the cost of only one or two days' worth of Sister Maisen's services as my bodyguard. And with this swordswoman watching my back, I could proceed with my business plans to make money while my divine blessing was still in effect. And the sooner that occurred, the sooner I could start making money. Therefore, hiring Maisen was the right decision. I held out my hand to the fighter. "Thank you for agreeing to become my bodyguard," I said.

Sister Maisen nodded slightly as she shook my hand with a firm grip.

Yup, she was as strong as she looked. Her grip was very strong but her touch was soft like a woman's. I felt the rough calluses under her fingers and on her palms and my respect for her jacked up ten-fold. To earn those calluses she probably spent thousands of hours holding that sword in the blue-colored scabbard, with the requisite butterfly adornment, at her waist. She looked the part and felt the part of a strong fighter; I couldn't wait to party with Sister Maisen and discover what her actual character level was. The memory of the discomfort that Kalistra felt when I read her player stats flashed across my mind. I wondered if my bodyguard will react similarly. Gee, I felt like a peeping tom!

Without comment, Kalistra held out her right paw with her palm facing up.

This time, I knew what she was asking for. I quickly fished out a gold coin and handed it over to her. When the coin changed hands, I received another pop-up which I pushed aside again. See, I was a fast learner!

Once my instructor put the coin in her pouch, she nodded once at Maisen.

The senior student walked over to the exit from the dojo and sat down. She started meditating.