He found Eldrin and Lila already gathered around the central conversation pit where the brazier now burned low. Platters of unfamiliar food surrounded them. Apparently, the Fire Lord had seen to the room service.
Atlas stood nearby, his metallic body gleaming in the sunlight, sensors scanning each dish before Lila or Eldrin sampled it.
“Morning,” Lila said, holding up a ceramic bowl. “The food is much better than last night. Not nearly as spicy.”
Justin joined them, examining the spread. There was some sort of creamy yogurt with a faint cinnamon scent, flaky pastries dusted with red powder, and strips of seasoned meat that looked vaguely like bacon. He tried a bite of each, pleasantly surprised by the mild flavors.
“Good thing they’ve provided plenty of water,” Eldrin said with a grimace, setting down his empty cup. “I’ve made three trips to the cold pool since dawn. Seems that Cinder Whiskey has quite the... aftermath.”
“You too?” Lila said with a laugh. “I thought it was just me.”
Justin nodded in commiseration. He’d woken up a couple of times in the night to take care of certain realities. “Let’s just say I’m grateful for indoor plumbing.”
After finishing their meal and taking turns in the baths again, they gathered to discuss their next move. Atlas scuttled around the room, with occasional chirps whenever he discovered something of interest.
“This world’s our oyster,” Justin said, settling back on a cushion. “Where to next?”
He smiled, savoring the moment. It felt good to have a choice. Agency. To hold the reins for once.
And all he found himself wanting to do was...
“...Should we take a vacation?”
The others looked at him with amused expressions.
Eldrin stroked his beard. “Well, I wouldn’t be opposed, but we don’t want to stretch our host’s hospitality.”
“And there’s the small matter of the language barrier,” Justin said. “Without Emberlyn, we’re practically mute.”
“Maybe she could be persuaded to join us,” Lila said. “Her magic would be useful. Four is the minimum for an adventuring party.”
“That’s not likely,” Eldrin said. “She’s back home for the first time in twenty years. She’ll want to catch up with her family and settle back into her community.”
“Or she’ll get bored fast and want a little action,” Lila countered.
Justin sighed, leaning forward. “The language issue is going to be a real problem if we plan to stay here long. Are there any shortcuts to learning new languages in this world? I’d rather not spend months fumbling with basic phrases.”
Eldrin nodded. “There are several ways to acquire languages, actually. Besides, you know, actually learning them.”
“Like what?” Justin asked.
“As you already know, Vaults can sometimes grant language knowledge as a reward.”
“That could work,” Justin said, perking up.
“But it’s unreliable,” Eldrin said. “Vault rewards tend to align with the majority of the party. If we join a Fyrspawn Vault-clearing group, we might gain access to the language during its duration, but keeping it afterward isn’t guaranteed.”
“Right.” Justin had managed to keep the Goblin language after one of his Vaults, but he had lost access to others from Guardian Pass or Eldareth.
“And their language includes flame patterns,” Lila added, gesturing with her hands. “Not sure how we’d replicate that part.”
“Justin might manage with his Vorthak’s Flame,” Eldrin said. “But Lila and I would still be at a disadvantage.”
Justin frowned, drumming his fingers on his knee. “There’s got to be a more direct solution. What about magical items? Enchantments? Something that could just...I don’t know, absorb the language into our heads?”
“Well,” Eldrin said, his voice taking on a more measured tone, “there are language cores.”
“Language cores?” Justin and Lila asked in unison.
Eldrin nodded. “They’re rare, but they exist. It’s said that they can be created by Master Enchanters.”
“Is that an advanced class?” Justin asked.
“Yes. Some classes, including Enchanters, can ascend to a Mastered version with the combination of another core of the same type. It’s for people who want to stay on their current path and dive deeper into the knowledge that class provides.”
Justin’s eyebrows rose. “And I’m just now learning this? So I could become a Master Socialite, so to speak, with another Socialite core?”
“I mean...possibly, but it’s doubtful. It’s a niche situation, not available to every class. And generally, it’s for crafting classes. Master Enchanter happens to be one of them. Master Alchemist is another.” Eldrin held up a hand. “The point is, we would need to find a Master Enchanter. Probably one Level 30 or higher.”
“Why haven’t you mentioned these language cores before?” Justin asked.
“They didn’t seem relevant until now,” Eldrin said. “The odds of finding one are astronomical. I’m mentioning it because you asked, and it may be our best option now, even if it’s expensive.”
“How expensive are we talking?” Lila asked.
“We’re talking about a platinum shard or even more,” Eldrin said. “Though prices here might differ from back home.”
“Well, it’s worth asking about,” Justin said. “If we’re going to explore this world, we need to communicate. So, step one: find Emberlyn and get her advice.”
“Think she’ll still be in the palace?” Lila asked, already rising to her feet.
“Hard to say,” Justin said. “We’ll have to ask around. Such as we can.”
Atlas chirped and moved toward the door, his drills extending slightly.
“Someone’s ready to go,” Lila said with a smile.
His crystal still shone blue, an encouraging sign.
They made their way out of their quarters and into the main hall of the stronghold. The cavernous space bustled with Fyrspawn of various sizes going about their morning duties. Justin activated his Vorthak’s Flame, hoping it might help with communication.
Infernus was the only person Justin recognized. He stood near one of the massive obsidian pillars, conversing with several Fyrspawn guards. When he spotted Justin and the others, he excused himself and approached, his flame-wreathed form towering over them.
“Lord Infernus,” Justin said with a slight bow. He remembered the Fyrspawn word for “hello” that he had picked up from his Chameleon Charm boon: “Vash’kir.”
Infernus’s flames brightened in what Justin took to be approval. He replied with a stream of incomprehensible words that flowed like crackling fire. But strangely, he also got something of a sense of their meaning. Something about “enjoying their stay.”
Justin pointed to his ears and shook his head, then said, “Emberlyn?” He struggled to recall the Fyrspawn word for “find.” To his surprise, a word sprang to mind. “Uh... Nahar Emberlyn?”
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Even he didn’t know where he had picked that up.
Infernus, at first, seemed confused. His flames flickered questioningly.
Then Justin remembered. He intensified his Vorthak’s Flame, and then “pointed” with it toward the door. “Nahar Emberlyn?”
Infernus’s fiery eyes lit up with understanding. He nodded and gestured for them to follow him.
“Impressive,” Lila said, with an arched eyebrow. “Maybe you can be our language core, Justin.”
“No promises. But it would help us get around this society for sure.”
Infernus led them through the great hall and outside onto one of the terraced pathways carved into the canyon wall. Below them spread a bustling area filled with colorful tents and stalls—a market square alive with activity. Infernus pointed down the path and spoke several words, including “Emberlyn,” before making a flame gesture that Justin didn’t understand.
He did at least know how to say thanks, subduing his own flames in response: “Ka’dek.”
They descended the winding path to the market. The heat was already building, but Justin’s Ring of Ashralok’s Flame made it bearable. Eldrin still had to keep his Heat Resistance potion active, if only for Shadowflight’s sake. Atlas kept close to Justin.
The market throbbed with activity: Fyrspawn haggling over goods, artisans crafting items from obsidian and metal, and the tantalizing smell of cooking food that Justin wasn’t sure he wanted to try after last night’s experience.
They recognized a few faces from the previous evening’s celebration, though communication was limited to nods and gestures. After about twenty minutes of searching, Lila spotted a familiar yellow flame near a stall selling what looked like ornate pottery.
“There she is,” Lila said, pointing toward a stand with gleaming vessels of various shapes.
They approached Emberlyn, who seemed pleasantly surprised to see them. She greeted them warmly, her flames flickering in a pattern Justin was beginning to recognize as friendly.
“I did not expect to see you three so soon,” she said in Aranthian. “Are you enjoying your stay in Charr?”
“We are,” Justin said, relieved to speak normally. “I see they’ve put you to work already.”
Her flames flickered, recognizing the irony of the situation. “Yes. Doing a favor for a family member, at least for a minute. It couldn’t be helped. But how are things with you? Is there a problem?”
“In fact, there is,” Eldrin said. “It’s the language barrier. Without you to translate, we’re finding it difficult to communicate with anyone here.”
Emberlyn nodded in understanding. “Yes, I can see how that would be inconvenient. I won’t always be available to translate, especially as my duties with my people resume.”
“We were wondering if there might be a more permanent solution,” Justin said. “Eldrin mentioned language cores. Are those something we might find here?”
“Language cores?” Emberlyn’s flames brightened with interest. “Those are quite rare. They require a Master Enchanter to create, and I’m afraid we have none in Charr. The city is too small for such specialized talent.”
“Is there anywhere nearby that might have one?” Lila asked. “Otherwise, we may have to cut our Solanis journey short.”
Emberlyn gestured toward the distant mountains, their emerald peaks visible on the horizon. “Pyrelith would be your best chance. It’s the capital of the Ashralok Kingdom, about a three-day journey from here. They have a Conclave of Enchanters who might be able to help you.”
“Pyrelith,” Eldrin repeated. “Is it much larger than Charr?”
“Much larger,” Emberlyn confirmed. “It sits at the foot of Mount Ashralok itself, where the great lava flows begin. The Karedos baths are there as well. The sacred pools I already mentioned.” Her flames brightened with excitement. “I’m actually going to be leading a pilgrimage there. We are setting out this afternoon. As a way for my old village and the younglings to gain the Blessing of Ashralok. You should join us.”
“That would be perfect,” Lila said, her eyes lighting up.
“Indeed,” Emberlyn agreed. “I can help you find the Enchanters’ Conclave when we arrive. Though I should warn you, language cores are not cheap. The materials alone can cost a small fortune, not to mention the fee.”
“We’ll find a way,” Justin said. “It’s worth the investment if we’re going to spend any significant time in this world.”
“Very well.” She frowned, her flames dimming with confusion. “Although I could not help but notice yesterday. When you and I were speaking, there were several times when Fyrspawn words mixed in with Aranthian. I’ve noticed the same thing a few other times we spoke, just you and I.”
Justin frowned. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
“You may know more than you think, Talemaker. Charisma classes often gain skills or boons that aid in this sort of thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had one yourself.”
“It might be a boon I have,” Justin said.
“Well, you should consider using it more intentionally. You may surprise yourself.”
It was a good thing to remember. “I will do that.”
“Meet us at the eastern gate just past high noon. We’ll be following the canyon north for most of the time, toward the mountains. It’ll start warm, but get cooler as time passes.”
“We’ll be there,” Justin said. “And thank you, Emberlyn. You’ve been incredibly helpful to us.”
“It is the least I can do after you helped return my people home,” she responded, her flames glowing warmly. “Until then, enjoy Charr. There is much to see, even if you cannot understand all that is said.”
“Perfect,” Justin said. “That gives us time to prepare.”
They thanked Emberlyn and made their way back to the Stronghold. Atlas whirred beside them, his crystal pulsing brighter as they discussed their plans.
“We should take the chance to sell our unused gear,” Lila said. “No sense carrying it all if we’re going on a journey.”
“Good thinking,” Eldrin agreed. “Let’s see if we can find that quartermaster Lord Ashrok mentioned.”
Back at the Stronghold, in broken Fyrspawn, Justin managed to steer them in the right direction. They found themselves in a wide chamber where a stocky Fyrspawn with copper-colored flames stood behind a broad stone counter. His upper body was covered in metallic plates that seemed fused to his obsidian skin, and a monocle-like device was affixed to one of his fiery eyes. Justin’s own monocle logged him as a Level 14 Artificer. Justin remembered Lord Ashrok had called him Pyraxis.
“Vash’kir,” Justin said.
“Vash’kir,” the quartermaster responded. He said a few incomprehensible words, but Justin grasped the meaning. He was asking if they were selling or buying.
Justin searched his memory, surprised to find the word: “Akshum.” Selling.
He nodded at Lila, who began producing an impressive array of gear from her pack, laying it on the counter: swords, shields, staves, strange crystals, plants, and valuable potions they had no immediate use for.
And it just kept coming, especially from Eldrin’s seemingly bottomless pack.
“Quite the pack rat,” Justin observed.
Eldrin smiled. “I wouldn’t be a Ranger if I didn’t know how to make the best use of space.”
The quartermaster’s fiery gaze lingered on Atlas, who chirped and extended a drill in greeting. Then he turned his attention to the growing pile of items before him.
He examined each piece, occasionally making appreciative noises, clicks, and pops that reminded Justin of a campfire. Despite the language barrier, Justin’s Charisma and Insightful Gaze, combined with what he had already absorbed with Chameleon Charm, allowed him to follow the general flow of the negotiation.
With a few weeks, or even days, he might make surprising progress, especially if he was intentional about it, as Emberlyn had suggested.
When the quartermaster seemed to undervalue a gold-tier blade, Justin shook his head and held up more fingers. When the Fyrspawn appeared impressed by a piece of armor, Justin nodded encouragingly.
But the quartermaster was most excited by the “rare” Eyrth alchemical ingredients. Eldrin had gathered copious amounts during their adventures. His flames danced as he examined the unfamiliar plants and crystals.
After almost an hour of back-and-forth, they agreed on a final price—ninety crowns for the lot. About eighty percent of that value came purely from the alchemy ingredients.
Justin ran the numbers in his head. They could spend a month on Eyrth gathering these things before coming back here, offloading them in a larger city like Pyrelith. And their volume wouldn’t be great enough to crash the market.
It was like an infinite money glitch, at least until the Fyrspawn started using the World Gate in the same manner. By the time it stopped being worth it, they would have made their fortune.
Or better yet, they could turn around and sell stuff from Solanis back on Eyrth. Discreetly, of course, using the gates to spread out their gains to many areas. Justin was certain there were probably a few high-level people doing this, enough for there to be a sort of black market for it.
As the quartermaster counted out the coins, the metallic gold coins clicked against the stone counter, each bearing an emblem of a volcano on one side and a mystical flame on the other.
That was when Justin noticed something interesting on a shelf behind him: an orange-glowing class core.
His monocle identified it immediately.
Pilgrim Core
Class: Endurance
Description: Absorbing this core grants access to the Pilgrim class, focused on survivability, endurance, and gaining the blessings of the gods at the end of a long journey.
Justin pointed to the core, raising an eyebrow in question. The quartermaster followed his gaze and nodded, retrieving the core and placing it on the counter. Through gestures, a few broken words, and his enhanced ability to read the Fyrspawn’s body language, Justin gathered that it had been sold to the quartermaster recently. Probably by Emberlyn herself, who might have no use for the core she’d earned in Zanthera.
An Endurance class core would complete his collection. Justin already had Scholar for Intellect, Priest for Perception, Rogue for Coordination, and now Barbarian for Power. Adding an Endurance core would give him access to all five attribute-based classes when selecting his advanced class at Level 20.
Using the full force of his Charisma and careful negotiation tactics, Justin managed to secure both the Pilgrim core and a small sack of ether crystals for Atlas, though it cost him all his share of the gold. When the deal was finalized, Atlas chirped, his sensors focusing on the crystal bag.
Their business concluded, they left the quartermaster’s chamber with significantly lighter packs. Eldrin clapped Justin on the shoulder as they walked.
“That was some impressive haggling,” the Ranger said. “Especially without sharing a common language.”
“I guess my charm transcends linguistic barriers,” Justin said with a smile, storing his new Pilgrim core with the rest.
Atlas whirred and extended a drill toward the bag of ether crystals, which Justin interpreted as a request.
“Not yet, buddy,” Justin said. “We’re at 280 out of 400 ether units. Let’s save these for when you really need them.”
The construct gave a dejected beep.
They returned to their quarters to prepare for the journey ahead and have one final meal of the leftovers. Justin couldn’t help but feel excited. Not only would they have a guide to a major city where they might solve their language problem, but they were one step closer to his advanced class.
With the Pilgrim core secured, he now had all five attribute classes to combine. Though he had to admit he was intrigued by the possibility that he could double down on Charisma, assuming his class was one that could be mastered. How he had gotten this far without learning that crucial bit of information was concerning.
They took a couple of hours to relax before setting off to meet Emberlyn.