Leo wasn't half as intimidating as Sarah had first pegged him to be. In fact, she found his company not only pleasant, but informative also.

  She also earned a level in (Deception), and was trying to remain as truthful as possible.

  The city was called Grower and they were currently on Central Street. Aptly named due to the fact that it ran through the centre of the city and anything one might need could be found there. Leo explained who sold what as they passed. There were also a lot of guild-owned businesses as almost every trade had a headquarters. Or a guild hall, she needed to remember.

  The guilds held sway over every aspect of city life, each meticulously governing its specific craft. For common folk, joining a guild and undertaking contracts was the expected path. While outsiders could still trade within the city walls, they faced a distinct disadvantage. Unregistered merchants received significantly lower prices for their goods compared to established guild members, making membership a virtual necessity for profitable commerce.

  The size of a guild hall represented their status and power in the city of Grower. The largest holding the most influence and their words could dictate the way the city grew. "They don't look like they're doing that bad," Sarah commented as they passed a building with timber being sawn out front.

  "The Wood Cutters Guild." Leo explained how they had been around since the founding of the city, hundreds of years ago. It was apparent by his tone that he had a lot respect for that guild in particular.

  It was also crucial knowledge for Sarah. The city had been around for hundreds of years. Coupling that with whatever event happened in River Stone meant the information she had studied before leaving the tower was at least a thousand years outdated.

  The last building they had visited was the "Ale for All" Guild. Sarah was happy to see that some type of union formed for the betterment of alcohol. Carol's brother had suffered with alcohol and tolerance abuse so it was good to see measures in place to regulate the brewers and suppliers. Leo scoffed as they walked by, however. "These guys," he growled. The first she'd heard since meeting him.

  "What's up with these guys. Isn't it a good thing what they do?" Sarah asked, not knowing the reason behind Leo's animosity. "You would think. Come."

  "The last year there has been a significant increase in alcohol related crimes. Not to mention the staggering number of drunks that occupy the cells over night. I know what you're thinking before you say it, so don't bother. Drunks in a cell is standard procedure. Well, not when every cell is housing twenty people a night it isn't.

  "Other than the four cells you saw, we have three other rooms identical to that one. We also have two smaller rooms that house violent criminals. Right now it's quiet, but in a few hours there'll be bodies sprawled out all over each other. There's just not enough space. Even with five guard houses. The number of prisoners keeps rising and so does the amount of dead drunks." Leo shook his head and stopped walking before looking at the moon. Its light wasn't m as strong as the sun, but it was enough to make his features look softer somewhat. Even the markings that made him appear frustrated didn't seem as intimidating beneath the moonlight.

  "Fuck it," Sarah clicked her tongue. "Want a hand investigating? I could go under cover. Do some covert ops?" Sarah offered assistance without a second thought. Leo seemed like a good guy. He also didn't leave her in a cell so there was that too.

  "I appreciate the gesture, I think, but some of your words are lost on me words, miss Kemp. How would going beneath a cover help? Also, how do you know that I'm investigating?"

  "Hmm, let's see. All of it? Yep. All of it. You're obviously keeping track of what's happening because you know detailed specifics. That and you seem to care more than the average guard would about drunks in the tank."

  Heading away from the large building with the tankard plaque outside, Leo stopped to look at Sarah. "The tank? You choice of words are very strange, miss Kemp. I think that maybe I should be weary of you after all." It didn't look like he meant what he said, but Sarah wasn't taking any chances.

  "Don't be silly. You're like twice my size and probably a hundreds times stronger. How did you get so buff anyway? Even your armour has abs." She didn't let the opportunity go to waste and stealthily evaded another leading question. Fortunately it paid off and Leo played along.

  "I can not use magic," he shrugged. "The points that others may put into wisdom and intelligence have gone into my strength and vitality." His laugh was a thunderous roar before his face turned serious. "Most people won't tell you about their status though. Some even take great offence if questioned so be careful. Don't go around making a point of asking questions like that, OK?"

  She nodded and thanked Leo for the information as they passed by a stall selling skewers. The smell of cooked meat reminded Sarah she hadn't eaten in a while and her stomach voiced its agreement. After a quick (Identify), however, she was thoroughly repulsed and ready to vomit.

  Rat Meat: 50% chance to acquire the (Poorly) debuff.

  "That is disgusting. Do you eat rats here?" Feeling more than just a little grossed out, Sarah couldn't help but voice her concern.

  "Why would you ask such a question? That would be disgusting. Do you eat rats where you're from?" Leo looked repulsed that she would ask him such a question. Not that it was her intention to hurt him.

  "Fuck no. That would be disgusting. I was asking because that guy over there is selling them on skewers?" Sarah pointed toward the man they had passed two stalls back.

  "What!?" Leo rushed back to investigate Sarah's allegation and began checking the meat. The merchant was sweating by that point and it wasn't because of the warm, night wind. "What meat is this?" Leo demanded. The merchant was shaking that much that Sarah the tower was upgrading.

  "G-Gekki, sir." The man bowed, hiding his face. Leo, for all his height and build offered while in full armour, was a pretty-fucking-intimidating sight to behold. Especially when glaring directly at another person. Sarah knew that through first-hand experience.

  "He's staying this meat is Gekki and to be honest I can't smell any different. I can usually sniff out rat quite well so you were probably mistaken. Either way, there's no crime here. Let's go." Leo set off down the street, but Sarah wasn't happy about being told she was wrong as she moppily followed after. Complaining straight away.

  "I wasn't mistaken. (Identify) was. I don't even know what rat meat looks like, you know?" Sarah bumped into Leo's back, who had apparently decided to stop dead in the middle of the steeet. He turned around and the curious look he had shown a few times was back.

  After taking a moment to decided how to ask, he didnt come up with any good and settled on blunt. "You have (Identify) as a skill?"

  "Yeah, why? Doesn't everyone? It was one of the first skills I got. What's up, Leo? Why are you looking at me like a juicy slab of meat and talking under your breath?" Sarah was confused why having (Identify) was such a problem, but Leo investing heavily into his strength wasn't. He was a master meme build, but she was weird for having a basic identification skill?

  Sure.

  "I can not imagine what you had to go through to receive that skill, but it must have been a truly harrowing experience. I'm very sorry that you had to endure something like that." The honest sentiment caught Sarah off guard. It was strong enough that before she knew it, tears were running down her cheek.

  How the fuck does he know that? Actually, it makes sense that he knows more than me. This is his world after all. He's had years to learn the everyday crazy that happens around here, whereas I'm still a rookie in boot camp.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  "Thank you?" Unsure if that was the right response, Sarah couldn't help but appreciate the care in Leo's words as she dried her eyes.

  "I mean, thank you. It's nice to actually hear that. Not that I'm going to tell you what happened, but it was horrible. You're right. Thank you, Leo."

  Why can't my descriptions be this kind to me. A few choice titles spring to mind.

  "It's not a problem, miss Kemp. If you done mind, please excuse me for a moment. I have a merchant to deal with." Leo left to arrest the man selling rat meat under false premise before recruiting some passing guards to take him to the closest Guard House. It didn't take long.

  "While it's fresh on my mind, do your titles and skills tell you not to do shit?" Since Leo didn't seem to mind talking about his status, Sarah hoped to learn something new.

  "If you mean, 'do my skills make me use the bathroom less?', then no" As had been the case since she'd met Solus, however, her words were lost in translation.

  "No! That's not what I meant. Mine tell me to stop... Getting hurt, or something like that. Does that sound right to you?"

  "Do you get injured often?" Leo looked skeptical, but still seemed concerned.

  "It's... Been happening quite frequently these last two days. Is that why my Titles are so rude?" Leo was once again staring intensely at Sarah, causing her to fret that she may have mistakenly slipped up somewhere.

  "What did I say this time?" They keep walking as Leo looked at her in disbelief.

  "I know I will regret asking this, but how many titles do you have?" It hurt him to ask and was written across his face. Leo had told her it was taboo to ask about another's status and here he was posing direct questions. Curiosity was a strong driving force after all.

  "Didn't you say I shouldn't tell people that sort of information?" Sarah knew that she may have already given away more information than she should, but her words hurt the lion in a way she hadn't realized even though she only meant to tease the muscular cat.

  "I... I'm sorry. I should not have asked. I thought... I don't know what I was thinking. Please, forgive me." It was then that Sarah understood the significance that Leo placed over another's status. It had been hard for him to ask and he'd took it even harder being rebuked.

  "I'm sorry. I was only teasing you. I didn't mean to upset you. I shouldn't have done that. If I'm being honest, Leo, I like you. Not in that way though, so don't go getting riled up. What I meant is that you seem like an upstanding guy. Sometimes, I don't know when to bite my tongue.

  "Sorry. I'm rambling. See what I mean? Anyway, you seem like a good guy, Leo. I don't mind telling you. I have four titles. Do you mind if I ask the same question?"

  Casually revealing what others would consider a closely guarded secret, Sarah felt it was nice to have someone to confide in. She didn't know any other people. Apart from the summoned souls and a murder door, she didn't have anyone else to call friend on her new world and Leo seems like a decent cat.

  "None." The answer she recieved was like a slap in the face.

  "What? How do you not have any titles? You're fucking huge. Look at you! With your strength, I'm surprised you don't have more titles than I do." Sarah was almost as shocked as Leo and they walked on in silence.

  It was then that Sarah realized that she was missing out. The Book of Souls was still inside her ring and she kicked herself for not removing before they started their tour. The second Leo's attention was distracted - caught by one of the passing food stalls, she did just that. Quick as she could, Sarah removed the book, opened it, and slid it up her shirt. She wrapped her arms around her stomach to conceal and hold the hardback in place.

  I hope this works. People die all the time in places like this all the time. Leo even mentioned the city having a lot more dead drunks than usual. I can be a play the part and collect souls as we walk around sightseeing.

  "Titles are not so easily obtained," Leo explained as he purchased two skewers and handed one to Sarah. "It's suggested that you have to go through near death experiences and perform unimaginable feats to acquire them. Personally, I don't know anybody who has one, let alone four. Are you sure you're not jesting me?"

  "I'm not pulling your tail, Leo. Also, if what you're telling me is true, I definitely won't be telling anyone else details about my status. No wonder people keep them a close-guarded secret." Her guide nodded before telling her tail touching was only for the intimate. Sarah brushed it off and they ate as they walked, making small talk until they reached a large gate.

  "This is west gate. Grower only has two exit. This one and east gate. Almost everything can be found on central street, but there are a few niche shops scattered around. The residential area is to the south ithbrhe crafters between us and them. You'll want to stay away from the north side, there's only nobility and the baron up there."

  After that brief, but factual, city update, Sarah and Leo walked back down central street. The large lion stealing glances at the petite woman beside him wasn't lost on her her. Although the implications were. He was wondering what tribulations she had to have gonenthrough to have acquired four titles at such a young age.

  Sarah took the opportunity to try one of her still untested skills.

  - Eyes of Death: You are able to view the HP of your enemies. You are able to bare witness to incidents of death that have occured in nearby vicinities.

  Sarah activated the skill to see if removing the Book of Souls had been a pointless endeavour. As she did, a green bar appeared above those out the street. Leo was not an exception either and his health bar appeared to double up on itself. Probably something to do with all the stats he'd invested from not being able to use magic.

  As she looked around, Sarah spotted something else. There were two HP bars in an alleyway on her right that were both grey. She wasn't sure how long they'd been there and was also unsure if either of them still held a soul.

  How long do souls stick around after the body dies? That would be a good question to pose to my master. If I had one.

  [You only have three hours to harvest a soul after an individual has passed.] A voice spoke directly inside Sarah's mind and almost made her trip from shock. Fortunately, it was a time were Leo wasn't giving her the pity eyes.

  Who's in my head this time?

  [Master, I am the Book of Souls.]

  Alright, since when have been able to talk? Do all magical objects in this world do that? Is my staff going to start walking around on its own whilst debating philosophy? Just... I can't deal with you right now, book. Thank you for letting me know the specifics. That was very helpful. While we're in the presence of Leo the fucking lionheart here, please refrain fom spooking the shit out of me.

  [Yes, Master.] The unneeded whisper in her mind caused Sarah to roll her eyes. It was almost too much to take. She didn't even consider the fact that the book might be able to talk, let alone whisper, but she couldn't afford to waste any brain power on it. Leo seemed quite perceptual.

  "Hey, Leo. What do you know about magical objects?" Sarah was eager to gather as much information as she could before they returned.

  "Sadly not as much as you probably need to know. Let me guess. You have a plethora of them too?" He chuckled light heartedly, but Sarah could tell he was growing more and more suspicious every time she opened her mouth. "The library is your best bet." Noticing that she failed to respond, Leo offered the best advice he could just as they passed Guard House 3.

  The east side of town was similar to the west. The only difference being the guilds. East gate was no different either and that was that. Nobles didn't take kindly to commoners walking freely through their districts and Sarah had no interest in smchecking out the residential areas. She already owned her own property anyway.

  The journey back seemed shorter and Leo was happy to make small talk until they reached their destination. "OK. Well, thanks you for that and thanks for not leaving me in that cell. That magma guy didn't sound like an appealing bunk partner."

  "Truer words have never been spoken and as I said, it's not as though we have space for everyone acting suspiciously." Leo chuckled before taking on a more serious tone. "It's time for me to take my leave, but it was a pleasure meeting you, miss Kemp. Hopefully I will see you again," he winked.

  "You too, Leo. You can call me Sarah by the way. I don't mind. Hopefully the next time we meet won't be under threat of being jailed." Sarah couldn't help but joke over how they had started. "Still, I'll probably call in if I need help in the future. Is that OK?"

  "You're welcome to request aid anytime," Leo smiled.

  "Awesome. I'll see you around then." Sarah waved Leo off as he entered Guard House 3 before she turning around and running back towards west gate. More specifically, she was running to the location of the greyed out HP bars. They had fallen out her skill's perception range as they traveled, but it was easy enough to find them again.

  As she approached the bodies, Sarah cast (Identify). Revealing what she already knew. Two colourless corpses caused a fresh bout of tears. The first she'd shed that weren't for herself. Sarah felt like she had cried enough since arriving. The two children laid dead in the alleyway said otherwise.

  I wasn't really going to use this skill. If any of them are going to get me outed as a Necromancer and killed on the spot, it's this one. They won't get their soul backs either will they? Sarah's question was rhetorical, but the Book of Souls didn't know that and answered appropriately.

  [No Master. You are able to implant new souls into a fresh body, but can not bring them back as who they were before.]

  That's... Actually good to know. Thank you, Book. In fact, do you have a name? Everybody else seems to have one. Sarah asked through the telepathic connection they shared. She didn't want people overhearing her and coming to see what she was doing.

  [I do not, Master. My last owner called me 'that bastard book'. If it would please you, you may refer to me as such.]

  Don't be silly. When we get home, I'll think of a good name for you. First though, I need to work out how to Frankenstein these kids and get them home without anyone seeing. Sarah laughed at how stupid the idea was.

  She was only hoping to pick up two souls for her trouble. Instead, she found none since the passage of time had forgone the allotted amount. After laying eyes on two lifeless children, however, Sarah couldn't leave them there.

  Dark magic or not.

  OK. Let's see how this works.