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Finding My Husband in Another World Season 1 Chapter 2: Adventurer

If we were going to "rescue" the girl we'd need money to purchase her. Stealing her now wouldn't be smart. Mainly because, as cold as the cottage could get it was better than out without shelter. I looked at the leapers. Sky was able to catch one a day two or three when he was lucky. We also needed to change his hunting area so it was possible that one a day might not be sustainable. I had my tamer and summoner skills, but I figured it was best not to reveal those.

I'd searched the temple and the cottage and there wasn't anything of value. Hell I couldn't even find a blanket. I likely only had the wood because it wasn't worth carting away. I doubt I could find work in the village, as young as I seemed to be. Besides, since they could get slaves to do the work for free I'd probably be made a slave.

I had knowledge of my past life but in the current situation none of it seemed to matter. I'd have to think harder. I banked the fire and crawled under my meager quilt. Star, Moon, and Sky quickly joined me.

I tossed and turned trying to come up with ideas until I fell asleep.

***

The weather turned bad again. Now the snow blocked off exit from the cottage however the temple had a second story catwalk, likely for just such an occasion. However being completely snowed in did have an advantage. It insulated the cottage meaning for the first time all winter I found myself feeling warm.

After dinner on the third night we were all bored. I'd fond a book of scripture detailing the spirit of the temple. I found it to be quite funny. The spirit was a spider, a tropical spider that had been trapped here in the hope that such a cold location would destroy her. It didn't work. I could only assume that she escaped considering there was no trace of her spiritual energy.

I put the tome down and watched as Moon and Sky played with a ball of cloth. I looked more closely as I realized I'd used ever little scrap of cloth in the quilt. Suddenly the ball vanished.

"Sorry, that's as long as I could keep it up." Star said, as the wolf spirit flopped next to the fire.

"Your illusion powers only work if your moon is visible, does that include during the day?" I asked.

"It takes more energy but as long as the moon is visible, then yes, I can make convincing illusions during the day. Why?"

"If you can wrap me in an illusion that makes me look like an adult I'll be able to sell Sky's leapers. If we can do that enough times we'll be able to save the dog girl. If we don't get caught. Then we'll have someone to help us and some money for when we leave."

"We're leaving?" Moon asked.

"Yes, once spring has arrived we'll move. If we stay in one place too long someone will discover our secrets."

***

I glanced at my reflection on the store front window. Almost six foot tall with a heavily muscled built. Fiery red hair and beard with a trio of scratch scars across my face. I'd be memorable but not as myself. I had fifty two leaper skins that were in poor condition and ten leapers that Cloud had caught in the last week.

A bell rang as I entered.

"Hello sir, it is rare to see new faces this time of year, what can I do for you?"

"I'd like to sell these if I can." I placed the low quality skins on the counter.

The shop keeper clicked his tongue. "Most of these are worthless you needed to properly clean and stretch them. However I can take the whole lot for five gold. And that is being generous."

I nodded and pushed the skins to one side then I placed the ten high quality leapers on the counter. These have just recently been caught. I know they are worth six silvers, but since we have no history I'm willing to take four silvers each."

"Really now? I admit they are fine leapers, but scarcely worth four. I could give you two silvers."

"Four, no less."

"Well maybe I can see three."

I started to gather them up. "More value to me if I simple take them home and eat them as I did the others."

"No need for that. I'll give you four, but you have to bring me any more of these pure white ones instead of eating them."

"This I can do. Or I can send my son. It's about time he starts earning his keep." I said creating a cover in case Star couldn't keep my appearance altered.

The shop keeper nodded and slid eight gold coins toward me.

"Now I may not look it, but I do know my numbers and there should be one more gold there." I growled.

The keeper counted the coins and looked shocked that he'd made a mistake. "I'm so sorry sir."

I just nodded. I was running out of time.

"Dog! Get in here and deal with these furs. Damn beast kin. Barely able to take orders."

The girl entered and started carrying the skins back. She looked in worse condition than before.

"I doubt she'll make it through the winter. I wish she'd just freeze already so I could drag her out into the forest for the beasts. If she survives 'til the ground thaws I'll have to pay to have her buried."

"I could take her off your hands. I already live out in the forest so disposing of the body won't be a problem. Plus she will be useful for my son."

"She's a beast kin!" The owner said, in disgust.

"Oh! Nothing like that. After all he's only five. No, I meant he's old enough to start learning how to properly interact with slaves and beast kin. Plus if she doesn't survive long it will teach him not to form emotion attachments to such creatures."

"Hm, yes I could see her being useful for something like that. I'll take forty gold."

"For a dying slave? Sure she might prove useful but I'm not going to throw what little I have away. I'll pay five."

"Thirty. I do need to make a little profit on her."

"Fifteen, your profit is not having to feed her and pay someone to dispose of her."

"Twenty, that's as low as I'll go."

"Done, but I'll have to make payments. I only have the nine gold from the leapers. I'll pay you five now and a further twenty as I get it."

The shop keeper looked me over. Obviously considering whether to trust me or not for only five extra gold. "What if you can't pay?"

I paused for a moment. "If I can't pay, you can take my son as a slave. After all, the only way I wouldn't pay is if I was dead. You can draw up the contract or I can."

"I'll do it. So is there anything else?"

"Yes, do you have any salt?"

"Of course."

"I'll take one gold worth of salt, one of flour, and however much cloth two gold will get me." he finished writing up a simple contract and went about getting the few supplies I wanted."

"About the cloth . . ."

"Just the cheapest that I can get the most of. I need it for patching purposes. At least until I get my debt paid off and can buy new items."

"Dog! Get in here!" The girl's tail was limp and her ears drooped as she returned. "I've sold you to this hunter."

She nodded and knelt before me. "Get my supplies and follow. If you run I'll hunt you down." I looked up at the shop keeper, "I, or my son, will be back in a week." I walked out and down the street at a fast pace. The illusion wasn't going to last much longer.

***

We made it into the forest before the illusion vanished and I fell to my knees.

"By Stellarii's light!" The girl gasped. "You're a mage!"

"No, I can't use spells. We need to keep moving if we are to get home before the deep cold hits. Sky, lead us."

An ethereal blue glow moved before us and then started moving away. I forced myself back up and stumbled after the light.

"Master? Did you understand me?"

"Of course I understood you."

"But humans can't understand demi-humans or beast kin."

"Well, I can."

"Yes sir, I didn't mean to question your abilities."

"What is your name?"

"What?"

"I want to know your name. I'd rather not be forced to call you 'dog' or girl."

"I- my parents called me Chaza, but-"

"Then I'll call you Chaza. I'm . . . Prowl. I had another name, of course, but it was taken from me so for now I'm just Prowl."

"Okay master Prowl. If I might ask, you said you're not a mage, so where is the light coming from?"

"I'm a beast tamer and Sky is a Cloud Leopard. His cloud form can glow."

"That's how you were able to get unblemished Leapers."

"I don't train them. That requires a contract and I'd rather not form that kind of relationship with a creature I intend to eat. Sky hunts them for me." I stopped and rested against a tree.

"Master, are you alright?"

"Just call me Prowl when we are alone. And yes I'm fine. Just a little drained due to the illusion. We'll rest here for a few minutes while Sky doubles back and covers our trail. I don't want anyone following us." We wouldn't stop long. It wasn't the illusion that was the problem it was the cold. If I didn't get home soon the hypothermia would give Chaza her freedom. She nodded and adjusted the bolt of cloth she was holding. It was brown with grey splotches. Likely intended for camouflage cloaks.

Sky dropped into the small clearing causing Chaza to jump. He rubbed against my leg and then headed off his fur barely glowing enough to let us see him.

"Sky is nearly out of magic power he'll lead us the rest of the way in physical form. Keep close and quiet. I can sense beast threats, but I don't have the power to protect us. Luckily the cottage isn't far." The beasts were Star and Moon making sure nothing dangerous got near us. Still Until I could be sure Chaza wouldn't run the threat of the unknown was a powerful ally.

***

Once inside I immediately scrambled down the ladder and into the cottage where I stoked the fire. Chaza took a little longer, but then she was carrying the supplies.

"Master Prowl, I'm sorry for following you into your home. Do you have a shelter for me to live in?"

"What?" I asked in confusion.

"A shelter. A place for me to stay so I don't-"

Suddenly I realized she was referring to a place outside reserved for slaves and livestock. "You'll be sharing this space with me. I'm not having you stay out in the cold. Besides your body heat will help keep the space warmer."

"But I'm beast kin."

"So what? It's not like I make Sky stay out."

"It wouldn't be proper. What about when your father returns?"

"Chaza, I've been on my own for several months now. The only ones you have to deal with are my summons, Sky, and myself."

"If I may, what spirits have you contracted with at such a young age?" Chaza asked.

"Okay you two stop being rude and come out." I ordered.

"No." Star said.

"I don't feel like it." Moon responded.

"Your choice, either you show yourself willingly or I properly summon you."

"Hello Chaza, Prowl calls me Star."

"You're a minor spirit aligned with my lord Stellarii. You're such a cute puppy."

"I'm Prowl's other summon beast. He calls me Moon."

"You . . . Prowl, how can you have minor spirits of both moon gods? I've never heard of anyone surviving such a contract considering how much they hate each other. Plus as young as you are it is surprising you have such strong spirits. At most I'd expect a Leaper or Chatter spirit."

"Before they get upset I'd better clarify. The two before you are not lesser spirits. They are Lunarii and Stellarii. Because of my lack of experience they appear at an equivalent age as myself. After a lot of thought I've come to the conclusion, as I get older and stronger, they will be able to access their full abilities and forms."

"Uh huh. You expect me to believe-"

"As loath as I am to admit it Master isn't lying. And for the record after being chained in the same temple ruins, at least for me, I don't hate Lunarii anymore. It's just a healthy dislike."

"I can say that Stellarii does have his good points and I'm glad we were bound in the same place. As long as it seemed, he made for a nice distraction and good conversationalist."

The room suddenly filled with mist and then Sky took physical form and curled up next to the fire.

"And that is my tamed partner Sky. It seems he must have finished covering our trail. Now, can you cook? Prepare leaper skins, sew, or have any crafting or fighting skills?"

I smiled as I closed my journal. It had cost us quite a bit with paper being a rare commodity. Still it felt good to finally get my story written. I quickly opened it again for a last few notes.

It only took a month to clear my debt and Chaza was mine. She was skilled at preparing skins and hunting, and terrible at everything domestic. That spring we moved and as we passed through a small town we used some of our savings to buy her simple armor and a war hammer, her preferred weapon.

"Prowl, hurry up. You'll miss the exam for the Adventurers Guild." Chaza yelled.

I placed the journal in my storage space and pulled out my twin short swords. I'd failed the test last year at fourteen, but this year I was prepared. Once I passed I could officially join Chaza on quests.

"Prowl!"

"I'm coming!"

***

I stood with the rest of the adventurer applicants. There were about twenty of us, most having expensive outfits; likely lesser nobility.

"Only a few of you will pass today. I doubt any of you are cut out to be adventurers but if you are determined enough we have three members of the Royal Knights and Three members of the Royal school of Magic with us today. They will also be judging your skills. There is a chance that some of you, if you don't impress me, will be chosen to hone your skills with them. First up are those of you with skills in the physical arts. Now come forward."

I joined the group of six that stepped forward. I knew my fighting skills, in my human form weren't the best, but sparring with Chaza had increased my levels significantly.

"Now let's get this over with quickly. Street rat you're first." The instructor yelled pointing at me.

"I'm no rat!" I yelled lunging forward. A common mistake, but I was in control and not attempting a frontal attack.

The instructor went for the easy block but I tucked and rolled slashing his Achilles tendons with the wooden blades I'd chosen for the test, but I didn't stop I sprang to my feet ready for a possible counter.

"Enough. That was a dirty move unbecoming an adventurer."

"Would you have preferred something more direct?" I shifted to tiger form and lunged at twice the speed. This time I met the block and all three wooden blades exploded. The examiner was on the ground me on top with my claws at his neck. "You're lucky this is just a mock battle. My trainer Chaza of the bloody hammer would have some rather harsh words for me letting you off easy." I growled.

I shifted back and moved back among the other applicants. They quickly moved away from me. I doubted any of them or the examiners had observed an individual change form like that without a magical incantation.

The instructor slowly got up and continued with the testing. Only one or two would have passed as what I would have classified as competent.

The examiner stepped back and a woman in wizard robes took his place. "Now we'll test those of you who are magically attuned."

Again I stepped forward.

"Young man, we have already observed your transformation skill."

"Oh, that isn't magic, as you said it is a skill."

"What sort of magic do you have?" She asked looking at me critically.

"Sky, come!" I yelled. Sky drifted in and manifested standing on my shoulders. He was still a bit heavy but as I got bigger I knew he'd be fine. Plus He preferred to be off the ground. "First off I'm a tamer and this is my partner Sky."

"Impressive. It is rare for a Cloud Leopard to form a pact. They tend to be solitary creatures and avoid all contact."

"Yeah, well he was injured and I nursed him back to health. Ever since then we've been together."

"So you're a trainer that has practiced fighting skills so that you and your pet can be a team. Not bad."

"Moons above, I call upon your great spirits and summon Lunarii and Stellarii. Come forth Tiger of Power and Wolf of Strength."

Moon and Star appeared. I doubt anyone else could tell but the link between us let me know that they thought my little summoning ritual was funny but unneeded.

There were hushed whispers. Most about someone so young not only having one predator summons but two of oppositional types.

"Nice incantation, and I admit it is unusual for one so young to have both a tiger and a wolf. But even I can tell these two are just weak manifestations of the spirits you called. Tell me puppy, how far removed from the great wolf are you?"

Star growled. "Witch, as Master Prowl said; I am Stellarii, not one of my lesser servants. And I do not appreciate the attempt to place a truth curse on me."

"You're lucky Star is so nice. I'd simply have ripped you apart, whether Master Prowl allowed it or not." Moon growled angrily.

One of the wizards stepped forward and whispered into the examiners ear and then quickly moved away.

"I-is that all?" the Witch asked.

"I can use skills gifted to me by Lunarii and Stellarii, like that shifting ability, though it is extremely limited unless their moon is visible in the sky. I have some very limited skill with growing crops and gardening. I can access a holding dimension, and with enough exposure I can rapidly learn to read, write and understand any language. Oh and I've been raised and trained by the adventurer known as Bloody Hammer Chaza since I was six. That's about it."

I stepped back and found that I was among a much smaller group. It seemed, after my demonstration a few candidates had second thoughts.

The rest of the magic users were checked. Most, often the ones best dressed, couldn't manage simple magic without long incantations.

"Young man, your acceptance as an adventurer is practically guaranteed. However, as strong as your magical aptitude seems to be, we would also like to offer you a place at the Royal Academy as well. We would of course wave tuition as well as make sure you have plenty of free time for your adventuring work." One of the other magic examiners said after the three had a quick conference.

"What would you expect from me? I can already tell you I have no aptitude for elemental magic.

"With training you'll be able to bring out your summons full potential. I'm sure they have complained about being diminished in their current forms."

I refused to answer that with anything but a quick nod.

"Also, if you attend it'll give you a chance to build an adventurer team. A trainer and a berserker can only get so far without a cleric and perhaps an elemental mage as back up."

He had a point. "I'll ask my master and see what she thinks."

"Very well. If you do decide to take us up on our offer just show your guild card at the doors and ask to be taken to the headmaster, Lord-"

"It's Prowl. I don't have any other name."

"Interesting, as powerful as you seem to be I'd thing you must be a member of nobility. Ah well I understand completely, and I assure you the Academy doesn't discriminate."

"I'll believe that when I see it." I thought to myself.

***

"So that's it, they want me to join the Magic school." I said, as I dug up another wild union. There was a whoosh and a thud as a Charger went down just inches from hitting me.

"Is that why they started you off as a D rank adventurer?" Chaza asked.

"No, I think that is due to my experience level being so high. After all they gave me the F rank herb and vegetable gathering jobs."

Right after I got my adventurer's card we were pushed into gathering food materials for a high end restaurant celebrating all the new and returning nobles to the school. Chaza got the meat missions.

"Did they question your experience?"

"Yeah, but telling them I've been in the care of Bloody Hammer Chaza since I was five shut them up. I think our guild contact felt sorry for me."

"Hey, you better not be making eyes at her."

I rolled my eyes. "She's not my type."

Chaza laughed. "Still, you're cute and all the girls are going to fall for you."

"You know there is only one girl I'm interested in." Chaza knew damn well I wasn't interested in any female.

"Oh yeah, I've seen you gazing lovingly at my knockers."

"Why did you have to name her that?" I asked as Chaza jumped up swinging her giant battle hammer "Knockers" down on a blood crab as it came to scavenge on the charger. I teleported both into my holding dimension.

"Because I know how embarrassed you get when you have to say her name around other adventurers. So, are you going to the school?"

"As much as I want to get stronger for Moon and Star, what will I have in common with that bunch of rich snobs?"

"It will expose you to a lot more people, and maybe even your prince charming."

"We think you should attend as well. Not because it will allow us to get strong again, but because it will allow you to increase your control over the illusion and stealth magic you receive from us." Star said, bouncing around full of energy.

"We need to move to the next location, we've cleared the monsters around here and I want to hunt some more now that we're allowed to." Moon said, as he paced. "Prowl, go to the school and show those stuck up snobs how much better we are." Moon said. I could tell he was still irritated by the instructor thinking he was a lesser spirit.

"I'll think about it. For now let's get the rest of the requested supplies. Before you ask, I already know we won't be invited to the feast even if I do register as soon as we get back. They're not going to want someone like me at their party." Not to mention it might be dangerous for me. I might be ten years older but there was still a chance I'd be recognized as William Trevant.

***