Helping out a Merchant, Pt I [job/solo]

Job Overview: The roads along the Plains is often plagued by bandits, hoping to interrupt traders with their wares. Escort a caravan of merchants between two tribes to keep them safe.


Enemy Name: Bandit x5
Rank: D
Needed damage to take down: D
Description: Bandits sprint at 9m/s and wield a short sword that deals D-tier damage.
Abilities:
Jab – Bandit jabs his sword at 10m/s to inflict D-tier damage.

---

Ari had found herself with a bit of time to kill before her Kodor test and, wanting to avoid the diplomatic affairs for a bit, had chosen to instead wander through the marketplace. As she weaved through the stalls, she overheard two merchants visiting and sharing stories of the troubles of travel. Pausing and pretending to look at the wares offered, Ari listened as they began talking about how difficult one of the main roads had become to traverse, bandits plaguing several spots between the Plains and Balbadd. She continued her perusal of the small trinkets as they talked about other roads that were still safe for the time being. When one stopped to ask if she had found anything she had liked, she gave a bright smile before shaking her head and speaking to ask about the bandits.

“I could not help but overhear the troubles you were having with bandits. I would like to offer my assistance. I have a test coming up soon and could use a productive way to deal with my stress.”

The merchant chuckled in understanding, his visits to Magnostadt frequent enough that he knew what she was referring to. His daughter was still a student in the Academy and often talked about how the students would occasionally go out monster hunting just as an outlet for their frustrations or to practice their newest spells. He quickly jotted down a detailed map for her, pointing out where the major trouble points were.

“I would be grateful if you could help, but if it is too difficult, please do not put yourself in danger, Miss.”

Ari grinned and dipped her head in acknowledgement.

“Fear not, sir. I am a bit stronger than I look. Allow me to escort you on your next run, please.”

He gave her a fatherly look of concern before sighing in defeat and agreeing, telling her to meet him outside of the city later in the day to escort him.

---

The merchant met her at the proposed spot and told her the bandits tended to frequent a stretch of road bordered by rocky crags, using the terrain to hide themselves until the merchants could be trapped. Deciding to use herself as bait, she walked quite a ways in front of the merchant’s caravan.

She could not hide her staff, but she pretended to use it as a walking stick, making it seem like she had twisted her ankle as she moved down the stretch of road, limping slightly to add to the illusion. It was not long before she could hear scuffling on the rocks, indicating movement. With a hidden grin, she tugged her cloak to cover her face more. When she heard the sound of feet hitting the rock as the five bandits jumped down, she did not even flinch, instead immediately raising her staff and directing the rukh to cast Electric Field II in front of her, three of the thieves becoming caught in the weak attack before she turned her attention to the two attempting to keep her from running away.

When they saw their comrades fall, they immediately turned to attempt running but Ari used Leaping Steps to intercept them, grasping her dagger by the handle and, with two swift slashes, cut into each of the thieves’ sides. Standing above the bleeding men, she arched a brow.

“I was merciful. If you do this again, I will return and mercy will not be what I offer you. Understood?”

The two at her feet stuttered and nodded, crawling back away from her with a frightened look. Ari smiled pleasantly at them before whistling to let the merchant know it was safe to come through the craggy area. She stayed with him until they reached the next village where they rested for the night.

[635/500]
[Magoi 260/300]

Abilities and Items Used: