The music escaped my lips like never before. Memories of childhood, mixed with a feeling of nostalgia for something that had marked my life, made me close my eyes and forget the world around me. My fingers hurt less than last time — it was still a rustic, almost handcrafted instrument — but the sound of the strings was deeper, more melodic. When I opened my eyes, the song had ended.
— I'm done, Miss Cíntia.
— That song is very beautiful... and unlike anything I've ever heard. Thank you so much.
— Yeah, the song is kinda nice — Marlon interrupted — but I want to know what you cast on us. I don't feel anything different in my body.
— Well... actually, I can't really say.
I really wanted to understand the effect of each song, but as my own ability indicated, the results were random. The only certainty was that the effect would always be of supreme level.
— What the hell do you mean you don't know what you did?
— Sorry, Fly, but I really need to understand. I can't pay you what we agreed on if I don't even know exactly what I got from this exchange.
Before I could go on explaining my ability, Malaca — who had already dispelled the silence dome — approached and, with a gentle gesture, placing her hand on my shoulder, spoke to the small group of nobles with a clarity I could never have expressed:
— My dear friends, this bard is still new to his craft. That's why he has trouble identifying the effects his music grants to listeners. This is very common among novice bards. But allow me to assist... Zomeia, come here.
I hadn't noticed when the magical barrier fell, nor had I seen Malaca approach. Everything made more sense once she started speaking. Behind the giantess appeared the same girl who had evaluated me earlier.
— Ladies and gentlemen... Auntie, I brought the evaluation stone. Who would like to undergo the test?
Everyone quickly understood what was happening. Zomeia would evaluate one of the adventurers to discover the benefit granted by the music — and thus infer the effect on the whole group. Cíntia, visibly uncomfortable with the idea of revealing her status, whispered something to Clarrisse, the dwarven warrior.
— I'll take the evaluation — said the dwarf.
— Very well, step forward and place your hand on the stone.
As soon as she did, a soft light began to emanate from the stone — much fainter than the one that had appeared when I was evaluated. In a few seconds, Zomeia announced the result to Clarrisse:
Divine Phalanx – Supreme (18:58:30)
In moments of danger, summons an Archangel who protects the user and repels evil. Any enemy below level 10 will be expelled or instantly killed.
When Zomeia showed the result to Ana and, consequently, to the rest of the group, I saw their faces twist in pure shock.
— This is impossible. What the fuck kind of ability is that?
— Someone pinch me... Look at this! The effect lasts more than 18 hours... HOURS!
The shock spread through the group. Even Cíntia seemed stunned by what she was reading.
— This is impossible! You're plotting something against us! This power... it doesn't exist! — Marlon exploded, his eyes burning with distrust. — You know I could have my father imprison you all right now for conspiring against us!
His words spread like poison. He began hurling insults at Zomeia, at Malaca... even at me. I saw the exact moment Malaca's face turned red with fury.
— Are you implying that I, Malaca Rhino, leader of the Rhino Guild, am lying? — her voice came out deep, almost guttural. — Very well... Zomeia, hand me my axe.
The tension in the air thickened like a storm about to break. Zomeia, without hesitation, pulled a massive axe from some unknown place and handed it to Malaca. Before anyone could react, she raised the weapon above her head, aiming at Marlon.
— Take this!
Time seemed to slow down. I saw the axe descending, heavy like a death sentence. Marlon, once arrogant, now wore a pale face, dominated by fear and regret — he knew he was about to die. But in the final instant, before the blade touched his hair, a golden figure appeared before him.
An angelic man, surrounded by a sacred aura, appeared. With a radiant shield, he blocked the blow and pushed Malaca back a few inches. Then he advanced with a golden spear, aiming for her chest. Malaca didn't dodge — she took the impact head-on, her armor absorbing the strike with a dull metallic thud.
— Well, damn... it actually works — she said, laughing in surprise.
The shock turned into relief... and soon into reverence.
— I've never heard of a buff this powerful with such a long duration... — said Cíntia. — Sir Fly, thank you very much. And Lady Malaca, I apologize for my companion's behavior. I'd like to believe he spoke without thinking. On behalf of the group, I'll increase the payment to your guild as a form of reparation.
— Hmph... Lady Cíntia, always perceptive. I hope your mission goes well. As for the incident... I'll be expecting that compensation. Now then, I'm leaving. Let's go, boy. You did your part — now let them do theirs.
— Yes, ma'am — I replied, still a bit dazed by everything that had just happened.
I tried to understand how everything had gone so wrong and yet so right in a matter of seconds.
— Aren't you worried that kid might want revenge for nearly getting split in half?
— That kid? HAHAHAHA! — Malaca burst out laughing. — I think you didn't get it. If I'd wanted to, I could've killed him even with that toy angel. And that smart girl realized it. But I have to admit... I was surprised. The rebound from your ability is pretty significant.
— Do you think they'll have problems in the dungeon now that they got the buff?
My tone was a mix of genuine concern for Cíntia — who seemed like a good person — and also the need for everyone to survive. That was the only way the payment would go through properly.
— Kid... you really didn't understand why they were so shocked by your ability, did you?
— Well, as far as I know, it protects against anything level 10 or lower.
— Exactly... But here's the thing: they asked for your help to reach the second floor of the dungeon. Know what level the strongest monster there is?
— No...
— Level 8.
Now everything made sense. For the next eighteen hours, they would be literally untouchable in the early floors. No matter what happened, they wouldn't die even if they tried. And on top of that, the ability even had an auto-eliminate option for enemies below level 10.
— With a buff like that, kid, you could get rich overnight. Those brats are going to finish the mission without breaking a sweat and level up like crazy. If I'd known you were going to waste it on a bunch of kids who can barely tie their boots, I would've given you that axe strike myself. But anyway... what's done is done.
It didn't take long for the news to spread through the city. The scene of an angel appearing out of nowhere to save someone from a death blow delivered by a guild leader — and one not exactly known for subtlety — was rare. Incredibly rare.
When I got to the room...
— Helena, I'm back. Sorry I took so long.
— It's okay — she said from the doorway, with a tired smile — I was washing our clothes. Did everything go well?
— I think so. I mean, no one complained — I smiled back.
— That's great! So... can we go into town?
— Well, I haven't been paid yet, but I can use a bit of what I already have. What do you want to buy today?
The city was quieter than usual, but the looks in my direction were unmistakable. I was the center of attention. And after a while... even Helena noticed.
— Why is everyone staring at us? — Helena asked, voice low, suspicious.
— Honestly... I have no idea. But I'm pretty sure Malaca does. Let's grab what we need and head back to the room, just to be safe.
My body was still feeling the effects of using the ability — a strange fatigue that wasn't exactly physical, but felt like my energy was being drained from the inside out. Even so, we still spent a good few hours walking around the city while Helena looked for clothes. She seemed more cheerful than I'd seen her in weeks.
— I see you made good use of your outing — commented Bromeia as we returned to the Guild headquarters. — Dinner will be ready in two hours at most.
— Thank you very much, Miss Bromeia.
In the short time we'd been there, Bromeia and Helena had formed an unexpected bond. Maybe because of shared interests, maybe a natural affinity — the fact is, around the two of them, I almost felt like an intruder. They laughed, exchanged recipes, talked about shops and fabrics in the city I didn't even remember passing by.
That's when Malaca walked into the room, smirking.
— Kid, you're making more of a splash than you realize.
— Lady Malaca... I noticed the stares. Did something happen?
— Oh, it did. Unfortunately, that little loose-tongued dwarf couldn't keep a secret — she said, rolling her eyes. — And, well... maybe I accidentally on purpose helped spread the news too. The whole city's already heard about the "Bard of Angels." If anyone bothers you, just call me. It's the least I can do for you.
She patted my back and added:
— But let me tell you something... judging by how things are going, you're going to start getting new requests soon. Congratulations.
Malaca's excitement was clear. She obviously saw what had happened as an opportunity to promote the guild — almost like guerrilla marketing using my ability. The problem was that I didn't even understand how it worked myself. Everything was still a mystery. Sure, the effects were powerful, even absurd... but also unpredictable.
Were the buffs I granted really from the music itself? Or was it about what the music made people feel? Maybe it wasn't magic in the traditional sense, but rather emotion... intention... impact. It was strange, because everything seemed to work — just without a clear logic. And the more it worked, the more people expected from me.
The bar was getting higher. And if I didn't figure out soon how this all worked, I'd be buried under expectations I might not be able to meet.
Damn... what happened today, with that angelic summon, makes sense now. But what about the first time? That dwarf... what exactly happened again? I still don't understand. Wait... Malaca was there. Maybe she knows.
— Lady Malaca, can I ask you something? The first time I used my ability, I saw you talking to a dwarf. Did... did he receive any kind of ability?
She glanced at me sideways, as if weighing her words.
— Now that you mention it... yes, he did. — Malaca looked around before continuing. — His stats doubled for fifteen minutes.
— Doubled?! All of them?
— All of them. I could feel he was stronger — she said, crossing her arms. — I'm very sensitive to my own power. Fly, summons like the one you pulled off today are useful, sure... but they only help beginners survive. Now, doubling stats? People would kill for that. Even if it was just for fifteen minutes. Do you understand what that means?
Her eyes locked onto mine with intensity. And I understood.
With a buff like that, an average warrior would become an unstoppable force. And if it fell into the wrong hands… it could cause massive destruction.
— The dwarf... does he know what happened?
— Unfortunately, yes. That old man checks his status every time he comes back from the dungeon. A habit, I guess. But don't worry. I talked to him, explained the situation. As far as I'm concerned, he's trustworthy.
I wanted to believe that. I didn't know the dwarf, but I trusted Malaca.
Still, one thing was now clear: my ability was a double-edged sword. Powerful, yes. But dangerous if used without control.
Bromeia's voice called me back to reality:
— Dinner is ready!
I was lying on my bed, thinking about what I'd heard from Malaca just a few hours earlier, when I heard the knock at the door and Bromeia's voice. She'd made a point of going room to room to let us know. But as we came down to the main hall, I noticed something strange. The place, which was usually packed at this hour, was almost empty.
— Did something happen? Where is everyone? — I asked, confused.
Malaca stepped out of the kitchen holding a huge piece of fried breaded meat. Her expression was a mix of anger and irony.
— Those sons of bitches are taking advantage of your buff.
— What do you mean?
— They — she said, referring to Cíntia's group — had the audacity to accept escort missions for other parties. Now they're going even deeper into the dungeon... with your protection.
I was speechless. So was Helena.
They were taking full advantage of my blessing.
It made sense. The duration of the buff was far too long to waste on a simple scouting mission. That group came from noble and aristocratic families — and if there's one thing nobles excel at, it's turning every opportunity into profit.
— They'll probably pay us... and still come out ahead — I commented.
— No doubt about it — said Malaca, shrugging. — I should've charged way more the moment I saw the potential of your buff. But anyway... looks like it's just us tonight.
I took the chance to eat slowly. Despite the weariness in my body and mind, the meal was delicious. Even after nearly two hours of listening to Helena and Bromeia talk about fabrics, exotic spices, and shop windows I couldn't even remember seeing, the hall remained empty. That wasn't typical for the Rhino Guild — at this hour, the place usually buzzed with adventure stories and fights over extra servings of meat.
— Malaca, do you think they'll stay in the dungeon all night?
— If someone dropped gold coins along the ground, wouldn't you follow the trail? — she replied, with irony. — With that buff, they'll scour every last corner. I doubt they'll be back before tomorrow afternoon.
— Don't worry, Fly — added Bromeia, smiling. — Those thick-headed fools don't understand that staying too long in the dungeon will inflate the market. Life and mana stones will drop in value for a while.
It was the first time I'd heard anything about the strategic value of monsters and the resources they left behind. I was still confused.
— Miss Bromeia... can you explain better what those stones are for? I don't think I fully understand.
Malaca gave me a surprised look, but said nothing. Bromeia, on the other hand, lit up with the question.
— Of course! The life stone is rare. When consumed, it prolongs life — both in terms of resistances and actual years. Mana stones are more common and highly sought after because they boost magical stats. They allow warriors and mages to use abilities that require far more energy than they normally have.
— That's why you're an anomaly — Malaca interrupted, locking eyes with me.
— What do you mean?
— What makes someone truly strong isn't their base stats from killing monsters — it's the amount of mana they can manipulate. Want an example? My strength stat is probably fifteen times higher than yours. But even so... I can't pierce the skull of a baby Wyvern with a clean strike from my axe. On the other hand, someone with way less strength could use a penetration ability and drive a feather through the same skull.
She paused for a moment, letting the weight of her words sink in.
— In the end, a powerful skill beats high stats. And you... you can trigger high-level abilities without paying the price the rest of us would.
— Price? You mean... a penalty?
— Exactly. There are abilities so advanced that even if I know how to use them, just activating them could kill me.
— That doesn't make much sense...
— Think of it this way: imagine you're this fork — said Malaca, picking one up from the table — and my strength is the ability gripping you. If I use all my strength to force you into doing something beyond your capacity... what happens?
— It bends.
— Exactly. Using power beyond what your body and mind can handle causes what we call rebound. It might be something minor, like a headache, or something fatal — like instant death. That's why everyone seeks mana stones. They're like support beams that let us use powers that would normally destroy us. But you...
She leaned in a little, her expression grave.
— ...you can grant those powers without any cost. That's why I said you're an anomaly. A mistake. A divine gift... or a threat, depending on who's on the other side.
I thought about all of it for a while. Really, even after using the ability, all I felt was mild fatigue and soreness in my fingers... but nothing debilitating. No fever, no bleeding, no collapse — nothing like what Malaca said could happen to mages and warriors when they pushed past their limits.
I could grant power. Without cost.
— Just imagine — Malaca added — someone who can let others use the impossible... without paying the price. That's not natural. And that's why, if this information truly gets out, you won't be able to live in peace.
After understanding more about ability penalties and monster drops, Bromeia went on to explain even rarer items: enchanted weapons, lost grimoires, even everyday magical tools. It was a world full of more mysteries than I could have imagined.
But when sleep came, all those questions lost their weight.
— Well... I think I'll take a bath and get some sleep.
— Go rest, kid. You've earned it — said Malaca with a faint smile.
That night, from the window of my room, I could see the distant glow of campfires near the entrance of the dungeon. Signs that the group was still there... or that more people were now interested in the trail of power I had left behind.
I closed my eyes, trying not to think too much about it. And before I even realized it, I had fallen asleep.