"Now then, have you ever heard of Path consulting? Or Path planning, as some call it?"
Harold, the huge man in front of me, had just finished casually going over the things he told me last time, before moving to the next topic.
"I haven't."
"Excellent! That means there's more left for me to teach, ha ha ha!"
Perhaps it was due to my extraordinary perception, but ever since I started paying attention, I could see the faint cracks beneath Harold's cheery and altruistic persona. His laugh now sounded artificial, and his smile seemed more like a skin mask.
'I have no idea what he wants from someone like me.'
It's not like I had much I could give someone like him. Well, the sword notwithstanding, but he obviously didn't know about it.
That being said…
'I need this information. Even if some of it is inaccurate or made up, at least I'll have another point of reference when I ask someone else. And, as creepy as he seems, it doesn't really feel like he's lying.'
As such, I would play along for now. Even if this knowledge was some kind of bait, I'd do my best to avoid the hook.
"Judging by your Techniques, it seems whoever trained you set you up on a Slayer Path."
"A what?"
"A Slayer is a divergent Path of the Warrior. Wait, you probably don't know what that means, either? Let me start from the beginning, then."
Harold took a deep breath, and drew a big circle on the ground with the shaft of his short spear, which had been resting on his back throughout his training.
"Just like Paths are categorized into 'martial', 'arcane', and so on, there are also a few paths within each category called the 'baseline' Paths."
He drew a smaller, yet still moderately large circle inside of the big one, with one of its edges touching the big circle's center, and the other reaching about three quarters of the way through to its edges.
"Such Paths are known for their versatility, often covering the most different Techniques in their category, and having few weaknesses, if any. However, in return, they also lack specialization, and the peculiar strengths divergent Paths provide."
Harold raised his finger.
"Of course, that does not make baseline Paths necessarily weaker! Some of the greatest heroes throughout history were Warriors, for example. There is strength in versatility! What's also important is that baseline Paths always constitute the largest share of Paths in their categories, making our knowledge of such Paths wide and verbose – a well treaded path, after all, is much easier to follow than a hidden trail."
He drew two neighbouring ellipses over the 1st inner circle, covering less space, yet touching the big circle's edges, while also touching its center.
"Another characteristic of baseline Paths is that they serve as sub-categories for divergent Paths. Divergent Paths, also called sub-Paths, tend to focus on specific areas from the wide variation of baseline Path proficiencies. Sometimes, they also have unique characteristics. Of course, they also lose much of the baseline Path's versatility."
Harold hit his chest with the fist holding the shield, producing a loud clang as the armored fist hit his platemail, and then pointed a finger at one ellipse.
"For example, my Path is that of a Guardian, a divergent Warrior Path focusing on protection and survivability."
His finger then pointed at the second ellipse.
"The Path you seem to be approaching is that of a Slayer, another Warrior sub-Path. This one focuses on precise destructive power and mobility, sacrificing defense. It's a somewhat uncommon sub-Path, given its high mortality, but some still pursue it. To my knowledge, the Silver Claymore, who you're acquainted with, has also chosen this Path."
I have been listening intently, taking note of each and every new bit of information in my mind.
When Harold got to the Slayer's description, I flinched for a moment – unsurprisingly, learning the Path I'm closest to is unpopular due to its high mortality didn't exactly sound promising.
However, having considered it a bit more…
'In for a copper, in for a gold… This stupid phrase really grew on me.'
The higher the risk, the higher the reward. And I couldn't afford to stall my growth in search of a safer Path, anyway.
"Listen, Sebastian."
Harold's voice turned serious, as he spoke in a dramatic tone.
"Do you know what's the most important thing for a Path's future?"
I shook my head.
"Its foundation! And the foundation of a Path begins with knowledge, training, and techniques!"
He patted me on the shoulder.
"You are young and talented. I can see a bright future for you. You have high aspirations, don't you?"
I hesitantly nodded.
"Ha ha! No need for humility. When you came in, I saw it in your eyes – you are someone who takes their future seriously."
His voice lowered again.
"And so you must understand – a single flaw in your foundations now could rob you of that potential, turning those shining possibilities into empty regrets."
His eyes shone with passion, although its performative nature gleamed from beneath the surface.
"An uncut gem needs to be properly polished – in the hands of an amateur, it is bound to shatter."
"...what are you saying?"
I already had a feeling where this was going.
"So, how about you let us professionals help you get the best polish possible? Join the Adventurer's Guild Special Training Program, ha ha ha!"
Oh no… I knew it. He was trying to sell me a course all along!
"Oh, that look on your face is understandable – I, too, would be shocked by such an offer! But let me tell you, I can see you'd definitely meet standards!"
"Erm… I…"
"No need to be hesitant! This is a lifetime opportunity. Not only will you get 3 months of personal training by me, a level 4 Path bearer, but after the preliminary training period, you shall transfer to the full training program in Silverveil! A whole year of personalized instruction, Path consulting, and even full access to the guild library!"
"T-this sounds very expensive. I'm not sure -"
"Ahaha! No need to worry, my boy. The initial deposit is only 40 gold – less than that sword on your back, by the looks of it!"
"Initial deposit? Are you talking about a loan?"
"Ah, some can call it a loan, but it's actually just deferred payment – with a very low interest rate, and only 400 gold for over a year of the highest quality training!"
"400…"
"That's nothing! Once you gain your Path, you'll be able to make back that money in no time! An investment in your future is the best kind of investment you can make, ha ha!"
"But…didn't you say you were a Guardian? That's quite different from a Slayer.."
"No worries! A Guardian is still a Warrior, and the preliminary training focuses on fundamentals and general adventuring knowledge, anyway!"
Going by his words alone, the offer definitely sounded tempting.
However, there were two things that stopped me from even considering it.
First – even if this was probably considered a good way to get a head start, I highly doubted this was due to the inherent growth rate. Rather, it felt like the main appeal was stability and consistently. It wasn't a bad thing, objectively, but in my case, I have already decided to take bigger risks in return for faster growth. With the [Soul Corrosion] hanging over my neck, I felt that taking the slower yet consistent road was actually the bigger risk.
The second, and even bigger reason… This was sketchy as hell!
I've had a few friends and acquaintances over the years who fell for those types of online courses.
'Dude, I'm just gonna learn this guy's method and make so much money on the stock market!' said one friend who lost half of his meager savings 3 months later.
'Ha, once I finish this software bootcamp, you'll be my IT support!' said one of the coworkers from my last IT job before quitting. I saw him six months later, flipping burgers at a local fast food joint.
I have never once fallen for those courses, and I wasn't going to start in a different world, either. Just imagining all the sneaky clauses in this 'training program's' contract made my stomach churn.
"Sebastian."
Seeing my silent reaction, Harold put his massive hand on my right shoulder, and looked me in the eyes, showing a magnificent performance keeping his tone warm and fatherly.
"This is an opportunity you only get once in a lifetime. Listen to your senior's advice. If you let fear and hesitation keep you from making the right choice for your future, you might regret it for the rest of your life."
I couldn't detect a hidden threat in his tone, but I still didn't feel like outright rejecting him would be a good idea.
Even if, after meeting with the sheriff, I didn't think this huge man in front of me would outright ignore the law and crush my head with his shield in a fit of anger, he was still the leader (manager) of this remote guild branch, and I had a feeling he could cause me plenty of trouble if he felt insulted.
As such, I had no choice but to bring out the nuclear option.
"I'm sorry! I'm a Luskar refugee!"
I could see the smile on Harold's face freeze in real time.
"Ha ha.. that's some sense of humour you got there…"
"I reported to the sheriff yesterday, and he gave me a month before voluntary conscription! Even if he didn't, I don't think I'd be eligible for any loans. I'm very sorry!"
I lowered my head in a pensive bow.
His hand slowly withdrew from my shoulder.
Throwing a glance at his face, he looked like a man who reached for an ice cream cone only to accidentally grab a solid piece of feces.
I lowered my eyes again, not daring to move.
"That's… unfortunate."
The coldness of the voice was in stark contrast to his cheerful tone earlier.
"Don't bother me again with your… questions."
When he turned around, I could hear Harold clicking his tongue.
From that moment on, it was as if he did not acknowledge my existence.
'Well, could be much worse. This can actually be considered a win.'
I got some important information regarding Paths, specifically my own.
I didn't get blacklisted from the guild, or crushed by a huge shield.
All in all, unless Harold acted on his grudge, which wasn't that deep, this was definitely a net gain.
After my talk with Harold, he hadn't as much as thrown a look at me, so I continued my original training, fell on my face a couple of times trying to get [Charge (work in progress)] right, and before I knew it, it was already time to meet with my new party members.
***
"Hey, Seb! Over here!"
Tim awkwardly smiled, as the halfling near him waved his hand at me, excitedly, from a table a couple meters away.
I nodded, and took the empty seat.
After a minute of casual chatter, we got down to business.
"As you remember, the nest is located in a cave half a day from town. There should be 8 to 9 goblins there, as per the report."
I nodded once more. This indeed matched the request details from yesterday.
"The plan I came up with would be to depart in the morning, two days from now. That way, we can clear the nest by midnight, camp inside, and return the next day. What do you think.. Seb?"
"So we can avoid traveling through the night forest? Sounds good to me."
I didn't even stop to think before replaying – this was a very logical decision. Tim proudly smiled, before catching himself and continuing with a more professional expression.
"Right! Anyway, this means we need provisions for 1 night. However, it's always advised to prepare reserves. Is everyone ok with this?"
"Yes!"
The halfling replied, enthusiastically, and I just nodded as usual.
"Great. Then…"
Tim explained about the camping supplies required. Turns out I already had all of them, neatly laying in my backpack in the inn.
It would cost me around 3 silver to buy 2 day's worth of provisions – quite expensive by this world's standards, but, as I quickly learned, most things related to exploration and survival tended to be expensive here.
"You said you had a healing kit, right?"
I nodded again.
"That's great! between you and Pinpin, we have two of them. It will give us insurance in case… in case one of you two gets injured."
The young man's eyes turned more solemn.
"Since there are three of us… should we buy a healing potion? Just to be safe?"
Both his and the halfling's expressions were hesitant. I couldn't help but wonder…
"Is it that expensive?"
Tim gave me a short look before replying.
"Yeah… average grade healing potions cost 50 gold for a pretty small vial. Even the worst ones here cost 25, as long as they're actually legit."
Tim fell into thought for a moment, then spoke once more.
"The reward for clearing this nest is 10 gold. Even if there are actually 10 goblins there, the total bounty would be 3 more. There might be some sellable loot in there, but I wouldn't bet on more than a few gold."
Tim's face darkened.
"That means we'd be at a loss of around 10 gold. However, we will have a life-saving consumable, and we won't have to use it unless the situation truly calls for it. We could save it up for the next missions, and it could be sold back at any time at a small loss. That being said, the cheapest potions I've seen at the alchemy shop in the last few months were 40 gold…"
Tim's gears were clearly turning, desperately trying to weigh the worth of 40+ gold, perhaps more than his entire net worth, against the worth of a potential life-saver.
Luckily for him, he wouldn't have to face such a dilemma, at least not today.
"Actually… I have half a potion left."
Tim's eyes opened in surprise, and Pinpin released a relieved sigh.
"Really? Can you show us?"
I took the potion out of the small, sturdy bag on my belt, made of leather and enhanced by a small metal exoskeleton. Calling it a bag was perhaps stretching it, as it was closer to a case.
I bought it from Old Ben yesterday after leaving the blacksmith, shrinking my finances by another 3 gold.
"Oh, wow… I'm not an alchemist, but this does look like a healing potion. What grade is it?"
"Don't know. I was given this potion by.. my father. He never told me its grade."
Saying those words brought a tingling sensation to my chest, but I forced it out. As sad as the story was, I refused to feel grief over mentioning someone else's deceased father – I had my own shit to deal with.
"I-it must be quite expensive. Are you sur-"
"It's fine."
I just waved my hand dismissively.
"If I use it on one of you, you can just pay back, right?"
"...yeah. That works. Thanks."
"You really saved us here Seb!"
After this, we briefly discussed a few formations and tactics.
Nothing too complex – the core of the main formation was already discussed yesterday, so we talked about a few potential situations, and the formation for orderly retreat, with me and Tim covering the front, and the halfling providing suppressive fire with his crossbow.
Finally, I said goodbye to my two new companions, and the three of us left the guild hall.
The day was still young, and there was much left to do.