The two men walked towards the exit of the cave together. The walk was quiet, but not awkward. Brandon was lost in his thoughts about once again walking out of a fight he was certain he should have died in, while Ishtan was processing everything that had happened that led him to walk alongside a random old man who had saved his life.

  "So, uh, what do I owe you for saving my life?" Ishtan finally broke the silence.

  Brandon turned to look at the man and realized this was the first time he had actually looked him over. Ishtan was a tanned, weathered man. He was taller than Brandon, though not by much, and broad. Brandon assumed the man in front of him had been forged by years of battle and labor, though he was clearly on the younger side—early thirties or late twenties, if Brandon had to guess.

  He walked with near-perfect posture, standing perfectly straight, and exuded an air of quiet confidence. He had long dark hair that Brandon could see was usually tied in some kind of braid, though it had been ripped in the battle the man had gone through, which had led him to the cave. It framed what Brandon could only describe as an intense face. He had a strong jawline with piercing dark eyes, which appeared to always be on alert.

  Brandon noted the large, jagged scar that ran across the man's forehead. He wore practical leather armor, reinforced in certain spots with iron plating. It was safe to assume that the armor had seen better days. After all, it had just been handled roughly by a large lion-like creature.

  "Ishtan, right?" Brandon replied, receiving a nod of the head.

  "But you can call me Ish. Most people do," He responded, his tired eyes scanning the cave as they headed towards the exit.

  "Let me ask you this, Ish. If you heard someone in danger, what would your first reaction be?" Brandon asked, watching the man consider his question.

  "I would like to think I would rush to help," Ishtan replied, still looking on edge. "And that's exactly what I did. Don’t get me wrong, I was scared and almost turned back, but not once did I come in here with the thought of a reward."

  Brandon watched the face of the man he had just saved, figuring that the way he reacted would give him a good idea of what the world he had found himself in was like.

  It took a few moments for Ishtan to reply. "Then thank you, and I'm in your debt," he said, looking at Brandon properly for the first time as they reached the mouth of the cave, seeing the light of the sun come blinding through.

  Brandon was impressed with the young man who stood in front of him. Most people in his world around that age were entitled children, thinking everything should be handed to them. But here, at least, Ishtan had the ability to show humility and grace.

  After a moment, Brandon smiled and sighed. "You don't owe me anything, Ish. But if you're willing, could you show me to the closest city around here? I'm kind of new."

  Ishtan turned and looked at Brandon, slightly squinting his eyes. "You're level 9. You can't be too new," he said after a moment.

  "I've only been here about a day or so," Brandon replied.

  Ish's eyes widened. "And you're already level 9? How?" he asked, his confusion clear.

  Brandon, seeing the younger man's baffled expression, sighed. "I kind of accidentally found my way into some kind of wizard dungeon and got a bunch of levels," he said, beginning to feel a little self-conscious. Rubbing the back of his head with his hand, he added, "I got really lucky, honestly."

  Ishtan regained his composure, schooling his features, and they resumed walking. They made their way back out onto the soft grass in front of the cave, which had been marred by the damage from the fight.

  "Is that where you got the talisman around your neck?" Ishtan asked, prompting Brandon to raise his hand protectively to it.

  "Yeah, it is," Brandon replied, wanting to be careful with the information he shared about it.

  "Mind if I ask what it does?" Ishtan questioned, though he appeared to be looking around for something. Brandon remained silent.

  "Fine, keep your secrets," Ishtan said with a smirk.

  Brandon watched for a few moments as Ishtan finally found what he was looking for. "Damn it," he exclaimed, though not loudly, as he walked over to the broken hammer that had been lying on the ground when Brandon first entered the cave.

  "I assume that's yours, then?" Brandon said as he walked up to Ishtan, knowing full well it was, but trying to restart the conversation with a different topic.

  "Yeah, stupid Lithalion charged me and hit it square, snapping the handle," Ishtan replied, examining the hammer.

  Brandon looked at the hammer. The head of the hammer was made of some kind of blackened material that ended in jagged, rough edges. Brandon assumed it made it easier to break into things like armor and whatnot. He also noticed a decently large polished stone embedded in the middle of the hammerhead, which appeared to go right through to the other side. Brandon observed the faint glow of magic emanating off of it.

  The hammer's head had patterns and grooves engraved in various places, resembling fractured walls and shields. Brandon also noted the faint glow of runes on what remained of the handle.

  Focusing on the hammer itself, Brandon was surprised to find an actual description for the item, further clarifying that this wasn’t just a hammer. He first noted the name of the hammer: "Bulwark's Wrath". Then he read the description:

  "Though a Warden's job is to protect, Bulwark's Wrath embodies the belief that the best defense is a good offense. Forged from the heart of a mountain and tempered in the fires of ancient battles, this mighty hammer serves not only as a shield for the weak but as a relentless force for the strong. Its massive head, adorned with runes of fortitude, vibrates with an unseen power, enhancing the defensive abilities of its wielder while striking with the weight of a falling fortress. Where others may falter, this weapon stands as a testament to the Warden’s philosophy—that true protection comes not just in shielding, but in the strength to face all challenges head-on."

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Brandon was brought back to reality when Ishtan complained, "This is going to be expensive."

  "You can repair it, even though it's magical?" Brandon asked, genuine curiosity on his face.

  "Really are new, then," Ishtan chuckled. "Yeah, as long as you know the right smith, leatherworker, or whatever the requirement is for what you're trying to fix, most things can be repaired."

  Ishtan paused, looking at the hammer. "Though this will do in a pinch, how it is."

  "Can I ask what your class or specialization, or whatever it's called, is?" Brandon asked curiously.

  "You could just examine me and find out," Ishtan replied, his tone friendly as he placed the hammer in a loop on the small belt at his waist.

  "Oh, right. Still not used to that," Brandon said sheepishly, turning his focus onto Ishtan and attempting to examine the man.

  Ishtan Morthal

  Sentinel

  Specialization: Warden

  Level 9

  Profession: N/A

  Ishtan gave Brandon a moment to examine him, then added, "Now, if you focus on any titles or similar things in any of the descriptions you're given, you'll usually be shown more information on that topic as well."

  Brandon, hearing this, focused on the Sentinel part of the description. True to Ishtan's words, he received further information on it:

  "Sentinels are ever-vigilant protectors who maintain balance and order. They may be physical warriors, tacticians, or even spiritual protectors, but their primary purpose is to serve as an unshakable force that defends both people and territory from threats."

  After reading that, he focused on Ishtan's Specialization:

  *"The Warden is a protector above all else, an indomitable shield against the forces that threaten the weak and defenseless. Wardens are defenders who choose to stand firm at the front lines, drawing on a blend of strength, resilience, and magical reinforcement to safeguard those under their care. Where other warriors might focus on offensive prowess or magic, the Warden specializes in using both physical and magical means to create barriers that absorb, deflect, and neutralize harm.

  For a Warden, defense is the highest calling. Wardens are often seen as the last line of defense in times of great peril, and their sense of duty and honor drives them to never falter in their role as a defender. Wardens are slow to act offensively but quick to respond to threats, stepping into harm’s way without hesitation. They are masters of holding lines, blocking powerful attacks, and using their weapons to create physical and magical barriers that grant their allies breathing room on the battlefield."

  Brandon finally finished reading the descriptions he had been shown. "So you're a defender, then?" he said more than asked.

  "I am," Ishtan replied.

  "That's why this fight went so poorly for me. I'm best at holding a line and buying time for other damage dealers to finish a fight," he continued.

  "Then why are you out here alone?" Brandon asked as he took out his water bottle and took a sip, then offered it to Ishtan.

  Ishtan took the bottle and drank deeply, clearly thirsty from the ordeal he had been through. Standing in the clearing in front of the cave, Brandon found a patch of unmarred grass and sat down. Ishtan followed suit, for the first time seeming to lower his guard ever so slightly.

  "My sister and her team disappeared four days ago," Ishtan finally responded, a sad look crossing his face. "They took a job to hunt down a Fleshcaller out here in the forest and hadn’t been seen since. They should’ve only been gone a day, and I couldn’t afford to hire anyone else to come out here and look, so here I am."

  Ishtan looked up defiantly. "I know you already saved my life and I owe you, but if you could help me find them, I would forever be in your debt."

  Ishtan watched Brandon closely, awaiting his response.

  "You know, two days ago I didn’t even know magic existed, and I could barely walk without a cane, let alone help someone the way you’re asking me to," Brandon replied.

  Ishtan was unsure how to respond at first, but found he didn’t need to, as Brandon continued, "I know a little something about a loved one being in danger, so yes, I’ll help you. Though I don’t exactly know how, so far I’ve just gotten lucky."

  Brandon watched as the light returned to Ishtan’s face. He appeared to have a weight lifted from his shoulders. "I’ll show you everything I know. Thank you, Brandon, for everything so far. I’d probably be dead now if it weren’t for you."

  Brandon could feel his face going red as Ishtan spoke and quickly looked away, out into the forest. He glanced up and saw the sun beginning to set, realizing there wasn’t much daylight left.

  "Do you know of anything we can hunt or something to get some food? I haven’t eaten since I got here," Brandon asked.

  Ishtan reached into the air, and his hand came away with a meat-like item. Brandon focused on it but received no further information.

  "You can only examine things that the system decides are worth actually examining," Ishtan said, then added, "It’s just HollowHorn Boar meat," as though Brandon had heard of it before.

  He looked at the proffered meat, and his stomach growled in response. He took the piece from Ishtan. "Thanks," he muttered around his chewing.

  "It will be dark soon," Brandon remarked.

  "Yeah, probably smart to make camp," Ishtan said, looking around the area. "The cave is probably safe now," he continued, gesturing toward it. "We can stay in there tonight unless you have any other ideas."

  Brandon shook his head, munching on some more meat that Ishtan had given him. "Fair enough, then. Being new, I assume you don’t have a sleeping bag or anything?"

  "No, I don’t," Brandon replied, finishing up the meat.

  "Good thing I carry two, then," Ishtan said, pulling one out of his inventory and tossing it to Brandon.

  Brandon looked down at the rolled-up black sleeping bag he had been given. "Thanks," he said as they made their way toward the cave entrance once more.

  Ishtan decided the best place to camp was in a small outcrop just inside the mouth of the cave. It was deep enough that nothing from the outside would be able to see them without entering, but close enough that they would still get enough light from the moon to see.

  They spent some time clearing the ground the best they could—throwing away small rocks and digging up roots—so they could at least lay on a smooth surface and have some semblance of comfort.

  "Earlier than I would like to make camp for the night," Ishtan said into the quiet, "but honestly, I’m not up for continuing today. Everything still hurts."

  "You never told me why you took the fight with the Lithalion," Brandon said, looking at Ishtan sitting on his bedroll.

  "I saw a cave and thought maybe they had entered it. This was supposed to be the route they followed in looking for the beast," Ishtan began. "Admittedly, I wasn’t thinking clearly and was caught by surprise by the Lithalion."

  Brandon could see the man look down, clearly admonishing himself for what, in fairness, had been a poor decision.

  "If there's something that's remained the same between my old world and this place, it’s that people make strange decisions when family is involved," Brandon said in a sympathetic, reassuring voice as he lay down on his bedroll. "We’ll find them," he added.

  They had agreed that a campfire would be a bad idea, in case something noticed them and decided it wanted its own dinner. So, they lay there in the increasing darkness, the sun now well and truly behind the mountain Brandon had completed his dungeon in.

  The two of them continued to make small talk for a while, Ishtan asking questions about Brandon’s world and vice versa, until Brandon eventually rolled over and closed his eyes, accepting the blissful embrace of sleep.