With that, Ambika and Inmo took a detour until they were upon another entrance, whereby their ears would be graced with an interesting piece of news. It seems that an Ooze has taken up residence in the cellar of a tavern, and it just so happened that the tavern was part of the very inn Ambika had booked her stay in for the night. When it rains, it pours. But of course. The sun was already far along its descent so her report would have to wait until tomorrow anyway. Sigh. Guess she'd better learn how to be a slime remover, fast.

Perhaps Inmo had her own plans, perhaps not. Either way, Ambika headed into the relevant tavern, where the owner of the establishment could be heard audibly complaining about how the darned gelatinous glutton was getting in the way of business by preventing entry into the cellar, eating away at their supplies and seeping between the floorboards every now and then, lashing out at whomever got too near. As it is, the owner had to cordon off a part of the tavern to prevent unwanted injuries to their customers. Certainly one of the more peculiar sights she had the misfortune of laying her eyes upon.

For now, though, Ambika decided it would be best to further observe the viscous vermin before committing to anything, so she decided to order whatever the establishment could still serve and sat somewhat, but not too close to the Ooze's territory.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Mold on the walls
Chapter: Two
Description: We have received a report from a local tavern owner that an ooze has taken up home in the cellar of the establishment. It is causing issues for the owner and disturbing its guest, spoiling goods and lashing out at people. We need you to venture to one of the taverns or inns in Charon and SAFELY remove the creature from the building. It might strike out at you and try to defend itself, so you may need to fight, but please dont kill the creature, and instead remove it from the premises without too much harm. 
Requirements:
- Requires at least two people (you and one other)
- You must make at least 5 post to complete the mission with each post being at least 200 words
- Must Fight off and quell the angry Ooze
- Must find a way to remove it from the building without killing it
- Once you complete this mission you gain access to chapter three. (which needs to be a separate topic)

Inmo strolled towards the tavern, her heart racing with eager anticipation. The mere thought of sinking her teeth into a warm meal that didn't require foraging was a tantalizing promise of comfort after the hardships she had faced. As she pushed through the heavy wooden door, a wave of savory aromas enveloped her, and the gentle hum of conversation washed over her like a melody.

Her eyes quickly found the tavern owner, whose brow was furrowed in distress, speaking in hushed tones to Ambika, their expressions a mixture of frustration and concern.

Watching the scene unfold, Inmo felt a spark of determination ignite within her. She wanted to be there for her companion, especially after the pivotal role Ambika had played in their recent battle. She could also secure compensation for the cherished meal she longed for by extending her support.

As her gaze landed on Ambika, seated at a table strategically placed near the whispered tales of the haunted ooze, Inmo approached purposefully. The dim light enveloped them, creating an intimate and charged atmosphere with possibility. With an inviting smile, she reached Ambika's side and asked, "May I join you?" Her voice was warm yet firm, infused with the resolve of someone ready for action. "Both at the table and for the mission."

"Very well." Better to keep Inmo in her sights than otherwise, Ambika thought, and she saw no reason to deny the young woman a meal together with her. Adventures were about helping others to keep the world moving round, as Florentio loved to prattle prose on. And perhaps there were some subconscious motherly instincts to her decisions as well. Cordelia was always ashamed of herself, despite, if not precisely because of all the love she received from her family. Inmo had a different wariness, certainly, but Ambika could not help but feel some kind of similarity between the two, even if she was unsure what it was at the time.

And so Ambika would beckon the young Astralblood sit beside her, eating her meal silently as she listened to the Ooze's corrosive acids eating away at the wood. It was a matter of time before a hole formed, and while she would much prefer to just kill the bastard, she hadn't the desire to run afoul of the Winged Expeditionary Force, and it would not serve her reputation when she had an uncompleted quest entailing keeping the Ooze safe.

If Inmo had any questions for Ambika, she might well entertain them, but otherwise she would remain quiet throughout her meal, as she was far from a conversationalist, and far from one who would pry into other's affairs unless invited to do so.

Inmo beamed brightly as she settled into her seat beside Ambika, her cheerful smile illuminating the room like a warm sunbeam breaking through the clouds. "Wonderful, thank you," she expressed, her voice rich with warmth and sincerity that seemed to envelop those around her.

As the meal unfolded before her, Inmo kept her questions to herself, opting not to pry into Ambika's life. Instead, her thoughts were consumed by the ooze that had mysteriously appeared in their midst. She was determined to find a way to persuade it to leave peacefully.

In her quest for focus, Inmo furrowed her brows, her stunning emerald eyes narrowing slightly in concentration as she surveyed the odd phenomenon. Her fingers instinctively sought out a loose strand of hair, which she began to twirl around her finger, a nervous habit she often resorted to when deep in thought. Her mind raced with possibilities, an intricate puzzle of the ooze's origins and potential resolutions spinning in her head. Yet, despite her fervent efforts, the ideas slipped through her consciousness like grains of sand running through an hourglass, leaving her with a sense of frustration that continued to mount as she struggled to grasp the elusive solutions that danced just out of reach.

There would be no easy answers to the issue at hand - the Ooze seemed to have a preference for living creatures as far as Ambika could tell from her previous experience, which meant that using herself as bait would be the best choice. However, that method would only work so long as no other creatures were in range, and with the population density of a city being what it was... Come to think of it, there was an important piece of the puzzle that had remained unspoken throughout.

And so Ambika would remove herself from her seat and head to the bar counter to inquire with the establishment owner on how the Ooze managed to get inside the cellar in the first place. With a flustered look, the owner would attempt to dodge the question, only for the old soul to shoot a piercing glare and mouth the words 'smuggler'.
"How did you-?" The owner's voice was low and defensive.
"That is a trade secret." In truth, it was a bluff, but she had lived in the criminal underworld for long enough to conjure theoretical dots to the mystery at hand. "But I am quite certain this would be of keen interest to the city council."
"You wouldn't," the owner flashed a dagger he had on his hip.
"You misunderstand. I simply desire to be rid of the Ooze, but I cannot do that without your honesty." Ambika was no stranger to veiled threats, and she already had a Fear Tip at the ready if negotiations went south.

A staring contest would continue for a number of moments before the owner yielded.
"Fine. There is a secret passage that leads to the nearby forest. Now, you better keep your end of the bargain, or there will be bloody business. Got it?" The owner placed two fingers in front of his eyes and directed them at hers.
"Thank you." Ambika returned to her seat once more and turned to Inmo.
"The cellar has a secret passageway. The simplest way would be to lure the Ooze back outside from there using ourselves as bait, but I would like to hear from you before we proceed." Inmo wanted in on this, after all, so it was only fair that she got a say on what they would do.

Inmo observed the exchange with an intensity that heightened her sense of intrigue; her gaze riveted on Ambika's remarkable ability to command authority and instill a palpable fear in those around her. Each word that slipped from Ambika's lips resonated with power, deftly steering the conversation like a seasoned strategist. Inmo felt a mixture of admiration and inspiration surge within her as she witnessed this mesmerizing display of confidence and tactical acumen. Ambika seemed to possess an almost supernatural talent for reading the atmosphere, skillfully adjusting her demeanor to suit the moment—her presence left an indelible mark on everyone present.

As Ambika returned to her side, Inmo took a moment to process the captivating scene she had just witnessed. Her thoughts raced, each weaving a complex tapestry of potential outcomes from their conversation. With a resolute nod, Inmo felt her determination crystallize. Drawing a deep, steadying breath, she meticulously tucked her hair into the emergency cloak, smoothing down any rebellious strands that might obstruct her vision or compromise her agility in their anticipated endeavors. "I agree," she declared, her voice imbued with unwavering conviction that echoed in the charged air between them. "That sounds like the best plan. Lead the way." Her heart pounded in her chest, quickening with excitement and adrenaline rush as vivid images of the swift, calculated maneuvers they would need to employ against the unfolding challenges flooded her mind.

"We are settled, then. We move 30 minutes after we finish our food." Leaving enough time for the food to begin digesting is a priority, given the amount of physical activity their upcoming endeavours would entail. The owner seemed impatient and ready to summon trouble but that would not materialize when he realized his magical alarm pin was missing. Shouldn't have put it out in the open like that, Ambika thought as she slipped the pin into one of the many pockets inside her coat while removing money for her payment, if only to ensure Inmo remained none the wiser. She wasn't particularly proud about her thieving skillset, even if it could be applied on less nefarious applications.

With the waiting out of the way, Ambika would leave her payment at the table and head towards the cellar entrance. Swiftly raising the ring handle with their boot, there would be nothing beyond the trap door... At first. Swiftly, though, a gelatinous tentacle would shoot out from the side, and she would sacrifice her hunting mask[1] to redirect its momentum away from her torso. The two had their immediate attention, at least, and she would eschew the half-dissolved stairs outright, jumping down gracefully[2] and demonstrate visible hostility, hoping to draw its attention from Inmo. Perhaps it was hubris, perhaps it was subconscious self-sacrifice, but the old soul believed herself better suited to deal with the hard part.

---

[1]The Mask

SPOILER: Click to show

A form fitting white matte mask, it covers the entirety of the face from the forehead to the chin. This mask provides one hit prevention against physical attacks that would strike your face, the mask shattering if struck again.

[2]Cats Grace

SPOILER: Click to show

Your reflexes and basic body movement become extremely agile and nimble, allowing you to move around without the fear of falling or tripping over something. As long as you are moving you can not be knocked over or knocked off of something. If you do fall you will take no damage, landing safely on your feet as long as you have fallen less than two hundred feet. (falling off a mountain does not help you)

Inmo stood at the precipice, her heart racing as she watched the stairs dissolve beneath her feet. Panic gripped her chest, and she felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness wash over her. She desperately scanned the area, searching for any possible route that might lead her down to assist her comrade, Ambika, but the reality slowly sank in—there was no way to reach her. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, another instance where her desire to help was thwarted.

Taking a deep breath, Inmo stepped back, placing a safe distance between herself and the treacherous void where the stairs had once stood. She sank onto the cool ground, drawing her emergency cloak tightly around her shoulders. The fabric was coarse, but she clutched it like a lifeline, hoping it would provide comfort in this moment of despair.

With her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with emotion, she turned her gaze toward Ambika, who was still standing below in the chaos. "Good luck..." she managed to say, the words heavy with uncertainty. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, but Inmo fought to keep them at bay, determined not to show how vulnerable and defeated she felt.

The voice tinged with uncertainty sent Ambika's eyes towards the cellar entrance once more, where she would catch Inmo's eyes gleaming with watery highlights, her being trying to stifle any sign of fear lest her vulnerability be sighted. She loathed that tone of voice. She abhored those helpless eyes. She despised the facade of strength being displayed for her to witness. It awoke the deepest, blackest shadows of guilt within her, one she could never rectify or assuage no matter how much she and Florentio tried. But Inmo was not Cordelia, and perhaps that may be all the difference she needed for her to be able to assist this child proper. But first, she had to get the Ooze away from the both of them. Pulling out one of her magical scrolls, a concussive blast[1] would send the Ooze and anything in front of her hurtling towards what must be the secret passageway.

Following that, Ambika would fire an anchor with spidersilk wire looped on the other end but untied - like how a thread would end up when threading a needle - up the trapdoor with her crossbow[2] onto the ceiling, its teeth biting and securing itself onto the other side of the floorboards as it descended and turned from her pull. She would then throw a carabiner[3] towards Inmo in an arc so that it would land next to where she was.
"Tie the wire onto the carabiner and attach it to your person. I will help you down." Ambika instructed while holding the wire on one end, then added, just in case the thinness of the wire brought out the shadows of doubt in Inmo. "The wire will hold."

Once Inmo was finished with her side of the task, she would pull at the wire so that it was tense and gesture for her to descend, steadily loosening more and more wire to allow the impromptu pulley sytem to bring Inmo down unless disrupted. And unfortunately for everyone involved, the Ooze behind her was quite intent on doing just that, shooting out a tentacle right at Ambika.

---

[1]Concussion Scroll

SPOILER: Click to show

This scroll or seal tag can be placed and used remotely or used directly by the Oniwanban Shadow. When used or activated it releases a forward facing explosion of massive kinetic force that deals heavy blunt and fire damage on contact.

[2]Improvisation Engineer: Lute Crossbow + Anchor + Spidersilk Wire

[3]Improvisation Equipment: Carabiner

Inmo hastily wiped the tears brimming in her eyes, her determination igniting a brilliant smile as the overwhelming feelings of uselessness and helplessness began to fade. Finally, she had the chance to reach Ambika and offer her support. Following Ambika's clear instructions, Inmo steeled herself and cautiously made her way down, her heart filled with resolve. Yet, much to her dismay, her hopeful spirit was soon clouded.

As the gooey tentacle struck, wreaking havoc and disrupting Ambika’s focus, Inmo felt the tension of the wire dissipate. In an instant, she found herself plummeting, the sensation of freefall sending a surge of panic through her. The sudden jolt of impact reverberated through her ankle, eliciting a sharp gasp that escaped her lips as searing pain coursed through her body. 

Instinctively, she glanced down to gauge the damage, but the sight was too much for her composure to bear. Her ankle twisted at an unnatural angle, a vision that made her stomach churn. With a quick, desperate motion, she turned her gaze away, determined to push aside the grim reality of her injury.

She tried to stand but fell to her knees unable to push through the pain. Inmo breathed deeply to keep herself from hyperventilating, her feelings of helplessness returning with a vengeance now mixed with agony and desperation.

The searing burns wrought upon by the corrosion on her back inadvertently caused Ambika's hands to slip long enough for Inmo to end up careening towards the ground, and the old soul cursed her weakness for letting it happen in the place. Her pain tolerance was certainly not what it used to be by a long shot. The impatient hunter in her was becoming increasingly tempted to just unleash hall on the gooey bastard, but a cooler head would prevail and she opted to instead fire a shot wrapped with a scroll and a string at the other end[1] that just barely zoomed above the Ooze, the string drooping over the Ooze and signaling the presence of food. A puff of smoke would appear near the edge of the thankfully straight passageway, where an illusion of the old soul would stand over the ceiling, taunting the Ooze to come to it.

Noting the Ooze taking the bait, Ambika would then quickly rush over to Inmo and assess her injuries. Shame that she did not have any way to treat the Astralblood's injuries, but she could help her get out of there, at least.

"This will hurt. Bear with me." A shadowy tendril[2] stretched out and wrapped around Inmo, tethering the latter to herself. Then, she would quite simply leap upwards[3] and land with her perfect grace[4] as she is wont to do, with Inmo following after from the sort-of grappling, and the old soul would pull the young Astralblood towards her, resulting in a motherly embrace. Though of course, the old woman being who she was, she would quickly break away and summarily carry her on her back to the nearest medical practitioner to assess their injuries, ignoring any glaring attention anyone might be directing towards the two.

---

[1]Improvisation Engineer: Lute Crossbow (bolt) + Clone Scroll + Spidersilk Wire

[2]Shadow Dancer - Shadow Manipulation - Umbral Binding

SPOILER: Click to show

A tendril of shadow moves from yours to your target's. If it makes contact with their shadow or body they become bound to you, unable to move more than a short distance from you. This also functions as a tether allowing you to be "grappled" to another person.

[3]Long Stride

SPOILER: Click to show

This spell can only be activated and used by the owner of the spell, only affecting their own person. The next time the owner would jump, they can instead jump three times their normal distance. This allows them to jump over gaps or obstacles, or even scale high walls. This spell only effects the next jump and must be used again to gain the effect an additional time.

[4]Cats Grace

SPOILER: Click to show

Your reflexes and basic body movement become extremely agile and nimble, allowing you to move around without the fear of falling or tripping over something. As long as you are moving you can not be knocked over or knocked off of something. If you do fall you will take no damage, landing safely on your feet as long as you have fallen less than two hundred feet. (falling off a mountain does not help you)

Inmo's gaze fixed upward, locking onto Ambika's face. Her emerald eyes sparkled yet haunted, fueled by a deep-rooted desperation that twisted at Ambika's heart. The look was a vivid encapsulation of her plight, a silent scream for help that resonated with an undercurrent of guilt. Inmo felt the weight of her perceived failures in managing her own path, a familiar echo that haunted her.

As Inmo was carried, her mind tumbled into a chaotic tempest, a whirlpool of memories replaying each misstep and failure from their recent mission. Each recollection crashed over her like relentless waves, a heavy burden that pressed against her spirit, stifling her breath. She could not escape the insistent feeling of inadequacy that clawed at her, a reminder of her struggles as an adventurer.

Amidst the heavy fog of despair that clung to her like a damp shroud, she embarked on a fervent quest for clarity. Her heart raced with urgency as she scoured her thoughts and experiences, seeking the elusive skills she could refine and the profound insights she could uncover. There had to be something—anything—that she could grasp onto, a lifeline preventing her from feeling like a burden to those around her.

Ambika could feel the palpable depression Inmo was exuding from her being from the constant quivering, exponential increase in heartbeat rate and involuntary perspirations she was inadvertently performing, likely unnoticed by the Astralblood herself as she confined herself to her own self-deprecating thoughts, likely a testament to the young heart feeling battered by her string of ignoble failures.

Cordelia. 

It was similar. It was all so painfully similar that the old soul felt an overwhelming urge to dust away the cobwebs on the old, battered tome of motherly wisdom that had remained untouched for two whole years now to try to find something—anything—to help the poor child stop drowning in her perceived powerlessness. She had witnessed, heard, touched enough of that all-encompassing depression that flowed out of her dearest daughter to last a lifetime, not including her own for giving, and being unable to free Cordelia from the accursed condition that would have taken her life anyway if it had not been beaten to the punch by a murderer.

"You did well." The voice was hoarse, perhaps even choking, far unlike the tone the old soul commanded on the regular. "Sometimes we simply do not have the answers we need when we needed them. Your guilt will not be assuaged that easily, I know. The feeling of inadequacy is only natural when everything seems so simple, so effortlessly beautiful. But I would never, ever subject you to the unspeakable hells I lived through when I was around your age for even an ounce of competency from you, Inmo."

"So long as you live, you will have a tomorrow to be better than today. And please, do not believe you have to be able to do everything on your own. Any one person has their own limits, and you are not alone. There is no shame in asking for help, or in receiving help. Sometimes, even just living another day is an accomplishment on its own." Tears were welling up in the mother's eyes as that last sentence left her lips. Who was she to say that when living another day meant another day of unbearable agony for Cordelia? The child was not living - she was merely surviving, merely prolonging the suffering for herself. And yet she tried her best for her dear parents' sakes, even forcing herself out of bed for the family's final anniversary dinner despite it all.

A clinic would finally come into view, allowing the two to seek proper medical attention, and Ambika would patiently wait for Inmo's treatment to be over before paying for both of their medical fees in full without the slightest hint of hesitation. In a sense, she was now personally invested in the young Astralblood's well-being, and there would be no regrets, for the old mother had little to live for in the first place.

Ambika's words resonated deeply within Inmo, slicing through the dense fog of despair that had clung to her for an eternity. In that moment of raw vulnerability, an instinctive urge compelled her to draw Ambika closer, wrapping her in a gentle embrace. This hug was more than a simple gesture; it was a silent plea for understanding, a yearning for an unspoken connection that transcended their trials. Inmo's heart thundered in her chest as she held Ambika tightly, torn between seeking comfort for herself and offering solace to her newfound friend.

As Inmo stepped out of the clinic, the piercing brilliance of daylight enveloped her, casting away the shadows that had loomed over her existence for far too long. The sun poured down its radiant light, transforming the world around her into an almost celestial landscape awash in golden brilliance.

Her voice emerged barely above a whisper, rich with sincerity and emotion as she expressed a heartfelt "Thank you..." Each syllable was laden with weight, serving as an acknowledgment that transcended mere gratitude; it conveyed a profound appreciation far beyond the treatment she had just received. Her emerald eyes sparkled with a newfound brilliance, reflecting the warmth blossoming within her heart.

A tiny flicker of confidence ignited within her—like a delicate flame breaking free from the suffocating darkness in that ephemeral moment. This radiant glow surged through her being, wrapping her in a comforting embrace of relief. Hope unfurled gently within her, encouraging her to envision a future where despair no longer dictated Inmo's opinion of herself. It felt akin to stepping into an expansive horizon of endless possibilities, where each forward step felt lighter and every breath she took brimmed with the promise of brighter days ahead.