Because I fought two of them, I could tell that all of the Protector- Special Ops. were level 75. Killing one really gave me a lot of exp. I was now level 23. However, that is still not high enough to deal with them. I left the cleric in my new robes and explored the cathedral. I was in no rush to leave and face the world. I spent a few hours milling about to wast some time. Because of my big mouth, I still needed to wait six more days before the others would leave the island. I could not wait that long and hope to still be undetected. I had to make my move. When the morning came, I left the cathedral and continued walking with my hood over my face. I made my way down to the docks to see if there were any ships going to the mainland. Not many sailors were brave enough to make the journey during war times. One was willing for a high fee, but even he needed two days to prepare. I told him "I'll be back in two days with your money. Be ready for me." He nodded and said "Alright, harpy. Be here by noon or I'm gone. I'm really particular about leaving before the sun gets too low in the sky, you hear!"
I went to the realtors place and sold my house. I only got 45% of the initial price back. I also looked at the cheapest property listing in the slums. I put it on my map and kept going with my hood up. There was a gathering spot near the base that thieves from the guild spawned at. Using my rank, I called one over and made him a party member. His name was Daniel. He was a level 4 Loiterer and had red hair and blue eyes. I had him follow behind me to the empty slum house. We broke in and I told him to come back when he had food and supplies for a couple of days. I gave him the money and sent him off. He came back an hour later with the goods. I thanked him for being so quick and we ate. I told him about the ship and that I was lying low for the duration. He nodded and said "Yeah. I saw a bounty for your head put up in the marketplace." That was what I had been expecting. We both stayed there overnight before I sent him out again. "Go to the hideout and tell the others that I have to leave the island tomorrow and to send the ship with the passengers just like we had discussed." I ordered.
Daniel was back in an hour and said "I got a response. Sam said that he's having the best sex in his life and they will get there on time." That was a great relief. I looked at Daniel and asked if he wanted to come with. His eyes sparkled. "No shit, you'll take me!?" he gasped. I nodded. "Hell yeah! I'm getting off this shitty rock and going to see the world!" he cheered. He then sighed. "Shit, I was one task away from getting to Thief rank." I shrugged and told him to go do it. "You need to meet me at the docks by noon, but you still have time." I said. He got up and ran off. It did not matter to me. If he was left behind, that was his fault. If he ranked up, that would be better for me. I would get a better companion out of it. They got better gear and weapons than Loiterers. Daniel was just wearing ragged plain clothes in the guild colors. If he got it done in time, I would not have to waste time or money to give him armor. Time passed and morning came. I pulled my hood over my head as I went down to the docks around 10 am. Daniel was already there. He was a bit scuffed up, but he had the armor on.
He smiled at me. "I had to take part in jumping some guy sticking his nose where it didn't belong. I love those missions." he said. He was now level 6 and a Thief. He had a rapier, some grenades and a couple of smoke bombs on him. I could also see a dagger holstered on his belt. We found the captain and I paid him. He happily took us on board after I paid a bit extra for Daniel. We set off immediately. I kept my head down and my hood up, and we had smooth sailing for half of the journey. After a few more miles, the ship was stopped by a merman checkpoint. The merman had us look over the edge of the boat and we had to give them some lin. My hood was still up and they let us through. I breathed a sigh of relief and sat back in my original position. We got to the docks during the nighttime. As soon as I got on the docks, I discarded my robes and used my guild outfit. Daniel was confused at the decision. I just shrugged and looked to where we came from. He just followed and said "We need to get a place to stay. It's late out." I nodded and we found an inn. We paid for one room for a few days.
