Where the hell is Erin?

Decrepit Armor-level 3

HP 50 ->72
MP 12 ->12
ATK 32 ->45
DEF 42 -> 56
MDEF 24 -> 39

Huh, Didn't get much of a defense boost from Absorb Armor. Maybe the dragon's acid was just that powerful.

Haunting Aura improved: radius:5m damage:3hp/sec cost:1mp/sec
Ability Gained: Possess weapon:
Creates a familiar using a weapon from the inventory

Additionally, your physical changes have removed most of the tarnish from your plate and even recovered part of the set. It doesn't really mean much to you, but at least Erin should be pleased that you now cover her privates.

Speaking of, you look around for your partner, but she's nowhere nearby. Looking closer at the trees, you can make out some human running a few yards away. You shouldn't be surprised, but you had thought she'd at least stay long enough to kill the bard, rather than leave her for your use. Well, you don't have to make it easy for her. You touch the dragon's abandoned sword, animating it with your new ability.

Chase her you order as you turn your attention to the captured bard.

She's still struggling with your gauntlet, unable to either run or sing. You slip yourself around her, morphing once again into a female form. You take your hand from the Bard's throat to access the menu while she curses at you. She should be happy that she gets a skirt.

Possessed Plate
HP+72
MP+12
DEF+56
MDEF+39
AGI+4
HP regen +5/sec
MP regen +2/sec
Spell Absorbtion +3%

Great, the bard must have been using a speed enhancing charm you absorbed. It's still not great, but it's better than negative. You move on and activate tutorial messages.

Well Valerie, I'll have you as my host for the time being

"Not on your life, scrapheap!"

I'm not alive. you rise to your feet and walk towards where you saw Erin.

"Unbelievable, first King, then the tutorial. It's gonna get hard to be a hero if this keeps up.

You named the dragon?

He'll respawn

Why do you get along with it?

"Shut up about King"

I really want to know. I find it remarkable he was able to get a hero as a legitimate companion.

"He made me happy; you couldn't pull it off."

Hm, it's something to think about at least.

Though, in the end, he did leave you in a bit of trouble. He called for dragons before he died. Without his guidance, they'll kill you just as soon as Erin or me.

"They're probably killing that little mage of yours right now."

Too bad for King; he'll have competition next time.

You walk for a while longer in silence before you come across another human.