JUDICATOR JANE 6 - CHAPTER 15 (Patreon)

Green Curry and the Loremaster

Jane sat by the simmering campfire, letting herself relax as the cool night air competed with the heat of the flames. The camp Boli and Yin had set up was well-organized—two round tents neatly pitched, a pile of chopped wood stacked between them, and a bubbling pot of green curry suspended over the flames, releasing rich, savory aromas into the night air. A warthog carcass hung drying high in the trees nearby, strung up at least twenty feet off the ground.

“This camp is awesome,” Jane said, stretching her legs out and soaking in the warmth. “Seems like you guys have done this before.”

Boli chuckled as he stirred the pot. “A time or two, I suppose. But it’s the first time we’ve ever come across anyone this far out. Let alone a young woman traveling alone.”

Jane felt her cheeks warm. “Ah—heh, yeah. Well… the village I came from is… remote, to say the least.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “I’m heading east, hoping to find the coast. Maybe strike a deal with the Traders. You haven’t heard anything about them, have you?”

Boli rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “The Traders… sounds familiar. Big merchant ships, right? Haven’t dealt with ’em myself, but if it’s the coast you’re after, it’s a couple weeks that way.” He gestured eastward with his spoon. “So that’s why you’re out here, then. What was the name of your village again?”

“Uh… name?” Jane hesitated, searching for an answer. “I don’t even know if it has one. I’ve always just called it… the valley.”

Boli gave her a long, puzzled look. “Right. No name. Must be remote indeed. Yin and I have traveled the northern wilds for years and never seen a village this far north.”

Jane gulped, then seized the moment to steer the conversation. “Actually—maybe you can help with something.” She pulled her bag around and rummaged through it, fingers closing on the smooth, familiar shape of the gold mask. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it on the ground between them.

“Ever seen anything like this?”

The reaction was immediate.

Yin hissed and jerked backward. Boli froze mid-stir, color draining from his face.

“Where did you get that?”

Jane’s eyes darted between them, alarmed. “This?” Her brain raced. “I, uh… got it from… my friend.” She waited, tensing. When the System didn’t flag her for deception, she let out a breath. “That’s right! My friend found it, and then gave it to me. So that’s why I have it now.” She crossed her arms with self-satisfaction.

“Right,” Boli said slowly, releasing the spoon into the pot. “Your friend.” He stared hard at her. “You really don’t know what this is?”

Jane bit her lip. “…No?”

Boli nudged the mask toward her with his boot as though it were a snake, eyes scanning the woods around them. “Then here’s some free advice: bury it. Never mention it again. If anyone from the Mandalas catches you with that, you’re a dead woman. You and your whole village.” He held up a finger. “If that’s what you planned to sell to the Traders, turn around and go right back to your little valley. And stay there.”

Mandalas? Jane had no clue what he meant, but she nodded, quickly scooping the mask back into her bag. “Right, of course. I’ll, uh, ditch it somewhere along the way.”

The tension eased. Both men visibly relaxed.

The subject was clearly touchy to them for some reason. Hmm. Let’s try something else. “Have either of you heard of… dragonkin?”

Boli looked at Yin. “Dragonkin? Is that some kind of monster? You don’t mean drakes, do you?”

Jane shook her head. “No, not monsters. I mean like—if you inspected me, you’d see my race listed as human. Ever seen someone with a different one? That’s what I mean.”

Boli rubbed his chin. “Can’t say I have. Just humans and the occasional demon. Yin?”

Yin gave a short shake of the head.

So he hasn’t seen any elves, dwarves, or anything else. Just humans and demons. Jane tucked the info away. “And these Mandalas… can I find more golden masks there?”

Boli’s expression turned hard. “Stop. Whatever you’re thinking—don’t. Trust me. You don’t want anything to do with them. I’m not saying another word. If I got someone like you caught up in that…” He trailed off, then turned back to the pot. “No more grim talk. Tonight, we celebrate. The Mossbleck Roiler’s dead. Rokcha village is safer than it’s been in weeks.”

He knelt closer to the fire, voice lowering with a conspiratorial grin. “And our pockets are heavier for it.”

Scooping curry into three bowls, he handed one to Jane, another to Yin, and then—

SPLASH.

Curry flew in every direction as Taltorius launched himself headfirst into the pot, spinning and splashing like a greased cannonball.

“AHH, THIS IS FAR MORE FLAVORFUL THAN MAK’SULT!” he declared, his tubes sloshing and slurping greedily as he bobbed like a bloated leech in a pond.

Boli sat motionless, blinking slowly. A glob of curry slid from his forehead.

Then, without a word, he wiped his face with one hand and looked down at the curry in the other.

“…Right then. One bowl each it is.”

***

Over the next few days, Jane traveled on foot with Boli and Yin, the three of them making steady progress along overgrown trails and worn hunter paths. The pair were headed back to a small village to report to someone they called the Loremaster, and since it was roughly in the direction she wanted to go anyway, Jane decided their company—and their knowledge of the region—was well worth the slower pace.

During their travels, she peppered them with questions, but more often than not, her inquiries were met with blank stares or shrugs. Neither Boli nor Yin had ever heard of Arcadia or the Providencia. The only familiar term among them was the Green Sea, and even then, it was only Boli had seen the ocean with his own eyes.

Any time she asked about lands farther south, Boli’s easygoing nature clamped shut. He’d mutter something vague and then go silent, eyes fixed on the path ahead. Jane tried to push gently, but he wasn't giving an inch.

What did surprise her, though, was how casually they spoke about demons. Apparently, in this region, Demonologists were just another class—like Hunters, Cooks, or Swordsman. There was no mention of ancient apocalyptic prophecies, no whispers of the Faceless Dark or the Ancient Doom. Demonologists here could be good or bad, depending entirely on the person. That realization made Jane breathe easier. It also made Taltorius, floating lazily behind them most of the way, a far more plausible companion than she’d expected, even if his level was completely ridiculous.

“Ah, here we are,” Boli announced, as they emerged from a thicket and joined a wide dirt path. “The village should be just ahead. Finally—a proper roof over our heads. We were chasing that Mossbleck Roiler for over a week, you know.”

Jane nodded, her gaze fixed on the shapes beginning to emerge through a swaying grove of tall bamboo trees. Slanted wooden rooftops peeked above the foliage, sloped and thatched with reeds and grass, soft smoke curling from a few of them.

“How many people live here, do you think?” she asked.

Boli shrugged. “Not sure. Yin and I just pass through from time to time. Maybe a hundred, give or take. Only one inn, but they serve the finest dumplings in the north.” He grinned proudly, as if he were the chef himself.

The path widened into a central plaza surrounded by buildings of various shapes and sizes, all wooden, built snugly between trees and stone ridges. Children darted through the clearing, laughing as they chased a green ball woven from thick leaves.

Boli gestured toward a large building nestled between two towering pine trees. It stood out—tall, sturdy, with thick wooden beams and smooth stone accents. “We’re going to pay our respects to the Loremaster,” he said. “You’re welcome to come along, if you’re curious.”

“Sure,” Jane said. “Why not?”

As they approached, Boli lowered his voice. “He’s getting up there in years, but he’s still sharp. If you’re lucky, he might offer you a quest. Supposedly, he decides what kind of challenge based on how strong you are.”

He rapped on the wooden door a few times. “It’s Boli and Yin!” he called proudly. “We’ve taken care of the Mossbleck Roiler!”

A moment later, the door opened, revealing a middle-aged woman with neatly tied black hair and a bright smile.

“Oh, you two again!” she said warmly. “Come in. Let me pour some tea. Grandfather Koji will be with you in a moment.”

Jane stepped inside, following the others. Her eyes widened as she took in the house’s interior—finely crafted pine floors, worn smooth from decades of footfalls, and wide square windows overlooking a peaceful garden. A small waterfall flowed gently into a round pond, the sound calming, serene. It reminded her of nothing in Arcadia—no heavy stone walls, no fancy marble floors—yet the construction had a quiet grace that was only rivaled by the woodwork of the Menadeen.

The woman returned a few minutes later with a tray of tea, setting three steaming cups in front of them. “And who’s this new high-level friend you’ve brought?” she asked, smiling at Jane. “I suppose you’re looking for a quest as well?”

Jane shook her head. “Just passing through,” she said quickly, lifting the teacup with both hands.

Then came the sound of soft footsteps… and the clack of a cane.

Jane turned toward the hall—and paused.

An elderly man appeared, slowly making his way forward. He was impossibly old, more wrinkles than skin, his head completely bald save for a wispy white mustache and a long beard that nearly brushed the ground. Stooped and hunched, he walked with the aid of a polished cane carved with symbols she didn’t recognize. His clothes were simple, but well made.

Curious, Jane triggered Piercing Gaze.

Koji (Level 234)

Human

Class: Loremaster (Epic)

Strength: 84

Agility: 231

Constitution: 102

Intelligence: 378

Luck: 9

Wisdom: 73

Health: 1000/1020

Mana: 730/730

Fun Fact:

This old timer's older than your grandma’s fruitcake and twice as stubborn! For centuries—yes, centuries—he’s been handing out quests like candy on Halloween. How about a heroic mission? A tedious collection quest? Who knows! Just roll the dice and dig into Koji’s gloriously unpredictable Bag o’ Mystery™. What will you receive? Only one way to find out!

As she finished the final lines of the Loremaster’s profile, Jane caught one more detail—his eyes. Pale and milky white.

He’s blind.

She stiffened slightly. The image of the Menadeen returned to her—of the noble Mothers burdened with sightless wisdom, women who had given so much to preserve knowledge, even the privilege of seeing at all. Was Koji one of those? Did he bear some deep, forgotten truth as well?

He looked up, his gaze vacant yet somehow piercing, as though seeing something invisible to everyone else. “You… I can feel your power.” His voice trembled, reverent. He stepped forward slowly, cane tapping with purpose. “Never… never in all my years have I felt anything like it.”

Jane flushed. It was true—she was stronger than she had ever been, stronger than most people she met. Trying to hide it under the guise of a Demonologist felt more like a game she was playing with herself. And if this man, blind or not, could somehow feel what she was... maybe he deserved her honesty.

“I simply must give you a quest,” Koji continued. “Please—humor an old man.”

A quest? Jane hesitated. She’d given out plenty herself through her judgements, but never actually received one from someone else. Still, she had bigger things to worry about right now.

“Uh, sorry,” she said, holding up a hand. “I’ve kind of got my own thing going on right now. Maybe another—”

WHACK.

“Ow—HEY!”

Koji’s cane jabbed her aside with surprising force. “Not you!” he snapped, shouldering past her.

Jane spun around, eyes wide. “What the heck—?”

Koji hobbled forward with purpose, somehow knowing exactly where he was going. Straight to Taltorius. Hovering behind Jane, he was scanning the interior with his usual unreadable stare.

“You…” Koji whispered, eyes still unseeing. “Never have I felt such… vastness. Please, mighty one—won’t you accept a quest from this humble Loremaster?”

Taltorius narrowed his lone eye, inspecting the old man with suspicion. 

Jane held up her hands. “Wait—what? No, no, we’re busy! We’re going to the—”

“VERY WELL. I SHALL ACCEPT YOUR QUEST, HUMAN.”

“Splendid!” Koji clapped his hands with delight, already turning. “Come, come, this way! You’ll have several options. Allow me to walk you through the details…”

Jane could only stare as the two disappeared into a side room.

“Are you freaking kidding me?” she asked aloud.

The woman from before gently patted her arm, guiding her toward a nearby chair. “There, there, dear. Not everyone gets a quest. The Loremaster is very selective.”

Jane plopped down with a loud huff, arms crossed tight. From across the house, she could still hear them talking.

“And how difficult would you like it to be?”

“THERE IS NO CHALLENGE I CANNOT OVERCOME.”

“Marvelous! I have just the thing. Now, as for your reward options…”

Jane groaned, then took a long sip of her tea. At least it was good. Smooth and earthy, with a floral note she couldn’t quite place. Outside, birds chirped, and the wind rustled the bamboo in gentle waves. It was peaceful here—and the exceptional craftsmanship of the house itself only added to the serenity. Boli and Yin had stepped out back with the woman, leaving Jane momentarily alone.

The village reminded her of the valley in more ways than one. Remote. Tucked between mountains. Covered in forests that went on forever. It was strange that Boli and Yin hadn’t heard of the dragonkin though, especially if they were familiar with the golden mask. Then again, neither did the people in the valley, and they lived right next to the dragonkin. Something isn’t adding up.

“…you’ll need a punishment if you fail, too. What are your thoughts on thumbs?”

“I DON’T HAVE ANY THUMBS.”

“Marvelous! That certainly simplifies things.”

Jane shook her head, exasperated. Well… if it keeps Taltorius busy, maybe it’s for the best. He’d spent eons trying to escape the Netherrealm. Now that he was free, he needed something else to focus on.

Yeah, she thought, this might actually work out for the best—

A sharp ping interrupted her thoughts.

A System message appeared in her vision.

You have been Quest Bound!

Liberate the Humans!

Quest: Free all of the human slaves on the continent of Kaldara

Reward: A lifetime supply of green curry

Failure Penalty: Lose your thumbs forever

Duration: 1 Year

“What the heck…” Jane muttered, her eyes widening as the System message lingered before her. “TALTORIUS! WHAT DID YOU DO?!”

She shot to her feet and stormed toward the side room. “Hey, you old codger! I just got a quest about rescuing slaves—what the heck is going on?!”

Koji looked up in surprise, squinting in her direction. “What’s that, now? You got a quest?” He pulled at his beard, puzzled. “No, no, no… that was the one I just assigned to this fine gentleman here.”

Jane took a deep breath through her nose, trying to keep her voice level. “That ‘fine gentleman’ is a demon, and he’s Soul Bound to me! Is that why I got the quest too?”

Koji blinked. “A demon?” He tilted his head, leaning toward Taltorius as if noticing him for the first time. “Hmm. Well now… I suppose that would explain a few things. Huh. Never gave a quest to a demon before.” He shrugged, a cheerful twinkle in his milky eyes. “Well, you learn something new every day!”

“You…” Jane’s hands curled into fists. “Okay, fine. Then cancel it.”

Koji blinked again. “Cancel it?”

“Yes. Cancel. Undo. Revoke. I’ve got my own problems, and a continent-wide rescue mission isn’t one of them!”

Koji shook his head solemnly. “Sorry, my young lady. Once a quest is set by a Loremaster, it’s etched into the weave of fate itself. That’s just the way it is.”

“What’s going on here?” Boli asked, stepping into the room with a concerned frown. “We heard shouting.”

“This crazy old geezer assigned me a quest to free all the slaves on the continent!” Jane snapped, throwing her hands in the air. “And if I fail, I lose my thumbs!”

Boli paused. “All the slaves? All of them?!” His eyes widened. “By the Maker, Koji—what in the world kind of quest is that?!”

Koji just cackled, lifting his cane with delight. “I was wondering that myself! Never seen anything like it! I just couldn’t resist!”

“Couldn’t resist?!” Jane’s face was turning red. “Oh, you want a quest? I’ll give you a quest! I—”

Boli quickly, gently, took her by the arm and began ushering her toward the door. “Let’s… step outside, why don’t we.”

Just then, the middle-aged woman reappeared, shaking a wooden donation box with a slot carved into the top. “Don’t forget Grandfather Koji’s cut, Boli!”

Boli sighed and reached into his pouch, pulling out several golden coins. He dropped them into the box without a word.

Jane stood there, face flushed, trembling with barely contained fury. Behind her, Taltorius hovered proudly, puffed up like a balloon.

“THIS IS A GLORIOUS DAY!” he announced to no one in particular. “FIRST, WE SHALL FREE THE HUMANS—THEN, WE SHALL BIND THEM TO US AS THEIR NEW MASTERS!”

Jane let out a groan and dragged her hand down her face—all five glorious fingers.

Boli stared at his own hand, flexing his fingers. Then he gave her a sympathetic look, forcing a cheerful tone.

"Right. Not very lucky, are you? Well then. Who needs thumbs anyway?"