Basbel: Even the rich and powerful need a safe haven, a place to retreat in case all hell breaks loose. Functioning as a summer resort and gathering place of the elite, Basbel needs no military whatsoever. The hands guiding every nation, be it by birthright or from the shadows, make sure their little gathering place is forever secure.
Epros Magisterium: Set up after the signing of the Epros Convention, otherwise known as the Arcane Taboos, this little island acts as an impartial overseer of all magic-related activity in Ebornden. Their Inquisitors roam the lands and punish anyone breaking the sacred law independent of blood or power.
Turan Kingdom: A nation of warriors lead by the Battle King to protect civilization from the monsters of the north. Since its founding, Turan has fought desperately to defend the Line on the Elder Forest as the first bastion of humanity, even when the Comet sailed the skies, even when plagues ravaged the land, even alone.
Seven Banners: Nomad people living on the Northern Plains. The seven clans representing the seven banners share the land and authority, acting independently while also united against a common enemy. Seven small kings. The nomadic people are masters of cavalry warfare, living with two mounts for every three people. Although there is no economy or military to talk about, the clans fight for their land if need be to protect their lifestyle.
Rosevalt Kingdom: In no country were adventurers above the law or allowed exceptions, so they carved out their own piece of land. The guilds of Rosewalt divvy up the tasks and rewards for everyone as well as create extremely lax laws favoring freedom and equality among citizens. The adventurers travel far and wide, accepting every odd task while also patrolling the short border with the Elder Forest, a constant source of jobs and progress.
Norlan: The sick man of the north and the first to settle Koleth. After the Struggle over the Divide and subsequent independence of the Cold Continent, the other nations pounced on the wounded hegemon and stole both the land and wealth of centuries. Now the people survive on whatever is left however they stand united behind the young king, filled with hope and ambition to reclaim what was once theirs.
Republic of Nuva: A breakaway region of Norlan struggling endlessly for its right to independence. They found an ally in the giants of Tumarth, acting as a sort of gateway between the two worlds. However, because of their nature and dissimilar perception of time, the giants are a fickle ally and the survival of the nation hangs by a thread.
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The White Pearl Republic: Coastal land set up and ruled by the principles of brave traders. Their mercantile navy guarantees a stable trade around the Azure Shore while caravans roam across Eborden. The diverse population is differentiated only on the basis of wealth as it represents competence and authority in the nation. Even though their navy has no equal, the land army is suffering from a lack of personnel as gold is the only weapon they need. Every current flows towards Highreef.
The Valerian Empire: Valeria stands as the hegemon of the East and guarantor of the Azure Peace. With the only rival power on the opposite side of the Green Sea, the Emperor forced a fragile peace onto the surrounding nations by utilizing his country¡¯s dominant economic and military power. The lands are inhabited by many millions bolstering the formidable army and working under the rule of nobles of old military heritage and significant wealth.
Mythralis Magocracy: Center of magical experiments and research and home to some of the most brilliant minds across Eborden. They pry for the secrets of magic relentlessly and often with the support of foreign nations hoping for satisfactory results. Their experiments stay within the boundaries drawn by the Epros Convention even if just barely, however their effectiveness is unquestionable. The Elder Council of Shapers defines the future of magic with their decision no matter how small or insignificant the nation might be.
Ittana Republic: Owing its existence to clever diplomacy and nonexistent taxes, this small patch of land is home to the most renowned auction house, The Midas¡¯s Breath along with the largest casino called the Monte-Carla. Every neighboring nation has realized that the establishment is much more valuable to them than the land they could occupy and so Ittana flourishes as a mouse among lions.
Emberglade Reach: Despite the nation claiming to be independent it¡¯s nothing more than a puppet of Valeria, a vestige of the old times. The country acts as a buffer on the eastern flank and prison for the criminals the Empire finds too dangerous yet too valuable to imprison within its borders.
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Barlek Union: A nation born from the greatest diplomatic move of the last millennium. Four hostile countries feuding over the rich Hadron deposit of the Barlek Forest came together after long years of war and united to prosper as one. Nowadays the country, wealthy thanks to its exports, is ruled by two remaining Consuls and many other oligarchs hoarding the wealth and oppressing the people.
Moonfall: The Journey Guide does not differentiate between men and women yet we all know the two are not the same. In Moonfall the men are seen as less and relegated to being secondary citizens no matter their blood or ancestor, after all, men can¡¯t give birth to the new generation. Since women give life they are the ones to decide its course and the council of matriarchs does exactly that, ruling the nation with a strong yet gentle grip.
Trae Thium: The land of peace and agriculture. People live in small communities, living peaceful lives and the only higher authority they answer to is the chief of their village. The reason this large swathe of mostly undefended land remains so undisturbed is because it''s almost devoid of mana. The poorest concentration one could find across the mapped world draws in no beasts and supports barely any progression for any fool who decides to settle in this wasteland of mana.
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Ironspire: Some call this place the Arsenal of the East or Home to the Merchants of Arms as most of the weapons used by groups independent of the rule of any nation are sourced from here. A large population of dwarven settlers who arrived here after the Fall of Korellia form the backbone of the nation''s famed specialty and yet they still live as lesser citizens of this small corner of the East.
Medici: A cluster of islands just off the coast of Agrait governed by no laws and no rulers. Renowned pirates who call themselves the Lords of the High Seas roam the water with ships nobody can dream of sinking. Zaratans. Despite repeated international efforts, this lawless piece of land remains independent and criminal to the core.
Estil Republic: A nation home to any and all races, ruled by a government by the people, through the people, for the people. The slow creaking cogs of democracy deliver benefits to the people just as they need it, if only way too late.
Ambrosial Acre: A vein of Aelion settled in a lake upon a plateau and became a source of life mana like nothing else ever seen. The land flourished as brooks and creeks carried the water far and wide to the envy of all. Before a scramble for the land of life could begin the Gods claimed this new miracle and decreed it to be their seat of power in the mortal world.
Blackwater: The nation faces enemies inside its border every day and every waking hour. The Umbral Lake in its center is a semi-gateway to the realm of shadows which let¡¯s creatures of another realm pass through into our world at random. The land and cities are heavily fortified not to keep invaders out but to hold the things lurking in the waters within.
Iesta: The only real country in the hands of a race other than humans across the entirety of the Green Sea. Halfling Barons rule over the oppressed and overworked population, pacifying them with bread and circuses in the form of empty festivals and distasteful pitfights. The people live in a carefully constructed bubble of propaganda, serving their country until exhaustion takes them away in the blind belief that the kindness of the Barons knows no bounds.
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Agrait Empire: Once a master of colonies all around the Balton Ocean and now relegated to a glorified mine of a nation. Exploiting the resources of both the Solstice Spires and the Cestmark Mountains, Agrait and its large dwarven population extract the highest quality minerals across the continent. Despite the wealth, the child emperor is nothing more than a mere puppet to the nobles who siphon the nation¡¯s treasury dry while leaving the people to fend off the goblins and orcs occupying the depths of Crestmark.
Tasmen: The country was built with the sweat and blood of slaves upon the piles of dead bodies who toiled before them. Workers, farmers, soldiers, or even craftsmen jobs are fulfilled by the generations of slaves under the command of the Masters. Although the institution of slavery is frowned upon in some corners of the Northeast, the trade is still very much profitable and will stand as it did through thousands of years.
Heavenwood: Despite its name, there¡¯s nothing pleasant about this land. It¡¯s a safe haven for bandits while also teeming with goblins, orcs and a myriad of beasts, considered lawless and unsuitable for civilization. Despite many invasions and missions launched to cleanse the forest it always strikes back and reverts all efforts made.
The Tribes: Long before humans spread across the continent, beastmen claimed the lands as their realms or hunting grounds prior to the concept of nations. Due to the primitive way of life and lack of cohesion, the humans pushed the beastmen out of almost every corner of the Green Sea. Then, at last, the tribes joined forces and made a last stand for the small bit that remained of the once endless swathes of hunting grounds.
Asha Commonwealth: The only nation without a vicious military history, cruel and corrupt leadership or abundant natural resources. Asha is peaceful because its neighbors are either unwilling or too weak to launch war against them.
United Lake Federation: A loose block of smaller nations and city-states around the Silvermere who try to look more coherent than they actually are, as the process of integration into the union can be quite violent sometimes. As a whole, the Federation surpasses even Valeria in every aspect however the cracks in the system turn this giant into one being eaten up from the inside. The fate of the Southwest is decided in the Silver Assembly in Oberis, where the heads of state meet and where intrigue is the name of the game.
Book III. - Deities Decree
The nine Primordial Gods were not born from the beliefs, hopes, or prayers of those who walk the face of Aelion. They are older than life itself and represent facets of reality, with powers beyond mortal comprehension.
Krieg, God of War and Conflict.
Astor, God of Love and Passion.
Luxandra, Goddess of Changing Fortune.
Nehius, God of Lies and Deceit.
They revel in change and constantly influence the world with their machinations. Their believers are those dissatisfied with their current circumstances or desperately trying to halt the change while only blindly delaying it.
Ittar, Goddess of Peace and Tranquility.
Hector, God of Destiny.
Malor, God of Death.
Alethea, Goddess of Justice and Truth.
Some might argue that there are no certainties in life, that the end and beginning depend only on one¡¯s point of view¡ wrong. On the grand tapestry of history, only these four aspects never change, only they remain unchanged.
The last God is Laplace, Demon of Knowledge. There is no good or bad knowledge just the facts themselves, knowledge is impartial. Our view of the world is subject to change and new discoveries are what drive many curious minds yet some facts are unshakable and will remain the same till the end of times.
As the cogs of time turned, sapient creatures and even some beasts began giving godly significance to things and events. This is how the Divine Gods came into existence. They interact the most with the mortal plains to uphold their presence and ensure their survival through belief.
Midas - Wealth/Abundance, Mahat - Sun/Light, Eris - Moon/Shadow, Runir - Oceans/Sailor, Kyra - Hunt/Harvest, Cyrene - Beasts, Saar - Thunder/Storm, Tena - Health/Sickness, Callista - Beauty, Idon - Crafts, and many more¡
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These Gods represent major aspects of the world, governing their own domain and interfering with the mortal realm as they see fit. Although their power is divine they are not omnipotent and are forced to exert immense power to influence the mortal world. The will of Aelion pushes back against all who try to interfere, be that from outside her boundaries or a different realm. Even the Gods.
To circumvent this obstacle, proxies were created. Demons and Angels. They are the Harbingers of Change and Custodians of Order and use us, the people to descend. Through prayers or rituals, we call these beings onto our world and act as anchors to offset the ire of Aelion. The Demons are not evil as they just yearn to satisfy their desires and act upon their own free will. The Angels are not benevolent as they strike down mothers and children if that means they nip anarchy in the bud. They are but mere tools.
Everyone prays to the Gods when in need or in doubt. Gambling houses beg Pessos and Midas for their fortune and profit. Soldiers and other fighters praise Krieg for victory and a chance to return to their families. Everyone fears Malor until the time arrives.
No God should be considered heretical or outright evil as they¡¯re all part of the larger whole without any black or white motives. The nature of an act does not define the will of a God, just as Nehius isn¡¯t malignant despite handling lies and the truth might not be impartial under the aegis of Alethea. It¡¯s not the weapon that kills and it¡¯s not the God that promotes suffering, the mouth and hands that set the events in motion are the only ones to blame.
The Gods receive, the Gods award, the Gods listen and the Gods demand. The living pray not because of the God''s benevolence or selfless nature, but in hopes of a boon. Small miracles, or a turning point for the history books to write about are both heard by the divine yet the scope and outcome of the intervention are only secondary. Only those who give shall receive. The Gods hear the prayers and praises and remember who is deemed worthy of their attention.
Actions speak louder than any words and the true followers obey every command of the deity they devoted themselves to. ¡®Construct places of worship!¡¯ ¡®Guide the lost into the light of the divine!¡¯ ¡®Arm yourselves to fight for my cause and against those who besmirch my name!¡¯ And so the churches, holy orders and cults were founded.
Institutions, ideals, leaders, and nations all rise and fade throughout the thousands of years and are nothing more than a fleeting afterthought in the eyes of the divine, our lifetimes just a blink of an eye.
Chapter 41 - Schemes upon Schemes
After a day of just lying around and being bored out of my mind, listening to others doing¡ whatever they do, I forced myself to go through the books. They were surprisingly interesting, not the way they were written or the story they told, no. It was the useful information contained in them that made me turn the pages unceasingly, curious to know more about the world. Probably the material of the lectures I¡¯ve been missing out on lately.
Every day at least twice an arrogant lady visited me to restore my hand and invigorate my body. She always murmured something like ''careless child''¡¯ and ¡®wasting my time by harming herself¡¯. Well, sorry lady but as a healer, this is your job so suck it up and do the damn healing. Martha later told me that healers are all like this, arrogant and stuck up, thinking everything depends on them.
On the fourth day around noon, I¡¯m finally released from the confines of my bed, from the torture of bland food that¡¯s easy on the stomach and all that crap. A good meal is what the body needs to heal!
With legs weak from lying in bed for days, I carefully scuffle down towards the mess hall like a food-deprived dog probably only a day away from actually salivating at the thought of a good steak.
As much as I hate to admit it I also need some company other than a hundred-year-old grandma, some secret maid cleaning the place, and that bitch of a healer. Seriously was no one else available?
I don¡¯t like it here, I don¡¯t really like the people or my room, or the Fort or the hallways¡ but the mess hall, this place is different.
I seamlessly move through the chatty and deadly bodies filling the room, making my way to the kids'' corner as they call it. When I appear among the others my age there are a few questioning gazes and hushed remarks but I pay them no mind. As always I amass a small mound of food onto my plate and walk over to my usual spot, however, what I see almost makes me turn around to find anywhere else to sit. I might even settle for the floor.
¡°Oh hey Elyssia, you feeling better?¡± Victor calls out to me right when I¡¯m about to leave. This draws the attention of the other two sitting beside him.
¡°Eli, Eli, Eli,¡± Who told Kayla she could call me that? ¡°come sit, tell us what happened! How did you get so injured, we saw you being carried into your room. What did you do to the courtyard and why did Martha look so angry? Also, you missed a lot of lessons and practice you know? It¡¯s gonna be re~ally hard to catch up.¡± She adds with a cheeky smile.
[Warrior lvl 19]
[Ranger lvl 21]
[Druid lvl 23]
Eh, it¡¯s not that bad, after the Class up I think I¡¯ll easily jump to level 25 or so. Even now I can¡¯t decide whether a few hours of reckless super progress is really worth it or not. Objectively it¡¯s a bit slower since I¡¯ve just lost multiple days with my last stunt, however, dangerous and special situations do help make the System bring out the good stuff. Skill evolutions, a bundle of Skill levels maybe even extra juicy Class up options¡ It really makes you think.
¡°It¡¯s okay Eli, don¡¯t be upset I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll catch up in no time.¡± Kayla pats my head and it makes my mind do a weird failed backflip.
¡®I wasn¡¯t upset!¡¯ and ¡®Who the fuck do you think you are to copy my Dad?¡¯ face off against the hunch that she¡¯s just a kind and airheaded person who¡¯s trying to do something good along with the fact that I weirdly like the headpat.
I still push her away with a frown because I find my last thought weirdly disturbing. My pride doesn¡¯t allow it.
¡°We humans just progress a little easier you see,¡± Victor shrugs with an amused smile. ¡°and Kayla here had a few pretty wild situations before arriving here and this one.¡± He points at August. ¡°He¡¯s the weakest link.¡± He whispers as I get closer but I¡¯m sure everyone heard it loud and clear.
The dude in question huffs and turns away. ¡°You just got lucky.¡±
Yeah, lucky¡ not Victor, not with his Blessing.
¡°What do you think Martha has in store for this evening?¡± Kayla floats up another question I¡¯ll just ignore because I already took my first bite.
¡°It has to be something about the squad and the requirements they talked about in the planning room.¡± Victor thoughtfully plays around with his fork. ¡°Something this afternoon.¡±
As much as I try to ignore them while eating this does manage to raise an eyebrow and stop the fork in my hand. A difficult decision. Should I break my own rules or risk missing out on some info?
Thankfully Victor catches on and explains. ¡°She found us today during breakfast and mumbled something about forest, afternoon, and troublemakers. It¡¯s not difficult to piece those words together.¡±
Okay, hold up, why did she never tell me about this? I¡¯m not gonna be left out of the fun just because I¡¯m a little weak, no no no, I demand to know more. After my plate is empty.
***
The investigation had to wait until after the lecture because I had no clue where Martha hid throughout the day. The old hag comes and goes as she pleases and doesn¡¯t seem to be in the greatest of moods today.
¡°Go back to your room Elyssia, you need to heal.¡± Martha waves me off as I try to catch her after she tells us everything there is to know about the last two Azure Wars.
¡°Some little birds told me about an outing into the forest so no way! A deal is a deal.¡± I stand my ground.
I earned that shit, no going around my back and leaving me out.
¡°Seriously, who told you that?¡± She shakes her head with eyes empty and exhausted. It¡¯s her turn to look like shit. ¡°In case you forgot we need to mold the four of you into a proficient team in a short three years and it¡¯s not looking great. As individuals you¡¯re great for your age, all of you but other than that¡¡±
She massages her temples and teleports behind me, walking out of the lecture room without looking back. I don¡¯t know why she¡¯s walking at all honestly but I of course take offense to that. I wasn¡¯t done talking.
¡°That¡¯s all the more reason for me to go, I need all the practice I can get and they all had their Class ups already, I¡¯m the weakest.¡± I quickly run past the old woman whose speed is held back by her mood and not age.
¡°Oh don¡¯t come to me with that. You and I both know you¡¯re the highest level of you four, don¡¯t act dumb around me. Your acting skills are poor.¡± She quietly adds. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to beat around the bush Eli so I¡¯ll be frank. You¡¯re the most problematic.¡±
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Gah? Me?
¡°Me?¡± My thoughts don¡¯t take long to escape through my mouth. ¡°I¡¯m the most normal among us. Logically speaking I¡¯m the one-¡±
¡°It¡¯s not about logic dear. People are not objects and you can¡¯t use a single template to deal with all of them. Yes, Victor is goofy and his mind is a little twisted, yes, Kayla acts like a child a fraction of her age and yes, August is an unbearable little prick but they are willing to ignore the other¡¯s faults and do what they need to.¡± Martha steps closer and starts knocking on my forehead. ¡°You wrote them off the moment they weren¡¯t to your liking. You think we don¡¯t watch all of you throughout the day? Do you think I don¡¯t see you trying to avoid them and push back? A team is not about logic or individual strength my little devil, it¡¯s something much simpler.¡± She takes a deep breath and sighs with the force of the eastern winds. ¡°And you really do need to heal.¡±
She does disappear for good this time. To say I¡¯m flabbergasted would be an understatement. Imagine being the only one to act like a normal person in a group of four almost complete strangers with three other halfwits and being told you¡¯re the problem. Like¡ this is insanity.
Was I really just told to step aside and let the other enjoy the benefits I fought for? Oh, I¡¯m not pissed, no, I¡¯m fucking fuming. Okay, now I¡¯m definitely going to cause some headaches.
Acting defeated I return to my room along with every other kid around me and get dressed into our simple white shirt, brown leather pants, and comfy boots combo we wear during physical activities. Because there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll stay in bed any longer. After getting ready as quickly as possible I stop on the corridor and wait for my prey.
Kayla.
As unsuspecting and carefree as ever, walking down the hallways while humming a song that has one of the worst tunes I¡¯ve ever heard. Like throwing a rock down a bottomless well.
¡°Hey, where are you going?¡± I intercept her.
She hesitates. She knows and was probably told to keep it a secret. And this is exactly what I¡¯ve been hoping for.
¡°Ah, just to the courtyard but I¡¯ve left something in the mess hall so you should just go ahead?¡± Did she seriously say that as a question?
This is too easy.
¡°Sure, but it¡¯s the same direction so I¡¯ll just tag along for a bit.¡± I throw in a smile fake as hell and drag her along.
¡°Sure,¡± She nods with a brilliant smile. One very different from mine. ¡°it¡¯s good to see you healthy again. You know, I was worried about you when you got sick so we snuck into your room with Victor to check up on you. I even brought you a glass of water but you were asleep so we just left and hoped for the best. I knew you¡¯d be alright, you¡¯re cool after all.¡±
Stop talking, please. I¡¯m using you right now, I don¡¯t think of you as a friend or colleague or anything¡ Stop being so nice Gods damn it.
¡°Really, thanks. I messed up a bit.¡± I giggle like normal kids should about my age but deep down I feel like throwing up. I¡¯ll need to think about this once I¡¯m done with getting things right. ¡°You see, when Martha took me to the forest¡¡±
The plan is to keep her talking, keep her distracted because sooner or later she¡¯ll forget about all the secrecy and take me to wherever she and the others are supposed to meet. I know my methods are dirty but so is going behind my back just because I like to do things differently. I¡¯ll show that old hag.
***
One of the guest rooms behind the receptionists'' desks¡ smart. Also, what are all these people doing here? A few hundred people all armed to the teeth fill the spacious entrance hall yet the jovial mood I got used to from these people is nowhere to be seen. They look mean and ready.
Some wear metal, others leather, and a few nothing more than some light cloth revealing quite a lot, so I wouldn¡¯t really call that armor. Although they survived this long with next to no protection then it must work somehow.
The weapons of choice are even more varied. Plenty of swords and bows, massive shields, staffs used to focus mana, large battle axes, massive war hammers, and¡ whip-swords? Huge curved knives, glowing tattoos, and of course the good ol¡¯ fist. The only common thing is the signature colors of the Fist of Krieg, red and gray.
¡°What do you think they¡¯re doing?¡± Kayla asks as we avoid all the deadly people and sneak around them in the shadows.
I say sneak but there¡¯s no way they haven¡¯t noticed us.
¡°I don¡¯t know we should ask Martha.¡± I shrug no longer worried about exposing myself.
¡°Right.¡± And Kayla does not notice anything wrong.
Room 11, this is the place huh?
Finally, Kayla freezes just as she¡¯s about to grab the door handle, her eyes growing wide and her jaw hitting the floor as she meets my smug face.
¡°You, you-¡± She stutters.
¡°I¡¯ll make it up for you.¡± I appease her and enter the room myself.
As expected there are others already inside. Victor and August. Their eyes quickly meet mine, one looking amused, the other slightly bothered, both of them uncomfortable.
¡°That¡¯s right, I caught you all sneaking behind my back.¡± I cross my arms and sit down on one of the mighty comfy-looking couches.
Wow, these things don¡¯t just look comfy, the stuff they¡¯re made of is better than my bed.
¡°Suit yourself.¡± August shrugs and honestly, I¡¯ll do exactly just that.
¡°You¡¯re gonna get into trouble and that¡¯s exactly what we wanted to avoid, you know?¡± Victor comes to me with the excuses. ¡°Don¡¯t think we exclude you because-¡±
¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± I snap.
Why do I feel a bit¡ betrayed? We weren¡¯t friends and I had no expectations of them but¡ No, wait, I only know about any of this because they let it slip... on purpose.
My anger slowly cools as I stop fuming and start thinking.
It wasn¡¯t even just a simple oopsie, but a proper clue shrouded in uncertainty. They snitched on Martha¡ Hehehe.
¡°I¡¯ll deal with the old hag.¡± I nod with a fiendish smile on my face now instead of a savage sneer.
¡°Will you?¡± Damn, she has perfect timing. ¡°I think I explicitly told you to stay in bed and allow your body to heal. We¡¯re not a daycare, girl, those were orders from your superior.¡± I turn to meet her completely serious and cloudy face.
And I¡¯m the one who needs more rest¡
¡°You¡¯re wrong.¡± I declare with full confidence. ¡°I need to come along so we can¡ uhm, get used to each other.¡±
Yeah, that wasn¡¯t weird at all.
¡°I really don¡¯t feel like arguing with you on this one Elyssia.¡± Martha shakes her head and sits down or more like collapses in an empty armchair. ¡°I¡¯ve been wracking my brain ever since the big meeting on how to make this work. How to make the four of you work as a team without hurting your progress as individuals¡ And the most glaring problem with almost any proposition was you.¡±
Ouch. I don¡¯t know why, maybe because the others sided with me on this one, but I feel like listening to what the old veteran has to say first before presenting my case. And to be fair I don¡¯t want her to snap, ending up punishing me for good. I like the goofy Martha, not this swamp hag.
She continues. ¡°Those three are thankful for every opportunity we present them with and do whatever they''re told is the best for their progress. If they need to work as a team then they will do their best to work as a team. They are what one would consider good soldiers.¡± I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a compliment. ¡°You think for yourself every step of the way and question everything with that measly experience and knowledge of yours. This in itself is not a problem but paired with your pride and attitude¡ You¡¯re a difficult case. You¡¯d make a disobedient soldier,¡± She¡¯s right and I don¡¯t like it. ¡±and a model Specialist.¡± Martha adds the last bit that makes my eyes grow wide.
I mean, it sounds special, and¡ okay special is not always good. I still like the sound of it.
¡°The concept is simple, I help August, Kayla, and Victor polish their teamwork while simultaneously pushing you, Elyssia, to become much more powerful than you are right now. When the time is ripe and your skills are adequate you¡¯ll join them and become an indispensable part of the team. And let me tell you now, this is not a choice. For one, you¡¯re too weak to go solo, that¡¯s a position reserved for the strongest among our ranks, and two, we usually send full squads to the Academy. This means we¡¯ll have to find two more suitable kids about your age by some miracle to make this whole thing work.¡± She rakes her fingers across her face with a groan after explaining things more or less.
Does this mean I¡¯m too good? Yeah, that sounds about right.
¡°Anyway, I¡¯m coming along, I won the bet after all.¡± I don¡¯t relent and instead attack in a moment of weakness.
¡°It hasn¡¯t even been a week yet, this is different.¡± She sighs again and I¡¯m starting to pity her a little. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m not trying to fool you when I say you need rest. The last time I had mana poisoning, not even remotely as bad as yours, it took me a week to get out of bed.¡± She explains with seriousness oozing from her voice.
Then I really am just better, huh?
Chapter 42 - Headless Hunt
¡°I¡¯ll still tag along!¡± I repeat myself.
¡°Not until that Class up you won¡¯t.¡± Martha stands her ground, using yet another excuse.
¡°It¡¯s not fair they get to go outside while I stay here. I had to win a bet, what about them?¡± I get up and stomp the ground, throwing a hissy fit I¡¯m really not proud of.
¡°That was before the orders you little¡ devil. Fair or not we need all of you to be strong and having any of them,¡± Martha turns to the others who have been surprisingly quiet until now. ¡°Losing a stupid bet by accident and falling behind is not an option.¡±
¡°Then let me just tag along and work on my Skills while you do¡ whatever makes their teamwork better.¡± I love how we keep talking about August, Kayla, and Victor like they have no say in this while they¡¯re sitting right next to us. It feels like I¡¯m an adult too. ¡°I¡¯m the one who won the right to it anyway, you can¡¯t tell me to stay while letting them have all the fun.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± Martha huffs, throwing her hands in the air. ¡°You know what, let¡¯s do this, let¡¯s make everyone happy. What you want is Skill levels and making sure the others are competent enough, right?¡± I nod, although I mostly just wanna go outside because I¡¯m bored. I don¡¯t think mentioning that would be smart though. ¡°And what I had in mind were some routine team exercises and formations. I don¡¯t feel like arguing right now but having you throw a fit and do something dumb while I¡¯m gone sounds equally as bad.¡±
I¡¯d usually say I¡¯m catching a lot of strays here, except these don¡¯t feel like strays at all. Well, I knew she¡¯d be angry at me so that is that. As long as I get what I want it¡¯s my win.
¡°Get up, all of you, we¡¯re moving out!¡± Martha pushes herself up with the usual elderly groan, even though I¡¯m sure her body is plenty strong still, before walking out of the room like a normal person.
We follow after her like ducklings with all kinds of looks, smiles, a snickers thrown around after my masterful negotiation. I might¡¯ve just made things more complicated for all of us, maybe even more difficult, but I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m not the only one to welcome it.
¡°Of course, they have to march out now.¡± Martha groans as we¡¯re met with the few hundred combatants still standing around in the entrance hall. Don¡¯t they have anything better to do?
¡°What¡¯s up with these people?¡± I ask because I literally don¡¯t have anything better to do.
¡°Large-scale deployment up north, along the Elder Forest. Things tend to get a little heated this time of the year and they pay us handsomely to help keep things together. They pay really well.¡± She chuckles with a small evil undertone.
¡°And why do some of them wear so little armor?¡± Kayla points out. ¡°It¡¯s almost like underwear.¡±
She has a point though. Heavy plate armor, the light leather stuff Dad favors, or the super light cloth robes that make someone look like a burglar rather than an assassin¡ I can understand that. But wearing shorts or nothing but a bra, bandages instead of normal clothes¡ actual damn plants? Some people are nuts.
¡°Well, it¡¯s either because of a Skill, personal style, and performance, or...¡± And Martha quiets down considerably now. ¡°They¡¯re just exhibitionists.¡±
Would I dress like that if, no, when I look super fine as an adult? Hell nah, I don¡¯t want people staring at my bare skin, that sounds creepy.
¡°Can¡¯t we just teleport past them?¡± I float the idea.
As interesting as these people are sooner or later you run out of new things to observe. Especially if all they do is just stand in formation.
¡°No,¡± Martha plainly and cleanly refuses. ¡°Mass teleportation is not part of my kit and taking multiple trips is bothersome. Besides, you need to learn how we do things. It won''t take long.¡±
It really doesn¡¯t take long for one of the planning room big shots to steadily march to the head of the formation. He stops there and observes the men and women, carts carrying their stuff probably, and animal companions all gathered in front of him.
¡°We¡¯ll now depart to conduct our usual duty in the defense of the civilized world and assist Turan as the Elder Line got breached. Again.¡± Turns around towards the main gate and adds. ¡°And to help them part with their coin. March!¡±
A second later hundreds of feet hit the stone floor in unison, making a sound similar to a storm approaching. Then the next and the next, a small army slowly marching through the gate.
I have to admit for some reason this display is really scratching the upper limits of the coolness scale. Not because of the synchronized steps, not only that, rather what these people can do. And that is to take down most major cities in any country.
¡°Why the parade march?¡± Victor asks a question that got stuck in my throat while I kept gaping.
¡°We don¡¯t have any actual official power to direct the people and investigate things so the only thing left is to look as official as we can. The facade is often more important than the truth. Let them fear us, respect us, or even revere us as long as they follow instructions and make everyone¡¯s job easier.¡± Martha shrugs. ¡°We¡¯ll wait a little until the company is through the crowd. No, we can¡¯t tag along.¡± She adds and I won¡¯t deny that thought zipping through my mind.
***
Shortly after the crowd dispersed and the path was clear, we moved. Through the city, through the gate, and down the path I¡¯m quite familiar with all the way to the edge of the forest.
This time I need to focus on maxing out my Skills, it feels wrong being the only one still at level 18. It¡¯s my fault I know but still.
¡°Okay kids, since someone,¡± Martha pointedly looks at me. ¡°has an overinflated sense of justice we need to make sure everyone is deserving of our little special picnics. Doing the same challenge of killing beasts would be boring and unfair with Kayla around so we¡¯ll have to do things a bit differently. Thankfully we already have a professional among our ranks,¡± She looks at me again and this time she¡¯s not alone. ¡°so she¡¯ll help us.¡±
Okay, this explanation was oozing from sarcasm. Praises are nice, I like being praised but this, this felt more like painting a target on my back.
¡°August, Kayla, Victor your task is simple.¡± The smile on Martha¡¯s tired face grows wider and wider. ¡°Hunt down Elyssia and bring her back unscathed.¡±
¡°Wait, wait, wait!¡± A whole range of emotions play across my face as I try to protest the task. ¡°That¡¯s- no, that¡¯s unfair! That¡¯s stupid. They are higher level and it¡¯s three against one!¡±
¡°This is not an actual challenge,¡± Martha chuckles. ¡°we¡¯re just making sure of their capabilities. They can¡¯t win or lose anything but if by some miracle you were to beat them¡ I haven¡¯t seriously considered that outcome. You¡¯ll get a special gift or something, how about that?¡± She flashes an innocent smile.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
¡°Shouldn¡¯t I get a special gift from the get-go because you annulled my reward from our previous bet?¡± I ask, slightly intrigued at the mention of a reward from someone as powerful and probably rich as Martha.
¡°This is different you¡¡± She sighs and massages her face. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been a week since you went locust hunting, the team exercise is a completely separate thing. Although I''d be willing to exchange it for a gift, I need my free time back¡¡±
Oh¡ true, it¡¯s only been like four days. Man, being sick and jealous really messed up my sense of time, huh?
¡°Still not fair though.¡± I point out while calculating my possible gains.
Everything depends on the special gift the old hag mentioned really. Is it worth some fun once a week? I kinda hate nature, although I like exploring and running around outside, but it¡¯s only once a week¡ but the levels¡ ARGH.
¡°That¡¯s why you get a ten-minute headstart,¡± Martha pulls out a pocketwatch very similar to the one Mom gave me, except this one is intact and clearly more expensive. ¡°which sta~arts, now!¡±
This has to be a joke.
Except by the look on everyone¡¯s face, it¡¯s not.
Without thinking much I sprint towards the treeline as much as my short legs and Mage stats can carry me, like it¡¯s a race, a race against time and three hunters.
¡°That gift better be super cool!¡± I shout back before diving into the underbrush.
How damn cool would it be if I actually won?
She should have quite a lead by now.
Victor never expected Elyssia to be so blunt when he dropped a hint during lunch. The girl tricked Kayla, marched right over to their gathering spot, and chewed on a powerful old mage¡¯s ear until the latter gave in¡
She¡¯s interesting, and that¡¯s exactly why he decided to approach her in the first place.
Martha was right about her, she probably is the biggest prick around, beating even August only because she speaks more. With that said she has the style and skills to offset that small inconvenience so I still want her around.
¡°You said nothing about cheating, can¡¯t you just teleport us after her?¡± Victor gives the idea a shot mainly because it¡¯d be hilarious. ¡°Oh, and can we get at least a rope or something?¡±
¡°Smart, but I won''t interfere, I¡¯ll let you kids have your fun.¡± Martha nods with a slippery grin, staring intently at the watch in her hand. A coil of rope appears in the other and she hands it over to the boy who throws it over his shoulder. ¡°Knowing that girl you¡¯ll need this, she will kick and bite until the end.¡±
¡°We¡¯ll be back with her in no time.¡± August huffs, brandishing his very real albeit small swords as the wait is coming to its end.
¡°Don¡¯t underestimate her,¡± Martha¡¯s grin grows again, just like when she dropped the nasty challenge into Elyssia¡¯s lap. ¡°I¡¯ve known her for less than a week and been surprised more often than I¡¯d like to admit. Don¡¯t take this lightly!¡±
Oh, I won''t, our chances are not that solid. Winning this challenge¡
63%
It¡¯s gonna be close.
¡°And five, four, three, two, one, have a good hunt kids. Be back here in an hour!¡± The three of them bolt after their target even before their time runs out or Martha finishes her sentence. Cheating or not they can¡¯t allow themselves the humiliation of losing with such a huge advantage.
¡°Let¡¯s stick together, she knows the forest better and might set up an ambush if we split up.¡± Victor makes a snap decision based on Elyssia¡¯s personality.
It would be very much like her to try to become the hunter instead of the hunted. They might be less efficient this way, however, it¡¯s too big of a risk factor to ignore.
¡°Kayla, see if some animals can pick up her scent or find a hairless monkey moving through the forest. Focus on smaller birds.¡± Victor continues giving instructions since the other two seem to be listening to him without a hiccup.
¡°Sure!¡± Flowery as ever.
¡°August, are you good at tracking?¡± He turns to the fastest among their ranks.
¡°Not really.¡± The boy quietly replies, trying to hide his frown.
That complicates things. I¡¯ll be able to follow her trail but I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be fast enough, one hour isn¡¯t that much.
¡°That¡¯s fine, we need to move fast so if Kayla comes back with any clue you move ahead to investigate before regrouping with us. It¡¯s important; do not engage her alone, we have the numbers advantage, let''s use it.¡±
Martha that sly old fox, this is a lot more effective than fighting against any dumb beast on the outskirts of the forest.
Without any solid clues for the first ten or so minutes the chase turns into a battle of wits between Elyssia and Victor regardless of distance and time. A few broken branches, shallow footprints, and a failed attempt to follow her scent with the help of a wolf pup are all they have to find her in a forest inhabited by countless creatures.
The traces of her passing¡ she tried to fake all of them, making detours and likely covering her track with earth magic. Taking to the treetops and even attempting to burn down a small patch of the forest to cover any and all tracks left in her wake.
Victor is only mediocre at tracking, mostly relying on his Blessing, but thankfully Elyssia is no professional escapist either.
Their little game of cat and mouse continues and would likely go on even past the agreed deadline if it wasn¡¯t for nature¡¯s interruption. A small brook cuts across the land, the water washing away all tracks and giving a free path for the hunted to move up or down without any signs for the hunter to go after.
One could follow a rivulet up and down, leave the shallow bed after just a few steps or even minutes, and turn either left or right¡ This is the end of the chase.
No it¡¯s not over yet. Did she go left?
21%
Right?
16%
How can that be? Straight?
18%
The repeated use brings with it the headache Victor is very familiar with, similar to a stick slammed to the back of one¡¯s head. His Blessing, A Fool¡¯s Luck, gives only vague answers, odds, and burdens the mind similarly to a short intense sprint.
18% does not mean no, and 88% is not a guaranteed yes, it¡¯s all up to the user, Victor to decide. However, the numbers do tell him something else.
¡°She¡¯s above us.¡± He whispers as the other two step closer to check on him. ¡°Don¡¯t make any sudden moves!¡±
It¡¯s just a guess, an idea based on the answers of his Blessing and the short time he spent talking to Elyssia. The girl thinks she¡¯s smarter than anyone and pulling a trick like this wouldn¡¯t be far from her at all. All three of them freeze, unsure of exactly where their target is and how they¡¯re supposed to catch her.
Sadly their poor acting skills betray them and confirm Victor¡¯s hunch at the same time. Water rises out of its bed, washing over the grass and gathering beneath the feet of the three bunched-up hunters before freezing solid.
¡°That cheat like damn Blessing of yours.¡± They hear the familiar grumbling right behind their back. ¡°Just be good and stay there for a while.¡±
Swift footsteps growing quiet tell them the departure of their prey, not like the hunters sat idle while Elyssia taunted them. Smashing the ice with sword, fist, dagger, bow, and even Skills yields no results, none of them are meant to smash through things.
¡°HELP!¡± Kayla yells at the top of her lungs after trying everything else.
¡°Focus on the edges, chip away at the sides, we can¡¯t let her escape!¡± Victor quickly comes up with the best solution.
All of them frantically smash their bindings, that is until the sound of footfalls returns. This time much louder.
A boar, heavy, rust brown and with a horn on its head comes to a halt at their feet and makes the boys aim their weapons at the beast hastily.
¡°Wait!¡± Kayla stops them from doing anything stupid. ¡°Please. Hit. Ice.¡± She points at her feet slowly and meticulously explaining things.
The boys stay cautious and not without a good reason.
[Boar lvl 23]
After some hesitation and grunting the boar complies, nuzzling the Beast Tamer gifted by the Crimson Comet, and slamming its hooves into the rigid ice.
It breaks, no, shatters beneath the weight setting her free just as intended earning some scratches and praises from the friend of the forest.
¡°Kayla, leave the boar to help us and follow Elyssia, we can¡¯t lose her again!¡± Victor makes a risky decision.
There¡¯s no time left to waste, the prey is still on the run.
Chapter 43 - The Hunter and the Hunted
Man, they¡¯re persistent. Why are they even trying to win so hard, they won¡¯t even get anything? I worked my ass off to make all those diversions, fake tracks and avoid any beasts I came across. They would¡¯ve been great practice for my Skill for sure but slowing down and leaving clear signs of my passing when I try to shake off my sloppy hunters is just straight-up stupid.
Not anymore though, because I can clearly hear someone hot on my trail. Just moments ago Kayla cried for help and I actually hope it¡¯s her rushing after me instead of the speedy August or Victor with his bow. Or something hungry¡ Not that the others can hurt me. I must be returned unscathed, my biggest ace in the hole.
My hunch is soon confirmed along with the sad reality that I might actually be the slowest of us all as Kayla is closing in steadily.
¡°Just let yourself be caught so we can do something fun together!¡± She shouts after me, her voice all giggly and showing no signs of tiring.
That¡¯s just elves in a forest for you, agile and born for this type of environment. Although from what I heard Kayla literally spent most of her life living amongst animals in the wilderness. She¡¯s a real jungle girl.
To shake her off or at least make following me more difficult I take to the tree tops, using generous gusts of air to help me climb and jump between branches.
She¡¯s not the only elf around, even if I¡¯m just a half. I¡¯m a pro at climbing and let¡¯s not even mention all the obstacles we race across in the back alleys of Meliorport with the gang¡ I won''t be outdone that easy.
Having the wind give you a gentle push with each jump can mean a lot, especially with foliage this thick.
¡°Catch her, she¡¯s up in the trees!¡± I hear the sweet greenhead yell again a bit closer now.
I really hope this isn¡¯t August catching up.
Soon I learn why she keeps yelling around in the forest besides talking to me. Animals, birds to be more accurate. The small feathery fuckers jump right as I¡¯m literally leaping over to another branch. They¡¯re more irritating than dangerous since the three¡ I don¡¯t know bird species, anyway, they¡¯re just simple animals but even that is more than enough when you¡¯re in midair and need to land perfectly on a branch as thick as your wrist. In short, they mess things up.
I catch myself after slipping, just barely. Falling off from a branch at least twice as high up as I¡¯m tall sounds like a painful end to this fun little challenge. Except if Martha is around to catch me but even then that¡¯d mean my loss.
¡°Screw you.¡± I mutter to the birds as well as Kayla and whistle.
Oh yeah, I can whistle, it¡¯s much cooler than humming a tune even if I sound tone-deaf.
Not just the simple blowing air through my lips type of whistling, oh no¡ it¡¯s more of vibrating the air just like I did when I screamed in the shadow¡¯s clutches ear-piercing type of whistle. I don¡¯t really care about beasts or being found any longer with Kayla not far behind. By the sound of things, she¡¯s actually climbing after me right now¡
Anyway, the birds. They fall out of the air like some lifeless feathery balls and whether they die or not¡ honestly, I couldn¡¯t care less. They went after me so this is only fair.
I¡¯m quickly back on my feet, just in time to see a head covered with hair just as green as the leaves pop out through the lower branches a few trees away.
¡°That was mean.¡± Those yellow eyes, always jolly and curious carry something sinister in them as she says that, something that makes goosebumps run laps all over my back.
¡°Right back at you, sending your werebirds after me.¡± I huff before taking off.
I really don¡¯t want this grumpy Kayla to catch me.
A few more jumps, a few more branches, a few more birds, and plenty of curses later something special comes into sight. A cliff, a small one, more like a steep slope stretching in both directions, making the treetops look like green steps for the giants. It¡¯s quite the fall and an even more impressive jump.
Glancing behind me at the green demon with a sinister smile and gleaming eyes is all it takes to gather my courage. That and my desire to win. And maybe a sprinkle of curiosity about what that special gift might be. All in all, I jump.
With a mighty gust to make sure I make it my small body sails over the vast swathes of woodland. A bit faster than I first imagined.
My forward momentum does its job however I think I underestimated a bit just how massive the height difference was between me and hopefully not the ground. I panic, just a little but the excitement and the amount of fun I¡¯m having are too strong to give room for fear.
I spread my legs and arms, creating a larger surface and push with another generous application of wind magic
¡°This will suck,¡± I mutter as the first small branch smacks me in the face.
Throwing every other instinct aside I focus on trying to grab onto something, anything really. It¡¯s not that simple. My limbs get stuck on branches left and right turning my controlled fall into a¡ I don¡¯t know what to call this¡ messy, spinning bouncing?
After about the fifth roll, not that I¡¯m counting, I finally grab onto a thicker bough, coming to a sudden halt with a strained grunt.
That was a dumb idea.
A few scratches, some smaller bruises maybe¡ but it worked. I¡¯m pretty sure Martha is around though so it was a calculated risk. Yeah, exactly that.
Climbing back to the treetops I scout the area, mainly checking the spot I jumped from, finding Kayla after a few seconds. Her face seems worried, eyes searching for me before I straighten up cracking a victorious smile. Then her creepy smile returns¡
¡°Come!¡± Her voice echoes once more over the trees as she turns around and sprints back to where we came from.
Is she looking for a less crazy way down? That should be enough time to shake her off and implement the second step of my-
I let go of that line of thought as my eyes prove me wrong and Kayla lounges off the same branch I used whooping like it¡¯s all just a game. She has no magic to guide her, no Endurance to survive this or¡
¡°Martha do something!¡± I yell as she starts plummeting.
She¡¯s no flying mage or burly tank to survive the fall¡ but she does have something else. A flock of birds big and small swarms out of the treeline, shooting after Kayla like a massive shadow. They grab onto her clothes, hair, libs, and even ear, flapping their wings and¡ becoming her wings.
With an almost mad cackle, she slowly descends right towards me which is just what I need to wake up from the wacky dream right in front of my eyes.
I shouldn¡¯t be surprised by anything today.
Seeing her up her game I don¡¯t hold back either, throwing a few weaker lightning sparks in her direction before disappearing in the foliage. The few chirps, similar to that when you almost crush a baby chick underfoot, with a distinctly girlish yelp and grunt tell me I hit the birds and made them successfully drop Kayla.
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This will slow her down a little, time for a trap.
Nothing fancy really, just the typical ¡®I surprised you in a corner and kicked out your leg¡¯ stuff. It works and that¡¯s all I need and somehow it feels wrong to try and hurt Kayla¡ she¡¯s like a clueless puppy.
As I take up position on a chunky tree and sharpen my ears to pick up even the slightest of movements the sound of her movement becomes more crisp, more pronounced. That, along with another, much faster rhythmic drum of footfalls.
¡°Shit!¡± Without looking around or thinking really I abandon my hiding spot just for a few pebbles to bounce off the bark a moment later. ¡°Unscathed you idiot!¡± I yell and continue running.
I¡¯m really thankful Mom and Dad made me do all those laps when they trained me because right now both agility and stamina are crucial and I¡¯m not doing too fine on either of those. I¡¯ve been running for half an hour now, hopefully, and there¡¯s not much more left in me.
I need to stall for time a little longer if possible and hope they won''t be able to drag me back fast enough. I can¡¯t win a one versus three and in case I catch one of them alone they can just retreat and regroup.
With August around it¡¯s only a matter of time before this chase turns into a full-on fight. I need to take down at least one of them.
After about a minute a small pack of three wolves joins us, chasing mostly August while following Kayla and me up on the branches. August can easily outrun them¡ so I do a nasty on Kayla. Giving up my momentum and lead I stop after doing a cheeky swing around a thinner trunk with plenty of branches. The moment Kayla catches up I throw a vibrant and well-aimed blade of wind at her, albeit missing her quite a bit. Not the target though.
The blade of air strikes the branch just before the green-haired beast tamer¡¯s foot can land on it, weakening it enough to snap under her weight and throw the girl to the wolves. Quite literally.
Now either August abandons the chase to help her or¡ yup, he leaves her behind. What did I expect really?
I don¡¯t throw myself at him yet, instead, I try widening the distance a bit in hopes of knocking him out before¡ I don¡¯t know what but at this point I wouldn¡¯t be surprised by anything. After another set of aggressively thrown rocks, I finally retaliate, aiming my hand at the last of my pursuers before unleashing lightning. To his credit, August reacts fast, throwing himself aside at the sight of the first spark dancing between my fingers. Did our last brawl hurt your little ego? Hehe.
A few more bolts, weaker ones to conserve mana, force him to take cover behind a tree before reinforcements arrive. With giggles and howls Kayla rushes towards us riding on wolfback.
This isn¡¯t even funny anymore. I get that I can weasel my way out of most situations with one element or another but does this mean that as long as there¡¯s a forest at hand Kayla can do the same just better?
A flock of birds to harass me and make her fly and now this¡
Just as I¡¯m about to back away and continue fleeing while dumping all my mana on these two the third chaser arrives. Victor throws a rope around me from behind, trying to bind my arms to my body.
¡°I know you won''t give up obediently but we have no time to be gentle.¡± And the rope tightens around me after a violent pull. ¡°Don¡¯t-¡±
Before he can finish the useless bargaining I unleash an arc of electricity. Despite him keeping his distance and staying cautious even after ambushing me he¡¯s no August to react even at the slightest of clues. The zap makes him lose balance and fall backward off the branch I¡¯m standing on but the end of the rope around me is still firmly around his shoulder.
That¡¯s bad, really bad. Yeah, Victor could seriously hurt himself but what¡¯s even worse is that I¡¯d be dragged after him in about a second.
So a snap decision is made. Before the rope is pulled taut¡ I jump. In the opposite direction obviously. Since he dropped first I can only kick him in the chest as we swing towards each other before burning a piece of the binding and dropping to the ground, free as a bird.
A bird surrounded by an elf, a human, three wolves, and another human groaning on the ground. He fell on his head, tough luck. So in the best case, it¡¯s three versus one, realistically it¡¯s a six versus one and then there¡¯s the chance that Kayla can call more friends.
It¡¯s so bullshit.
¡°Are we really doing this?¡± Victor spitting all the dirt from his mouth and cracking his neck.
Two wonky towers of earth grow out of the ground to my sides and lightning crackles between my fingers. Not the most glorious last stand like in the legends but a girl has to start somewhere.
¡°Come at me, I¡¯ve got Skills to train!¡± I edge them on with a wicked smile and lash out like the cornered beast I am.
The first snake of lightning goes for August obviously because he¡¯s the biggest threat and I like him the least. Or that¡¯s what I make it seem like. I can make the path of the lightning be whatever I want and I¡¯d like it to curve to the right, straight back to Victor who hasn¡¯t fully recovered yet. It¡¯s mean, it¡¯s like kicking someone already on the ground and I don¡¯t care.
¡°Spread out!¡± Kayla organizes her friends. ¡±And don¡¯t bite!¡± They better not.
Having already planned this I use the earth pillar facing August to create a barrier, partly to secure my flank but mostly to isolate him from the fight. The other pillar is used as ammunition for a barrage of earth Mana Bolts. They rain down on the wolves, mostly aimed at Kayla, however, the animals use themselves as a shield to protect their¡ Is she like a master friend or a friendly master? Anyways, she has to go.
Friends or not the beasts also pose a threat so the next round of projectiles isn¡¯t made with the blunt Mana Bolt, it¡¯s a round of small Mana Spears. Two die, the last unlucky one will have to wait for blood loss to breathe its last. The same irritation or rather fury, flashes in Kayla¡¯s eyes, just like when you break someone¡¯s favorite toy.
Meanwhile August arrives at my back so I spew some flames his way mostly as a deterrent. Everyone knows fire is off-limits for obvious reasons.
¡°Thank you.¡± I hear Kayla¡¯s soft whisper behind me so I look.
She plunges a knife up the wolf¡¯s chin, likely killing it instantly before licking the warm red liquid off the blade. Then she looks up at me and her eyes change, her pupils, their color and her nails¡
What the fuck am I even watching?
A moment later she rushes at me, much faster than before and with a beastly sneer promising no more princess treatment and respecting the rules. She raises a clawed hand so I sort of panic and blast her with a healthy zap only to have August tackle me. I have the earth grab his feet before freeing myself with a blast of wind around me and raising my fists.
No more mana to work with but I¡¯m not out of this yet.
A right hook, a kick to the nuts, another swing and so on. Physical attacks turn out to be very, very futile against August who easily blocks and avoids everything even though he¡¯s trapped. Even so, instead of running away, I circle around him because Kayla is already back on her feet and I¡¯d very much like something between her and me.
Before I could even start bashing August¡¯s back or playing cat and mouse around him Victor arrives. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± He grabs one of my arms and twists it behind my back. ¡°We¡¯re really trying to keep ourselves to the unscathed part but you¡¯re not making it easy.¡± He kicks the back of my knee and I¡¯m brought down to the ground. ¡°Strawberry.¡±
August gets down to using his sword to break the earthen hands grabbing his legs, the second time today I locked his movement while Kayla¡ She¡¯s stopped, but things seem a bit shaky. Her eyes are still locked on me and the angry growls and huffs don¡¯t sound too encouraging. Especially not in my situation.
¡°Strawberry.¡± Victor says and a shudder runs through the girl¡¯s body.
A few blinks later her eyes return to their original state and her long nails retract.
¡°Where? Leave some for me! But we shouldn¡¯t eat much before dinner. Can you hide- Oh, hey Eli.¡± She smiles at me and this¡ this scares me even more than her beastly look.
¡°What witchcraft was that?¡± I mutter as my hands get tied and the three gather around me.
¡°A Skill of hers.¡± Victor shrugs. ¡°Beast Tamers can empower their companions and there are some rare Skills that let you take some of their strength. It costs their life though.¡±
¡°What about strawberries?¡± Because this is the weirdest part.
¡°She just loves them a bit too much to the point of dreaming of strawberries. It¡¯s so deeply rooted in her that even when her mind is clouded mentioning strawberries just makes her reset.¡± Victor explains nonchalantly.
I glance at the girl in question who just plays with her thumbs with lowered head and deep red cheeks. I was so wrong, she¡¯s not goofy, she¡¯s completely mental. I¡¯m¡ scared but also a bit curious at the same time.
¡°We still have time.¡± August finally speaks up. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m the only one surprised by Kayla going beast mode. ¡°Well fought, it was close.¡± He looks at me and I feel like throwing up at his praise.
He can stick those words up where the sun doesn¡¯t shine. I don¡¯t care if we¡¯re a team or if he¡¯s secretly a good guy with childhood trauma and a victim of his circumstances or any of that bullshit. He¡¯s a jerk, he¡¯s the last person I want to be friends with in Fort Karon, I wish I was able to punch him in the face as strongly as I could while I had the chance. He interrupted me during a meal and in my eyes, that¡¯s a serious sin.
But he¡¯s right, they might really have the time to take me back. Such a shame, I really wanted to know what that special gift is. Martha will probably try to scam me again but I¡¯m mostly just¡ curious.
¡°Hey, I have a proposal.¡± I speak up encircled by my captors.
Chapter 44 - Win-Win
¡°They should be here any moment now.¡± Martha arrives back to the agreed spot taking one last glance at her pocketwatch.
Five minutes.
She¡¯s been following the kids around in the forest all along, looking out for their safety and assessing their resourcefulness throughout the entire hunt.
The three hunters started off pretty strong. Kayla and Victor have known each other for weeks now and they are the closest thing to good friends and comrades among the four. August is a¡ peculiar case. He¡¯s very much like Elyssia, prideful and arrogant, however unlike the girl he follows cold logic instead of his pride. Needless to say, he learned his lesson when Kayla humbled him two days ago in a simple duel, shortly after his little incident in the mess hall against Elyssia. Then he challenged Victor yesterday and¡ poor boy got played like a fiddle.
He got humbled and that¡¯s exactly what Elyssia needs.
That girl¡ The stunt she pulled after finding a source of water to hide her tracks¡ It was dumb, so dumb that it was almost brilliant. If any of the hunters had even the most basic perception or tracking Skill it wouldn¡¯t have mattered but they didn¡¯t, and Victor¡¯s quick thinking was the only thing that saved them from embarrassment.
In the end, the deciding factor was Kayla. The forest is her playground and she probably could¡¯ve brought down Elyssia even without the boys¡¯ help. After the unruly mage¡¯s capture, Martha returned to her spot for the dramatic effect more than anything, already preparing her speech about the lessons of this challenge.
Finally, the kids arrive, approaching the edge of the woods without any of them missing and still a few minutes left on the clock. However¡ something¡¯s not right. Elyssia is not resisting, nor is she tied up, instead walking along the three hunters with a cheeky grin on all their faces. By the last tree, just at the edge of the road they¡¯re supposed to return to¡ they stop.
¡°Oh, these damn kids...¡± Martha sighs and the pocketwatch cracks in her tightening grip.
¡°Hey, I have a proposal.¡± I get a brilliant idea sitting surrounded by my three hunters. ¡°How about we split?¡±
I was so obsessed with winning that everything else became secondary. Be that Skill training, or teamwork, or having fun, or the special gift...
I could still recover some mana along the way back, burn my bindings again, and stall a little longer but¡ I don¡¯t like that. The only reason I¡¯m uninjured and conscious is the rule saying they have to bring me back unscathed and abusing that rule too much feels like what the spoiled brats would do with their family background. Hide from responsibility.
I did my best, they did their best so let¡¯s just accept the current outcome. It was a ridiculous bet from the start. In the end, I¡¯m not winning anything, nor does anyone get any reward besides some shoulder pats and nice words which is basically nothing in the end.
¡°All talkative now, huh?¡± Victor massages his side where my lighting struck looking all grumpy. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡±
¡°Why are you trying to win?¡± I ask. Some showmanship is necessary.
¡°For acknowledgment.¡± August replies plainly.
¡°He¡¯s right, this is a rite of passage, a chance to prove ourselves.¡± Victor seconds.
Oh shit, I didn¡¯t even think about that.
¡°Okay but what if you could prove your skills, your ingenuity, and maybe even receive a share of an actual winning prize?¡± I wiggle my eyebrows as one after another their eyes light up with realization.
¡°Did we win?¡± Except for Kayla, clueless as ever.
¡°I think we could make that work.¡± Victor rubs his hands.
***
¡°Are you angry because I hurt those beasts?¡± I carefully ask Kayla the topic that¡¯s best to get off my shoulders sooner rather than later.
¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± She scratches her head. ¡°When they get hurt I hear them begging for help and crying in pain.¡± Oh shit, this makes me feel like the villain here. ¡°Every beast and animal is my friend if not family and when I ask for their help I know they¡¯ll end up injured. If possible I try to save them and make them run if things turn dangerous but sometimes it can¡¯t be helped, it''s only natural. It¡¯s a lot more common you know, death and injuries. Animals can¡¯t talk things out and have no guards to catch the naughty ones. So am I angry because you killed them?¡± Her casual smile withers. ¡°A little, but it¡¯s also my fault for dragging them into this and it was their choice to stay and protect me. The worst thing about my Blessing is that I know my friends will get hurt only because I asked them to fight for me but I believe it¡¯s the good fight and what we do matters.¡±
I have many doubts regarding that good fight part but asking her about them would be cruel. I think. I heard that beast tamers value their companions greatly however their bond is supposed to be something a lot stronger than whatever Kayla talked about. Honestly, her Blessing almost feels like some form of mind magic.
Returning to Martha with a ranger who knows how to orient himself using the sun and a beast tamer who can basically ask any passing animal for directions makes this a walk in the park. Almost literally.
We keep chatting about small stuff like what we could do in our free time, how we imagine our future, fun little corners in the Fort¡ It¡¯s weird, all this we. I barely know these three, and I definitely wouldn¡¯t call them my friends or anything but they¡¯re close. I¡¯m not comfortable with having people close to me, not yet and not here.
Let¡¯s just say this was the closest thing to what I had to my normal life back home ever since that terrible night. It was like having fun with the gang again, even if a bit more violent.
Soon the trees grow sparse and a very valid question is asked by Kayla, ¡°So what now? Is the time already up?¡± I haven¡¯t planned this far.
¡°It¡¯s not, look!¡± August responds and we follow his eyes.
Martha, the foul witch pulling the strings, the culprit behind everything standing there with that pesky watch in her hand and eyes following our every step.
¡°So we have a deal, right?¡± Victor stops and puts a hand on my shoulder. ¡°You won''t go back on your word-¡±
¡°Do you know me like that?¡± I cross my arms and give him the flat look.
¡°Fair.¡± He chuckles. ¡°Then let¡¯s wait here and smile. We¡¯re all winners today.¡±
And that¡¯s just what we do. As the seconds tick by realisation slowly dawns on the old mage¡¯s face, her sly scheme countered by an equally shrewd counter.
That gift better be something nice. And something we can share otherwise things would get uncomfortable.
¡°You think we¡¯ll have to run extra laps tomorrow morning?¡± Kayla whispers and by the single eyebrow jumping up on Martha¡¯s forehead I¡¯m not sure talking quietly works.
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¡°We didn¡¯t break any rules and did exactly what this exercise was meant for.¡± Victor also seems to have noticed our instructor''s change of expression. ¡°With that said¡ it¡¯s likely.¡±
I skipped every morning exercise until now and August rarely expresses his feelings but we¡¯re still part of the collective sigh.
After the frown on Martha¡¯s face can¡¯t grow any larger she appears in front of us with a pouch in her hand. ¡°Yes, yes, very smart way to teach the unruly one a lesson.¡± She throws me the pouch and I already know what¡¯s inside before it lands in my palm. ¡°That¡¯s four gold only because I value the team effort. I don¡¯t know any of you well enough to pick something for you so we can stop at the market on our way back and you can buy something for yourselves.¡±
Holy shit, four gold, one gold each¡ That¡¯s more than some low-level adults earn a month. I wouldn¡¯t call it special but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll complain. Damn, I¡¯m basically rich, and just how rich is the old hag to hands down throw this type of money around?
What to spend it on? Food? Nah, we have plenty of food in the mess hall. Clothes or accessories? Maybe something comfy to sleep in, anything else would just get damaged.
¡°No need to stop.¡± August is the first to reply.
Huh?
¡°Yeah, I think I¡¯ll just save it til I really need something. This is too generous.¡± Victor agrees and yoinks a coin from the pouch.
¡°Y- yeah, that¡¯s the responsible thing.¡± I hastily add because they sound so mature about it compared to my plans to buy sweets and comfy pajamas. Those pajamas do sound nice though.
¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Kayla¡¯s reaction baffles everyone. ¡°Man, I hoped for something cool, like a pretty ribbon or a mysterious egg but it¡¯s just money¡¡± She pouts.
Yeah, she¡¯s something different.
¡°I request the challenge that she took to come out more often.¡± August speaks up out of the blue. A lot more words than we usually hear from him.
¡°Likewise.¡±
¡°Yeah, me too, me too.¡± Kayla also jumps at the opportunity with enthusiasm.
Hey, that¡¯s not¡ fair. Is it?
Martha doesn¡¯t answer right away, looking at me instead crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. ¡°Is it even necessary?¡±
I know the question is aimed at me and I know what she means. Do we even need to waste our time with that?
¡°No, they pass.¡± I begrudgingly agree.
As much as I hate to admit it, they¡¯d have no problem repeating my feat of killing a hundred levels worth of beasts in a few hours. Victor could locate them easily before carefully and meticulously racking up the numbers. August can cover much more ground than I did and even if he messes up and things turn risky he can just escape and look for a different prey. And Kayla¡ she might fuck it up but only because she might feel bad for the beasties.
All in all, having them all do the challenge would just waste the rest of this outing. I still did it better though. My score was quite a bit above the minimum and I was weaker than any of them right now. Is it a bit unfair? Maybe but this much I can swallow. All I have to do is perform better to keep my lead.
Child¡¯s play.
***
After resting a little, recharging our mana, and cooking up new formations to accommodate me, we returned to the forest. This time it really was all about getting comfortable with others fighting around you and improving your Skills.
With Martha around we quickly found beasts either quite a bit stronger than us or numerous enough to pose a challenge. In the following hours, I learned that Kayla can¡¯t just win every fight by befriending any living creature and making it fight for us and Victor¡¯s¡ I don¡¯t know what to call them, prophecy, guess, or deductions? So his deductions aren¡¯t always spot on. August is still lame, being fast is nothing fancy.
Just about when Solair touched the edge of the horizon we decided to call it a day and return home.
¡°So is this a weekly thing now?¡± Martha¡¯s eyebrows do some little dancing at my question before she smiles lightly.
¡°Probably, but I won¡¯t be the one to accompany you every time.¡±
Oh Gods above, please, if you hear me let it be anyone but Bennett. Or Wyat. Or any other idiot this city hides. Coming out here is still worth it, just let it be with someone normal.
[The Class Skill [Mana Bolt] has reached lvl 17 -> 18.]
[The Class Skill [Mana Shield] has reached lvl 17 ->18.]
[The Class Skill [Mana Spear] has reached lvl 12 ->15.]
[The Class Skill [Mana Blade] has reached lvl 12 ->13.]
[The general Skill [Running] has reached lvl 16.]
[The general Skill [Pain Tolerance] has reached lvl 5.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 18.]
[The general Skill [Stamina] has reached lvl 11 ->12.]
And that¡¯s without the list of things I¡¯ve killed. I¡¯ve said this before but the real-life stuff is just so much more effective than the duels and practice session in the courtyard that it¡¯s not even funny.
¡°I only need about-¡± I try to inform my teacher about my progress just to get interrupted.
¡°Help, please, someone help. I can¡¯t do this anymore.¡± A man rushes down the road towards us.
The walls of Granhall are already in sight and he clearly seems to be coming from the gate area with the countless travelers, farmers, and merchants all waiting for entry. His everything is dirty and the simple clothes on him paint the image of a beggar however what really stands out is the piece of metal around his neck. A slave.
He runs right towards us, begging the entire way. ¡°Please, I just need to hide from-¡±
A gentle bolt of lighting from Martha is all it takes for the man to finally shut up and collapse, damping the fall with his face.
¡°Why not just let him go?¡± I ask as we pass the unconscious man, not even stopping to check if he¡¯s alright.
¡°Trust me Eli, I was merciful.¡± Martha chuckles. ¡°Nobody is born into slavery, people need to earn it.¡± Doesn¡¯t sound like something I want to earn. ¡°Burglary, vandalism, failed payments, and many other crimes big and small lead to someone losing their freedom. As a form of punishment to learn their lessons, the criminals need to repay the damage they cause by providing labor. As simple as that.¡±
¡°But why not let him escape? Maybe he was treated badly?¡± Kayla asks the next question.
Was it really necessary to get involved?
¡°Runaway slaves are usually caught within days, and their masters are rarely happy when they are returned. About treatment,¡± Martha scratches the back of her head. ¡°There are laws to protect even the criminals, even those who deserve no second chance, but yeah, it happens.¡±
¡°What if I just say that he¡¯s mine?¡± I¡¯m genuinely curious about this one. Could I steal a person?
Martha finds my question hilarious. ¡°No, that¡¯s really not how that works.¡± She chuckles. ¡°You need to be at least sixteen to own someone and you need to have the paper binding them to you.¡± While she answers, a group of men approaches, armed, angry and clearly looking for someone. ¡°With that said we discourage slavery among our ranks. Traveling with them is tedious and Krieg dislikes unwilling weaklings being thrown into battle.¡±
That doesn¡¯t sound too kind and caring now, does it? And what¡¯s with these people caring about the whims of a God when they aren¡¯t even a holy order or cult or whatever?
Would I love to have a servant trim my nails, feed me and massage my leg all day while doing whatever I ask? Sure, sounds like a dream. Could I do the same thing simply using a buttload of money? Yes.
The angry chasers soon pass us, thanking Martha along the way after they spot the blacked-out runaway not far behind us.
Is that really the best way to solve the problem, to punish criminals and make things up for the victims? I would love to say no, except I don¡¯t think I have the right to. Yapping about a problem without having the slightest idea how to solve it is just that, yapping.
Not that I can change any of that nor do I really want to.
¡°So, Martha,¡± I get back to where the rude slave interrupted me. ¡°I still need a few levels in Mana Blade any chance we can-¡±
¡°No,¡± She huffs without delay. ¡°I thought we agreed on this¡ Beasts won''t be the only things trying to kill you so you will train against humans just as thoroughly. If not you¡¯ll end up at the bottom of the rankings.¡±
¡°There¡¯s a ranking?¡± My competitive spirit roars up deep within me.
¡°There is, but only kids above level 18 can vie for the top spots and the rewards that come with it. You better take practice seriously.¡± The usual youthful fiendish smile adorns her old face. ¡°Or just take the Class up without maxed Skills, it¡¯s faster.¡±
Like hell I would. Damn, the people here really know how to make me do the work even if I don¡¯t feel like taking things seriously. Who would like to sit at the bottom of the scoreboard without any rewards?
¡°Just give me a few days.¡± I declare confidently only to have my momentum broken as we arrive at the gate.
This Abyss damned line¡
Chapter 45 - Soulscape Visit
Morning drills¡ the new bane of my existence. I thought Mom and Dad were ruthless whenever it came to sprinting in the backyard or running obstacle courses to improve my stamina and coordination but I was so wrong.
My legs feel like falling off and without cooling myself with ice magic I might¡¯ve melted already to my aching muscles protesting for rest. I''m sprawled out on the ground, gasping for air and secretly gathering water from the obstacle course while also cleaning it to quench my thirst.
My clothes are just as drenched in sweat as they¡¯re dirty, sticking to my skin and making me all itchy, AND to top it off my hair is a mess, full of dust and sticking to my face.
I didn¡¯t slack off because even while putting my back into it I was barely second to last. I don¡¯t know if it is because I¡¯m the youngest or I have the lowest level or because others are more used to this treatment or maybe a combination of all three however I was so outclassed it¡¯s not even funny.
To top it off every time I felt like it was all just a useless struggle an instructor popped up beside me and started the belittling spree that got me pissed enough to make me spit my lungs out just to prove him wrong. I¡¯ll have to think of a way to thank them for that.
¡°After your dash in the forest, I really thought you¡¯d run circles around the others.¡± Victor''s cheeky smile enters my vision. ¡°Wanna have a bet-¡±
¡°No, fuck off.¡± I¡¯m not tired enough not to flip him off. Cheeky bastard knows I¡¯m always up for a challenge but I¡¯m not stupid.
¡°Wanna take a bath before breakfast?¡± Kayla crouches down next to me, breathing almost normally and barely any sweat on her face.
¡°Get up already, that was only round two!¡± And why the fuck are you even here huh, short red prick?
It¡¯s only been a day since Martha¡¯s first attempt at forging an actual team out of us and I already can¡¯t get rid of these three. Still not friends though. I know friendships can be born in mere minutes and it¡¯s all not that complicated but I already had my friends.
They were weird, stupid, goofy and got us into all kinds of trouble but they were my friends and I want them more than anyone. I know it¡¯s not fair and other than August these guys are pretty decent all things considered but I don¡¯t care, life is not fair. Maybe with time though¡
¡°Round three kids!¡± Comes the command.
¡°No fucking way.¡± Is all I manage to say before the instructors start shouting at me to pick up the slack.
***
The day goes by as it¡¯s supposed to without any hiccups. Meal, a mindnumbing lesson about numbers and the curse upon this word called math. How can there ever be almost two hundred apples on a tree with two and a half new ones growing every day?
I almost jumped up and fist-pumped when that lesson came to an end. Not just because it was outright torture, no, it signaled the start of the afternoon practice and the time window to get the last two levels for Mana Blade.
Infuriatingly, even after my stellar fight in a three versus one, I was still barred from participating in the proper dueling session and had to sit it out like a child. Or I was supposed to. I had a Skill to work on and no more patience to work with so even after warnings and pleas I just kept going until the beautiful message finally arrived.
[The Class Skill [Mana Blade] has reached lvl 18.]
¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡± My happy little tip-tap dance draws a few questioning looks but I couldn¡¯t care less. ¡°Martha-¡±
¡°Just go! See you in the morning.¡± She waves, without any explanations needed.
Needless to say, I¡¯ve been bugging her about my Class up every waking moment, asking about stuff and more training time. Heh, I almost feel diligent.
|
General Skills:
Savant lvl 18
Identify lvl 18
Running lvl 16
Dodging lvl 18
Pain Tolerance lvl 5
Premonition lvl 18
Stamina lvl 13
Quick Witted lvl 18
Serene Spellcrafting lvl 18
|
|
I. Class: Inept Magus - Arcane lvl 18
Arcane Mastery lvl 18
Mana Bolt lvl 18
Mana Shield lvl 18
Investigate Anomaly lvl 10
Mana Spear lvl 18
Mana Blade lvl 18
|
It¡¯s still irking me to see Investigate Anomaly standing out like that, not being maxed out, but Martha waived my concerns by simply telling me I shouldn¡¯t be greedy. Maxed Skills help, yes but putting in all the work does not guarantee the results. I¡¯m already aiming for a Class that does something nice, something special with my four other mana weapon Skills, or so Martha hopes. ¡®Don¡¯t worry about that one.¡¯ Is actually what she said and it did little to reassure me.
The only reason I¡¯m not pushing it is because leveling up that one is a real hassle. I mean, I did accidentally earn quite a few levels in it, it''s just¡ I doubt I can repeat that any time I want.
Okay, it¡¯s mostly impatience.
After dashing back to my room, skipping both breakfast and a bath I throw my training uniform on the ground and flop into my bed.
¡°Time to get that Class and climb the rankings.¡±
[Your class [Inept Magus - Arcane] has reached lvl 18. Class advancement is now available, would you like to start the class up?]
[Y/N]
Yeah.
***
The moment I confirm my choice sleep claims me in the blink of an eye. Instant sleep basically. Before I know the familiar rumbling of the waves on the sandy beach reaches my ears and I realize I need to open my eyes to make the darkness go away.
It¡¯s still the beach but not the same beach. No more golden sand and smooth azure waves meeting rhythmically, instead it¡¯s rocky, dark, and murky. It all seems wild and angry. There¡¯s no cat either, thankfully, only a myriad of shells adorning the once beautiful landscape.
¡°This is not how I remember the Azure Shore. How can something imaginary be this messy...¡± Then it hits me. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s me.¡±
The environment, options, weather¡ everything mirrors the user''s soul and right now it¡¯s stormy inside. I have to say, it¡¯s been worse about a week ago, soon after the shadows struck. Everything felt so empty and meaningless back then¡
¡°Can¡¯t I just imagine this place to look nice?¡± Talking to myself inside my own head is maybe even more bonkers than normal, huh?
I still give redecorating this place a try.
Jackshit happens.
¡°Oh well, then let¡¯s see what we¡¯ve got.¡±
[Blue Arsonist - Fire] [Galemancer - Wind] [The Bane of Dinner - Life] [Shocking Troublemaker - Lightning] [Divine Kindle - Fire] [Natural Spark - Lightning] [Vibrant Forest Breeze - Wind] [Wielder of the Arcane - Arcane] [Mystique Seeker - Arcane] [Ground Shaper - Earth] [Budding Natural Disaster - Arcane] [Bug Devouring Flames - Fire] [Naturalborn Escapist - Wind] [Shepherd of Fire- Fire] [Juvenile Grouch - Fire] Okay, quite the colorful mix. I see some very pretty shells with nice and bright colors and a few¡ questionable ones. Let¡¯s just run through them one by one.
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[Blue Arsonist - Fire]
The description is exactly what one would assume a Class called arsonist would do, burn indiscriminately. This one was born from my attempt to make hotter flames and mirrors the amount of control I have over them. Not a lot. Blasting devastating fire everywhere¡ yeah, not my style, no elegance. Decent stat points tho.
[ +3 Free Points, +5 Intelligence,+3 Focus, +5 Mana, +4 Willpower per level]
Not bad at all.
[Galemancer - Wind]
Maybe I¡¯ve been using wind magic a bit too much recently. This simple almost translucent shell weighs almost nothing. That¡¯s also how much interest I have in this Class, probably worse than my current one.
[The Bane of Dinner - Life]
This isn¡¯t here, we don¡¯t talk about this one.
[Shocking Troublemaker - Lightning]
One for shocking the hell out of August, huh? And what do you mean troublemaker? Trouble finds me without missing a beat, there¡¯s no need to make it. I like the lightning element but this is more of a really close-range, hand-to-hand class.
The next plate shouts hol~y. Its incredibly intricate design and a soothing yet fierce white light shining from within make it the most eye-catching yet the feeling it gives is somehow distant and incredibly cold.
[Divine Kindle - Fire]
Now this one¡ This is a real prize.
Requirement: You woke the interest of Althea, Goddess of Justice, with your blazing flames and strong will to always speak up when injustice strikes you.
Be the young bearer of Althea¡¯s holy flame to cleanse the unjust and sinful from the face of Aelion. Be judge, jury and executioner, pure as the white flame you carry but merciless like its heat against those who deserve no salvation. Be the blade of the Goddess, be her arm that reaches far and wide, and the bailiff to bring her will to those hiding from justice.
[ +2 Free Points, +3 Speed, +3 Endurance, +6 Intelligence, +5 Focus, +6 Mana, +5 Willpower, +2 Fortitude per level]
Okay, this is ridiculously good. The stats are insane and the description hints at devastating firepower and the support from one of the Primal Gods. An absolute jackpot.
There¡¯s just one slight problem. While at the previous class-up, I was uncertain whether I would be influenced or not, in this case¡ it''s beyond doubt. It¡¯s literally written right there.
Sure, she¡¯s a ¡®good¡¯ God but what if I don¡¯t want to be that good all my life? What if I have to make decisions I don¡¯t want to in the name of justice, like¡ will this even allow me to just kill the old bastard?
A pass for now.
[Natural Spark - Lightning]
Requirements: A spark of energy born from a spark of genius, above just merely using the lightning. Arcane Mastery lvl 18, 45 Mana, 50 Focus
Uuuh, I like those requirements, accurate stuff. Let¡¯s see¡ does the zap, high control, mediocre Skills.
[ +2 Free Points, +4 Intelligence, +4 Focus, +4 Mana, +4 Willpower per level]
Eh, okay stats at best. Flattering¡ next!
[Vibrant Forest Breeze - Wind]
Yeah, yeah, using wind magic to traverse the woodlands, climbing trees and all that¡ Damn, my achievements only amount to this much? A meh quality Class focused on running in a forest.
¡°Okay, this one should be nice.¡± I move on to the next shell.
[Wielder of the Arcane- Arcane]
A simple plate, smooth, solid, colorless.
One of the main contenders right from the start. However, what does the wielder actually mean here?
Requirement: A wielder of magic in search of the truth behind mana. Arcane Mastery lvl 18, Mana Shield lvl 18, Mana Bolt lvl 18, Mana Blade lvl 18, Mana, Spear lvl 18, 60 Willpower, 45 Mana, 60 Focus
Holy, those are some strict requirements. I mean the divine one is objectively harder but this one is¡longer?
You shape the elements in your surroundings to best suit your style. Make any constructs or projectiles, shields or weapons to your liking. Never to be countered, never to be put on the back foot, be a walking arsenal with the elements under your belt like a bottomless weapon rack of murderous magic.
Okay, so wielder as in weapons.
[ +2 Free Points, +1 Speed, +3 Intelligence, +5 Focus, +4 Mana, +5 Willpower per level]
A lot weaker numbers-wise, yet I¡¯d much rather take this over being a God¡¯s devout yet involuntary dog.
¡°No offense, Goddess, just personal preference really.¡± I shout even though nobody can probably hear it but just to make sure.
This class itself feels like the thing Martha talked about, the Skill combo¡ something. Anyway, the reason I worked my ass off to max out all those Skills was for this option right here. To the top of the list for now.
[Mystique Seeker - Arcane]
Requirements: A groundbreaking discovery in the field of mana. Investigate Anomaly lvl 9, 40 Intelligence, 40 Mana
Discovering the mysteries of Aelion is a noble and difficult journey either leading to a nameless and empty death or immortality as your feat lives on. The search will be difficult as mana is very reluctant to part with its secrets but at the end of the long journey, a treasure like no other awaits.
This, this is the type of Class I would pick if our house never got robbed and the shadows never tried to kidnap me. I know, it¡¯s a lot of ifs but¡ adventure and magic, the only thing missing is tinkering to complete the list of everything I¡¯ve ever wanted to do. Now there¡¯s fighting added to the list, albeit involuntarily.
[ +2 Free Points, +2 Speed, +2 Endurance, +2 Intelligence, +2 Focus, +5 Mana, +5 Willpower per level]
[Ground Shaper - Earth]
Another super basic Class that¡¯s worse than my current one.
[Budding Natural Disaster - Arcane]
Requirement: Arcane Mastery lvl 18, Mana Bolt lvl 18, 40 Intelligence, 40 Mana
The elements of nature bend to your will. Wherever you walk the land is reshaped, reborn, or devastated depending only on your whims. Use the inexhaustible and uncontrolled power of nature to force your will onto your surroundings.
[+2 Free Points, +6 Intelligence, +4 Focus +6 Mana, +4 Willpower per level]
This feels like a proper Mage Class, in a traditional sense. Throwing huge spells and destroying things so your team only needs to protect you and you can kill everything¡ I quite like it actually. They can¡¯t beat you if there¡¯s nothing left of them to hit you at the end of the day. To the top of the list it goes, right beside Wielder of the Arcane.
Only a few to go, good ones.
[Bug Devouring Flames - Fire]
Requirement: A devourer consumed by the ever-hungry flames. Arcane Mastery lvl 18, 40 Intelligence, 40 Mana
Ah, it''s one of those specialized Classes that seems awesome at the start, but then you realize they¡¯re basically garbage against anything other than that one specific enemy in the description.
[Naturalborn Escapist - Wind]
Requirements: A cunning plan, clever execution, and the guts to go through with it even when everything goes south. Arcane Mastery lvl 18, Running lvl 15
Cute but I don¡¯t really care about a rouge Class. Switching not only elements but even professions is a bit too much. Not that I¡¯d easily part with my dear arcane magic. It¡¯s too handy, especially now that I can use five elements.
[Shepherd of Fire - Fire]
¡°And you must be¡¡±
Requirements: A passion for fire hotter than the flames themselves. Control over the primordial fire. Arcane Mastery lvl 18, Mana Bolt lvl 18, Quick Witted lvl 18
Yup, that¡¯s the stuff.
The blazing fire makes flames out of everything thrown into it and so you¡¯ve thrown yourself into the fire to become one and burn even brighter. Bring forth the blazing passion raging inside you and coat your world in a myriad of flames as colorful as your spirit.
Ahhh, this one is just spot on.
[+2 Free Points, +10 Intelligence, +4 Focus +10 Mana, +6 Willpower per level]
And even the attributes¡ This one is just not fair, it has everything.
[Juvenile Grouch - Fire]
¡°Hey, I¡¯m not even¡ screw you!¡± I throw the shell back to the waves. ¡°You¡¯re not even worth considering.¡±
Now, what should we pick? Yes, that was a royal we.
[Blue Arsonist - Fire] [Divine Kindle - Fire] [Wielder of the Arcane - Arcane] [Mystique Seeker - Arcane] [Budding Natural Disaster - Arcane] [Shepherd of Fire - Fire]
These are the only choices I¡¯d ever consider. Although it¡¯s easy to dump a few right away.
Let¡¯s start with the most painful one first. Fire¡ I can spew blue flames even without a dedicated Class and as much as I like fire when it comes to destroying things I would rather use anything else to kill. Burning things alive just doesn¡¯t sit well with me¡ maybe I¡¯m just picky.
This crosses out two of the most potent ones but if I ever had to settle on a single element over arcane then it¡¯d be lightning, it¡¯s much cooler.
The other weak contestant is the Mystique Seeker obviously. For me, peace is not an option so a research Class would only turn me into a deadweight.
That leaves these three. [Divine Kindle - Fire] [Wielder of the Arcane - Arcane] [Budding Natural Disaster - Arcane]
Divine Kindle is obviously the strongest by far, while Budding Natural Disaster is a textbook Mage Class that would boost my damage to the moons¡ Not an easy pick.
¡°Arrrggghhh!¡± I groan. ¡°Martha better be right.¡±
Chapter 46 - The New Stuff
I wake up feeling slightly dizzy and way more tired than I should be after an early light out. After wiggling out of my bed I peek behind the curtain for some reason instead of using the watch Mom gave me to check the time. Solaire isn¡¯t even visible on the horizon and the sky is just starting to turn yellow so saying it¡¯s early would be a damn understatement. I¡¯m not a morning person, far from it.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve changed your Class to [Wielder of the Arcane - Arcane] lvl 19 -> 26, +2 Free Points, +1 Speed, +4 Mana, +5 Willpower, +3 Intelligence, +5 Focus.]
[Your Class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 19 ->25.]
[Your Class Skills [Mana Shield lvl 18], [Mana Bolt lvl 18], [Mana Blade lvl 18], [Mana, Spear lvl 18] have merged into the skill [Arcane Arsenal lvl 18].]
[Your class Skill [Arcane Arsenal] has reached lvl 19.]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the skill [Versatile Weapon Proficiency lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Now I don¡¯t know about you. Would it be nice to know how best to slap a beast in the face with a sword of fire? The Skill would correct my movements and all that warrior stuff, except I can wield a sword without even touching it¡ Holy shit, would this work even if I¡¯m not actually touching the weapon?
It¡¯s worth a try.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve acquired the Class skill [Versatile Weapon Proficiency lvl 1].]
Arcane Arsenal: Draw any weapon or shield from the endless weapon racks of mana and wield it in your name. Command sturdier constructs of mana with much more ease to never be outmatched and never find yourself on the back foot.
[Your Skill [Investigate Anomaly lvl 10], has morphed into the Class Skill [Mana Vision lvl 10].]
Did I even earn that? Not that I¡¯m complaining.
Mana Vision: Peer into the hidden beauty of the realm of mana and see what otherwise remains unseen. Watch as the mana swirls and coalesces, observe others wielding it, and let this colorful world become a part of you like a sixth sense.
Ah, so this time it¡¯s not just a tingle at the back of my head but a fully-fledged perception Skill. Love it, really, Investigate Anomaly was sort of useless in most cases because it had basically no range and no concrete feedback.
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 19 ->26.]
[The general Skill [Identify] has reached lvl 19 ->26.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 19 ->25.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 19 ->24.]
[The general Skill [Quick Witted] has reached lvl 19 ->26.]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting ] has reached lvl 19 ->23.]
Let it rain, this is what I¡¯ve been working for. And the best part? Now I¡¯m the second highest level right behind Kayla between us four. Supposedly there are kids with three times my number when you use Identify on them but for one I can¡¯t confirm that and two I¡¯ll humble those numbers in just a few years.
¡°I should really go back to bed, huh?¡± I ask myself. ¡°And I¡¯ve been strictly forbidden from playing around with magic without supervision, right?¡± I narrow my eyes and chew on my lips. ¡°Yeah¡¡±
So I comb my hair and get dressed in the usual training outfit. No way I can doze off after all these messages so let¡¯s just sneak our way to the courtyard.
I execute the mission flawlessly, not even the cleaning staff noticing me on my way to the courtyard. When I arrive at the archway leading out I release a sigh of relief now that I avoided detection. It¡¯s time to play safe and not almost kill myself again.
Confidently striding over to the Hadron crystal, I constantly remind myself to NOT overdraw mana, DO NOT use too much but when I¡¯m halfway there-
¡°So, little devil. What Class did you get?¡± Asks the familiar voice.
I turn around and see Martha sitting on a windowsill one floor above, with a mocking smirk on her elderly face and a questioningly raised eyebrow.
I¡¯m so fucked.
Martha expected to see the girl around this time since she went to bed relatively early. The real surprise would¡¯ve been if Elyssia hadn¡¯t appeared here before daylight and stuck to the rules. Maybe a huge selection of Classes could¡¯ve caused her to stay longer in her soul¡¯s realm but it seems she finished in an average time.
Punishing her would be a hypocritical move from Martha since without a doubt her younger self would¡¯ve acted no differently. Rules are just vague guidelines with curiosity taking the helm for any great mage.
The problem with Elyssia is that her curious nature almost killed her already. More than once. The even bigger problem, in Martha¡¯s opinion, is that the Journey Guide rewards her suicidal deeds with plenty of levels every single time. Pain and grief are fleeting deterrents when she can run up the steps of progress with every idiotic decision she makes.
Let¡¯s hope she matures before one of her stupid stunts causes irreversible damage. For now, let¡¯s see if my theory was right.
¡°Don¡¯t just gawk at me like that,¡± Martha teleports beside the girl. ¡°out with it already! Was my guess spot on?¡± This is really what it''s all about.
Elyssia seems to get over her surprise pretty fast, getting used to the shenanigans of the centuries-old war mage.
She¡¯s too sharp, I won¡¯t have my fun much longer.
¡°So what do I get if the guess wasn¡¯t so spot on?¡± She asks hesitantly.
Impossible, was I wrong? Did I just waste months of a child''s life?
¡°Oh, dear I¡¯m so~o sorry. I¡¯ll¡ uhm¡ I¡¯ll help however I can help you climb back your levels.¡± Martha is in total panic mode. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the market, so we can get you some equipment. Maybe that can aid your progress a bit when I take you more often to the forest. Okay?¡± She pulls the girl into a hug, trying to console a disappointed heart.
¡°Damn, that sounds sweet¡ I almost regret choosing the right Class then.¡± The muffled voice responds from the embrace.
Martha pulls away, shock and realization passing through her mind. ¡°Say that again if you dare!¡± She says in an even tone with her eyes narrowing to slits, challenging Elyssia to repeat the words that left her mouth.
The girl in question visibly shrinks, an innocent smile and puppy eyes finding their way onto her face.
¡°Uhm¡ It worked. The Skills merged and I just wanted to very carefully give them a try. Are you curious too, Granny Martha?¡± The deception almost works, especially since it''s the child she¡¯s raising and is constantly on her mind calling her what every older woman dreams of.
Stolen novel; please report.
Awww, if it weren¡¯t for you trying to weasel your way out of what¡¯s coming I might¡¯ve even melted. I always wanted children and grandchildren. A small smile appears on Martha¡¯s face. If only she didn¡¯t try to deceive me like this¡ And the smile continues to grow. If only she knew the consequences...
I don¡¯t like that smile. That¡¯s a very concerning smile, one that makes a cold shiver run down my spine. I try to wiggle my way out of her embrace but her hold on me is rock solid, way too strong for a mage.
The grin reaches its crescendo and Martha releases a small ¡°Hihi¡± Before she teleports me away. Not anywhere inside the castle or the courtyard, oh no¡ upwards, far upwards.
My heart leaps into my throat as I start to plummet towards the ground while shrieking in fright. ¡°Kyaaa, help me, Martha, help!!¡±
She just waves at me, pleased as punch and smiling like a gremlin. ¡°Okay okay, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sor~ry!¡± I cry desperately while flailing in the air. She does nothing.
It¡¯s clear I overdid the whole mess with your teacher thing. This is probably the finding out part after fucking around.
Fuck it, if Martha doesn¡¯t do anything then I will because I don¡¯t feel like dying today. Not with my new untested Skills.
Just like when I made that stupid leap with Kayla chasing me yesterday I sprawl out and use wind magic to increase my drag as much as possible and slow my fall.
It does slow my fall, a bit, before I start spinning and feeling nauseous. With that plan out of the window, I just close my eyes as the ground gets closer and closer while screaming loudly. How embarrassing¡
However, instead of a deadly impact, all I feel is a tug before falling onto my rump and hearing a certain someone laugh herself ragged. There¡¯s nothing else I can do but indignantly wait for her to catch her breath and give her the death stare which just makes her laugh harder.
¡°Oh Eli, that was hilarious. Your face, and when you started spinning.¡± She loses it again, kneeling on the ground by now.
Almost a minute passes.
¡°Your prank was a good one,¡± Martha finally straightens up and takes a deep breath. ¡°but you¡¯re too young to play me like that. Only make jokes on someone of your own level, else they might make you cry.¡± She says with a mocking grin. ¡°Enough of the jokes, what do you have?¡± I feel like the roles are reversed here. I should be the one all pumped up and bugging her not the other way around.
Although I sulk and frown, I know I had this coming. ¡°Wielder of the Arcane, a Class that merged the four Skills you mentioned and focuses on controlled combat.¡±
All the previous jabs and pranks are shredded to bits in Martha¡¯s mind at the mention of my Class and Skill. She just leans forward with gleaming eyes like an excited child, nodding for me to continue.
¡°So I had a few cyan options and-¡±
¡°What? Cyan at your level, that¡¯s incredibly rare. Just what could¡¯ve¡¡± Her face darkens. ¡°That explosion?¡±
¡°Yeah, that and the fire against the locusts, the Class-¡±
¡°So you got a cyan Class already, that''s a huge upgrade, what is the merged Skill called? Wait, let me guess¡ Arcane Squire?¡± Her enthusiasm just keeps on rising.
¡°I hate to break it to you but I didn¡¯t take any of the cyan Classes, mine is just blue.¡± I say it quickly before she can interrupt me again. Seeing the confusion on her face I clarify. ¡°One of the cyan Classes was called Shepherd of Fire. It was really good actually, except I didn¡¯t want to lose the versatility of the arcane element and melee just isn''t my style.¡± Although she still seems unsure she nods. ¡°The other was Divine Kindle. As a servant of Althea, I would¡¯ve-¡±
¡°You did well.¡± She pats my shoulder. ¡°The Classes bound to Gods are very restrictive. They offer great power in exchange for basically becoming a glorified lackey. Good job resisting the temptation of power and don¡¯t worry she won¡¯t hold a grudge. It would be unjust to force something onto you.¡±
This takes a huge weight off my shoulders. I was honestly worried the Goddess might take offense to that. I did just reject her and nobody likes that and hopefully, I¡¯m probably not that important on a godly scale.
Unjust¡ wait, does that mean the other Gods would get mad?
¡°Okay, so your Class is blue, that¡¯s still very good. At your age probably only one percent of kids have something similar, even though that rate is a lot higher here¡ but peasants don''t need a strong Class to grow potatoes.¡± She dismisses it.
That sounds slightly degrading even if factually correct¡
¡°The Skill is called Arcane Arsenal and I also got something called Mana Vision.¡± I read the full description of my Status screen.
¡°Huh, nice, I only expected Mana Sense or something even less dedicated,¡± Martha taps her chin. ¡°I guess your attribute increase per level is not that impressive?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± As expected, she put the pieces together right away. ¡°I also picked up Versatile Weapon Proficiency to-¡±
¡°That¡¯s useless.¡± She flat-out dismisses the Skill. My head tilt and raised eyebrow combo makes her talk but only after I hold it there for a second and a long sigh from the old hag. ¡°Elyssia, how do you wield your weapons? Let¡¯s say¡ a Mana Blade.¡±
¡°I make it¡ and I cut?¡± What the hell is she on about?
¡°Something like that. It¡¯s not a sword duel, you don¡¯t clash weapons with your opponent, and you definitely don¡¯t want to end up in close quarters.¡± She walks over to a weapon rack and grabs a sword. ¡°The Skill you picked fixes your mistakes, gives you the basics, and makes sure even an amateur like yourself can block and counter with the weapon of your choice, that¡¯s all it does.¡±
She does a few slashes and thrusts with the weapon. Her moves are sharp, confident, and definitely more professional than some of the Warriors I¡¯ve met in my life. And all that without a Skill?
¡°No sharper sword, sturdier shield, or any of that nonsense, leave that to the Warriors.¡± The sword gets thrown to the side like a piece of junk. ¡°The only situation where that Skill of yours could shine is if you were forced into a melee. Although if it ever came to that then you¡¯d need much more than some weapon proficiency.¡±
Okay okay, damn, message received. It sounded like a good idea in my head at first but she¡¯s right, every weapon of mana I make just gets launched and forgotten. I¡¯ll still keep it until something better appears.
¡°Mana Vision is a difficult-to-get General Skill, quite a useful one mind you. Although you got it as a Class Skill¡¡± Martha starts tapping her chin. ¡°I wanted you to acquire it later on so this just makes my work faster. Arcane Arsenal is completely new, although it does sound similar to a few Skills I¡¯ve heard of before. How does it work?¡±
Does curiosity make her stupid? That¡¯s why I¡¯m here, duh. It¡¯s as if Kayla¡¯s spirit has settled into her body with all this talking¡
¡°Why don¡¯t I test it?¡± I suggest, and that''s what we do.
The Skill description was pretty accurate, I can create almost any weapon using mana with surprising ease. The constructs are pretty sturdy and require very little mana to maintain, although it has its limitations. Numbers, size, and visualization to name a few. Arcane Arsenal is still restricted to my attributes and let¡¯s not even mention its level so that¡¯s that. The image in one¡¯s head is one of the most important things when it comes to wielding magic and the main issue here is that I don¡¯t really know what differentiates a master-crafted sword from a garbage one. The size of the blade, its thickness, length, the guard, the tip and so many other things¡ Even more stuff to learn.
¡°Why do I need this Skill, Martha? Didn¡¯t you say that anything we can do ourselves is a waste to get a Skill for?¡± I ask seeing how the Skill just helps me out with something I can do myself.
¡°Read the description well; ¡®Command sturdier constructs of mana with much more ease.¡¯ This means anything you¡¯re trying to make will form faster and more solid than if you did it by yourself. This is a huge boon, not being the one to fire the magic first can cost you your life.¡±
That makes a lot of sense. Maybe this Skill is why the Class gives fewer stat-points. It¡¯s just stupidly powerful in the way she describes it.
Mana Vision is even more wonky. When I turn it on it siphons mana incredibly slowly, like 0.1/second, but the sight¡ It¡¯s beautiful. The air swirls green, the ground radiates brown, wherever the sun shines mana appears more brilliant, and anything in the shadows is more hazy. Fire shows dancing red mana clouds and water is just a mass of blue particles.
What a sight. What a headache, damn.
I quickly turn off the rainbow vision, on the edge of throwing up and with injured enthusiasm towards magic. By the looks of it, my little head isn¡¯t made to comprehend this sight for too long, not with my current attributes that is.
¡°Say,¡± The new goodies need further testing, on live targets. ¡°can we maybe go to the fore-¡±
¡°No, the outing is tomorrow.¡± Martha shoots down my proposal, almost as if she knew what I was about to ask. ¡°Besides, now that you¡¯re level 26 you¡¯ll have plenty of opponents to try yourself against.¡±
¡°Oh, right,¡± The good old fiendish smile returns to my face. ¡°I can now climb the rankings.¡±
Chapter 47 - First Step of the Ladder
Rank. 112, 0 Points
That''s what the board in the mess hall I¡¯ve never bothered to check displays. I¡¯m not dead last only because there are others besides me with absolutely no points who are below my level so that means they should be objectively weaker. It¡¯s mostly points that matter though.
A win is two points, a draw is one for both participants, and a loss is minus one. None of the numbers is three¡ weird that.
Letting my eyes wander up the list of names turns out to be a mistake.
¡°Victor is ninety-two, August is eighty-seven and Kayla¡ seventy-one. Ridiculous...¡± My frow just keeps growing as the numbers increase and by the time I reach the top¡ ¡°Rank. 1, 113 Points¡±
Without a doubt one of the older kids. Anyone above the age of twelve is removed from the list and released from the nest that is Fort Karon. Adventuring, higher education, low-risk jobs¡ that¡¯s the real stuff.
More importantly, there¡¯s another reason why I was looking forward to squaring off against some mages, some proper human opponents with all types of magic.
***
¡°You know the drill kids,¡± Bennett stands right outside the dueling ring, leading the mock battles in the afternoon as usual. ¡°anyone with points in the single digits may now volunteer as the first challenger.¡±
And as usual, the bottomfeeders are extremely reluctant to take the spotlight. They are the weakest, meekest, youngest, and just all in all treated like doormats. I know I¡¯m in this category but I¡¯m different, I¡¯m cool.
Naturally, my hand swings up to take the chance and gain the benefit of picking my opponent. I already have someone in mind and this would be my best chance if only another girl didn¡¯t feel like proving herself today. Brown hair, brown eyes, average height, and¡ average everything really. I don¡¯t even remember her name.
¡°Ah, two hands in the air,¡± Bennett strokes his short beard. ¡°You know what that means.¡± The crowd does not go wild, we¡¯re talking about the prospect of a mediocre performance after all. ¡°Into the ring you two!¡±
Oh c¡¯mon, I was clearly faster. The one time I decide to pick up the slack and go out of my way to put in the work¡Argh... Why couldn¡¯t she gather her courage earlier to show off? Young people, I swear¡
¡°I didn¡¯t expect the Rainbow Mage to be my first opponent.¡± The girl takes her place opposite of me and initiates conversation. A little taunting and shit-talking is common practice.
I already have a nickname, huh? Rainbow¡ why? Fire is red, or yellow, or white, or blue, water is blue, earth is brown, wind is¡ colorless but let¡¯s just say it¡¯s green and lightning is more white than anything. Nah, the colors just don¡¯t add up.
Oh yeah, everyone sort of figured out I¡¯m much more than a simple earth mage after I made August lick the floor in the mess hall. After that, Martha saw no point in keeping my Blessing a secret any longer so we just let the cat out of the bag. If this much time wasn¡¯t enough for Mom and Dad to escape the country then they have bigger problems than word spreading about me or so Martha said.
I hope they¡¯re fine, no, I know they are. I learned almost everything from them and I¡¯m fine. As a matter of fact, I¡¯m sure they¡¯re getting stronger even right now, working their ass off and doing their best to protect me the next time. I won¡¯t fall behind, who will protect them if not me, right?
Anyway, the kids took the news of my cheat-like ability easier than I expected. Maybe because they¡¯re young and don¡¯t really care, maybe because the other three have been running around using their specialty for a few days now, or¡ maybe because it doesn¡¯t matter. Does it affect their life, the world, or anything really? No, and I don¡¯t plan on changing that so I still can¡¯t understand why some dumb adults have to mess up my life just because I¡¯m a bit special. Really special.
Fuck, now I¡¯m a little irritated over nothing¡
[Rogue lvl 22]
And she¡¯s going to be the one to fix that.
Now, I know this is a pretty shitty matchup for me and that speedy enemies are the bane of mages but I don¡¯t feel like losing this one.
¡°What, cat got your tongue?¡± The girl snaps, understandably, since I¡¯ve let her previous comment go unanswered for a good ten seconds now. That¡¯s embarrassing. ¡°You might think you¡¯re special but I¡¯ll you make it clear just how average you are.¡±
Okay, the jabs have been a little one-sided. Let¡¯s fix that.
¡°Wait, who are you?¡± I try acting as confused as possible without breaking out giggling. ¡°Did you put your hand up on accident?¡±
The girl¡¯s face goes tomato red in an instant. I already won the first part of the duel, the rest should be child¡¯s play.
¡°Both sides ready?¡± Bennett goes on with the ceremonial stuff.
I nod.
¡°I¡¯ll show you how serious I am!¡± The girl just growls walking towards me before Bennett could even signal the start of the bout.
I don¡¯t mind and honestly, I¡¯d also happily go out of my way just to mess with the old man and his authority any other time. Despite that urge, I stay still and simply nod again for him to continue when his questioning eyes find me after the blatant lack of sportsmanship from my opponent. This just makes it seem like I¡¯m really not taking her seriously.
I don¡¯t know why but thinking of my parents really soured my mood so I¡¯m feeling a little, very petty right now. Thankfully someone volunteered to help me with that. Let¡¯s not forget, it¡¯s her fault for raising her hand.
Her slow walk quickly turns into a full-on sprint with two kitchen knife category daggers appearing from under her clothes. Rogues and their trickery¡ With that said there¡¯s no guarantee those are the only weapons she has on her.
We wear no protective gear, no armor, and no magical gadget inscribed to defend us in case we mess up. That¡¯s the dueling ring¡¯s job. From what I¡¯ve seen it reacts not to danger or voice command but blood or other injuries. The instant even a drop of blood is spilled it forms a bubble around the injured duelist.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
¡®Isn¡¯t this sort of dangerous?¡¯ was my first question. And the answer made a lot of sense. First, getting hurt a little is not necessarily a bad thing was the reasoning Bennett gave me. Yeah, I almost spat in his face for that. Then he pointed out that a punch here as a first ouchie is a lot better than an arrow through your chest in a few years. Get used to it basically. Other than that we¡¯re nowhere fast enough to outplay the ring¡¯s defensive mechanism and accidentally kill each other.
I wonder if I could prove him wrong¡ I don¡¯t want to but it makes me wonder.
I¡¯m not just daydreaming as my opponent approaches and the blades in her hand are starting to smoke. Smoke? Super black whisps of dark¡ ah, the dark element. The beauty of this ring? I can freely use fire magic since she¡¯ll be wrapped in the bubble even before her skin can turn red.
Let¡¯s mess with her a little, shall we?
Judging by her pulled-back left hand and maybe a little help from Premonition her opening move will be a left swing. Maybe to spite Martha about her comment on my weapon Skill or maybe to show off a little a sturdy longsword of stone rises out of the ground right at my feet and I grab it. I don¡¯t actually grab it with my hand because I doubt I could lift it in the first place, instead focusing all my control on the weapon, raising it to intercept the incoming swing.
However, before the girl could actually close the distance the dark wisps on her weapon spread down her arm, up her shoulder and over her entire body. The moment her entire body is covered in back her eyes flash white and she splits into three in a cloud of dark fog. The bodies move as one, closing in on me from three sides with their knives all aimed at¡ heart, neck, left hip, informs Premonition.
But I fail to come up with a solution, my mind consumed by blind panic and my body frozen as the familiar threat closes in.
The shadows, they¡¯re here to take me, they came back. It¡¯s just like back then¡ I¡¯m surrounded by darkness, helpless, hopeless¡ Mom, Dad please come back, please help me, please¡ stay safe.
The spark of panic gets extinguished just as quickly as it appeared. Resolve, courage, discipline¡ no, all of those traits are children compared to pride, and my pride is unwilling to accept this outcome.
Shit, shit, shit, what witchcraft is this. Are these just decoys, is only one of them real? I underestimated her and now I¡¯m the one getting embarrassed¡ That, I cannot allow.
By now the simple irritation has turned into something much more.
Instead of backing away as one would expect from a frightened Mage, I burst forward snarling like a savage beast with a wave of fire moving along with me. As the flames wash over the shadowy figures the bright red begins to eat away at the foggy black, proving these are no mere decoys but proper copies very much capable of hitting me. But there¡¯s no bubble.
They are not real. They¡¯re not the shadows haunting me, these ones can¡¯t hurt me. But then where¡¯s the girl?
Relying on my momentum I slash through the flaming figure of darkness in front of me and as expected the girl is right behind it, coming in with a followup attack. The absolute basics Dad taught me of close quarters are enough to know how to swing my sword, albeit not with my muscles but my mind.
I¡¯m aware my charge is foolish and that I¡¯d lose the melee nine out of nine times, I¡¯m not furious enough to turn dumb. The fire mirrors my state of mind, rushing at the girl from both sides like frothing waves of red and orange.
The tables have turned.
With nowhere else to go she takes to the air, exactly what I hoped for. Releasing the fire just like a deep sigh, I pull water from a nearby pool prepared for water mages, turning it into a massive whip or more like a tentacle and slamming it down on my opponent. Another shadow just like the previous ones splits from her with blades crossed to block the attack mirroring its master, a cute response.
The darkness is crushed under the force of my magic and just like the clone, the girl doesn¡¯t fare much better. I¡¯ve long discarded my sword because¡ I don¡¯t really like it, and instead, let the stone split into tiny projectiles, all of them now hurling after the Rogue to finish this off.
Dumb duels. Useless¡ Oh.
This is when I recall why exactly I¡¯ve been looking forward to these afternoon bouts. Besides climbing the ranking. I forgot to check how dark magic might work, or use my new Skill¡
With a simple thought, I make the finishing strike accidentally miss, delaying the deployment of the bubble and my opponent¡¯s humiliation. The fight only lasted like ten seconds.
The first thing I noticed from how her trickery works is that the shadowy figures she creates can always execute only one simple move. The second is that her own actual shadow loses some of its depth a bit every time she uses it, almost as if she created the clones from it. The color does slowly return but there¡¯s one more thing bugging me. How the fuck can shadows have substance?
I activate Mana Vision finally taking things seriously but also feeling like something cold is trying to squeeze my eyes and head right away. It¡¯s a demanding Skill. The girl hesitates for a second after she lands, probably baffled by her luck of surviving my attacks unharmed, before retreating a little and running circles around me again. She thinks I''m the prey...
C¡¯mon, do your shadow thingy, let me see.
As if on command the girl throws one of her knives with another white flicker zipping through her eyes. I¡¯m not blind, I can see it coming, Premonition can see it coming, so blocking it is a question of which method to use mostly. As expected the knife splits into five little blades of darkness all flying at me with pretty shitty accuracy I¡¯m not gonna lie.
In the end, I decide to pull all the water in front of me as a shield to slow the weapons rather than straight up blocking them with an earth barrier. I need them intact to study.
The knives were obviously just a diversion and if I had to guess she¡¯s currently circling around me to deliver a strike from my blind spot. Or at least that¡¯s what I¡¯d do. Before dealing with that, however, I need to see what these constructs of darkness are made of.
It¡¯s¡ folded, like those paper animals Dad made by folding a simple sheet a couple of times. Mom was pretty grumpy after that, paper is pretty expensive supposedly. What I¡¯m dealing with right now is like paper, except it¡¯s¡ the layers seem to give structure to the shadow constructs but at the same time they pass through each other seamlessly, like a normal shadow.
By now my headache gets pretty hard to endure and the girl should be only steps away so I abandon my inquiry. Enough messing around.
Turning on my heels I¡¯m only met with a wall of black fog instead of my opponent but I don¡¯t panic. I do something stupid instead. For a second, a blink, I active Mana Vision again, gaining a glimpse behind into the world of mana where amidst the black dust cloud of dark magic a human figure is revealed.
¡°Got you.¡± I grunt before the colors fade again.
Before I can attack however, a monster, a massive demon of shadows emerges from the dark cloud. It pounces at me with claws, teeth, and any other bodily weapon imaginable threatening my life¡ sadly, I don¡¯t care. I saw no shadow constructs or any other creatures in the fog enshrouding half the dueling ring which means this is just a trick, a decoy, a desperate try.
Lightning crackles around me, through my hair, down my arms and between my fingers before jumping into the darkness. A sound similar to someone flicking a glass window can be heard instead of a scream, grunt, or any other noise an injured person makes before the shadows disperse and a big round ball of arcane mana is revealed with my little mouse inside.
¡°That¡¯s enough, winner Elyssia.¡± Bennett declares, making me sigh in relief.
That¡¯s right, this time I was the cat.
Chapter 48 - Born for a Challenge
Okay, what did I learn about dark magic today? Not much honestly. I saw how constructs of shadow are made¡ no, not even that, I only observed what they look like and never saw them actually forming. So¡ really not much for now. Shadows shouldn¡¯t be able to form objects in the first place¡
[Your class Skill [Arcane Arsenal] has reached lvl 20.]
[Your class Skill [Mana Vision] has reached lvl 12 ->14.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 25.]
To be fair stealing someone¡¯s techniques mid-fight isn¡¯t an easy task. If my opponent had been even a little stronger or simply more decisive, leisurely inspecting her knife would¡¯ve meant my end. Her constructs were fragile as hell, more like decoys with a slap than actual threats and let¡¯s not forget the most severe miscalculation of hers¡ I¡¯m not your average Mage either.
Fast targets are the bane of every spell-slinging, backline-camping, scaredy mage but not me. I don¡¯t hit big, I¡¯m fast, my magic forms fast, I react fast, and I adapt fast. This whole bad matchup thing works quite differently for me, I think heavily armored enemies would be the most difficult opponents for me to take down.
I know fighting someone isn¡¯t the easiest or most logical way of learning about different types of magic but I don¡¯t feel like walking up to people to ask. ¡®Could you please show me one of your special moves or how you wield your magic?¡¯ Yeah, no, really not my style. Even the thought of it irks me.
¡°It looks like you have your first win.¡± Bennett deactivates the dueling ring, the bubble pops, and returns everything to normal. ¡°Go recharge and decide on who you want to fight next! If you¡¯re not too tired that is.¡±
You need a lot more than that to taunt me, old man. Okay, it probably would¡¯ve worked if wasn¡¯t planning on staying in the ring anyway.
A quick recharge from the massive Hadron crystal and I¡¯m back in the ring with all eyes on me.
My next prey¡ Honestly, I¡¯d love to pick August and beat his ass again just because I don¡¯t like his face, the way he moves or even breathes¡ Just for my own satisfaction. I want to learn something else today, however¡ the secret to wielding metals.
¡°Albert.¡± I call the name of the boy I¡¯ve been observing for a day now and who¡¯s a year older than me.
[Mage lvl 42]
Yeah, terrible odds I know, but not many people pick metal as their element of choice.
The gasps and not-so-hush discussions among the crowd seem to agree with my assessment, besides calling me an idiot. I can¡¯t even be mad about it right now, I am doing something pretty stupid.
¡°Are you sure?¡± Bennett steps closer and whispers with a troubled face. ¡°You probably haven¡¯t learned everyone¡¯s name yet-¡±
¡°No, I¡¯m sure,¡± I repeat out loud putting my hands on my hip to look more¡ adulty? ¡°I pick Albert.¡±
After a few seconds, a lanky boy with a bowl cut steps forth from the crowd, my next opponent. He slowly walks over to the ring with his head low and eyes staring at the ground. The angsty doormat type¡
¡°H-hey?¡± How can someone phrase even a simple greeting as a question¡ ¡°Can I ask something?¡± He scratches the back of his head.
I have to desperately fight to stop myself from saying something sarcastic like, You already did. or No, I¡¯m not going out with you. Damn, am I the villain around here?
¡°I picked you because there¡¯s something I want to learn.¡± I answer the question before it¡¯s even asked. ¡°I know what I¡¯m signing up for.¡±
After a few long blinks, Albert lets out a relieved sigh. ¡°That¡¯s good then, thank you for the points.¡±
That catches me off guard I¡¯m not gonna lie. The stun doesn¡¯t last long though, my parents trained me well, but even so, my rebuke turns out pretty weak.
¡°Just don¡¯t embarrass yourself by losing to your junior.¡± Now I definitely won¡¯t feel bad for throwing everything I have at this meek dude.
¡°Both sides ready?¡± After we take our places Bennett¡¯s usual question signals the imminent start of this round. ¡°Fight!¡±
Neither of us moves.
Unlike my previous round, this time I won¡¯t be able to both win and see how metal morphs under the ethereal hands of mana. Okay, I¡¯d probably lose either way¡ Point is, reacting and observing are my goals.
After several seconds pass without any action I¡¯m starting to suspect he¡¯s either too careful or too nervous to make the first move. To check I make a small wisp of fire appear in my palm and send towards his face.
This will wake him up.
It does. The weapons and shields on the weapon racks closest to us tear through the wood keeping them in place and form a barrier of clutter in the path of the flames. Okay, so it¡¯s all or nothing, he never heard of mild reaction or proportional response I guess.
With all the metal flying between us I activate Mana Vision again to observe and learn and¡ this is a lot more difficult than I imagined. I honestly don¡¯t know how the hell I discovered even the slightest detail about lightning magic, let alone understand the damn thing. Maybe Savant needs a few more levels?
One way or another I need to make the most of this fight so let¡¯s get to testing.
***
That was fucking sad man¡ What was even the point of me shooting anything at him if the wall of iron could just take anything? Fire, stones, high-pressure water, and lightning zaps¡ nothing made even a dent.
I tried to move around him and take the ground from under his feet but he was way faster than me and stood on a platform of shields after the first earth I sneakily sent under his defenses.
The difference in power was simply overwhelming. After Albert got used to my shenanigans he retaliated with a bunch of swords flying my way and following wherever I dodged.
I put up a good fight, or so I¡¯d like to believe, but victory wasn¡¯t really my goal from the start. Okay, that¡¯s not true, I would¡¯ve loved to win and learn as much as I can but I¡¯m not that delulu.
¡°What was the big idea?¡± Martha approaches me after my defeat, finding me next to the Hadron crystal even though I recharged my mana already minutes ago. ¡°And did you move those swords with lightning magic back then?¡±
Hehe, she noticed.
That was one of the main things I wanted to test out against an actual metal mage, the way the coiling lightning snake disturbs iron. It¡¯s common knowledge that wrestling for control over let¡¯s say fire or earth between mages with similar elemental alignments always ends up won by the one with superior control. Well, I have no idea how to move metals and Albert outclasses me quite a bit so I tried something else.
Needless to say, it wasn¡¯t a great success, his hold on the weapons and shield was a lot stronger than anything my little trick was capable of but it was enough to catch him off guard. That was the closest I ever got to getting a proper hit in on him.
¡°It¡¯s a little trick I stumbled upon.¡± It¡¯s something I only partially understand. Something about currents, magnetic field, and some dude named Ampere¡ ¡°Give it a try.¡±
Wait hold up, am I actively sharing knowledge from Savant right now? Actually, shouldn¡¯t the restriction prevent me from using any magic whatsoever? I mean, people could catch a glimpse of any of my tricks and learn from them so how is any of this different¡ I mean, I¡¯m fine with this, I don¡¯t want to be restricted to only using magic in absolute solitude.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
¡°Something like this?¡± She asks and perfectly replicates my own special lightning trick.
¡°No!¡± I yell the second electricity escapes her finger with a lot more oomph than I can ever hope for.
Anything metal all around is instantly pulled towards Martha as the lightning serpent dances, entire weapon racks, windows, people wearing armor¡ it¡¯s devastating. Most people have taken cover on the ground the moment things turned chaotic and only a few of us are left standing. I hid behind Martha, Bennett just looked unbothered and the rest were simply too slow to react.
¡°You can¡¯t teach this to anyone Elyssia.¡± Martha mutters as people gather themselves.
That was the plan from the start with you being part of the anyone. That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to yell at least¡ Just how strong did she make the-
¡°Don¡¯t try to reverse it!¡± I quickly yell even though Martha has already made the magic stop.
That¡¯s the last thing we need, waving all the dangerous stuff fly in every direction with the force of a proper throw.
¡°Martha?¡± Bennett asks for an explanation, understandably.
¡°Just a little accident, nothing to worry about, it was my fault.¡± Her reassurance sounds¡ not too reassuring. ¡°Just what the hell is this?¡± She quickly switches and hisses at me as if any of this was my fault.
¡°Who told you to use a hundred times more power than I did?¡± I hiss back, standing my ground in the face of injustice. ¡°You act just like me when-¡±
¡°Hey,¡± Martha¡¯s eyes narrow and there¡¯s a dangerous undertone to her voice. ¡°Tone down the sass little devil, we¡¯re not the same age and I am your superior. Keep that in mind!¡±
I don¡¯t look away, I¡¯m not in the wrong here and I don¡¯t recognize the old-person privilege of shit-talking protection. Last but not least, I¡¯m not a bitch.
¡°Do you have any more tricks like-¡±
¡°No,¡± I cross my arms and quickly shoot down the old woman¡¯s shameless attempt. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple.¡±
It actually is, I just don¡¯t feel like sharing anything more right now. And I still don¡¯t understand how Savant allowed this one to slip. Maybe she already had the slightest idea about electric currents and magnetism or... it¡¯s more likely that unintentional slips like these are overlooked since it¡¯s not my fault. I need to be careful of any spying eyes.
Lightning magic aside¡ the duel wasn¡¯t exactly fruitless either, I think I have a clue but I¡¯m still missing a few pieces. Sadly that means I¡¯ll need to challenge Albert a few more times and probably lose¡
Think big Eli, think big.
***
About five weeks later I find myself in the same ring again, at the same time of day, and facing the same metal mage who has humbled me four times already. Martha already caught on to my plan, although initially, she thought I was simply too stubborn and unwilling to accept defeat. Not entirely wrong to be fair.
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Elyssia
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Age: 9
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 1040/1040
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Free Points: 12
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+126/hour
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Might: 7
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Intelligence: 86
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Mana: 104
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Speed: 23
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Focus: 126(+11)
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Willpower: 126
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Endurance: 8
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Dexterity: 10
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Fortitude: 8
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 29
Identify lvl 30
Running lvl 25
Dodging lvl 24
Pain Tolerance lvl 7
Premonition lvl 28
Stamina lvl 21
Quick Witted lvl 27
Serne Spellcrafting lvl 27
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I. Class: Wielder of the Arcane - Arcane lvl 30
Arcane Mastery lvl 27
Arcane Armory lvl 24
Mana Vision lvl 22
Versatile Weapon Proficiency lvl 3
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II. Class: *Locked*
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Yeah, I kept Versatile Weapon Proficiency because nothing else showed up yet although it hasn¡¯t seen much use. Martha was right, any melee combatant can and will make me a laughingstock both in terms of speed and power if I ever try to meet them with a weapon in my hand.
The outings twice a week helped tremendously with leveling although with the four of us sharing both the burden and the danger the Journey Guide clearly valued my efforts less. I only had maybe one close call even remotely close to the scary locust walking through the fire to eat me alive. Even then we weren¡¯t on the losing end but rather overconfident and careless.
As much as it hurts to admit I¡¯m not the most valuable member of the team and neither is it Kayla because whenever we have no potent beasts nearby for her to control she¡¯s pretty useless. August is¡ okay, his performance is mid but consistent and Victor¡ as proven many times already, a good plan is much more valuable than a few levels or even superior numbers.
Then what about me, what can I do? Everything.
And now it¡¯s time for Albert to learn why I¡¯ve challenged him and why I endured defeat at his hands four times already. FOUR GOD DAMN TIMES! I hate losing and running headfirst into a wall over and over again like some utter moron so why? Well, mostly because I refuse to ask for his help¡ but more importantly to achieve what I was promised by Librea.
¡°Both sides ready?¡± The now super familiar question leaves Bennett¡¯s mouth yet again.
¡°Are you not tired of this yet?¡± Albert quietly asks the question. So quietly actually as if the question wasn¡¯t meant for me in the first place.
¡°I am,¡± I answer with a sad smile. ¡°nobody likes losing.¡± Then my smile grows vicious. ¡°But winning is not everything.¡±
¡°Fight!¡±
Just like previous times, I bolt forward with melon-sized chunks of earth torn out from the ground and flying right at my opponent. His response is a wall of metal gathering and taking the hits as expected, nothing new there.
Only this time I have a plan¡ to win. The pieces of the puzzle that is metal magic are mostly in my hand now and today I¡¯ll reveal that in the most spectacular way. By beating the odds.
As his wall of iron gets in my range of control I command the earth to rise and grab the flimsy weapons. As dirt and metal clash I quickly change directions with a burst of wind and try going for his flank where he¡¯s less defended. The earth isn¡¯t meant to take the iron wall down, it only needs to make sure I have free rein even if just for a few seconds.
Albert seems annoyed rather than troubled at my approach and soon a swarm of daggers flying after me shows just how annoyed he is. Ignoring the danger, I unleash a wall of fire right into his face, diving right after the flames to hide my approach. In the face of danger, Albert employs his ultimate move, a small tornado of iron swirling around him to face any kind of danger. A nigh impenetrable defense.
I¡¯ve tried everything in my arsenal the last time to break through but my efforts turned out to be futile. For the most part.
As the flames are swatted by the storm of iron and I¡¯m revealed my next trick is already set in motion. A sturdy column of earth springs up in the path of the many weapons and shields holding them back for a second. The last time I tried to break through after getting this far only for the earth to buckle and the blades to swarm me like piranhas. Thank the Gods for the protective bubble, that shit was scary.
Right now I¡¯ve got a different plan though.
A few seconds is all I have to do my thing but that is more than enough to create the lightning coil and thus the magnetic field. It seems idiotic from my point of view to pull all the weapons my way but my opponent doesn¡¯t know that. Someone contesting his control over the weapons all around us, that¡¯s all Albert notices and right away he concentrates his efforts on pulling his weapons back to form yet another barrier.
Know your enemy and know yourself blah blah blah¡ one of the countless vague wisdoms Martha so wholeheartedly spews towards the end of her lectures. This one isn¡¯t that pointless though, Albert is cowardly at heart so it was obvious he¡¯d turtle up the moment he felt threatened.
I take my chance and close my distance even further.
Metal¡ many books described it as the sibling of earth magic and Savant also gave some hints about its structure and properties. I¡¯ve been missing something, something from the orderly grid¡ the stuff in between the connections. Lightning was the key all along. A cloud of charges fills the gap in the grid, the broth to the soup.
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 30.]
I keep blasting fire into the wall while running headfirst towards it in what seems like a suicidal attempt.
Sadly it turns out my opponent is also capable of learning as only steps away from his wall under the cloak of my flames a swarm of swords breaks through the fiery wall leaving me no time to react.
He got me.
I raise my arm and close my eyes on instinct as the pointy tips draw ever closer only for the familiar plink of something bouncing off the ring¡¯s barrier to sound the end of this duel.
The fire dissipates and every flying piece of metal falls to the ground as the crowd is relieved. That¡¯s not what I¡¯m curious about though.
With a flat look and slight frown, Bennett opens his mouth. ¡°Good duel, winner¡¡± His frown morphs into the slightest of smiles. ¡°Elyssia.¡±
There¡¯s a collective gasp from the crowd and every eye snaps toward Albert standing in his own little bubble of protection with a dagger driving itself into the ethereal blue wall relentlessly.
A huge immensely arrogant smile. That¡¯s the best I can do to stop myself from laughing out loud with relief and smugness. Another risky plan bearing fruits.
I had to distract Albert and make him panic in order for him to drop some of his tools and pay attention elsewhere. He probably has a perception Skill and there was no way I could wrestle one of the weapons conveniently all around him from his grip without him noticing. I wasn¡¯t even sure I could move the metal in the first place.
Just to flaunt my new ability I command the dagger to fly over to me and do some happy dancing with everyone watching.
That¡¯s right, I got even scarier today. I still have a few years to beat all of you and take the top spot in the rankings so best do your homework because I¡¯m coming for you all.
Why am I enjoying myself this much?
Chapter 49 - How Time Flies I.
19693 The 3rd Spring
A year. Sounds like a lot of time especially when it¡¯s basically one-tenth of my entire lifetime but it didn¡¯t feel long at all. I had no idle mornings and free hours spent with nothing but lazing around and whining about how bored I was. The Fist is shit-hot when it comes to pitting us kids against each other and creating competition at every waking moment.
Be it running, studying, hunting, verbal bouts, mental trickery, or straight-up fights, there is always someone ready to challenge you and something more important to earn than money or power in our community of cadets. Respect.
It¡¯s not that I blame anyone for this atmosphere because this is where I thrive. I¡¯m sure without anyone pushing me or backs bigger and more powerful than mine trailing ahead of me my effort would¡¯ve been nowhere close to what I¡¯m putting in every day.
I¡¯m no longer satisfied with being one of the brightest among my peers, being brilliant compared to my age. I want to be brilliant, period. So yeah, stubbornness and petty were guided in a way that made them resemble diligence even though I never had any noble goal in mind.
Some people just can¡¯t shut the fuck up and if they¡¯re stronger than me then all I need to do is grow and practice until I can help them use their mouths to eat instead of yapping day in and day out.
Friendships here are¡ weird. August, Kayla and Victor have undeniably grown closer to me after countless small and big fights side by side. We¡¯re friends I can¡¯t deny it any longer.
With that said they¡¯re also my greatest enemies here by far. Be it combat, mocking, racing or just straight-up bullying, they¡¯re merciless. And none of them comes even remotely close to me.
¡°Can¡¯t we just stay back and read something?¡± Victor stretches while groaning like an old man.
¡°Don¡¯t whine, you slept through the lecture so this much should be nothing.¡± I try my best to act normal, even though the morning run has been especially brutal today. My legs are still on fire.
¡°Says the Mage.¡± He huffs. ¡°You weren¡¯t the one running around like an idiot while shooting at a moving target. I swear the instructors just make up some of these exercises to mess with us.¡±
It¡¯s hilarious to watch though.
I don¡¯t know why he¡¯s even complaining when we¡¯ve all been looking forward to going out tonight. We¡¯ve made a deal with the devil and exchanged one of our two outings every second week for the right to roam Granhall until curfew.
I know there are no beasts in the city to kill but we needed some change. Martha was surprisingly supportive of the idea and the returns of our most recent hunts were quite a bit below expectations. For some reason, the old hag refuses to take us any deeper into the forest where the actual dangerous beasts reside so we¡¯re forced to hunt the beasts about half our own levels.
¡°Do you think we¡¯ll be tailed?¡± I ask on our way to the main gate.
¡°Three hundred percent. Remember we might still be hunted.¡± Victor chuckles with a sad smile.
¡°Understandably, you three always do something stupid.¡± August fails to shut the fuck up again. He¡¯s been a great motivation to keep leveling that¡¯s for sure.
As usual, we ignore his snarky remark because as we¡¯ve learned this is the biggest punishment a prick like him can receive.
¡°Do we have everything? Are you sure we shouldn¡¯t bring any money?¡± Oh please Kayla, don¡¯t start it¡ ¡°What if we-¡±
¡°Just go and pee, we¡¯ll check the bags in the meantime.¡± I professionally defuse the situation.
¡°Okay!¡± She drops her haul and skips off in the opposite direction from the nearest toilet.
What are we carrying? Furs, fangs, and whatever organs we might be able to sell in the city. It took us one year to recognize something very important missing from our curriculum. Barebone basic social interactions. I guess there are people to mingle with both in Karon Fort and on our way to the forest for some good old hunting but that¡¯s just not it.
¡°Are we really gonna rifle through the bags?¡± Victor asks in a hushed voice after Kayla leaves our sight.
¡°No way,¡± I huff jokingly. ¡°just shake up the bags to make it look like we moved things around.¡±
¡°You¡¯re evil.¡± He comments while doing exactly what I said with an impish smile.
¡°I¡¯ll take the compliment.¡±
It takes a few minutes for our fourth member to return and quite a bit of explanation for the guards at the front to allow us outside. It¡¯s been a year now so they¡¯re quite familiar with us.
A year¡ one birthday. It was supposed to be a day when I celebrate and the people around me did put in some effort to make me feel loved but¡ I felt alone. It was just another day to remind me how much I miss my parents and how fucked up everything is. Not the best birthday that¡¯s for sure.
That doesn¡¯t mean I slacked off or anything¡
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Elyssia
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Age: 10
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 2540/2540
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Free Points: 3
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+290/hour
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Might: 7
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Intelligence: 254
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Mana: 254
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Speed: 59
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Focus: 312(+40)
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Willpower: 290
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Endurance: 38
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Dexterity: 20
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Fortitude: 38
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 43
Identify lvl 48
Running lvl 44
Dodging lvl 46
Pain Tolerance lvl 21
Premonition lvl 47
Survival lvl 31
Maintained Magic lvl 23
Serene Spellcrafting lvl 41
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I. Class: Mystical Daredevil - Arcane lvl 51
Arcane Mastery lvl 50
Armory of the Arcane lvl 46
Mana Perception lvl 44
Elemental Burst lvl 32
Arcane Focus lvl 36
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II. Class: *Locked*
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Mystical Daredevil: Playing by the rules is only for those bound by the rules, following outdated standards and refusing to bend in the face of change. You on the other hand embrace the new ways and become change itself. Mana is your tool while unpredictability guides your hand to shape a new horizon.
[ +1 Free Points, +2 Speed, +2 Endurance, +10 Intelligence, +10 Focus, +8 Mana, +8 Willpower, +2 Fortitude per level]
Yeah, only one Class up. Supposedly it¡¯s good by everyone else¡¯s standard but I have my own standards and I think there was room for more. If only Martha wasn¡¯t treating us like some fragile children¡
With that said the Class is pretty fun. I tried to sneak in some survivability because standing in the backline, far from danger is just not my thing and that got me injured way too many times.
Despite all that talk about change, my new Skills are pretty straightforward. Maintained Magic is pretty self-explanatory, it keeps a spell going without my constant attention. Perfect for mana armor and shields.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Maintained Magic: Mana likes to flee as soon as one¡¯s concentration isn¡¯t forcing it into a form. Command the arcane to continue to follow your will even after you pay it no more heed. Make it obedient and lasting.
Elemental Burst is exactly what the name suggests, a violent burst of mana that has a surprising amount of utility. Mana Perception is basically the same except for the fact that I can sort of feel the mana on my skin like the change in temperature and lastly Arcane Focus, better known as Quick Witted.
A useful Skill evo that gave me just what I needed.
Arcane Focus: Able to concentrate on your magic even in the midst of life-threatening danger, through pain, through the apocalypse itself. Never lose focus, keep your mind on your magic as that is your greatest weapon wielded by the mind. Increased processing speed and concentration per level.
I also ditched Versatile Weapon Proficiency because it simply irked me how little use the Skill had even though I had the space to keep it around a little longer.
All in all, I¡¯m pretty satisfied with what I got. Only need one more Class Skill to round out the build.
There are still a few hours of daylight which isn¡¯t much but dealing with the hands we were dealt is something we¡¯re used to. We¡¯ve been allowed to skip most of the afternoon practice and even dinner because the time after dinner is nowhere near enough to get things done before curfew.
Solaire¡¯s gentle rays, streets bustling with traffic, goods on our backs and a whole city to explore. I won¡¯t even think of the What could go wrong? banality, problems tend to find me even without jinxing things.
¡°So, do we head to the big merchant building?¡± Kayla points to the multistory emporium towering over most buildings in the city.
¡°We¡¯d be laughed at and turned away.¡± August finally adds something meaningful to the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s try a small bazaar or local market.¡±
When it comes to the streets listen to the street rats. I don¡¯t know the boys too well because both of them refuse to tell me much about their past other than living on the streets and grasping the opportunity of joining the Fist. I also didn¡¯t really ask about it so that is that. Kayla on the other hand told me everything wholeheartedly even after I begged her to stop. Her whole life story.
Supposedly her parents raised her in the traditional elven way of letting the child become one with nature and forge their own path. Their children are perfect after all. Elves are all children of the World Tree and thus they find themselves perfect.
And thus Kayla was left in the forest with barely any supervision after she grew capable of walking. Long story short, she really is a jungle girl.
Following a quick debate, we elect to follow one of the main roads to avoid any shady alleys and possibly use the flow of the crowd to find the place we¡¯re looking for. The amount of baggage people carry, how hurried they move, and the general layout of cities¡ it all feels very much like hunting for beasts.
¡°Can¡¯t you just use your Blessing to pick which way to go?¡± I float the idea to Victor after only about five minutes of waddling through the crowd.
I know I said I prefer cities to the wilderness, yes, but at the same time, I hate people, and I mean stupid people who can¡¯t walk straight or look one way and turn toward the other. It¡¯s just walking, it¡¯s not that hard¡
¡°Nah, I¡¯d burn out before we could get there,¡± He shakes his head and raises his hands defensively. ¡°there are like a hundred junctions around here and you should know well the odds are not a guarantee.¡±
The usual excuse that constantly disappears when it comes to tests or when I try to lie my way out of an uncomfortable situation¡ At least his Blessing can¡¯t improve, not like mine did.
I tried copying August¡¯s light Skill and Kayla¡¯s life magic along with a plethora of other elements without any results. I just can¡¯t grasp the nature of darkness or more accurately its sibling, light, while life and nature are complete mysteries to me. The other four are supposedly the most difficult of them all so when Martha tried giving me a quick lecture about her Blink ability I felt like my head would burst into bits. No biggie, Savant will reveal things sooner or later. Hopefully.
So we¡¯re on our way to a place we still need to find to sell things we don¡¯t know the value of without any advice or money in our pockets¡ A challenge that¡¯s for sure. Or is it?
We¡¯re surrounded by people, adults mostly, all of them taller than us. We can barely see anything even if we disregard the loads they¡¯re carrying or the racial diversity. We¡¯re children, cute little lost children so how could they say no if we were to just nicely ask?
¡°Kayla come with me!¡± I grab her arm and look for one specific type of person. A woman, or more precisely a mother. ¡°Look cute and don¡¯t say anything!¡± I remember to give precise instructions considering who I¡¯m dealing with.
It¡¯s easy to find someone who fits my criteria among a few hundred people, a woman with a young child in her arms. Am I evil for targeting her? Nah, I don¡¯t want anything besides directions, it¡¯s really not that big of an ask. I don¡¯t even look homeless anymore so things should go smoothly.
A quick thug on her skirt, looking bright and polite, voice plagued by uncertainty, the perfect act. ¡°Excuse me,¡± I speak carefully and get her attention a second later. ¡°Our parents told us to sell these,¡± I show her my backpack. ¡°but we¡¯re lost and don¡¯t know where the nearest market is. If you could only point-¡±
¡°Oh dear, poor souls.¡± The woman gasps before I can even finish. This is accompanied by the familiar things are about to turn to shit sensation as the amount of worry on her face exceeds what I was looking for. ¡°Those irresponsible parents of yours, don¡¯t they know children your age shouldn¡¯t wander around this late? Come with me, we¡¯ll find some guards and they¡¯ll help you get home safely.¡±
She reaches out probably to grab my hand but I back away before giving one last shot to defuse the situation. ¡°It¡¯s okay, really, we can look after ourselves. Sorry for bothering you we¡¯ll be-¡±
¡°Oh no, young girls like you two are never safe.¡± It¡¯s clear she¡¯s genuinely concerned and that things will only get more troublesome going forward. ¡°Guards!¡± She yells and I spot the standard pointy helmet through the crowd.
¡°It¡¯s time to ditch!¡± I grab Kayla¡¯s arm again and this time drag her back to the boys.
As we reach the two oblivious observers I quickly drop the handsign for retreat and lead us as far away as possible from the guards and the too nice lady. Who could¡¯ve fucking guessed my idea of motherly pity would backfire and mean a short end to our city tour. What a fucking joke.
In the end, our escapade does bring us to the alleys, the narrow ones with tall walls on both sides and clutter all over the ground. It¡¯s pretty cliche to hide around places like this when the guards are on your tail but being as far away from them as possible with many walls between us and our chasers is the only way to avoid their Skills dedicated to catching those who don¡¯t want to be caught. Knowing tricks like this is the advantage of having a parent who served among the guards I guess. Besides, if they really tried to get us we¡¯d have no way of escaping, the over-anxious woman was the bigger problem.
¡°Great plan Eli, so what now?¡± The sarcastic voice of Victor is the last thing I want to hear right now.
¡°Now you obediently hand over your bags.¡± I stand corrected, a random dude talking from the shadows in a shady alley is the last thing I want to hear. ¡°Be good and nobody gets hurt.¡±
[Rogue lvl 43]
[Warrior lvl 55]
They¡¯re dressed in rags covering most of their skin with dead eyes and the smell of some disgusting burnt grass filling the hair around them. They sound fairly young, maybe a year or two older than us, with bodies slim and teeth¡ wanting.
Damn, they¡¯re stronger than us so this would be tough¡ if only there wasn¡¯t two of us for each one of them.
I wordlessly drop my bag with my three friends following my lead before I start the show. ¡°P-please, don¡¯t hurt us we only-¡±
A loose brick sprang out of the wall, striking the first man with a second one following right behind aiming lower, around his hip, between the legs¡ the whole surrendering act just didn¡¯t sit well with me.
With one severely immobilised, Victor and August jump at the stronger dude while he¡¯s confused. Just as the three are about to clash I notice a group of rats swarming the second mugger¡¯s feet biting and just generally being obnoxious, more than enough to distract him for a moment. Kayla¡¯s doing, without a doubt.
The first to strike is August with a straight hook to the guts followed by Victor¡¯s kick to the knee, bringing the bloke down for a hefty punch to the chin, and so on. While the boys beat the robber senseless and make him question all his life decisions I wrap the other one¡¯s limbs in shackles of earth as he groans on the ground before patting him down.
¡°What are you doing?¡± Kayla¡¯s head pops over my shoulder inquisitively.
¡°Robbing him.¡± I shrug and keep searching for coins or a pouch. ¡°Who¡¯s this idiot going to complain to, the guards?¡±
¡°Nice.¡± Kayla giggles and joins the search.
Plenty of grunts, some begging, and a few questions later we leave the alley. We¡¯re a tad bit happier, a few silvers richer, and no wiser than before. According to Victor listening even to a word those two lowlifes said would be foolish at best so we¡¯re still on our own.
¡°No longer such a bad plan huh?¡± I stand proudly because things did end well all things considered.
¡°Luck.¡± August huffs.
¡°Some serious luck.¡± Victor confirms. ¡°Should we try again?¡±
I think he means asking some random passersby for directions but I don¡¯t really care about that right now. Something familiar caught my eyes the moment we left the narrow backstreet.
A stag trophy green and brown adorns the facade of a sizeable wooden building in this city of stone and marble. I know the name of this place even without reading the sign below the emblem. Hunter¡¯s Guild
¡°I think I¡¯ve got an idea.¡± I mumble while walking out onto the busy street and toward the upscaled and upgraded forest hut in the middle of the city.
Those two can surely help. If I can find them here that is¡
¡°Wait, shouldn¡¯t we discuss-¡± Victor¡¯s voice goes in and out of my ears as I enter the homey building.
About nine out of ten people inside, men and women alike, seem to have never heard of using water to clean themselves and the smell permeating this place only confirms that. A few curious glances, pointed fingers and hushed questions accompany my arrival but I pay them no heed.
I do the best my height allows me to check every table, looking for mostly Joseph since he¡¯s easy to notice, and approach the reception-looking place after having no luck.
¡°Uhm, excuse me?¡± I politely try to get the dog-like beastman¡¯s attention only to get ignored.
Okay, I know I¡¯m a child but this won''t do. If you don¡¯t take the polite approach then fine by me, it¡¯s quite a lot of hassle anyway. And I like being rude, the reactions are fun.
¡°I know you can hear me so I¡¯ll say it anyway.¡± One of his ears twitches and I can see his mouth curve into a tiny smile. Except if he¡¯s about to pant like an actual dog¡ ¡°I¡¯m looking for Darcy or that big oaf Joseph. I mean no trouble, I think, and would just like to meet them after two years. If you need me to describe them that¡¯s fine although knowing her personality-¡±
¡°Second floor, corner near the window.¡± The man¡ saying barks would be racist, no? Eh, there was no kindness or care or anything positive in his voice so I don¡¯t really care.
Without thanking for the direction I skip up the stairs, professionally slipping between the considerably larger bodies moving about on their business until I find myself on the top floor. Just after a quick glance, I find the people I¡¯ve been searching for and indeed Joseph is hard to miss. I carefully approach their table moving quietly yet as inconspicuously as possible and still, my plan to surprise the two hunters who look just like the day we parted gets foiled just two tables from reaching them.
Joseph¡¯s nose twitches like a hound on the hunt and then his head snaps right in my direction with his mouth slowly curving into a goofy smile. ¡°HAH!¡±
Darcy needs a few more seconds to recognize me but only a second after her eyes widen I get scooped up from the ground in an all too familiar hug. ¡°Elyssia~a! What brings you here? How are you? What happened? You look so¡¡±
Yeah, I think we got today¡¯s mission in the bag. I¡¯m also a little happy to see them again, good people are rare in this world.
Chapter 50 - How Time Flies II.
19694 The 1st Summer
¡°That¡¯s it, young lady, you either take this seriously or we¡¯re finished for today!¡± Martha¡¯s famous bossy attitude makes an appearance once again.
She thinks shaping fire as wild and destructive as the blue monster I¡¯m trying to tame is a walk in the park. I haven''t been able to achieve proper control over it similar to normal fire or any of my other elements really without relying on Armory of the Arcane. And let''s not even mention the few times I tried myself at flying¡
Controlling magic is not a simple thing and she should be aware of that. It''s like taking care of different pets, all of them with their own stupid behavior and preferences. Most of them listen because I''m their source of food but the blue flames just refuse to submit.
¡°Easier said than done.¡± I grumble and keep trying to shape the azure flames into a perfect circle. ¡°Teaching a rebellious idiot how to behave is not easy.¡± I try explaining my struggles through a metaphor.
¡°Oh I know, I''ve been trying for two years now.¡± She replies and it takes a second or two for me to react.
¡°Hey!¡± My outrage is tremendous, confirmed by the collapse of my most recent fire circle and a flare-up of the flames.
¡°Emotions Elyssia, a Mage cannot allow emotions to plague their work! Leave that to the muscle heads.¡± She seems to be in a snarky mood today. ¡°If some harmless taunting is all it takes to shake your concentration then a comrade''s death will lead to you following them to the grave shortly.¡±
Ever since my last birthday her lessons grew a bit harsher in tone but I prefer it this way. I never appreciated the adults doing their best to protect me from reality when that¡¯s exactly what I''m trying to fight back against.
¡°If it¡¯s so important for me to master the ardent flames and the lightning coil then why am I not allowed to use them in duels?¡± It''s a debate I''ve conceded countless times already and one I''ll keep bringing up.
Martha''s the one who came up with names for my signature moves because I couldn''t really explain how they work and calling the blue fire simply blue fire did sound pretty lame.
¡°Aren''t you in the top twenty already despite your age, what more do you want?¡± The thunder hag crosses her arms and acts as if she doesn''t know my answer already.
¡°First place,¡± I answer shamelessly. ¡°Besides, you don''t restrict how fast August can move or how many times Victor can cheat.¡± I know it''s not cheating but if we''re honest it''s pretty close.
¡°I''d like to remind you again that the number of friends Kayla can bring is limited and unlike you, the others have no secret move to hide.¡± Oh cmon, not this argument again¡ ¡°Out of mana already?¡± And we¡¯re back to my current stupid task.
I''ve still got more juice to work with, I haven''t raised my level for nothing after all.
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Elyssia
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Age: 11
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 3660/3660
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Free Points: 24
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+402/hour
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Might: 7
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Intelligence: 394
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Mana: 366
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Speed: 87
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Focus: 452(+64)
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Willpower: 402
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Endurance: 66
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Dexterity: 25
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Fortitude: 66
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 47
Identify lvl 53
The Art of Movement lvl 55
Dodging lvl 53
Pain Tolerance lvl 24
Premonition lvl 61
Survival lvl 36
Maintained Magic lvl 33
Serene Spellcrafting lvl 49
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I. Class: Mystical Daredevil - Arcane lvl 65
Arcane Mastery lvl 62
Armory of the Arcane lvl 58
Mana Perception lvl 59
Elemental Burst lvl 49
Arcane Focus lvl 52
Chaotic Touch lvl 28
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II. Class: *Locked*
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Can¡¯t wait for the battle to test my arsenal.
The Art of Movement: Everyone can run, but making the most of their movements or finding the ideal path through the terrain is a lot more delicate than that. It¡¯s a dance involving the entire body, every muscle, and every thought.
Instead of running faster, I elected to focus on running reliably, without stumbling or any other hiccups. I¡¯m still not sure whether it was the best I could get but I don¡¯t like regretting my choices so I¡¯ll just have to make the most out of it.
Chaotic Touch: Mana always returns to balance no matter how willfully one tries to force their control over it. This balance, this state of stability is nothing more than utter chaos without a guiding hand, yet achieving it takes only a touch.
This beauty basically allows me to disassemble magic. Not instantly, like making a spear of ice disappear the moment it touches me but it¡¯s pretty darn fast and extremely useful when someone tries to turtle up.
One thing I noticed after some of my attributes passed the 300 mark was¡ how to put it¡ every level up was less of a big deal like someone stole a few percent of my hard work.
When I brought my predicament up to Martha she explained to me the lie behind the numbers. Soft cap is what she called them, certain milestones just like Class levels for advancement, however, in this case, they are purely detrimental.
Simply put the more attributes we have the bigger bundle of mana we are and the harder it is for us to utilize that strength of ours. I wanted to point out its semblance to drag but Savant didn¡¯t really like that. All in all, 300 is the first such hurdle and 9000 is the next one. Focusing on certain stats is still better than spreading out your attributes evenly because of Skills but everything has its price.
Not that this much can hold me back from claiming victory today.
***
¡°Hugo, Milara you know the drill,¡± Victor opens the tactical discussion with the two new members of our team. Okay, not that new but compared to our two years of teamwork they might as well be strangers. ¡°hold the frontline and wait for the opportunity. Kayla and I will weaken their right flank by occupying that nasty spear and when August breaks through you''ll have them in the bag.¡±
Our tactic is pretty simple however that just means we''re a lot less likely to fuck up.
My role is the most simple as our main ranged damage despite being a nonconventional mage. Coverfire and punishing any mistakes. I am not the best person for the role but this is what we are working with and at least we don''t have to worry about a rogue slipping through our lines and eliminating the defenseless spell slinger in seconds.
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Kayla and Victor are responsible for harassing and battlefield control while August is our dedicated backline killer.
The two additional members are responsible for the simplest yet most crucial task. Soaking up damage and keeping a constant pressure on their warriors.
Hugo is the perfect specimen for the task with his well above-average size and chunky build focused on resilience. Despite being an absolute unit of a boy with the strength to probably crush my bones he''s almost completely harmless. Gentle green eyes, a brown birdnest-like mess of hair, and a goofy smile earned him the Gentle Oaf nickname along with the fact that he only ever wields a tower shield and basically refuses to harm anyone. Hard to believe someone like him even exists and ended up here of all places.
Thankfully our last member, the crazed redhead Milara has no such reservations. Unlike Hugo, she''s not much of a tank both because of her fighting style and stature. I think she''s a half dwarf but I have no way to prove it. Swinging two flaming axes while roaring like a maniac does make her quite the target though and if she hits then Gods help the poor soul in her path. All in all, she gets the job done in the vanguard.
With the two of them, our numbers grow to six, a full-sized squad and one eligible to compete in the team rankings.
This is all my days boil down to, sleeping, eating, training, fighting, fucking around, and pushing for the top spots. Did I get too accustomed to this place, my new home? Probably. I never managed to find peace with how and why I''m here and likely never will, however this whole environment¡ it''s as if I was born for this. A little more exploring and traveling wouldn''t hurt along with a lot less stamina training but other than that I''m thriving here.
¡°Any questions?¡± Victor finishes his usual debrief with the usual question.
I mentally ignored most of what he had to say because plans are doomed to go awry and improvisation is usually what brings us victory.
That doesn''t mean I don¡¯t know my role but I still have a question.
¡°Can I do the breakthrough?¡±
I¡¯m a Mage, I have the Skills and attributes of a Mage but I don''t fight like one. Thrown into the middle of an enemy formation August can take down one squishy target at best. I could do a lot more than that.
¡°You won''t be able to get out.¡± August points out the flaw with my idea and I don''t start an argument on his observation. This time.
Yeah, that¡¯s a big advantage he has over me when it comes to fighting face-to-face. Compared to him I''m a sitting duck. An explosive sitting duck.
¡°I don''t like the risk but at the same time I can see potential in your idea.¡± Victor scratches his head and I see his eyes flickering from left to right completely unfocused. His tactical mode. ¡°Do you have something up in your sleeve?¡± His question feels more like an accusation, especially with eyes and a smile like his.
¡°Martha might chew my ear off but theory without practice is¡ dumb? No was it deaf? Anyway, it''s not much.¡± I shrug, mirroring my teammate¡¯s fiendish smile. ¡°Besides, winning is only secondary.¡±
The smiles suddenly disappear and all eyes narrow on me. ¡°Who are you and what did you do to Eli?¡± Kayla carefully asks supported by nods all around.
Although I huff and roll my eyes I still play along. ¡°I infiltrated her mind and consumed her soul. Using this body I will commence my conquest of this puny mortal world.¡± I don''t have enough enthusiasm for the role to add the evil laugh but I think it was convincing enough.
¡°Great, we''re finally rid of her.¡± Victor¡¯s fake sigh of relief doesn''t look fake enough to me. ¡°And I agree, I''d rather we try unusual tactics now rather than when our lives are at stake.¡±
Weird thing to say because I can count on one¡ okay two hands the number of times I''ve feared for my life during my two years here and I''m pretty sure even in those cases someone would''ve swooped in to save my sorry ass. Eh, one needs to stumble a few times before learning how to run.
¡°Does that mean I play bait, again?¡± August''s natural frown deepens and understandably so.
¡°I''m happy to swap if you can take care of Damien.¡± Victor shrugs after saying yes without saying yes.
Damien and his damned spear. An insanely irritating opponent to fight against as he uses life magic not to heal or strengthen himself but to empower his weapon.
There''s a lot more to life magic than its healing properties with subcategories like blood, flesh, and that stupid bone magic. The spear in question looks like a spine, and probably is a spine, that wiggles around in his hands, tracing his opponent and blocking attacks with iron-like resilience. It''s not overwhelming or unfair like our Blessings but just straight-up fucking irritating.
One would think August is the optimal counter to a weapon like that and they¡¯d be right if only the bone spear didn''t act like it had a mind of its own and tracked the speedy boy''s every move better than its wielder.
¡°Alright team, let''s get this done and enter the top five. I don''t know about you but I want apples so it¡¯s time we earn them.¡± Victor breaks the circle thus ending our little strategic meeting.
Ah, the special super cool apples the top teams receive and supposedly grow on a mythical tree right on top of a dragon''s grave¡ Sounds like a scam to me but I''m sure Victor is aware of that. I''m curious about the taste though.
We elected him to be the informal leader of our squad partially because of his Blessing but mostly due to his cool head and ability to see the bigger picture. I have not given up on the position yet just took a step back while working on my magic. I won''t hand over the title of smartest that easily.
For now, though, we have a major battle to win.
¡°They''ll win.¡± Bennett opens the bet as both teams finish their planning session. ¡°It''s that gleam in their eyes¡¡±
¡°Are you sure it''s not just the Blessed ones stacked in a single team?¡± Jet huffs, tossing his coin purse up a few times while scratching his balding head. ¡°You''re on, I doubt they have an answer to Damien.¡± After careful consideration or rather forced by his gambling addiction he accepts the wager. ¡°That boy only buckles under overwhelming firepower and that''s just the thing the dream team is lacking.¡±
¡°What''s the opinion of their resident nanny?¡± Bennett finally turns to the silent Martha.
¡°She thinks you''re both utter morons.¡± The old woman answers without delay in a tone as flat as the look on her face. ¡°You''re right, the special fools have everything they need to bag this but what you saw wasn''t a gaze of confidence,¡± Marta knows the kids and their shenanigans the best. ¡°They''re about to do something stupid.¡±
Six versus six with the entirety of the courtyard as the field of battle. Although both teams are warned against excessive damage to the facilities and Fort Karon as a whole, still accidents happen.
¡°Before we start I need to remind you all that the bracelets provide only limited protection compared to the dueling ring so I''d like everyone to refrain from highly lethal attacks.¡± Bennett goes through the usual safety precautions before starting the match. ¡°The match ends if all members of a team are eliminated or the flag is stolen from the enemy carrier and returned to your own.¡±
The small green flag is visible tucked into Kayla¡¯s belt with her three wolves guarding their friend while Damien has the yellow one despite being the most exposed member of his team.
¡°Now, take position!¡± Bennett orders the kids before whispering to his colleague. ¡°Fifty silver.¡±
¡°One gold.¡± Jet raises the stakes.
¡°You''re on.¡± They need to spice things up a little, a battle between rookies can be only so exciting. ¡°Both sides ready?" A round of nods. ¡°Fight!¡±
As expected the cheat team, the challengers are the ones to go on the offensive, advancing fast in the standard wedge formation.
Hugo takes points with his massive tower shield, acting as if a wall and a bull had an intimidating chimera child. Behind him is where things get weird. Milara standing close is understandable but why is their mage in the vanguard?
Then in the backline, there¡¯s August on the left, Kalya safely in the middle, and Victor already drawing his bow on the right.
¡°Am I missing something?¡± Bennett frowns, already feeling his pouch a coin lighter.
¡°You''re a bigger idiot than I remember if you didn''t expect something like this.¡± Martha shakes her head.
Not that I could''ve foreseen the little devil abandoning her range advantage like an absolute fool.
As the opposing team prepares for the clash with their shieldbearer at the front and two warriors flanking him another battle fought with petty tricks begins. A slight tremor shaking the ground, light flashing into the opponent''s face, arrows charged with electricity, a rain of icy arrows, or even the slightest increase in gravity¡ the small things do matter.
Oh, they grow up so fast¡
Then the shields collide. Milara dashes forth like a raging inferno, putting pressure on the enemy''s right flank and drawing the attention of their ice mage. After a quick strike, she retreats behind the shield just before the retaliation arrives, putting her back against Hugo¡¯s to help him in the battle of strength.
The two tanks push against each other like stags, except with walls of metal instead of majestic antlers, turning themselves into a sort of solid yet moveable obstacle on the battlefield.
Right after the hail of ice in response to the flaming axe wielder August leaves cover accompanied by two of Kayla''s wolves. Instead of a frontal assault, they move in a wider arc threatening the opposing team¡¯s backline and forcing them to allocate more attention toward the fast-moving sources of danger. The plan is in motion.
Damn rascals are using advanced tactics.
Martha is no stranger to the field of battle and has seen hundreds of kids put themselves to the test in this very same courtyard so there¡¯s very little new under the watchful eye of Solaire anyone could show her.
I could guess the next two moves except the pieces on the board don''t add up, their positioning is¡
As things get heated on the left side the combined forces of Victor and Elyssia launch their assault on Damien in the form of arrows and blades of wind. The disturbing spear of bones reacts as always, twisting and growing in its owner''s hands and blocking whatever comes even remotely close. Emboldened by his advantage Damien gives chase to the ranged attackers, dashing through the mild hail of death.
Why are they retreating? This style of combat might suit Victor but definitely not Elyssia¡ Ah, I see.
Every attack and obstacle the two kids use to keep Damien away prove futile be it stone walls, rings of fire, or just a bunch of attacks flying at him¡ that is because they aren''t trying. Merely seconds after the first salvo Victor and Elyssia unleashed on the spearboy and fake retreat Damien catches up and collapses right away.
A lightning trap, Victor''s ace in the hole. The Skill is a nasty secret of their team because every time he employs one they cover it up as one of Elyssia''s tricks thus making it work almost every time.
With that said the trap alone isn''t enough to take down the warrior because even though he is mostly restrained his spear isn''t.
Elyssia can just burn him to elimination however they need to hurry their other flank is about to-
Against all reason and tactical thought the girl abandons the easy prey and sprints back straight towards the thick of it while Victor stays back. With the gap in the enemy lines and their backline distracted Elyssia approaches them without any hiccups but instead of attacking the conventional way she decides to cause Martha a headache.
The swirl of blue light around the girl heralds an early and especially dangerous ending to this clash as she dives right into the middle of the enemy formation.
I swear I''m wasting my breath every time I specifically tell her not to do something.
A moment later blue flames engulf the five people around Elyssia and the howl of the fire is quickly followed by pained cries. Some of the protective shields shattered.
¡°Call a healer!¡± Martha yells even before the blue glow can abate before appearing next to the culprit and grabbing her by the ear. ¡°You''re in deep shit now little devil, just what did I tell you?¡±
Martha knows she shouldn¡¯t praise the child for going against her orders even if the results were insanely effective.
Why is it always the unruly children doing the most brilliant things?
Chapter 51 - How Time Flies III.
19695 The 2nd Spring
Once again Martha is guiding me through the winding streets of Granhall passing some intriguing shops and food stalls employing some sort of witchcraft to make the smell literally drag you to the counter by your nose. It¡¯s my weakness but not today, today is more special than any juicy¡ mouthwatering slab of perfectly grilled¡ NO, BAD, move!
It''s been three years, and finally, the time has passed. It was quite bearable really, I made friends and learned a lot of things I wouldn¡¯t have been able to otherwise. Logically speaking was it worth it? Absolutely. If I had an actual choice back when the shadows came and Bennett basically trapped me into coming with him would my choice be the same? No, not a chance.
Our path doesn¡¯t take us toward the forest, or the market, or the stables, or any place I¡¯m familiar with, instead, we arrive at a normal-looking restaurant. The old hag barges in without wasting any word on the poor waiter at the door, marching straight toward what looks like a private room. As we draw closer to the door I feel my legs weaken and my heart beat so erratically that I fear I might pass out before making it to our destination.
Time seems to grind to a halt as Martha swings the door open and my eyes land on¡ they meet¡ I-I¡ it¡¯s Mom and Dad. It¡¯s not a surprise or anything, I counted the days and even got excused from the morning exercises to come here, and still, the emotions are too much.
After a few seconds of all three of us just staring with eyes so wide they might pop out any second and some nasty moisture gathering in their corners Mom breaks the stalemate. She throws the table and chair she¡¯s sitting on aside as she pounces on me with the agility of a feral cat yet my instincts I¡¯ve honed for years stay completely silent. I want this, no, need this.
She strangles me in a hug, her arms strong yet delicate, her body trembling like if she let go of me now she¡¯d never see me again. I don¡¯t hold back either, crying into her bosom and clawing at her back, only now faced with the amount of repressed pain caused by our distance, the emotions forced into a corner to grow and fester.
Now, the barriers holding those feelings back are utterly broken.
Dad walks over with measured yet hasty steps and scoops his family up to just¡ sit there in a jumbled crying mess of warmth. It¡¯s nice, like a warm meal after a tiring day, a very long day, and a much-needed meal. It doesn¡¯t take long for my breathing to calm a little and my thoughts of sorrow to be replaced with stories waiting to be told.
I feel safe here, in their arms, safer than any other place in this wide world and crying won''t bring back the time we¡¯ve lost. Besides I cried enough during my three years here, it¡¯s starting to really get on my nerves, stupid tears. I don¡¯t want Mom and Dad to sob and sniff either, they should smile, they have me, we have everything we need.
¡°You¡¯ve grown even prettier than your mother,¡± Dad whispers gently to which the woman in question only growls. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that honey, we¡¯re both stunning it was inevitable.¡± A collective chuckle finally manages to pull the veil of depression off the three of us ever so slightly. ¡°But don¡¯t worry if even a single boy tries anything funny I¡¯ll break their limbs slowly and meticulously.¡± I keep giggling although whether he was joking or not I can''t tell. It¡¯s funny either way.
Not to sound vain or anything but he¡¯s right, I¡¯m pretty as hell. Right now a mirror might beg to differ with my puffy red eyes and snot-covered face but I can confidently say I¡¯m up there in general.
I¡¯ve entered my teens and despite always being taller than average, my growth slowed down a tiny bit in these three years. Most kids my age overtook my height except for the shorter races and elves like Kayla so I guess it might have something to do with that elven blood in me.
Will I look small even as an adult? I doubt it, I just need a year or two more to reach my full potential. Will I live a lot longer? Yeah, probably.
My hair remained light gold and my emerald eyes have lost none of their luster. I still lack the head-turning curves Mom always promised I¡¯d inherit one day and what she considered the greatest treasure of our family. Maybe one day¡
¡°Just wait a little more sweetie, when you grow older Mom will show every trick in her arsenal,¡± The ruler of our house¡ that is no more, has a different plan for my future. ¡°and even your father won''t be able to fight off the armies of suitors coming after you.¡± She giggles which sounds more like a purr.
¡°Stop it, no gross stuff.¡± I hiss, only now remembering Martha should be around here somewhere. After rubbing all the tears and snot into the clothes right in my face I pull back and take a proper look at my family. ¡°I know I got even prettier but you both look miserable, did Dad cook?¡± My voice is a little nasal but the joke comes true, although this time my laugh isn¡¯t all that genuine.
They look skinny, with sunken faces, and pale skin, their healthy warrior bodies regressed into something akin to drug addicts in the dark alleys. Their hair is a disheveled mess without luster as if they¡¯ve utterly given up any form of self-care since I left. Their eyes seemed like those of a dead fish before they saw me but turned into wet gleaming gems at my sight.
I wouldn¡¯t say I had it easy during my time here with all my tasks revolving around combat and risk and the people being mean in general. Even during my journey here, I had more close calls with Malor than my entire nine years before that stupid cat gave me this Blessing.
I know soldiers aren¡¯t paid to act cutesy and babysit us not to mention the kids who used to be literal slum dwellers willing to shit in your food just to get you sick and reduce competition. Not the nicest environment but I was never the one in danger here, I was the danger.
¡°It¡¯s good to have you back,¡± I rebury myself into my parents'' arms just for the sake of it and whisper into their clothes. ¡°I¡¯ve been fed well, and exercised a lot, and made some friends, even earned some money¡ Everyone here is either a bit bossy, grumpy or just mean but nothing off the charts, probably even better than on washing days back home. Maybe some new clothes would be nice.¡± I drop the hint because I sure as hell won''t waste my hard-earned coins on some stupid rags. Not even the really pretty ones. ¡°Oh and hear this¡¡±
***
My story time has been going on for hours now probably yet none of us seem bored or bothered and my mouth could do this all day. I just kept on ranting, telling them everything no matter how insignificant it might sound or be it good or bad. I just want them to hear me, listen to me, tell them about the world I learned from Martha, our little brawls in the mess hall, and how Victor taught me the way of lockpicking.
The parts where I almost got eaten or poisoned myself with mana, or where the shadows came after us, or the countless incidents during duels¡ yeah, I conveniently forgot to mention those. I managed to escape the grasp of Malor no thanks to luck, however I¡¯d rather choose any enemy I faced until now than Mom.
My parents just listen, that¡¯s all they need to do, it¡¯s all I need. Their eyes and smiles tell me everything I need to know and only the slightest movements of their eyebrows betray any emotions. I know they aren¡¯t paying attention, not to my stories at least but I¡¯ll take the attention anyway.
Our family time goes uninterrupted as no person enters our little private room, however our bellies, especially mine, clearly notice the passing of time and loudly demand our attention. I found it weird how not even a waiter, let alone Martha, tried to enter for hours but I guess it¡¯s the old hag¡¯s doing.
She¡¯s the only instructor with even the tiniest bit of common sense, something the others seem to have lost either due to their age or the amount of life-and-death situations they had to cope with. Weird old people.
Dad leaves to arrange the food and arrives unnaturally fast, like, less than a minute later with a veritable feast. Nice move Martha, big cookie points.
There¡¯s no yapping between bites as it is the old family tradition, we just throw glances at each other, smiling happily every time our eyes meet. The grilled meat, cheese and vegetables look mouth-watering yet every bite feels bland, the sensation of taste dwarfed by the storm of emotions raging in my heart. The best meal I had in years.
Right about when all of our plates are emptied and the first satisfied sighs escape our mouths the door opens again and Martha walks in carefully as if not to interrupt anything important. I know it''s just a farce, she must be able to sense everything happening in the building.
¡°I hope you enjoyed your meal and seeing as you¡¯ve finished, I¡¯d like to introduce myself. It''s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Martha, Elyssia¡¯s caretaker.¡± She gives a curt nod. ¡°It¡¯s new to me, you know, to greet the parents of any child I guide since in most cases they¡¯re orphans in search of power or a place to belong. I¡¯ll try my best.¡± She adds with a professional smile.
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In a sense, I feared this meeting, between anyone from the Fist and my parents. The mercenary order can try to claim the moral high ground as much as they want but at the end of the day what they did was just kidnapping with extra steps. I can¡¯t say I¡¯ve forgiven them because I haven¡¯t, but at the same time, I¡¯ve seen what could¡¯ve happened without Bennett appearing that fateful night. The necessary evil, that¡¯s what they are.
A grudge is fine but at the end of the day, they weren¡¯t the ones who sent the shadows after me, who killed a bunch of people in my hometown, and who murdered an innocent boy.
¡°My name Is Lucious and this is my wife Luna.¡± Dad walks over for a handshake. ¡°We greatly appreciate what you did for our daughter¡ raising her in our stead, keeping her safe and putting up with her¡faults.¡± Dad glances at me as he says that.
¡°Hey!¡± I demand indignantly.
¡°Indeed, she must¡¯ve been a handful. How many times did she almost die?¡± Mom asks with a flat smile.
The one topic I tried to avoid the entire conversation¡ did I make it too obvious? I try to slowly slide under the table, hoping to disappear from the room entirely before the lid gets off from the jar of secrets.
¡°What dying? I just practiced with the others.¡± I shoot my shot, a weak effort yet still more than nothing.
Mom just tilts her head, ignoring my comment.
¡°Hmm, during these three years¡¡± Martha taps her chin. ¡°I¡¯d say it was around seven or maybe eight.¡±
¡°Times?¡± Dad nearly shouts, hearing the ridiculously overinflated number. "Shouldn''t you be protecting her? How did she even find herself in such danger?"
¡°No, it can¡¯t be more than five! The one against the locusts, and with the magma and against Hugo don¡¯t count!¡± I retort.
¡°That¡¯s still at least four and yes they do. Were you close to dying at the time?¡± Martha tilts her head, a tiny mischievous smile on her elderly face. I nod reluctantly under the combined force of parental glare. ¡°That makes them count. And let me ease your minds, almost every time she was in danger she brought it upon herself. We would never have allowed grave harm to befall her but facing such dangers is part and parcel of growing stronger as a combatant; as martial classholders yourselves wouldn''t you agree?" She masterfully tries to appease my parents.
¡°She is still here so I''ll have to take your word for that, especially if she was tempting death which I can imagine." Mom looks at me with a menacing smile. "You hear that Eli? Something this important might¡¯ve accidentally slipped from your story. Do you mind sharing those events now? Or do you need help to loosen your tongue?¡±
That smile is a trap, I¡¯ve learned that long ago, and I¡¯ve also kinda missed it. Still, in situations like this, comply or bear the consequences.
¡°Yeah, so first there was that fight with the boar in the forest¡ I handled that well and just got a little bruised, that''s it. Then the battle between Bennett and that kidnapper, they were a few hundred,¡± I try to whisper the number. ¡°levels above me, but¡¡±
¡°Oh no young lady, we¡¯re not glossing over those details so easily! Details, properly, now.¡± Even Dad puts his foot down.
I¡¯m surrounded on all sides, my last stand shall be glorious.
***
The interrogation was ruthless, they jumped at every little inconsistency and noticed every hidden fact every tidbit of obfuscated information; wherever I was about to get away with something Martha chimed in only to rat on me. They¡¯re teamed up against me, 1300 levels worth of adults against a poor little girl, taking me apart bit by bit.
By the time they were finished with me, I wanted to cry again from the mental abuse¡ poor defenseless me. sob sob.
¡°As much as I enjoyed this conversation and getting to know you I had one other reason behind accompanying your daughter.¡± Martha¡¯s demeanor has been so different since she entered her room compared to how she acts back in the Fort. Refined is probably the best word to use. ¡°I¡¯ve been informed of some considerable¡¡± Oh, she looks pissed, it¡¯s barely noticeable but I¡¯ve been around her for years now, I can tell. ¡°short-sightedness on our end the last time one of my colleagues spoke to you.¡± Ah, so it¡¯s Bennett. ¡°Our plans for Elyssia extend beyond simple training and protection, including a much greater opportunity."
¡°WHAT?!¡± Yep, Mom reacts just the way I expected her to. ¡°It¡¯s been three years why can¡¯t she return-¡±
¡°Allow me to finish, please.¡± I¡¯ve been taught how to say please properly and this one from Martha had way too much authority and pressure behind it. It sounded more like shut your damn mouth. ¡°Elyssia is still very much in danger, in fact, we caught quite suspicious elements aiming for her and her friends.¡± Nice, they killed more of those bastards. ¡°She needs our protection but more importantly we¡¯d like to send her away for further education. To Sereban, to the Academy of Sereban.¡±
I never understood why this Academy is so special besides having the Empire¡¯s capital in its name. Okay, that does sound pretty significant but still. My parents on the other hand seem absolutely baffled by the news and even Mom¡¯s ire disappears like a fart in a hurricane.
¡°As a renowned establishment within the Empire with a long and storied history, the Academy grants us the privilege of sending six outstanding talents to study in the greatest learning institute in the entirety of Eborden. Some would argue that the Highreef Institute in the Republic or the Federation¡¯s Astaraban are superior but I¡¯m not really concerned over the debate. I¡¯m more interested in your opinions.¡± She looks at my parents enthusiastically.
What about me? Isn¡¯t this about my future, hello? I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m on board. I''ve just gotten used to this place, made some new friends, and reunited with my parents and you want to send me away, again?
¡°As commoners, we only ever dreamt of sending Eli to Sereban,¡± Dad starts slowly. ¡°we knew she could achieve great things but there was only so much we could give her. An ordinary life, that¡¯s what we hoped for before she turned nine¡¡± No need to look so sad, I was okay with what we had Dad.
¡°We¡¯d love for her to go, but I fear we would not be able to cover her tuition.¡± Mom adds. ¡°We¡¯re just ordinary people and-¡±
¡°By the Abyss just say yes,¡± I huff because my parents are acting weird. They¡¯re all moppy and polite, way too different from their usual joking and energetic selves. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure the Fist will cover the tab because they need me there much more than I need this opportunity. I have some conditions though.¡± I add, donning my business face.
Well, I already knew I¡¯d be glorified advertisement and that my squad would be the one sent on this distinguished romp for years now¡ I¡¯m okay with it really. Sounds more interesting than anything I can come up with and more importantly Mom and Dad seem pretty happy about it.
¡°First, can they come along?¡± I glance at my parents before returning my gaze to Martha.
¡°I see no problem with them living in the city however the Academy operates behind closed doors and the students are only allowed to step outside of campus grounds at the end of every month to help them focus on their studies. It¡¯s a boarding school, so you''ll only spend at most a week together every three months.¡± Martha explains.
A bit bothersome but I¡¯d rather see them every few months rather than three damn years.
¡°What would I learn there?¡± I ask just to make sure.
¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡± Martha shrugs. ¡°Only a few subjects are compulsory and the rest of your schedule is up to you. With that said I¡¯d encourage you to study diligently instead of wasting this opportunity. There are some brilliant old farts there, you¡¯d be surprised about the things they can teach.¡±
Okay, even more arguments for going to the Academy¡ One last thing.
¡°What about my expenses?¡± I test the waters.
¡°I know where you¡¯re going with this, I would do the same, so let¡¯s not waste each other¡¯s time. I¡¯m authorized to fund your entire tuition plus two gold per month. I won¡¯t give you all of that because it would seem like you beat me in haggling so how about one gold and sixty silver?¡± She offers.
Her reasoning seems fine, and the money would allow me to buy a lot of nice things. Clothes, food, sweets? Heh, she thinks too little of me.
¡°Two gold thirty silver.¡± I make my counteroffer. ¡°You know me well but raising me was a double-edged sword. I feel as if you''ve been authorized to give out three gold, at minimum, and are about to rob me blind here just for the fun of it. Give in and I¡¯ll beat them up till their moms won¡¯t recognize them.¡± I say with a vicious grin.
¡°Eli!¡± Dad reprimands.
I ignore him for now, raising an eyebrow at Martha, waiting for her reaction.
¡°Hah, fine have it your way.¡± She shrugs. ¡°You really did grow quite a bit to realize it was a trick. A good mercenary would survive on just a few silvers per month, you know?¡± She holds her hand out to seal the deal.
I¡¯m about to bask in the glory due to the victor when my intuition screams at me, something¡¯s very wrong here. Very wrong. However, before I can backpedal Martha snatches my hand with cold eyes.
¡°Looks like we have a deal.¡± She declares and pulls me closer.
¡°Nuh-uh, forcing me into a handshake doesn¡¯t count!¡±
¡°You were raising the hand yourself. Why wouldn¡¯t you take such a good offer?¡± She asks innocently.
¡°Cut the crap old hag,¡± I hiss. ¡°lying through your teeth. You run a tough bargain but can¡¯t you go easier on me.¡± She obviously attempted to play me, again. So I switch into cute and vulnerable mode. ¡°Please, Grandma?¡±
She¡¯s stunned for a moment so I go for the hug. Mom spits out the water she was just drinking and Dad blinks like he saw a dragon. Now for the finishing move.
I look up at Martha with a big teary eye and blink pleadingly. ¡°Please?¡±
Her brain must¡¯ve stopped working, with even breathing turning into an unnecessary function.
¡°Five?¡± It is the only thing that leaves her mouth.
¡°Deal!¡± I shout and hug her tighter.
I¡¯m gonna get extra laps next morning but securing my funds is a priority. I flash a victorious grin toward my parents who are at a loss for words over my shameless tactics.
Chapter 52 - Parent-Child Activity
We stayed about an hour longer in the restaurant after I¡ well, extorted Martha. She didn¡¯t show any signs of displeasure after my nasty move and that¡¯s the scariest thing she could¡¯ve done, hiding the grudge and letting it fester. Her vengeance will be backhanded and swift and I¡¯ll take it without a complaint because I deserve it. I got my funding though.
Still, I got the rest of the day off and probably some extra free time for the days to come to simply be with my family. It¡¯s such a simple thing yet it means so much more than any level up.
We¡¯re just walking down the streets like a normal family would, chatting, and doing nothing in particular. It¡¯s a nice change I have to say. ¡°So¡ anything interesting on your end?¡± I ask. ¡°I¡¯m out of my best stories and the rest aren¡¯t that interesting.¡±
¡°Just like when you almost killed yourself with your own mana?¡± Mom raises an eyebrow. ¡°Or when that locust was-¡±
¡°Okay, okay,¡± I raise my hands defensively. ¡°sheesh, you would¡¯ve done the same in my stead.¡±
¡°And I would¡¯ve gotten an earful from my father you can¡¯t even imagine, be grateful!¡± She huffs although I can tell she¡¯s just messing with me, it''s a family pastime activity. ¡°You remember when I promised I¡¯d retire from the adventuring life?¡±
¡°No, nothing like that happened.¡± I most definitely remember but I¡¯d be disappointed if they just sat on their thumb while I worked my ass off. ¡°So¡ did you rob tombs or massacre werewolves or slay giants or¡ clean the sewers of massive mutant rats?¡±
¡°Those were weirdly specific, did you read more of those nonsense Tales of the Great Adventure? You know it¡¯s almost completely made up, right?¡± I swear my father can be so stupid sometimes¡
¡°Dad, you don¡¯t need to take everything seriously, out with the tales!¡± I spell things out with a flat look. Men¡
¡°I went back- no, we started accepting jobs a few weeks after¡ that night.¡± Mom begins to talk and I¡¯m already bored.
Oh don¡¯t be so dramatic, we¡¯re all alive and the world didn¡¯t end. It sucks and I was sad about it for months if not years but we¡¯re now back together and I didn¡¯t hate every moment of my last three years.
¡°And together with your father,¡± Mom grabs her husband¡¯s hand. ¡°we accepted every job we could find, the more dangerous the better. We weren¡¯t reckless just to take our mind off of what happened, no, we wanted to protect you, to be strong enough to protect our family.¡± Mom strokes my hair with a warm smile. ¡°I reached 350 and your father is 332, those shadow-covered bastards will stand no chance. ¡±
Awww, I love them so much that I don¡¯t have the heart to tell them how little they know. The kidnappers back in Meliorport were indeed around their current level however the ones we met after the ribcage inn¡ They gave Bennett a hard time so the sum of your progress sounds more appropriate. Still, great job Mom and Dad, I¡¯m proud.
¡°Wow, that¡¯s quite a lot, how many times did you almost die?¡± I ask with a fiendish smile. Revenge.
With that said their progress really is quite something. I outpace them but things get more and more difficult the further you are along the path.
¡°That¡¯s impressive. Can I still show off?¡± I ask. I¡¯ve been really looking forward to demonstrating the results of my work to them.
¡°I thought you¡¯d never ask. We can¡¯t really throw magic around inside the city so let''s grab some light snacks and head to the forest, shall we?¡± Mom dictates and leads the way.
We quickly find some roasted lamb, caramelized apples and anything I desire, really. They spoil me with whatever I ask for, be it expensive cuts of meat or some sweet stuff I''ve never even heard about before, likely to compensate for the lost time. I abuse that generosity till I¡¯m about to burst apart and maybe do feel a bit bad for it, a teeny-tiny bit.
They missed buying me stuff and I missed getting goodies so it was a win-win.
***
Finding food is easy, food stalls in Granhall are like mosquitoes in the summer, and leaving the city is also much, much, much easier than getting back in. Yeah, we ate again but it was just some snack, a little extra for the journey, an exception from our family tradition.
The entire way to the forest my parents fascinated me with stories of their travels to the south of the continent. The fights they had, the random encounters, the loot¡ everything was way less epic than any of the stories and yet I felt my being buzzing with excitement.
It¡¯s the real thing, no nasty details omitted, no random ultra luck, or saving a country just the truth. I kept asking myself what I would¡¯ve done in their place, how much my experience amounts to and that¡¯s what made it exciting.
We had to postpone the rest of our storytime when we arrived at the edge of the forest I¡¯m way too familiar with at this point. How many beasts did I kill here? I must¡¯ve slaughtered thousands.
Stupid Martha refused to take us deeper into the woods coming up with lame excuses like erratic beast behavior and damaging the forest. Disturbing the hunters¡¯ work and endangering the forest I can understand, although it¡¯s just four kids we¡¯re talking about, the old hag was probably just too lazy. In the end, we had to kill the weakling beasts in the hundreds just to earn a single level and the fun outings turned into boring grinds. Not that we never ¡®accidentally¡¯ walked into danger zones.
The Journey Guide is proof of my hard work and genius,
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Elyssia
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Age: 12
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 3900/3900
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Free Points: 12
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+426/hour
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Might: 7
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Intelligence: 444
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Mana: 406
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Speed: 97
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Focus: 502(+78)
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Willpower: 442
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Endurance: 76
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Dexterity: 30
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Fortitude: 76
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 53
Identify lvl 59
The Art of Movement lvl 55
Dodging lvl 53
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Pain Tolerance lvl 24
Premonition lvl 61
Survival lvl 36
Maintained Magic lvl 44
Serne Spellcrafting lvl 49
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I. Class: Mystical Daredevil - Arcane lvl 70
Arcane Mastery lvl 67
Armory of the Arcane lvl 63
Mana Perception lvl 65
Elemental Burst lvl 55
Arcane Focus lvl 59
Chaotic Touch lvl 42
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II. Class: *Locked*
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Only a few levels from my next Class-up. And a bunch of Skill levels. It¡¯s not a necessary requirement or anything but why would I settle for less if a little work is all it takes? Okay, a fuck ton of work but I want the best I can get.
According to Martha the minimum requirements one needs to enter the Academy is the age of twelve and a level of at least 60. Pretty damn simple. And a bunch of influence and a buttload of money. Since they, the Fist, want me to kick some ass they pushed me a bit past that lower limit but I doubt the elite of the Empire would send their children any less prepared.
The only thing left is to find a suitable opponent, something more than the average level 20 Wolf to demonstrate the fruits of my work. Dad could solve that issue in minutes as a Hunter but finding prey is also a key competence for any self-respecting fighter.
Or just simply walk where the more dangerous beasts reside, deeper in the forest. Just the way I like it.
My parents have gone silent for almost a minute now and if I had to guess judging by their reaction, we¡¯re not alone. They can hear and see better and let¡¯s not even mention the sensory Skill the both of them likely have. I know they¡¯re intent on letting me do this on my own but trying to act normal is sometimes more suspicious than anything.
It takes another minute for me to notice the shadow lurking at the edge of my vision. Not that kind of shadow just a simple patch of darkness slightly darker than the rest and moving randomly¡ Okay, maybe not a simple shadow but not the kidnapper type.
I purposely hasten my steps and get quite a few paces in front of my parents with my guard completely down. If the creature stuck around despite being outnumbered then it must be hungry and desperate, waiting only for the opportunity to present itself, so I¡¯ll act as bait. Beasts can¡¯t use Identify so it¡¯s either this or the beast is really dumb.
It can¡¯t be that strong in the first place otherwise it¡¯d already be on the tip of Mom¡¯s spear or we¡¯d be fleeing head over heels.
Just as expected the patch of darkness begins to close the distance ever so slowly, crawling up the side of a tree and setting up ambush.
Watching a predator acting all sneaky and treating me as the prey with Mana Perception really doesn¡¯t help me take this seriously. I almost start humming as I walk towards where I¡¯d lie in wait and where quickly eliminating a single opponent before making a run for it would be the most optimal, I got used to this a bit too much.
As expected the creature emerges, its sleek yet muscular body, black fur that seems to gobble up all the light, and dark orange eyes like the light of Solaire right as he dives below the horizon. It¡¯s majestic.
[Panther lvl 75]
Finally, a worthy opponent, our battle will be swift and merciless.
I made my move even before the big kitty decided to pounce, separating the charges and building up a big zap just for this moment. The beast can¡¯t recognize my smile as a source of danger as I giggle into its face and raise my arm, sending the electricity in the shape of a spear right into its chest.
My stats have improved a little compared to the first time I used lightning magic so it no longer sounds like a meek zap and has some of that thundering to it. The black thing flies back as if something punched it in the chest yet right when I¡¯m about to follow up with the finishing touch it merges with its shadow again.
Damn dark magic, I failed to get any wiser about it during my three years here. Similar to light and life no matter how many times August and Kayla showed me. Light is the bane of dark and vice versa, either the brilliance banishing the darkness or the black mass gobbling up the light depending on which magic is stronger.
I still have fire which has plenty of radiance and I¡¯m no longer averse to using it on creatures. It can¡¯t be that much worse than a claw tearing across you and after a weird badger gave me a taste of that I¡¯m all in on hurting things. It¡¯s eat or be eaten.
It¡¯s just a guess but making its shadow too weak, or too shallow for it to stay hidden should do the trick.
Showering the shadow in flames makes the panther emerge as expected, although I try to restrict myself both to conserve the forest and let this fight go on a little longer. I¡¯m here to show off not murder poor beasties.
The panther makes a run for it with embers still eating away at its fur ¡®escaping¡¯ behind the trees, or at least trying to fake it. Right as it¡¯s out of sight the beast dives into the shadows again and circles back around which is actually really smart for such a simple creature. It would also work if only I wasn¡¯t keeping track of it with Mana Perception the entire time.
I allow it, let it come close and get a jump on me¡ all my Skills need some work after all. As the creature is close enough for me to feel its breath I unleash a lightning-charged Elemental Burst I¡¯ve been holding since it disappeared. It¡¯s like holding your breath, except the pressure, aka the amount of mana, increases over time. Like a shockwave, it washes over everything around me including the big cat and once again it¡¯s about to retreat after a foiled attack, except this time I¡¯m done playing.
The combination of a light fire shower and teeth of stone ripping out of the ground trap the panther with nowhere to run.
Except it has a second Class¡ A furious torrent of wind blasts the flames away, allowing the panther to slip into the shadows again and drag the fight out even more¡ Fighting slippery opponents is so fucking annoying.
I can¡¯t really complain about the beast using a second element with like seven in my arsenal but when Kayla whips out her nature magic after buffing her pets with life mana I can¡¯t help but get a little jealous. Although, she was an idiot and Classed up randomly one night with a number of her Skills still far from their peak.
The panther doesn¡¯t try to escape anymore, probably realizing I won''t let it, and instead stands face to face, hissing at me and bearing its teeth. I gotta give it to the thing, it fought pretty well. The kitty owes its survival not only to its fast and sneaky build but also to its wits and experience¡ but I¡¯ve had enough, time to end this.
Instead of letting my opponent lick its wounds, I send a blast of electricity into its side to stun so I can comfortably deliver my finishing move. But then another roar very much like the panther¡¯s comes from the treeline just outside our clearing.
I prepare myself to welcome the new opponents, I¡¯ve grown used to fighting outnumbered. Besides, if you make a ruckus in the forest then it¡¯s foolish not to expect guests to join the party.
Except these are not bloodthirsty beasts of murder, they¡¯re kittens. Tiny black things with fur and eyes just like¡ just like their mother.
Why can¡¯t things be simple? A life or death fight is all I asked for, something simple to demonstrate my¡ hmm, do I need to kill it? The panther is likely just hungry and wants to feed its children, that¡¯s it so if I killed it¡ Damn, I can¡¯t do that that would be more than following the rule of the wilds, it¡¯d be straight-up cruel.
I lower my arms but keep my guard up in case the predator still hasn¡¯t given up on this meal yet. If it pounces again I won''t show mercy.
After some hesitation and further growling it tends to its younglings before carefully walking into the underbrush and throwing one last glance at me.
¡°That¡¯s right, you owe me one.¡± I mutter and keep track of the creatures as they disappear in the shadows.
I¡¯m not here to hunt or create orphans, I wanted to show my skills and that¡¯s exactly what I just did. Speaking of¡ where are Mom and Dad, ever since the panther first punched they seem to have just disappeared into thin air.
A hand lands on my shoulder and when I look over I see Dad¡¯s smiling face behind me.
He has to teach me how he did that.
¡°Did I do well?¡± I ask with a smile lacking any pride or cockiness. I kinda failed at doing my job to be fair, I let a dangerous beast go.
¡°You did way more than that.¡± He hugs me tightly. ¡°You can¡¯t believe how proud I am.¡±
¡°Yeah, you fought like a real veteran, fierce like your mother.¡± Mom appears on my other side and gives a shameless compliment. ¡°You not only showed us today what your Class allows you to do but also let us see who you¡¯ve become while growing into the you we see today.¡±
¡°And we¡¯re extremely satisfied with it. You did the right thing and more importantly, you showed compassion above cold killing instinct. We haven¡¯t said this out loud but we were scared you were just pretending, that you were a different person after the years spent with the Fist¡¡± He releases a huge sigh as if the weight of a thousand mountains just disappeared from his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re still our Eli and we¡¯re proud of you.¡± Dad ruffles my hair.
I can¡¯t wipe the smile off my face as my eyes get a little wet and my chest fills with pride. I did the right thing.
Also, I really missed this. The best part about receiving honest compliments from my parents isn''t the satisfaction I feel but the fact that I made them proud. That I showed them something to make their eyes sparkle. I love it.
We make our way back to the city to continue the happy family moments in a bit cleaner and safer environment and maybe with some food to brighten the mood.
[Your Class [Mystical Daredevil - Arcane] has reached lvl 71, +3 Free Points, +2 Speed, +2 Endurance, +8 Mana, +8 Willpower, +10 Intelligence, +10 Focus, +2 Fortitude.]
[Your Class Skill [Arcane Mastery ] has reached lvl 68.]
[Your Class Skill [Mana Perception ] has reached lvl 66.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 54.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 62.]
Praise be to the Gods, the System values effort above outcome.
Chapter 53 - Delicate Departure
19695 The 2nd Summer
Let¡¯s just say Martha didn¡¯t disappoint, I probably went through what having your legs burnt off should feel like before someone heals them and repeats the same thing a second time. My morning laps were not doubled but tripled, TRIPLED! I know she¡¯s one salty old woman but she could¡¯ve at least shown some mercy, you know, to respect the hustle.
Despite having my family back and a vague outline of what my life could¡¯ve been without my stupid Blessing my training didn¡¯t stop, especially the squad battles. Mainly to practice for our Academy debut because from what I¡¯ve heard the Fist is responsible for providing a complete team to the tournaments almost every year. I¡¯d much rather prefer some solo duels but as long as I¡¯m getting paid I have no complaints.
Sadly Mom and Dad couldn¡¯t be there to watch us wash the floor with our opponents because they¡¯re unaffiliated with the Fist and we¡¯d like to keep their location a secret, even if just a minor one. No one knows, I might still be in danger, and as eager as they were to get revenge on the shadows I¡¯d rather have them safe and happy. This also means they didn¡¯t see our blunders and shameful defeats so I¡¯m not too upset about it.
The time with my parents has been enjoyable. We visited most of the restaurants in the city, sometimes went into the forest together, yet most importantly we just spent time in each other''s company. My mornings and afternoons have been filled with action and adrenalin for years now, so this unusual peace made me feel uneasy.
¡°I know how you feel sweetie, it¡¯s the same for us but let¡¯s enjoy these moments while they last.¡± Mom wipes the grill sauce off my mouth, shaking her head at my clumsiness.
Yeah, the accidental splotch on my face that I definitely didn¡¯t leave there just to get pampered¡
The mediocre street food we¡¯re munching can¡¯t even compare to the endless troves of treasure that the mess hall is but the company makes up for it. And let¡¯s not forget the atmosphere. The loud and rowdy crowd in the Fort is nice and a constant source of amusement but the nighttime bazaar with families and music does not pale in comparison, not one bit.
Unlike the usual flicker stones on a metal post all along the streets, lanterns take care of bringing light to the night in this marketplace colored just like the three moons hanging leisurely above us. The smell of food, sweets, perfume, and many other pleasant and questionable things fills the air along with loud chatter that¡¯s starting to get on my nerves.
Some mages perform spectacular light shows or seemingly life-threatening tricks which to my no longer rookie eyes reveal nothing more than light magic and clever mana control. A few years of real near-death experiences teach you how to differentiate showmanship and real skill. The few sneaking Halflings and Demikin stealing purses and wares left unattended seem like better entertainment, especially when they get close to being caught.
My favorite attraction is the elven lady sitting nearby, singing a solemn song while playing her harp. Her voice is unnaturally soft and every word leaving her mouth seems to soothe the soul.
¡°Tavaszi sz¨¦l vizet ¨¢raszt, vir¨¢gom, vir¨¢gom
Minden mad¨¢r t¨¢rsat v¨¢laszt, vir¨¢gom, vir¨¢gom
H¨¢t ¨¦n imm¨¢r kit v¨¢lasszak, vir¨¢gom, vir¨¢gom
Te engemet, s ¨¦n t¨¦gedet, vir¨¢gom, vir¨¢gom¡¡±
I have no clue what she¡¯s singing about, it''s elven, yet the melody still calms my young heart.
¡°Dad, what is she singing about?¡± I ask my father, as an elf it would only be appropriate if he spoke his kind¡¯s tongue.
He scratches the back of his head, paying closer attention to the lyrics. ¡°It''s a song many times older than me. She sings about spring, how nature changes with the arrival of the season, and about finding love. Now that I think about it, this was one of the lullabies my mother sang me in my cradle, a lovely melody.¡±
¡°Khm.¡± Comes the signal from Mom sitting on my other side.
¡°Of course, she doesn¡¯t even come close to your gorgeous mother and her voice.¡± Dad quickly corrects his mistake.
Never compliment another woman in Mom¡¯s presence. I¡¯m the exception of course.
I¡¯ve wisened enough to know staying quiet and invisible is the best thing I can do when an argument is on the way, or else I¡¯d become collateral damage. Been there, done that, not fun. The usual bantering doesn¡¯t last long, as our calm family time together is soon coming to an end.
¡°It¡¯s been such a blessing to be reunited with you Eli, this summer has been wonderful even if a bit too short.¡± Dad picks the easy way out of the argument by turning sentimental. ¡°We got to see who our daughter grew up to be, the person you chose to become, both as a girl who¡¯ll crush many boys'' hearts and a menace.¡± Dad¡¯s compliments mean nothing to me, I¡¯m definitely not blushing! ¡°We¡¯ll have to leave early tomorrow morning to make the best time back home. Well, not home for long.¡± My parents smirk at each other. ¡°We¡¯ve been talking, your mother and I, and we decided we should move to the capital with you.¡± Dad drops the news.
They act like it¡¯s a big surprise, but the only strange thing would¡¯ve been if they chose otherwise. Let¡¯s be real with ourselves, they want the best for me, the Academy is a great opportunity, and living separately for a few more years is off the table. So yeah, it was a given. I still act dumbfounded, just to give them the satisfaction of delivering the good news.
And I get caught immediately, they are my parents after all.
After some more details and small talk, it¡¯s time for the farewell, a short one, a painless one. I¡¯m still reluctant to part with my parents with the mark of the past still stinging painfully after a long three years but I have confidence.
I still have a few days until the delegation from the capital arrives but that time will be spent wrapping up our etiquette lessons and purchasing what we might require. Besides, Mom and Dad need to hurry up and buy a place we can call home again because unlike the Fist they don¡¯t have a command center or safehouse in every second major city.
I¡¯m actually a bit surprised my parents never settled down anywhere and lived like some nomadic warrior for three years straight¡ Saved them a lot of money though, I hope they can buy a nice place with a good view in Sereban, I¡¯ve always been curious about the capital.
I trudge back to the Fort, my mood soured by the absence of my family''s warmth and the fact that I won¡¯t be seeing them again for weeks. It won''t be any better during my school days, though at least the distance needed to visit will be much shorter, minutes really.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Fort Karon sort of turned into a second home for me. I know the place so well I could navigate with a blinding headache and a sprained ankle in the pitch dark late at night. Tried and tested. I would still prefer to live back in Meliorport with my parents, although the bathhouse here has grown quite close to my heart, just like the seemingly endless food appearing in the mess hall¡ money really does stand close to magical wonders.
Anyway, let¡¯s spend some time with my irritating, obnoxious, and beyond-redemption idiotic friends, I¡¯ve neglected them a little lately.
***
Two days¡ weird two days. First the grind without my parents, then calm and happy afternoons with my parents, and now back to the usual without them again¡ although the hectic preparations kept me occupied enough so I didn¡¯t have time to complain.
How to eat properly, sit properly, walk properly and address the nobility¡ I knew from the moment Martha tried to force the basics onto us that I would forget all of this nonsense the moment I was deemed passable and wouldn¡¯t use it even in a million years, it¡¯s just an unnecessary hassle. Besides, the whole forced pristine behavior just sends chills down my back.
Other than that the two days were nice and dandy, so all that¡¯s left is for the special guests to arrive. Although the trimester only starts in the autumn we¡¯re making the journey a bit ahead of time, mainly to finish the entrance exam and to settle in.
An exam¡ In the last six years, only two kids managed to fail out of the¡ thirty-six? Yes, the thirty-six candidates the Fist has sent. They need us to win their tournament for prestige and we want to get in for fame and maybe to scrape some extra knowledge together, it¡¯s a win-win. With that said if you don¡¯t know the history of the Empire, the basics of mana, some geography, and other trivial pieces of information then even admitting you would already lower their standards and tarnish their name.
All in all, don¡¯t be a dumbass and everything will be fine.
The six of us are clean, smell good, are well fed, well groomed and even our clothes have a certain expensive feel to them. A pretty skirt, pretty blouse, cute sandals and earrings¡ I¡¯ve never looked this pristine in my life.
Add to that the welcoming delegation of some Fist higher-ups and plenty of other members armed to the teeth to make what I can only call a pretty majestic sight. Not that we kids contribute much to it.
A~and the carriage rolls in. We got the info about their arrival passed down even before they reached the gate so none of this is a coincidence. Adult mind games, it¡¯s exciting.
Two beings who I can only call embodiments of the word prick step out of the glorious blue and white ride wearing robes in similar colors with everything about them screaming wealth. But it¡¯s not their attire that makes me dislike them so fast, it¡¯s the face, the frown, the raised nose, and those condescending eyes.
They leisurely walk through the main entrance of Fort Karon as if they owned this place before addressing the old man Ehrhardt, one of our generals and head of the welcoming party.
¡°By orders of Chancellor Malcador, we¡¯re here to honor the old traditions and accompany the children fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to study in Sereban.¡± The blonde prick declares in a voice so arrogant that makes me wonder how nobody punched him in the face yet. Then his eyes turn to us six. ¡°I heard you¡¯ve found quite a few¡ special ones this year. They¡¯ll do.¡±
This arrogant fucker¡
[Mage lvl ???]
I¡¯m not surprised he¡¯s beyond my strength but the fact that Identify didn¡¯t improve even one level tells me he¡¯s just a child in a den of monsters. Monsters very much displeased by his attitude.
What comes after this can only described as a round of treacly sweet words and pleasantries I¡¯m not interested in. We¡¯ve learned that good relations and public opinion are high priorities for the Fist and that¡¯s exactly why I gave up on becoming our squad¡¯s leader. I don¡¯t want to deal with this shit.
Our bags are loaded while the whole farce gets wrapped up and I finally get a chance to do what I¡¯ve been looking forward to since the moment these two arrived. I can inspect the carriage.
As unimpressive as the representatives were, their ride is a whole other story. Let''s start with the monstrous horses, at least double the weight of any normal animal of their kind I''ve ever seen and¡
[Horse lvl ???]
[Horse lvl ???]
Yep, not the normal stuff, evolved like any other beasts although I think some sort of Stable Master or Horse Whisperer guided these to become perfect for their purpose. If they are as strong as they are big then they could pull an entire building, let alone a carriage.
Speaking of carriage, it¡¯s the same blue-white color scheme as anything related to Valeria with the Academy crest paltered on the side. The imperial white phoenix is in the middle with an open book behind it like the wings of knowledge and a seemingly endless body of water filling the bottom part. Quite stylish.
The fancywork be damned, I care little for those things, the magic infused into the carriage, however¡ The inside is many times the size of the whole coach, a masterful display of space magic.
I activate Mana Perception to inspect the structure better while boarding the thing but I can¡¯t even comprehend the otherwise invisible cavalcade in front of my eyes. Beautiful. Sadly this Skill is still dependent on levels and stats so it can only supply so much information. If a spellwork is too strong or complicated, it would appear to me like someone vomited crayons and this one isn¡¯t much different, almost like a basket of colorful jumbled yarn.
It¡¯s pretty mediocre actually, my Skill I mean. Some kids I fought throughout the years managed to fool it with some simple Rogue Skills that didn¡¯t even make them invisible or anything and just masked their mana presence. Now if someone let¡¯s say Mom¡¯s level tried this¡ yeah, I¡¯d be pretty dead. And that¡¯s exactly why we have three Fist members accompany the gang as escorts for the journey and also as a gesture towards the Chancellor.
That title, Chancellor¡ it sounds wicked. To top it off he holds real, actual power inside the Empire, being the head of the main learning institution in a country of millions and supposedly a close advisor to the Emperor.
Anyways, the three mercenaries accompanying us are Bennett, a younger woman wearing armor that looks like someone weaved the winds and shadows together and another guy. He¡¯s the quiet type, let¡¯s just call him Steve for now, who by his equipment should be some kind of Rogue. Cool daggers for sure.
Seeing how the old fart and Wyat took care of a bunch of bad guys I think we¡¯ll have no problem, especially if the two pricks can pull their weight. Soon everyone gets tired of the pointless chitchat and it¡¯s our time to be on our way.
It¡¯s an entire house inside the carriage. There are four rooms, a kitchen, two bathrooms and even a small closet. It¡¯s fucking ridiculous, I know I said the horses could pull an entire house but I was just joking, this carriage probably does weigh the same as an entire house.
I only notice us rolling by looking out the windows with the weird warped scenery but just when I¡¯m about to settle in for the week-long trip¡
¡°Don¡¯t bother, just have everything with you, we¡¯ll be moving in a minute.¡± Bennett stops and slumps down in one of the chairs near the entrance.
He lied, it took seven minutes, I counted. We turned off the well-traveled dirt road leading through the forest about three minutes ago and have been moving past trees ever since only to come to a halt¡ nowhere really, just a random clearing in the woods.
When we get out however something much more welcomes us. I¡¯m really happy I kept my mouth shut.
Knights on horseback, seven of them, and another carriage although this one is red and yellow just like the knights instead of our blue and white. Everyone is armed, every surface is armored and everyone is¡ calm?
¡°We¡¯re switching rides, the earl of Hebron was graceful enough to lend us a hand for our journey.¡± Bennett leisurely walks past me, although I can see a hint of caution in his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ll make a small detour north and travel under his banner as a disguise, one can never be too careful.¡±
If you say so¡ I don¡¯t really care as long as it¡¯s comfy.
Chapter 54 - Valka I.
19695 The 2nd Spring
The mountain winds are especially fine in the early spring, a bit chilly at night, but still heavenly compared to the frost in winter. That doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll drop the big fur coat any time soon, just that we don¡¯t have to hide in the tent every time Solaire retreats to avoid frostbite.
From my favorite spot on a cliff just above our camp I have a clear view of both our home and the warriors organizing in preparation for the afternoon hunt.
I so~o want to go with them. Dad only lets me play with some wolves down the slope, always yapping about The beasts around the peak are too dangerous, you¡¯re too young, blah blah blah. It¡¯s just humbug, I¡¯m twelve now and stronger than almost anyone my age, I can look after myself.
Mom would¡¯ve allowed it, or at least would¡¯ve secretly taken me to a proper hunt. I miss her, I miss her so badly. Beasts won''t be the only things I hunt when my time comes¡ I¡¯ll make those cursed knife-eared elves pay for taking my mother.
Papa reassured me time and time again that I had nothing to worry about because my Mom was strong and she¡¯d find a way back to us¡ I¡¯ve been listening to that for two years now and I knew from day one that his words were just empty promises, nobody ever comes back.
¡°Valka, come here real quick.¡± Dad calls for me aware of where I am.
Others would say his voice is deep and intimidating, but for me, it''s soothing, something stable to rely on. He¡¯s one of the lead hunters of our tribe, the Snowstorm Tribe, and someone many people other than myself rely on on a daily basis. It¡¯s perpetually snowing high up here in the Zelard Mountains where we live but it''s something our people are used to, we always lived like this. In this corner of Koleth, the hunting fields are rich, competition little, and dangers aplenty, the reason why we need someone strong and reliable to get us fed.
I hum a merry little tune while skipping over to my menacing parent in the hopes that today is the day the ice breaks and I be able to prove I¡¯m no longer a child. He has his ¡®Look at me, I¡¯m a badass experienced hunter¡¯ face on, pretending to be tough for the tribe, a mask I can shatter with ease.
A quick wave tells me I¡¯m to follow him into our tent and this might go two ways from here. Either I¡¯m gonna get scolded for something I did wrong and just glossed over or this is my lucky day.
Dad looks like any other male in our tribe, big as an avalanche, with white mane-like hair flowing down his broad shoulders and strength equalling an Obsidian Yeti. He usually tries to look grim and serious but any time it''s just the two of us, he smiles and laughs like a goofy child having the time of his life.
A~and there it is, just as we step into the tent that cold face disappears and the atmosphere returns to the good old warm and homey one I love.
¡°Val, I know I promised I¡¯d take you on a hunt soon,¡± Yes!? ¡°except we¡¯re moving fairly high today and it''s too dangerous for you up there.¡± NO! ¡°So I¡¯m sorry, maybe next time.¡± He tells me with an apologetic face.
¡°Oh, c¡¯mon it''s always the same shit. Too dangerous here, too young there, I¡¯ve been hearing the same excuses for years now.¡± I protest.
¡°I know but I¡¯d rather be called a coward than let my daughter die because of my negligence. I would rather you hate me and the tribesmen despise me than lose someone again. Please¡ just promise me you won¡¯t run away on your own again.¡± His ice-blue eyes bore into mine.
Damn, that again? I only snuck after them once. ONCE. He¡¯s been using that card over and over again to keep me here.
¡°But Dad, even the goat in my dream on my ninth birthday told me that I¡¯ll achieve great things. I even got a really strong starter Class, the Skill is even better. I¡¯m one of the strongest kids my age, how much longer-¡±
¡°As long as necessary Val, as long as I can.¡± He interrupts me.
I know he hates when I¡¯m being forceful but I can stand my ground. I can¡¯t stay a kid forever. Fighting is what our people are made for, we don¡¯t use weapons or fancy armor like the humans or elves. No, we fight with what nature gave us, our bodies are our weapons and armor.
¡°If you promise to take me next time, then it¡¯s a deal. No backing out, no more too dangerous... That¡¯s my condition.¡± I demand.
The big and strong man looks worried again, conflicted by my persistence. ¡°You really are just like your mother¡ Except, you¡¯re my child, you don¡¯t make deals with me, you do as I say. Just, have faith in me Valka, because even if you doubt it, I do have faith in your abilities.¡± He leaves the tent and meets up with the other hunters to discuss today''s excursion.
What he says and how he acts starkly contradict each other, asking me to trust him when he refuses to give me a chance to even earn his trust¡ that¡¯s not what faith looks like. Actions speak louder than any warcry and not before returning with my first prey will I be considered anything more than simply a child.
The nearby humans and elves call us barbaric and savage for our customs and living conditions, comparing us to orcs. I have to admit we¡¯re not too different from them, our people are no craftsmen, and we can¡¯t make fancy things and tools¡but c¡¯mon orcs? Those simple-minded brutes are more like the Yetis, just way uglier. We don¡¯t even look much different than humans.
Besides, why do those scrawny bastards think they¡¯re so much better than us? The only reason they can put up a fight is because of those stupid swords and spears. Our bodies might be stronger than theirs, but their weapons were made for monsters even beyond our resilience. The last time the elves attacked we lost half of our warriors, they were cut down like animals, the blades of the pointy-eared skinny bastards massacring us like cattle.
That¡¯s why I asked the goat for this.
Manaforged: Mana seeped deep into your skin and muscles to reinforce it against any blade seeking to harm you. Your body, vitalized by mana, resists cuts and stabs by the grace of the arcane so you won''t have to fear any weapon anymore. (Endurance +0.3% per level)
That¡¯s how they took Mom and many other women with them, after killing most of our hunters and destroying anything they could find. We had to migrate to a different area after that, a more dangerous one, our current home, but we had no choice. The fauna here is way more aggressive and generally higher leveled, causing the death of a hunter almost every week.
The number of our people has dwindled to around a hundred in the last few years from almost three times that before the attacks. We¡¯re not the only tribe of Nephilims in these mountains, although our people are so scattered and relations between tribes so passive that we rarely get news of what¡¯s happening to them. We don¡¯t even know where they are or even if they are alive or not.
That¡¯s why we train from a young age, even before the Journey Guide descends to help us on our path to survive. Just how many people, how many tribes have silently perished and let the snow cover up all that¡¯s left of them over the centuries¡ I don¡¯t wanna join them.
But I¡¯m just a child so what do I know, huh DAD!?! Screw him honestly...
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
I can¡¯t even sneak away and act on my own to bring back at least a damn Frost Worm to show my skills because the mothers -not even the hunters but the mothers watching over us- would notice it the moment the idea crossed my mind and drag me back by my ear. So the only thing left is to do what the children are allowed to do¡ Beat each other up in our little fighting pit.
Everyone wants to be a hunter and provide for the tribe and to do that we vigorously practice day after day, preparing for our first hunt. We don¡¯t wear armor, or any sort of protective gear, not even our warm clothes because we don¡¯t need them in the circle of our tents, protected from the harsh winds. The bodies of our people have long since grown accustomed to the chilling winds on the coldest continent¡¯s mountains.
See I even know this, what continents are and the comparison. Other races constantly describe us as stupid and ignorant, we¡¯re not. We basically look like humans, just bigger and with very light hair colors and radiant eyes. It¡¯s not our fault they¡¯re weak and fearful of us.
They should just train more like us instead of hiding behind their walls honestly. Even I am practicing every day and I¡¯m a chi- I¡¯m not that old¡
With that said I pretty much lied to Dad about thrashing everyone because my Class is just not made to do that. I¡¯m not saying I¡¯m losing just¡ I¡¯m the one usually on the receiving end and the outcome is most often a draw.
It¡¯s not because I¡¯m weak or anything, I hit hard, like really and can take more punches than anyone else. I¡¯m simply meant to fight long and fight hard and when the opponent is faster than me or manages to restrict my movement then I can¡¯t do much. They still can¡¯t bring me down but neither can I bash their face in¡ It¡¯s frustrating.
Sounds just like the setup one would need to dominate in a friendly competition right? Well, it¡¯s not. I¡¯m following in Mom¡¯s footsteps to make sure I can help more hunters return to their families, to stand between them and danger but there¡¯s nothing I can do against a shower of fire or when the earth clamps down on me so hard that I can¡¯t move.
To top it off, despite being a [Vital Brawler] with the Life element I can¡¯t heal anyone else other than myself, and even that is sloppy and slow. This Class is for pushing the body beyond the numbers on the blue window, making me stronger and faster.
Would I pick something different if I had the chance? No, this is the only thing I have that reminds me of Mom, and despite the difficulties, my goal is still the same.
That does mean losing a few fights but so what? Head on I win, I always do, sadly most of the mock fights are not so straightforward. Just like the orcs, we have a code of honor when it comes to duels, although ours is a lot more liberal. Retreating, using the terrain or ranged combat are all allowed, although only very few of us are able to fight from a distance.
We¡¯re not the best with magic and have none of those twigs they call bows so all that¡¯s left is hitting things hard and as many times as necessary.
Today my opponent to exchange punches with is Kurak, a boy about my size and only a year older. It''s not that he¡¯s small, I just inherited Dad¡¯s stature. He uses earth magic to dish out some nasty jabs and defend himself at the same time but I think I¡¯ll be able to keep up.
Without a signal or agreement, or oversight or anything special, we just get down to business pummeling each other right off the bat without much restraint.
Kurak¡¯s limbs and chest are covered with tiny rocks, serving as both armor and weapons to land more devastating hits. It¡¯s nasty. To top it off he has quite a few levels on me with more Might, Speed, Endurance, and Skills all surpassing my Status.
Every strike I block leaves a reddening bruise on my forearms and the ones I don¡¯t sting like hell before my healing solves it short term. After a series of quick jabs to his left, I follow up with a leg sweep. A dirty move but not an unexpected one. He raises his front foot to fall forward, forms a layer of earth on his forehead and headbutts me mercilessly.
We both stumble back for a second, except I don¡¯t plan on allowing him any breathing room with head-to-head fighting being my forte, and cock my arm back for a hefty punch. He raises his arms to block but I don¡¯t back down from a clash of strength and hit him with everything I¡¯ve got. My smash sends him back a few paces with rocks falling from his skin and a grimace telling me my attack wasn¡¯t entirely ineffective.
That just means I need to keep this up.
I crack my neck and run at him for a few more exchanges, back and forth for almost a minute without either of us letting up. Sometimes I land a good punch, next his kick crushes my chest, and then I try breaking his arm¡ we both can take these.
My healing can keep me going for quite a while, especially because the injuries are mostly just bruises and cracks but mana is still an issue. Kurak is a tough opponent, or I could say rock solid, and although neither of us can get far in this fight he has the resource advantage, I¡¯m sure of it. His every move is just too calm and collected.
It¡¯s time to take some risks.
I step in, faking another hook aimed at his guts only to make him lower his arms and leave his face wide open. With Power Burst I halt and then reverse my torso¡¯s momentum straining my body and feeling like someone is trying to tear me apart aiming a straight right to his face while raising my arm too high on purpose, leaving myself open.
He springs the trap and goes for a heavy punch right at my guts since his arms are already nearby but that¡¯s exactly what I wanted. I don¡¯t defend myself, I don¡¯t react because I¡¯m prepared to take the hit and instead put everything into my own strike flying at his jaw.
A confident smile spreads on his face, he knows his hit is gonna land first, yet when he sees the same grin appear on my face, confusion flickers in his eyes. I grit my teeth and turn to avoid getting my ribs broken and let the abs suffer the brunt of the impact, using what nature gave me to defend myself.
His fist sinks a bit into my guts, almost lifting me off the ground and forcing both air and breakfast out of their resting places. It almost takes me down however I grit my teeth and push through knowing damn well that the gamble paid off the moment I didn¡¯t collapse.
A savage grin appears on my face, I got him now. I activate Power Burst and my fist kisses his face, kisses it very violently. Kurak falls onto his back with blood pouring from his nose I most likely broke, but to my surprise, he gets up just after a few grunts.
I must¡¯ve missed the jaw¡
Quickly spit out the bile that came up from my stomach, I wipe at my mouth and take a few calming breaths. Only after refocusing on my opponent do I notice cracks on his face, the layer of stone crumbling piece by piece. As if mirroring me Kurak wipes the blood running from his nose before egging me on the dare do it again.
I oblige, I can take a few more of these, it¡¯s what I¡¯m the best at.
***
Turns out he had a lot more of those¡ two more arms worth of those. I didn¡¯t back down just because he had more fists to work with, quite the opposite really, I knew defense was no longer an option so I went on the offensive without any reservations.
Punching a layer of rocks while two arms are trying to restrain me and another pair is retaliating is so not fair. Every time I cracked that damn defensive layer of his the four arms just went on the defensive and if I smashed an arm, a stone one, he tried to smash mine in return. And the rock rebuilt itself over and over again, like a weird cheat-like healing ability.
I took a good beating there, kicking and fighting back as much as I could before signaling my surrender. It¡¯s rare for me to throw in the towel since I¡¯m cut above the rest both in terms of Might and Endurance. At least I tired him out before giving up the hard-fought battle, had to make sure my Skills got some decent progress out of it.
He probably broke a rib or two and beat me black and blue but that¡¯s where healing Skills come in for the win. A few minutes is all I need to be back in top condition, although my stamina will need a little longer to replenish.
¡°Good one Valka.¡± Kurak pats my shoulder while walking past me, trying to hide the smugness in his gait, but I can see it.
¡°Nice new trick. I have to admit you got me this time. Good fight.¡± We shake on it, no anger for the beating.
[The general Skill [Manaforged] has reached lvl 38.]
[The general Skill [Pain Tolerance] has reached lvl 32.]
[Your class Skill [Brawling] has reached lvl 24.]
As I said no grudges, it''s all worth it in the end, victory or not. We don¡¯t hold back on purpose because neither will the beasts during a hunt and fighting like this is really good for Skill levels. It¡¯s also a form of respect among my people, acknowledging others¡¯ work and dedication.
***
I rest for the remainder of the day, letting my bruises and bones heal, while waiting for Dad and the others to return with our dinner. At nightfall we gather at the central fire to prepare for the meal, eagerly waiting for the haul the hunters are to bring and as expected soon we see people approaching in the dark. Judging by their numbers the hunt was a very successful one with minimal casualties, maybe next time I can-
¡°Kids, run.¡± Says one of the older mothers, stepping forward to stand between the new arrivals and the rest of us.
The figures reveal themselves to be human, actual humans, armed to the teeth and with blood dripping from their weapons. They just keep on coming from the woods all around us, eyes flickering with disgusting greed.
What happened to the hunters?
Chapter 55 - Valka II.
The humans are closing the circle, drawing ever closer and cutting off every route of escape. I look around frantically for someone to lead our people, someone to stand up to them, for our hunters¡ That¡¯s when my eyes get drawn to the blood on the blades.
The hunters¡
Sonja, an older mother sees my agitation and places a hand on my shoulder. When I glance her way she shakes her head and mouths me; ¡®They might not know.¡¯
I quickly realize what she means, a simple truth here in the mountains. Anything could¡¯ve attacked these humans out on this snow-covered wasteland, there¡¯s no proof the red liquid belongs to one of our people. I nod, trying to convince myself that Dad and the others will turn up and we will weather this somehow like we always do, but¡ I just can¡¯t get rid of this feeling of imminent doom.
¡°What do you want?¡± Sonja steps forward and calls out to the men and women approaching with the weapons ready.
Her voice is only met with snickering and lecherous eyes before a bald and scarred man steps forth. He¡¯s barely smaller than any of our tribe¡¯s men, meaning he could be considered a giant amongst humans. His armor is obviously shinier than any other and the massive spiked iron club he¡¯s carrying promises impact like no punch I¡¯ve ever seen.
¡°Listen well savages, because I won¡¯t be repeating myself,¡± He speaks with a crusty voice after slamming his hefty weapon into the ground vertically and placing a hand on the pommel. ¡°I hereby declare this land to be under the care of Derek Ashal, Lord Protector of Heleven and Savior of the North. You will now come with us and pay your respect to your new liege, don¡¯t make this any more difficult than it needs to be!¡±
That didn¡¯t sound like an invitation to me, far from it.
Your lord has no right to our mountain, fuck off! is what I¡¯d like to shout in their face, except escalating feels like a terrible idea. We¡¯re outnumbered and those left behind while the hunters are away are the mothers, the elderly and the children, our weakest and most vulnerable.
¡°Please,¡± Sonja tries to ease the situation with a voice carrying both worry and anger. ¡°we will move, you can have the land just-¡±
¡°You¡¯d leave without your lord¡¯s permission?¡± Their leader''s voice seems offended but his wolfish grin betrays his feelings. Then he bursts out laughing. ¡°Alright, enough with this farce raise the cage, let none of them escape! Gather all of them we have a city to build and these brutes look perfect for the task.¡± The humans begging to advance. ¡°And don¡¯t damage the wares, the best ones go to the continent. Tonight we celebrate people, we¡¯re rich!¡± His words are met with a chorus of eager warcries from the horde he commands.
We huddle around the fire with the elders and mothers acting as a defensive line between the despicable humans and us¡ children.
I¡¯ve heard of monsters like them before, merchants treating people like any other animal or object, looking at them as numbers instead of people. Slave traders. I¡¯ve also heard what fate awaits those captured by them¡
Before any of us could react the the skies rumble and six bolts of lightning strike the ground before branching out and interlocking with each other. The crackling energy solidifies and settles into and intricate net of buzzing light that locks every direction away from us. We¡¯re trapped.
¡°Do not resist!¡± Sonja shout.
I whip my head at her with eyes full of disbelief and betrayal. How could she say something like that¡ Are we supposed to give ourselves up to them? Do we just simply surrender?
I can¡¯t accept that.
With shaky legs, I take the first step, then the next one, each easier than the previous as I march past the adults to fulfill the role I chose for myself. I¡¯m scared, terrified to face opponents this strong and numerous but someone has to-
¡°Don¡¯t make it more difficult than it needs to be.¡± Sonja grabs me by the shoulder with a firm grip and whispers through her clenched teeth.
But fear is not the only thing causing me to tremble¡ I¡¯m furious. Enraged at the humans for being worse than demons and disappointed with my people for accepting their fate this easily.
With some difficulty, I escape from the hold and take a few more steps until I have everyone to my back.
¡°Oh, we have a little hero it seems.¡± One of the men carrying two short yet wide blades chuckles as he draws closer.
[Warrior lvl ???]
I don¡¯t stand a chance.
¡°Don¡¯t come any closer!¡± My voice comes out nowhere as confident as I would¡¯ve liked.
This of course earns another round of laughter that only goes up a notch when I lash out, trying to punch the bastard right in the nose. He dodges my strike effortlessly, hopping back and picking up some snow mixed with ice and rocks. And the others around him follow suit.
Soon a onesided snow fight begins as the humans stand around me and giggle like a group of Frostbite Hyenas, the nastiest predators around the mountains. Whenever I try to charge at one of them to retaliate they just back away, way faster than I could ever move while the others keep pelting me with snow and pebbles.
It hurts, their throws are so strong that every pebble feels like a small concentrated punch, some even drawing blood but their little game doesn¡¯t last long.
¡°Enough you fools. Don¡¯t damage it or I¡¯ll deduct it from your pay! These one are too deranged to be used for pleasure already but at least these savages are strong, they¡¯ll make fine pack mules.¡± Their boss yells and the barrage stops.
UGLY!?! Have you ever looked into a puddle only to be scared by your own reflection?
Only now do I notice the cries of my people as their pushed to the ground and bound with ropes and metal. Only now do I realize that there¡¯s nothing I can do¡
No, I knew it all along but I refused to sit idly by. I wouldn¡¯t be able to look Mom in the eye when we meet in Malor¡¯s domain if I did that.
¡°You heard the boss.¡± A woman walks up to me with a line of rope in her hands. ¡±Be good and this-¡±
When she gets close enough I smash her in the face with all my might and Power Burst enhancing my strength. Yet when my fist connects with her face¡ nothing happens. She doesn¡¯t even budge.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
¡°Now listen here you little shit!¡± She grabs me by the neck and lifts me off the ground effortlessly. ¡°You¡¯ll calm the fuck down or even the promise of a pay cut won''t be enough to-¡±
I punch her again, and again, and throw a few more kicks at her in defiance. If there¡¯s one way to hurt her, even if just her comfort or wealth then I¡¯ll take it. It¡¯s better than silently surrendering.
After a moment of surprise, the woman¡¯s eyes turn furious and she smashes me into the ground hard enough for my world to go dark for a second. Then she draws a knife. ¡°I¡¯ll gauge those defiant eyes of yours out you damn-¡±
¡°Veena, last warning.¡± I faintly hear their leader¡¯s booming voice even as my world is in shambles from the impact. ¡°Keep messing around and you¡¯ll face me.¡±
¡°Tsk, whatever.¡± The woman clicks her tongue and I feel her grip tighten around my neck. ¡°At least the bonus for catching this one will be good.¡±
Those are the last words I hear while clawing at her arm and gasping for air. The words of a human, an oppressor, and my enemies.
May the Gods curse the humans, smite the elves, and drag this whole cruel world down to the Abyss!
***
The next time my consciousness is rekindled if find myself lying horizontally with the rattling of wood meeting stone and metal clinking on metal surrounding me.
I¡¯m cold.
After slowly blinking the haze out of my eyes I see a scenery so much different from anything I¡¯ve known that I almost begin to doubt if I¡¯m still alive or not. Patches of trees with plenty of green leaves, brown soil without any snow cover, and cubes of wood and stone, probably what the humans call houses.
But the pain and the cold, along with the other children from my tribe remind me that a world this cruel can only be Aelion. We¡¯re bunched into a carriage with iron bars surrounding us and cold wind freely blowing through between our shivering bodies.
¡°Valka, Valka!¡± I¡¯d recognize this loud voice anywhere, coming from my closest friend Bria. ¡°Thank the Wilds, you¡¯re finally awake I didn¡¯t know what to- we can¡¯t-¡± Her stuttering worsens until she breaks out sobbing. ¡°They took the adults Valka, it¡¯s just us.¡±
The news only make me wish I didn¡¯t wake up at all¡ First the hunters, now the elders and mothers¡ What are we supposed to do now, and where are they taking us?
¡°We¡¯ll figure something out,¡± I mutter the empty words. ¡°we just need to stick together.¡±
I push myself up and huddle closer to the other children for warmth but stay on the edge of the group. They need the heat more than me.
No words are exchanged, only sobs and sighs as we wait to see where fate drags us next. Maybe this isn¡¯t that surprising, our predicament. Our tribe has been on the decline for years now and it was only a matter of time before we joined the rest living on the mountains only in memory.
We¡¯re clearly in human lands, with weather much warmer, green covering much of the surface, and life much more abundant. Our people could never allow themselves to compete for lands this rich against humans, orcs, elves, and beasts alike. We never stood a chance.
As the hours pass the carriage rattles on and we just sit here silently with hunger and despair gnawing at us constantly in tandem with the harsh winds. The weather is much more bearable than near the peaks, except the humans took everything, including most of our clothes, and gave us chains in exchange, to rob us even of our freedom.
Soon something new comes into sight, a monstrosity of stone towering over the surrounding lands and snaking on for as far as the eye can see. I¡¯ve heard about these things before, the structures keeping the feeble humans safe against the forces of nature. A wall. A city.
Humans swarm all around carrying stones and tools since the thing is unfinished yet houses much bigger than the ones I saw outside are already rising behind the barrier soon to be finished.
This is where the strength of humans lies, their numbers and ingenuity to create something in order to overcome the odds. I would respect and almost admire them for it if only their greed wasn¡¯t as boundless as their creativity.
When we get closer I notice other races besides humans toiling in the shadow of the wall, mostly beastmen and orcs, with one thing setting them apart from the normal workers. Chains and rings of metal around their necks.
I know we¡¯ll join their ranks soon as slaves forced to serve the people who wronged us and work under their watchful eyes on the wall. As much as I hate to admit it we, the Nephilims, are almost perfect for the task. We¡¯re stronger than humans, and more resilient while also less dumb than the orcs. The beastmen¡ they are a varied race. A bearkin is stronger than us but the same can¡¯t be said about a wolf, a squirrel, or a hare. At least they have fur to protect them against the cold.
When we finally reach the settlement, or the parts that are already standing, our carriage turns into a spectacle as people gather around us to inspect the¡ booty. Yeah, we¡¯re just like the prey the hunters would return with, except our job is to work instead of feeding the victors.
I¡¯d rather be dead honestly, if not for Dad. He always poses as the big and indomitable leader of the pack but inside he¡¯s fragile with a big and soft heart, especially so after we lost Mom. The people he loves are his weakness and with only me left, I¡¯m the only thing keeping him going. I hope he¡¯s alright.
***
As much as I hate to admit it, the last two weeks haven¡¯t been as terrible as I expected, pretty bearable really. There has been little abuse thanks to some outrage from several humans after one of our supervisors was about to go on a whipping streak after a small mistake. Maybe because we¡¯re young or perhaps because our looks make it hard to distinguish between us and them or maybe just because they felt like it. I¡¯d put my money on trying to keep our ¡®resale value¡¯.
We mostly dealt with mocking from the people who seemed the poorest and most miserable of the thousands of humans around us. Let¡¯s just say they didn¡¯t like ridiculing my eyes any more than my snow-white hair they found abominable¡
What I mean by pretty bearable is the fact that we had a stable place to sleep, enough food to get us through the day even with the hard labor they forced us to do, and just general safety. Not once did anything try to bite our heads off nor did we have to cover behind our families in hopes for the hunters to drive the beasts away.
They even spared us from the collars and chains because it¡¯s not like we can blend into the crowd and more importantly, none of us are that much of a threat compared to actual adults. We¡¯re just not worth even the metal used for those bindings.
The only problem we faced was the workload really. The humans had little regard for age and attributes such as Might and Endurance when they assigned our tasks, be it washing the stone blocks or carrying them. We all had a quota to fulfill to earn our meals and the young ones, especially the kids without the Journey Guide holding their hands had no way of carrying the material often as heavy as themselves.
It fell on us, the ten or so older ones to go above and beyond, working till we could no longer stand only to save us all from starvation. I knew what a tough workout looked like, Dad, and especially Mom, had no mercy when it came to muscle training but this¡ My whole body was screaming at the end of every day and even after weeks it became no easier.
It isn¡¯t even that the humans slacked and cackled as they watched us struggle, rather the construction progressed with so much haste that even the tens of Mages, hundreds of Labourers and Artisans, and lastly us, the muscle doing the dirty work and numbering in the thousands weren¡¯t enough to keep the schedule.
I saw houses built, brick by brick, every wooden pole, bags of dirt and gravel carried without end, and a city rise from the dust. I dug the roads, breaking through the hard soil and digging at least knee-deep only to fill it up again for as far as the eye could see day after day. I hauled the stone blocks that the builders placed on top of each other to grow the tall snake of stone the humans love so much.
It was an incredible amount of work even with mages sliding the heaviest materials on ice, or master craftsmen whipping up multiple houses every day¡
Not once did I understand their hurry but today, on this restless night the truth finally reveals itself, the reason behind the breakneck construction and ridiculous workloads¡ Orcs, numbering in the thousands. A few torchlights flickering in the distance were the first signals of their arrival, quickly growing in number by the second and soon followed by the sounds of an army marching to war.
The fortifications we were building by sweating blood were all in preparation for this army and we still ran out of time.
Chapter 56 - Valka III.
I¡¯ve only ever heard tales of what an army looks like, a group of people, no, fighters so numerous that their footsteps make the ground tremble and their numbers cover the horizon like the freshly fallen snow.
My imagination betrayed me. Illuminated only by their torches, the orcs hideous by our standard only look more menacing along with the war beasts of incredible proportions by their side. The forest bows as their troops march through, destroying everything in their path but all that is nothing compared to what fate has in store for this city.
Massive beasts are terrifying and countless opponents are just scary to face and let¡¯s not even mention the hideous ones. The orc army unifies all the virtues, only further amplified by the sounds they manage to create as they descend upon us.
I know I¡¯m not their target, our tribe didn¡¯t have much beef with the orcs but even so, I can''t help but get terrified as flashes of the approaching carnage flash through my mind. They are like an avalanche of flesh and rage and if I stay here, right in their path then I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll see the morning.
The inhabitants don¡¯t need to use much of their imagination to realize what¡¯s coming and neither do I because I¡¯m among the first to drop what I¡¯m carrying and start backing away from the approaching horde. Needless to say, the other people are quick to follow as chaos erupts both within and outside the walls. They¡¯re not finished after all.
My first instinct as I¡¯m sprinting down the streets I¡¯ve built with my own hands is to gather all the kids without leaving anyone behind and make an escape amidst the headless chaos. This is our best chance.
The roars and warcries past the construction site and just outside the last stretch of unfinished defenses are getting close and getting louder. Add to that crashes that sound like an entire cliff collapsing and other sounds of combat I can¡¯t even begin to explain to get absolute mayhem that I have no way of surviving if I get caught up in the fighting.
I guess the orcs are pissed for enslaving their people, understandably.
Navigating the streets is child¡¯s play, pushing my way through the crowds isn¡¯t that difficult either, I don¡¯t care about their wellbeing, but finding my people¡ now that¡¯s a bit more difficult than I imagined. I¡¯m not saying this place is enormous but, okay I¡¯m saying it, the city is way bigger than any campsite I¡¯ve ever seen.
Thankfully nobody tries to stop me or pays any attention to a random kid with weird white hair running down the streets in the wrong direction. I¡¯m not actually a slave either, without the collar sealing my freedom, and now with no watchful eyes supervising my every move the only thing standing between me and returning home is this city and the predicament marching towards it.
After a few minutes of increasingly erratic searching, I finally come across the first batch of kids with a bothersome addition attached to them. A human, one of the slave traders who was there when we got captured dragging the three white-haired by their arms, hair, and whatever he can get a hold of really.
Sadly while I¡¯m stuck pondering on how to ambush the bastard and liberate the three before looking for the others, one of the snot-nosed brats notices me and makes a little too much noise to write it off as simple fussing. Especially with the ¡®Valka help!¡¯ part. I can¡¯t be mad at him for it, or at least shouldn¡¯t be¡
In a blink two of the kids are released while the one stuck in his hand gets a knife pointed at his throat. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid!¡± The man shrieks with a voice that sounds thirty times more cowardly than threatening.
[Warrior lvl ???]
Damn, it was worth a try.
¡°I don¡¯t want any trouble,¡± I placatingly raise my hands while trying to win him over with words. The man seems more frightened than even the kids. ¡°we just need to escape this deathtrap before-¡±
¡°NO!¡± He yells, albeit this time in terror rather than fear. ¡°No, I can¡¯t lose the goods, the boss will kill me, he will actually kill, I can¡¯t. No- not allowed, he¡¯ll take the skin, we don¡¯t want the boss angry, no we don¡¯t want that.¡± He keeps rambling and acting like a madman.
¡°We can all just leave this place and disappear after, nobody gets hurt and everyone goes their own way.¡± My tone this time is as soothing as I can make it while talking to a madman I¡¯d gladly kill here and now and a city slowly crumbling around us to due the forces fighting outside. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time, c¡¯mon you don¡¯t have to do this.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡± He mutters before his eyes snap toward something behind me. ¡°We don¡¯t have a choice?¡±
We?
The next moment I¡¯m tackled from behind with an arm grabbing my neck and another pushing me to the ground. My heart almost bursts from the fright, after the constant angst and chaos of the past minutes but the moment realize who I¡¯m up against anger takes the rein. The same bastard who threw the first pebble-filled snowball at me.
I try to struggle my way out of the hold but the strength difference is devastatingly large and my attacker doesn¡¯t even budge. Being overpowered isn¡¯t a feeling I¡¯ve been all too familiar with throughout my life but recently that¡¯s beginning to change. I can¡¯t say I like it.
Before any of us could as much as make a noise the ground trembles once again, much more violently than before followed by an echoing crack and a unified roar rising to the skies. Then the countless cracks turn into a groan as the wall finally gives in and begins to cave with assaulting beasts at least half the height of the monstrous stone defenses falling along with it.
The six of us, three kids, two bastards and I move as one, hopping up and making a run for it. One kid is still held firmly by the muttering lunatic of a man, and the iron grip on the back of my neck has not weakened one bit either. I try to steer our escape, maybe search for the rest of the kids but the slavers have other plans as they drag us through the waves of escaping people, literally pushing anyone to the ground who stands in their way.
It took four seconds for the shattered ruins of the massive wall to finally hit the ground along with the gigantic war beasts, their impact basically tearing the ground from under our feet. Amidst the screams and collapsing buildings, the horde pushes through and true chaos ensues.
The army of men and slaves was able to hold back the flood of green skin for quite a while, however, the fact that they broke through can only mean one thing. The battle is already over.
To my greatest surprise, we do find the rest of my kin without any hiccups although my disappointment is equally as great because they¡¯re locked in the same carriage we arrived in. Then there are the other three moving prisons loaded to the brim with beastmen, elves, weird half-beastmen and half-human things, and even actual humans. You name it they have it in stock. To my great disappointment, I can also hear the same bald bossman who led the raid against us give orders even over the echoes of destruction across the city.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
¡°You¡¯re lucky you didn¡¯t lose them you miserable fools.¡± He points a finger towards us. ¡°Load them up and let¡¯s get the fuck out of here. This city is doomed but at least we¡¯re not leaving empty-handed.¡± He chuckles.
How? How can anyone be happy in this situation while robbing people not of their belongings but their lives, their freedom? Dad always used to say that nobody¡¯s born evil and it¡¯s a difficult life that creates a twisted personality but I never believed him. Souls without a drop of benevolence do exist and this man is a living example.
We¡¯re promptly squeezed behind bars along with the rest of the people snatched up in the chaos only to be off the next second with a lot and I mean a lot more horses than we arrived with.
I¡¯m a bit dejected that we lost this opportunity to escape but at the same time, I know I couldn¡¯t have found everyone in this chaos and had no idea how we¡¯d escape both the humans and the army of orcs. I doubt the green idiots would be able to make a difference between us Nephilims and normal flimsy humans.
We¡¯re still captives, we¡¯ve toiled and struggled with no reward and no end in sight but at least I don¡¯t have to mourn. If I had to pick between the two I¡¯d stay behind bars if that means my people can live another day.
¡°Time to abandon this frozen shithole before war sweeps across the lands.¡± The boss hollers as the carriages leave the crumbling city in flames far behind. ¡°Who wants to sail south?¡±
His question is met with a vigorous round of shouting, none of their voice reflecting the tragedy that just happened.
Humans or not, some of them were innocent.
***
Our carriages rolled southwards for weeks passing abandoned settlements and groups of fleeing refugees. The sources of our supplies. Races have their differences and thus conflict emerges, that¡¯s just how things work, that¡¯s where cruelty and jealousy originate from. At least these people don¡¯t discriminate, I guess they¡¯re what one would call criminals in human society, the rotten ones.
As the days passed the weather became warmer, the ratio of white to green changed and the number of human settlements increased. Still, we didn¡¯t stop anywhere longer than a single night, and the only time any of us were allowed outside the cages was when they needed us to do some menial work. Food was just barely enough, water scarce and entertainment nonexistent. Not like any of us was in the mood to crack jokes.
By the third week, most of us have accepted our fate, accepted the loss of our loved ones, our home, and our freedom embracing this grey and empty new life. Not me though, I still have things to do, I still need to find Dad and return the kids home.
I knew we arrived at our destination when a whole new scenery opened up just as we rolled past to the top of a small hill. Water, water covering everything till the edge of the horizon. As we approached this great puddle of the world the air became weird, permeated by a smell that made my nose itchy for some reason.
There, right at the edge of the water sat a city far greater than the one I involuntarily helped to build, with houses, walls, people, carts, roofs, windows¡ everything bigger and more numerous. And to my great disgust everything filled with humans.
They breed like rabbits and use their numbers to infest the lands, killing everything else until nothing else is left other than them. The city was a hotbed of shady people and commotions with armed people marching up and down the streets and people attacking each other on a daily basis.
That place, that city was where we officially lost our freedom. You¡¯re only slave in name until the contract is signed and relatively free until the collar is locked around your neck. Of course, we didn¡¯t accept any of that willingly but it¡¯s not like we had much of a choice with our meals threatened.
The two go hand in hand. You willingly touch the piece of paper and it becomes binding, giving the right to whoever holds it to command the poor bastard wearing the collar. It¡¯s not like we can¡¯t resist but doing so is pretty painful when it sends a shock through your body for defying orders. It was a day that made the dark hole of despair we were stuck in even deeper.
Promptly after we were transported again, only this time not onto carriages but the transports of the seas, ships. They stuffed us all every race, every age, and every gender into the belly of the wooden ship, into that dark and damp place.
We had to stay vigilant constantly since we were the weakest down there and the only tool we had to fight back was making a commotion and drawing the ire of our captors. This meant quite a few all-nighters and a lot of shouting and punishments whenever another slave approached with shady intent in their eyes.
That was the worst part of our journey, barely any food, hardly any light and that cursed constant wobbliness. Let¡¯s not even mention how much wasted food that meant¡
The next time we saw the light of Solaire the land beneath our feet was different. The weather was still chilly and the vista quite hilly but it was not the same as the human lands before we set sail. It was no longer Koleth.
The humans called this place Norlan, and even the slavers tread more carefully than back home. They purchased their supplies, spoke respectfully to the armored men and women found in every settlement and¡ spoke in a language I did not understand. The landscape was different and so were the people, the towns, and the animals but when the words spoken around you sound like complete gibberish¡ Only then did I realize how foreign we were to that place.
It was similar to home, but better as much as I hate to say that. The land was nowhere near as harsh, people looked peaceful and I also didn¡¯t see any orcs or elves so that must mean fewer wars. I wish my people had a home like this.
That wish grew only more distant as the journey was not quite yet finished and the road ahead of us promised a few more complications. I expected us to change hands sooner or later, maybe, hopefully, finding somebody else who can call themselves our master instead of these sick people. That wasn¡¯t the case. The orcs got sold pretty quickly, soon followed by the elves and the furry people until only we were left.
¡®Too young, too weak, too feeble¡¯ everyone said when we were offered even if the price was low, although there was a couple that took two kids with them but I somehow didn¡¯t feel bad about that. They were¡ different, they treated us like people. I hope those two will be able to find happiness in life.
The more we traveled the warmer weather got, the more irritated our captors became and the more sick I was of traveling endlessly in foreign lands. We only stopped to earn our feed, aka make us do some heavy and dirty labor in exchange for money that they used to buy us the cheapest food they could find. It was closer to dirt than food actually.
By then I understood the language more or less after listening to our captors day and night and asking the people exploiting our work even if it earned a slap to the back of my head. Knowing what the people holding our contracts were trying to make us do was almost priceless to avoid trouble and protect the young ones so it was all worth it.
Life went on like this for what felt like months before things finally changed. For the worse. We finally found buyers, separate ones vying for the right to buy things be they living or not. They call it an ¡®auction house¡¯.
I had to watch as they dragged the kids I was meant to protect out in front of everyone and listen as people offered a number for their lives. Bria was third to last and when she gave me a farewell hug I broke down crying and almost snapped. In the end, I was left for last, left with no one and nothing, a husk of my former self.
¡°Never give up!¡± I shouted my final message to my people. ¡°Our time will come, never lose hope! Never forget who you are!¡± The guards were approaching me and the collar worked its magic, however, I was not finished. ¡°I swear on all that I hold dear that I¡¯ll free us as long as I breathe. I¡¯ll-!¡±
I wasn¡¯t able to finish my declaration as the collar forced me to my knees and the guards of the auction house piled on me, holding me down and gagging my mouth. It was fine, the message had been delivered.
Those weren¡¯t just empty words¡ I always keep my promises.
Shortly after restraining me properly with even more chains and a gag, they gave auctioning me a second shot however it only went as well as one would imagine.
The bid was short and lackluster, very much not like what the auctioneers expected to my delight, although, I was somewhat hurt when twelve gold was the maximum they were willing to offer for me. A man, grim and weathered paid the price and took a closer look at me with eyes full of suspicion after everything settled.
¡°My eyes didn¡¯t deceive me,¡± He circles me for the fourth time at least. ¡°you might look broken but that¡¯s just a mask, one adorned by the days you endured and the things you¡¯ve seen but still not the truth.¡± He lifts a hand to touch my face but I pull back with a growl, not much different from a simple beast. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about, the spirit¡ You¡¯ll do just fine in Turan, girl, fighting for the most noble cause there is.¡±
It¡¯s not over.
Chapter 57 - Turning Coats
Nobody wanted to volunteer for the delegation no matter how comfortable the ride or the other accommodations were because of one simple reason. Dealing with nobles is bothersome enough to offset any kind of escapism and peace this journey can provide.
Not to mention lying in bed for days with little to do besides eating, sleeping and looking at two equally bored faces. That¡¯s why the representatives were picked by drawing lots as usual, except this time instead of two people they elected to send three. Special cargo requires special care.
Not that they needed to do much for the past five days with the knights taking care of everything including cooking. They¡¯re fairly competent and strong enough to accomplish their task in case any of the nobles¡¯ hounds show up again. The earl has been surprisingly generous with the escort.
Maybe I really am too old for this¡ Bennett licks his thumb and turns another page of the book he¡¯s engrossed in. One a man of his age and decorum would never admit reading. Life is gonna be weird without those six brats. Way easier and a lot more quiet but still weird. I hope they stay sa-
The old veteran enjoyed his quiet reading time for too long and it seems the Gods have finally decided he had enough. Out of nowhere, an invisible force picks him up and everything and everyone else in the room before dragging them in the same direction with increasing strength.
Then a moment later it stops and everything comes to a halt¡ before the same force bursts outwards much more violently than before, tearing even the carriage apart.
Already in mid-air, as the fractions of a second tick by Bennett assesses his situation, injuries, his comrades, potential enemies and what might¡¯ve happened. The last one is surprisingly the easiest, namely the biggest flaw of every expanded space.
The otherwise compressed space inside the structure stayed stable due to the extensive inscriptions, however when the lines got damaged¡
The space within the confines of the carriage first imploded, pulling everything to the compression core as it all collapsed before expanding to its original size and pushing matter outwards with incomparable force.
One would ask ¡®Why build something this dangerous?¡¯ Well, for comfort obviously, and because nobody is stupid enough to attack an Earl¡¯s marked ride accompanied by a detachment of knights. Almost nobody.
Bennett has lowered his guard, having grown complacent throughout his years as an instructor, instead of the tension on the battlefields. He has heard of space inscription collapses before but never experienced one himself, the party trick being a bit too costly.
After hitting the ground in a practiced fall, Bennett quickly regains his footing, having been lying on his bed and indulging in his secret hobby. Neither his armor nor sword is at hand, scattered beneath the debris similar in size to that of a bigger house that was the carriage just moments ago. Yet he needs no such tools as he is the weapon.
A quick glance to assess the situation paints a bleak picture of the upcoming fight. Bellard, his mercenary comrade, is already engaged in combat against one of the academy personnel, while the other pompous bastard just blinks around like a newborn goa, surrounded by destruction. At the same time, Reena is¡ she¡¯s locked in combat with four of the knights while the other three are already rummaging through the wreckage of the once majestic carriage.
They¡¯ve been had. Bennett has had his suspicions about the knights from the start, after all, the crown prince¡¯s faction seems to be the one pulling the strings, but he never expected the Academy to be in on this. The incorruptible institute answering only to the Emperor and not bowing to any other authority¡
And it seems the knights are not the only ones they need to face. Shadows, two of them coming from the south. Just from a glance, Bennett can tell that the two new arrivals are gonna pose the greatest problem since the knights only have an average level of 550 while those two¡
[Ranger lvl 810]
[Warrior lvl 795]
They¡¯re incredibly strong.
We have to flee.
As if reading his mind Reena calls on the wrath of the wind in the path of the approaching duo, dragging it around the scattered remains of the carriage in a circle and creating a full-fledged tornado. Standing in the eye of the storm isn¡¯t exactly safe, just less dangerous but that¡¯s more than enough for Bennett to act and start reducing the enemy''s number.
The mounts the knights are riding be that a horse, a lizard, a bird, or even a damn bug are all powerful beasts in their own right and the first thing they need to do is get rid of them because outrunning those things is not an option. Especially not with the kids.
Bennett calls for his trusty sword but before it can slap into his palm the winds he grew to trust whisper into his ear, telling him of imminent danger. He allows himself to fall backward, instincts kicking in before his mind can comprehend things and dodging the projectile darker than the moonless night.
The Ranger seems to dislike being left out of the party but getting bogged down here is the worst thing that could happen. Bennett instead ignores the two shadows pushing themselves through the storm strong enough to rip up the ground and focuses on accomplishing his task. Protecting the kids.
Snatching his sword up Bennett dives into the fray, helping Reena first to have someone search for the kids while he holds back the two assailants. They¡¯re a bit hard stretched but complaining won''t solve anything.
The woman looks quite preoccupied, weaving between swords and beasts while trying to strike back at the knight with little success. Their armor is strong and Reena excels in single combat due to her elements of wind, dark and time. With that said, she¡¯s also incredibly hard to kill.
Bellard on the other hand seems to have no issue suppressing his opponent while making sure the knights aren¡¯t the ones to dig out the kids first from under the wreckage. Mage against Rogue is a famed matchup for being unfair and that¡¯s exactly what he¡¯s dealing with, although the prick from the Academy is holding his ground better than expected.
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We need to move quickly, kill the isolated ones and escape the Ranger¡¯s line of sight, there might be more coming.
What God just picked me up, and smacked me against the wall before sneezing in the middle of our ride? It was fucking awful. I can¡¯t feel my left arm under the debris and the sounds coming from the outside make me question if I want to be dug out or not.
I kinda panicked when I first started floating and then screamed my throat dry when everything turned upside down after the explosion. I¡¯m still scared shitless but during my three years of hunting and dueling I¡¯ve learned to cope with fear to some degree and I also know that waiting for someone to solve my issues is a fairytale solution.
Stay lying in the dust with an entire building¡¯s worth of weight about to crush me any minute now or stick my head out and hope I don¡¯t become collateral damage¡ I¡¯ll take my chances outside I guess, being crushed sounds like a slow and painful death.
Okay, but how? The material used for the carriage is still oozing magic from the destroyed inscriptions so I can¡¯t really influence that, it¡¯s also really damn heavy, and lastly, one wrong move and I¡¯m pancake.
Hold up, can¡¯t I just go under it?
A deafening explosion not too far causes the deathtrap above me to creak and dust to fall so I throw all caution to the wind and start digging. With magic of course.
The perfectly Elyssia-shaped hole beneath me begins to deepen oh so slowly while the material I excavate is lifted upwards to the edges in order to reinforce my tunnel¡¯s entrance.
Just as I¡¯m about to reach around a meter deep underground, weird Earthish measurement, the wreckage above me finally collapses after a deafening explosion but it doesn¡¯t matter anymore, I escaped like a rat. Or a mole but those are blind I think and escaping is more of a rat thing.
After a while, I judge the depth of my hidey hole to be enough and begin moving horizontally like a worm.
Okay, I don¡¯t actually know how worms move but I¡¯m lying flat and as straight as I can while using the earth moving out of the way of my tunnel to push me forward. It¡¯s uncomfortable as hell but a lot less work in the end.
Not like that¡¯s the only issue I have right now. For one, I don¡¯t know how much air I have down here and two¡ how far do I need to dig?
So I just continue on completely blind until the space down here gets really cramped and I feel something wiggling against the back of my neck. That does it, I push the soil out of my way and burst through the grass like a very pretty overgrown worm only to pull my head back when I catch the first glance of the situation.
It¡¯s like when Bennett and Wyat fought the shadows except with a lot less dust and much more enemies. The rogue dude I just dubbed Steve is currently tearing one of the knights apart while one of the pricks sent by the Academy is doing his best to blow him to smithereens. I was expecting a simple ambush, you know people jumping out of the forest and surrounding us but the double betrayal is almost too much.
Five knights, one fancy pants mage and¡ two shadows.
The cold runs up and down my back as my memories return at the sight of the two men with their clothes oozing black smoke. They¡¯re locked in combat with Bennett who¡¯s clearly on the backfoot although I can¡¯t see much of their fight because they¡¯re moving at such a frightening speed.
Before I can even think of my next step someone grabs my collar and violently janks me out of my hiding place. I lash out, of course I do, but stop myself the last second just before melting Hugo¡¯s face off with a wisp of blue fire.
¡°We need to find the others c¡¯mon!¡± He urges me, totally disregarding the fact that I could¡¯ve killed him a second ago.
He drags me away towards the rest of the wreckage, very much unlike the gentle and calm Hugo I know, where I find August and Milara hard at work shoveling the lumber and stone from under a group of small birds.
It¡¯s Kayla, obviously, or rather her animals she picked up on our way here aiding us in our rescue efforts. Which only leaves Victor. Since I¡¯m not much of a tracker and the amount of mana saturating our surroundings makes Mana Perception pretty much useless I join the digging effort.
Now that I¡¯m no longer under the debris I can just grab a chuck of earth wrap, it around an individual piece of broken wall and lift the entire thing that way. It¡¯s heavy, it¡¯s inefficient and I¡¯m quickly running out of mana but it¡¯s not like my resources will mean anything in the battle raging around us.
Soon we¡¯re presented with the reality of how little our efforts matter when Reena arrives with a blast. She slams into the ground standing on the chest of a knight whose face looks like Rufus played with it all day. Damn, I miss that cat.
She gracefully hops off, looking somewhat tired but clearly nowhere near finished, before catching what looks like a ray of darkness in a bubble of distorted space where it slows down enough for me to make out what exactly it is. An arrow imbued with not just dark magic but also the feeling you get when you walk down the streets at night and glance into a pitch-dark alley, feeling like someone is watching you.
The pretty mage furrows her brows and shadows rise from her sleeves, reaching for the projectile and devouring it moments before it could burst the bubble. ¡°That was a bit too close.¡± She sighs before turning her eyes toward us. ¡°Four, we need two more.¡±
Yes, we¡¯re fine lady, thanks for asking.
I¡¯m obviously not gonna say that after watching her stop that bolt of a nightmare but it¡¯d be nice to be treated with a bit more respect for once. I know I¡¯m a child and weak as hell and didn¡¯t earn said respect but still.
My complaints retreat even further to the back of my mind when the shadows once again reach out from her, this time creeping on the ground and burying themselves into the piles of debris. The mage woman¡¯s eyes snap from left to right with her tongue sticking out a little in concentration before the corner of her mouth lifts into a tiny smile and she begins the cleanup.
With an indiscriminate blast of wind, she blows the entire house''s worth of material away from us to our great horror. Victor and Kayla were still underneath there they¡¯ll¡be completely safe?
From the remnants emerge two cocoons of darkness unwrapping themselves and dumping two frightened children to our feet. I never managed to grasp how exactly these shadow structures work, how thin or tough they can be or how to make them in the first place. These things shouldn¡¯t even exist according to Savant.
¡°Brilliant, we have everyone now we need to-¡± Her mouth decides to frown instead of finishing the sentence so I follow her eyes.
My heart sinks yet again for the third time in just a few minutes as the world just keeps throwing impossible situations at us. First freeing myself, then the knights and the shadow due and now this¡
Twelve, that¡¯s the number of dark silhouettes approaching from the north. All of them are riding weird lizard-like creatures running on their two hind legs and with tails reminding me of someone putting a bunch of hedgehogs on a massive skewer. Not that I ever saw something like that.
¡°Okay kids new plan, run! Go straight for the forest, we¡¯ll cover you.¡± She quickly issues new orders and launches herself at the new arrivals to intercept.
Her voice carried a sense of urgency that made even the baffled Victor and Kayla hop to their feet in an instant and start sprinting toward the treeline. The fighting behind us intensifies even further with many more ground-shaking explosions and shockwaves conveniently pushing us right toward our goal.
I understand why she picked the woods, and it¡¯s not because the trees might provide cover, those things are like chicken bones in the face of a war hammer. Breaking the line of sight and turning those porcupine-tailed lizards into a hindrance¡ that¡¯s the best we can get.
And right now we don¡¯t have the luxury of choice.
Chapter 58 - On the Edge of Disaster
As the years passed my memories of the night that changed my life forever slowly faded along with the fear and worry that things might repeat themselves one day. I was safe, I lived well, I was relatively happy¡ and I was naive.
The three combatants on our side are so powerful I can¡¯t even fathom the end of their capabilities, a Warrior, a Rogue, and a Mage and yet they¡¯re struggling, if not losing. Plus there¡¯s the other fancy pants who woke up from his stupor not long ago and by some miracle decided to pick our side against the knight and his own colleague and fulfill his duties.
They are fighting sixteen to four and even if individually Bennett or Steve could best any of them it wouldn¡¯t matter, that¡¯s not what this race is about. It¡¯s like a pack of wolves fighting against a family of bears with the cubs trying to escape and the wolves targeting the weakest ones.
Despite the fear gripping my throat and worry clouding my mind I still have to fight the urge to turn on my heels and just¡ do something, anything. I worked my ass off so I wouldn¡¯t feel helpless and here I am again, just as scared.
Just to remind me of my place one of the shadows sails right past my face, skewered by a sword radiating a gentle golden light and followed by a ragged Bennett already wielding another weapon made of pure light. I might as well just be a fart in their battlefield but that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t do anything to make my pursuers¡¯ job harder.
Running faster would be nice because I¡¯m already dead last and not by a small margin, but I was thinking of something else. What if¡ I made decoys. Not with light magic or anything fancy like actual illusions but just a few simple mirrors of water vapor to confuse the enemy even if just for a second.
So I give it a shot, running between trees and gathering moisture along my way, mostly my sweat until a blob large enough travels along with me and I spring my devious plan. It¡¯s simple really, I jump behind a thinker tree, make a paper-thin layer of water with plenty of salt, repeat the same thing to my right, aligning things properly, and to finish it off, running left.
It sounds simple but pulling it off within a two-second timeframe isn¡¯t, and despite that, the trick somehow still works. A shadow actually dives after the Elyssia fleeing in the mirror discovering the childish trick a little too late and getting splashed with water like an idiot.
I¡¯d cackle victoriously if only someone actually killed him, and more importantly, if I didn¡¯t just catch up to the others. We have only been running for five minutes or so with carnage hot on our heels and the terrain relatively easy to navigate, until now that is.
Similar to when Martha issued that hunting challenge years ago where I was the prey the ground here also takes a dip, a very, very steep one. The scenery is breathtaking now that the curtain of trees is lifted and we¡¯re able to look down on the sprawling woodland with meadows and trees of various sizes and colors, but¡ it¡¯s also our doom.
The cliff stretches left and right as far as the eye can see and although we¡¯re not entirely stuck our pursuers can now catch up -
Oh yeah, just like that.
The mage lady who rescued Kayla and Victor bursts through the bushes, entangled with one of the shadows and covered in blood, before hurtling past us and right off the cliff. We gasp in fright as they fall to their death but forget about them a second later as a slash cuts through like twenty trees to our left and we¡¯re forced to hug the ground if we value our lives.
¡°To the right!¡± Victor yells albeit hesitantly but I¡¯ve learned to give credit to his words when it comes to difficult decisions.
The source of my trust is not just his Blessing giving him an edge but also his own foolish, and twisted qualities. He proved to be a capable leader time and time again and even though mistakes were made, as expected from a simple mortal like us, I counted how many times I would¡¯ve picked a different path leading not to victory but embarrassing defeat.
And so we all jump to our feet and start sprinting right at the edge of the cliff like tiny people on a windowsill overlooking a garden of giants. Moments later an injured and exhausted Bennett is blown through a tree, landing about where we stood and pulling up his brilliant shield of light just in time to block the purple ball of flames that seem to suck in all the light around them.
As the vibrant purple and gentle gold touch the world around them shivers, almost as if reality itself had goosebumps, before the flames slowly reach out and morph the space wherever they move.
Spatial¡ flames?
Then all of the purple recedes into a tiny pea-sized spot, pulling reality along with it only to moments later erupt violently with a deep unnatural howl. Trees are wretched from the soil, cracks spread all across the ground and the winds revolt reaching even us while banishing the cliffside Bennett is standing on to the depths below.
As a last-ditch effort, I raise a shield of pure mana to mitigate the shockwave and maybe, just maybe protect the six of us from what¡¯s about to come. For a second my barrier holds¡ then gets demolished by the raging forces sending us sprawling all over the ground.
With hands shaking and knees too weak to help me stand again I just watch through my hazy vision as the wounds on the ground creep closer and closer, too shocked to do anything after observing the purple fire with Mana Perception.
I saw mana grip the fabric of the world like some wet towel before crumpling it up dense enough to look like a gem¡ Even now my eyes and mind just can¡¯t come to an agreement on what happened.
¡°Eli!¡± I hear a muddled voice call my name. ¡°Get up, move!¡±
The words do reach me and I really am trying to but it¡¯s just impossible. I feel like I¡¯m underwater, in some cold, heavy, and repulsing type of water. The clangs of clashes, cries, and spells marring the land still make their way through to me and by the sound of things we¡¯re not doing too hot.
I feel someone hurriedly picking me up and carrying me away and¡ throwing up¡ Every little movement sends sickening pulses through my body and every bob of my head messes up my vision in hard-to-explain ways.
If I had to guess what happened I¡¯d point at my racial trait. I knew it might bite back at me one day after letting me control mana like no one else but this is just unfair, I¡¯ve never felt this awful in my entire life.
Soon my vision clears, maybe because some time has passed, maybe because we have put some distance between us and that abomination of a spell someone unleashed. Seeing what I see I kinda hope it didn¡¯t return.
It¡¯s not Hugo carrying me, nor Victor or even August¡ it¡¯s the last knight left of their detachment, the sole survivor of their betrayal. Along with the dozens of shadows but they¡¯re not my concern right now.
I never actually tried hurting people before, like properly, however, right now I have no such concerns. I try to wiggle myself free first with little luck because he holds me firm in his arms, locking both my arms and raising me high enough so my feet can only dangle in the air. Not that it matters.
Mana can leave through my skin wherever it pleases be that my shoulder, toes, or even my butt. And yet for some reason I still turn my head, looking at him right in the eyes and opening my mouth. His eyes widen as a glimmer of blue appears on my tongue albeit a little too late as even his reflexes seem to be slower than the instant combustion of blazing blue fire.
The flames lick his helmet and more importantly, the crevices in the metal leading to his neck, nose, mouth and¡ the eyes. I do feel bad for causing someone pain but right now I¡¯m way, way more scared for my life than his wellbeing so I¡¯d do it again in a blink of an eye.
Weak points of the human body, areas less reinforced by Endurance were part of Martha¡¯s basic curriculum. They include the throat, some organs I can¡¯t remember, the boobs, the men¡¯s junk and of course the eyes. Maybe it¡¯s to keep their functionality, maybe just shitty design, don¡¯t know, don¡¯t care.
As if just waiting for this exact opportunity a dagger lodges itself into the knight¡¯s chest while he¡¯s busy roaring and trying to squash the flames eating away at his face and making his helmet glow red.
Stolen story; please report.
I know I can¡¯t hurt him seriously and that my abilities are nowhere near enough to win this fight. With that said it was no coincidence Martha forced the extra training every week. A spell is one part Skill, one part stats, and one part knowledge. I might be lacking in the first two aspects but the third one I ace.
I quickly scamper off while the man is blinded and bleeding out trying to make some distance and more importantly look for someone to finish him off. As if answering my prayers Bennett descends falling from the sky like a judgment of the Gods and plunging his sword through the dying man¡¯s chest.
The old man is a moron, as rigid and dense as his fighting style and I¡¯m pretty sure he was just born a little stupid but I must give it to him, he can fight. Without wasting too much time on the pretty much done-for piece of dying armored meat he swerves around me and pulls up his trademark barrier, not to defend us from anything but rather hold the ground beginning to slide underneath our feet.
I know barriers are meant to keep things on the other side but this is getting a bit too much.
With a strained frown on his face the old man marches, the barrier clearly putting significant strain on him, yet there are still plenty of enemies to cut down and others in need of protection. As much as it pains me to admit, I feel much safer behind his back, a reliable wall standing between me and the sources of my nightmares.
Then I realize why he¡¯s straining with the shield¡ my dumbass is still sitting on the broken edge of the cliff like a newborn chick.
Before I can move any further, however¡ something grabs my leg. I feel my heart skipping a beat, and not in the good way, as I turn back and see the terrifying visage of the same half-dead knight crawling towards me with a trail of blood in his wake.
Because of course burned eyes, a dagger still sticking out of his chest and a gaping wound I can almost see through aren¡¯t enough to bring down the knight. Which in hindsight is plausible, with Endurance in the thousands he might even survive his wounds.
Equally scared of the sight and irked by his resilience I grab his helmeted face and give him another shower of incinerating blue fire. Sadly, unlike before he doesn¡¯t release me, instead strengthening his grip on my legs to the point I feel like it¡¯s gonna fall off.
My scream is quickly met with an equally loud roar as Milara arrives with a sword in hand as a burning ball of rage and slams it down on the arm trapping me. It simply bounces off the armor like a joke showing just how incredibly outclassed we are.
A second later a sword flies through the shoulder of the knight stopping only at the hilt with the disgusting noise of flesh being torn to shreds. It¡¯s Bennett¡¯s weapon.
From the corner of my eye, I can see the old man raising his arms to protect himself, weaponless and exposed, as an entire tree crashes into him with two shadows in its wake. The next moment the sound of something shattering like a massive wall of glass echoes from the cliffside and the ground begins to move again.
Through the deafening rumble of the ground collapsing under our feet, something bone-chilling reaches my ears. Laughter. The knight clinging to me with the last breath. Bloodied and burnt he cackles like a madman as he keeps hanging on to my leg and dragging me down with him.
Before I can try crawling away, reach for my magic, or even beg for anyone to save me the ground gives in. Despite falling to my death silence and peace welcome me when the cruel ever-present gravity of Aelion takes over. There¡¯s only the sound of the wind, the world passing by in a blur and a feeling of relief in my mind telling me I don¡¯t need to struggle anymore, it will all be over soon.
Savant can¡¯t save me this time, nor will Bennett or Martha or even Wyatt swoop in to save the day¡ It¡¯s only me, the knight, poor Milara, a small hill¡¯s worth of soil, and the seemingly endless fall.
It¡¯d be nice if I always had this little to worry about, if this peace could last forever¡ but I still have mana and breath in me.
A fractured arm, a few shattered ribs, and countless other minor injuries hinder Bennett in fulfilling his duty but none sting as bad as the result of his own failure. Countless of his comrades fell by his side throughout the years and he mourned all of them yet their loss, the pain and emptiness left by their parting was very different from the emotions swirling inside him.
Those men and women were trained, capable and knew what they signed up for, the two girls however were just children caught up in the storm. They weren¡¯t fighting for glory, money, honor or anything able to motivate the willing, they weren¡¯t fighting at all, and yet fate decided their journey ends today.
The fight has been going on for almost half an hour now with no end in sight even after reducing the enemy¡¯s numbers to six. Bennett can barely hold his own now, Bellard lost an arm, the toff they looked down on is still going strong, although the signs of mana poisoning are already showing, and Reena is gone.
Their opponents, the six remaining black hounds sent by the nobles to retrieve their new toys aren¡¯t doing that much better.
¡°Please, save them, please.¡± Bennett hears the sobbing pleas from the edge of the cliff for the umpteenth time. ¡°We¡¯ll be okay, just-¡±
¡°Be quiet!¡± He growls without looking the sobbing Kayla in the face. ¡°They¡¯re gone now, get running or you¡¯ll be next!¡±
It might¡¯ve come out a little harsh but he has neither the capacity nor the will to argue with the children. The fact that Reena did not come back after disappearing below the ledge tells him everything he needs to know about the fall and he¡¯s determined to not let any more of the kids suffer the same fate.
***
After culling their numbers to four the shadows finally retreated, likely to regroup rather than giving up on their mission. The next few days were spent in misery with all of them either heavily wounded or exhausted beyond what even an entire day¡¯s sleep could cure.
They moved at a breakneck pace through the woods, living off the land and heading toward the nearest city from where they continued their journey to Sereban. Only when arriving in the safe house operated by the Fist did they lower their guard and allow the emotions of the past days to break to the surface. Denial, rage, guilt¡ It was difficult to handle especially the young ones but there was still more to do.
Accusing a noble of treason is far from a simple matter and throwing the blame on the Academy wasn¡¯t the most promising endeavor. Blackmail and rumors are the tools of the wise.
In just one day¡¯s work, Bennett¡¯s investigation bore fruit and revealed that the Academy had no hand in the attack. This was more or less clear already by the fact that only one of their representatives aided the shadows in their attacks but that didn¡¯t mean the Chancellor and the institute as a whole was of no blame whatsoever. Negligence is also a crime.
Before making any rash decision like going on a revenge streak or besmirching anyone¡¯s name, however, Bennett returned to Granhall, this time alone and in just days. This issue was way bigger than him and there was another task he dreaded even more than reporting this failure to the top brass. Someone he wished to avoid at all costs.
¡°Why the long face you old fart, you¡¯re earlier than expected.¡± The voice of a woman who¡¯s been by his side for almost two centuries now welcomes him even before entering Fort Karon.
He¡¯s never been able to hide his emotions from Martha even without any perception Skills aiding her in reading people¡¯s minds. That¡¯s what decades of marriage does to a man.
Bennett silently curses before trying to move around the woman in hopes of avoiding this talk with little success. Reena¡¯s loss is one thing, the woman was talented and ambitious but the kids, especially Elyssia¡ His reluctance becomes clear to Martha as her mocking smile fades, overtaken by worry.
¡°What happened?¡± She steps closer.
Bennett gulps and tries to avoid her. ¡°Later. I need to report.¡±
Martha just stands in his way and pulls his face closer by his collar. ¡°SPEAK!¡± She commands just like in the old days.
Unable to look her in the eyes Bennett turns his head before speaking with a muted voice. ¡°We were ambushed. They were no pushovers and we were severely outnumbered¡¡± Now comes the hard part. ¡°We lost Reena, she fought well but lacked the experience to keep up.¡±
¡°May she find peace.¡± Martha whispers however she doesn¡¯t leave it at that. "And¡¡±
¡°We tried to flee,¡± The man stutters. ¡°but-¡±
¡°WHO?¡± Martha yells.
¡°Milara and Elyssia didn''t make it.¡± He blurts out.
At first, Martha seems frozen, expressionless, only her eyes moving from left to right flashing purple and blue like a reflection of the skies above her. Storm clouds begin to gather above Granhall, flashing purple and with increasing frequency. A single tear runs down her face, then she strikes the wall by the gate in rage.
She remains calm contrary to the outburst Bennett expected with her expression neutral and mouth shut tight yet her eyes betray the storm raging in her. The blue and purple flashes in her iris soon invite actual storm clouds above Granhall, gathering overhead and thundering with increasing frequency.
Just as the loud bangs reach their crescendo Martha slams her fist into the wall she was leaning against and a bolt of lighting thicker than a cow and lighter than Solaire itself runs across the sky.
¡°Tell me you did your best.¡± She hisses through clenched teeth and with storm in her eyes. ¡°Tell me it''s not your fault! Her ever-energetic visage now seems tired and ready to give up.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, I fought with everything I had¡¡± Bennett answers and envelops the now frail-looking woman.
They lost more than students, those kids are like grandchildren to them, raised, scolded, and guided by their hands and even though the two elderly fighters can¡¯t stand each other ever since their divorce, this is an exception.
¡°I don¡¯t play favorites,¡± Martha whispers. ¡°but I-I, the little devil was¡¡±
¡°She was so much like you.¡± Bennett finishes.
¡°They¡¯ll pay!¡± Martha mutters words of vengeance. ¡°Retirement? What a stupid joke. Nobility? Imperial Decree?¡± She huffs and wipes at the corner of her eyes. ¡°They started it and we¡¯ll sure as hell see it to the end!¡±
The Thunderous Magister and the Radiant Juggernaut. Quite the notorious combatants of their time who just vanished from the stage of warfare decades ago, fading into oblivion as the years went by.
As the saying goes; old but not obsolete.
Chapter 59 - The Way of the Wilds
I think I¡¯m dead, everything is so dark, and¡ Nah, I¡¯m hurting way too much, Malor¡¯s silent realm is supposed to be calm and peaceful.
So I open my eyes.
Yeah, that helps.
I don¡¯t even know where being dead came from besides the darkness. The rock and dirt I¡¯m lying on are hella uncomfortable, itchy, I''m tired, and my leg hurts to a worrying degree, really not how I¡¯d imagine the afterlife.
Even with my eyes open the world isn¡¯t that much brighter, despite the three dames in the sky are doing their best to make us not live in complete darkness. Not that I can see much of them through the foliage, only the parts where the branches were ravaged by all the stuff falling from the sky.
Speaking of-
I turn my head sideways and the sight makes me wish I never did something this stupid.
I¡¯ve seen animals being butchered and even done the vile deed when my stomach overruled my disgust but this¡ Two bodies absolutely demolished by the impact and even if the knight''s organs and¡ everything inside the human body are mostly contained by the armor the same can¡¯t be said about Milara.
Without thinking about the pain in my arms I lift a hand to cover my mouth as tears begin to cascade down my face. I want to scream and howl and demand answers from the Gods, anything to ease the feelings inside me, yet I know I can¡¯t. If I wish to live that is.
For a few moments, I continue sobbing silently and praying for all the Gods there are to keep the others safe. I can forgive them for now, all that matters is the others making it to safety. After the sorrow abates I take a number of deep breaths to calm myself before concentrating on the task at hand. But first¡
How did I even live?
I remember trying to slow my fall with wind magic but it failed to get any grip. Then I tried levitating chunks of earth to keep me afloat, which worked pretty well. It didn¡¯t last long though, ate through my mana supply too quickly. The last thing I remember was a flash¡ An explosion, is that why my arms feel like a herd of bearbulls trampled over them?
Well, better pitiful than dead I guess.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Gallant Protector - Life lvl 598]-[Tidal Sundering Sword - Water lvl 326]-[Faithful Shadow - Dark lvl 122.]
Ah, so that¡¯s why that fucker just refused to die.
[Your Class [Mystical Daredevil] has reached lvl 72, +1 Free Points, +2 Speed, +2 Endurance, +10 Intelligence, +10 Focus, +8 Mana, +8 Willpower, +2 Fortitude.]
[The Class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 68 ->71.]
[The Class Skill [Armory of the Arcane] has reached lvl 65.]
[The Class Skill [Mana Perception] has reached lvl 65 ->71.]
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 60 ->62.]
[The general Skill [The Art of Movement] has reached lvl 56 ->58.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 55->57.]
[The general Skill [Pain Tolerance] has reached lvl 25->26.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 62]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has reached lvl 50.]
[Your class [Mystical Daredevil - Arcane] has reached lvl 72. Class advancement is now available, would you like to start the class up?]
Heh, I should be overjoyed but the timing couldn¡¯t be any worse. Get away from me you gorgeous message, I need to find a safe spot first. Something I doubt this forest is teeming with.
I don¡¯t know which one is closer to dying, almost not surviving it, or almost meeting Malor¡ it¡¯s like that glass is half empty, the glass is half-full problem. Anyway, I got close.
Now comes the part I¡¯m really not looking forward to, namely checking how bad my condition is. First the arms. They¡¯re slightly swollen, a bit red, and a little painful to move, and¡ that¡¯s it really, surprisingly still functional. Next the torso. Neck good, chest good, ribs-
¡°Argh!¡± I quickly slap a hand on my mouth after touching one of my lower ribs.
Not great not terrible. I¡¯ll be able to move and maybe even run if I grit my teeth but I¡¯m really not gonna enjoy this. And the legs¡
One is in pristine condition, besides some dried blood and dirt, however, the right one looks like someone mixed my blood with blueberry juice. It¡¯s bad.
I really can¡¯t stay here, yet at the same time I need rest, a lot of it. Besides, it¡¯s already too late to look for a proper place to spend the night, things that hunt in the dark are only alive because they¡¯re good at their job and I don¡¯t plan on testing that.
That leaves building shelter here.
¡°Here goes nothing.¡± I mutter before pulling myself free from the clutches of the soil with a muted groan.
I can¡¯t waste mana here, I¡¯ll need everything I have to build a bunker, especially since only about two-thirds of my reserves have replenished. That means I¡¯ve been down here for¡ six hours. How the hell am I even alive?
With great difficulty, I finally reach the side of the cliff after crawling like a worm in the dirt, an embarrassing sight that¡¯ll go to the grave with me. Once there I pull the dirt and rocks scattered all around a little closer before shaping them into a protective mound with small holes so I don¡¯t suffocate in my sleep. A pretty important addition.
¡°Man, I¡¯m thirsty.¡± I whine. ¡°And hungry and so¡ so alone.¡±
Even though I¡¯m not the most sociable person and can spend days with barely any interaction, the fact that it¡¯s only me around here is a bit unnerving. Add to that how weary I am and the pretty significant odds of something eating me in my sleep and¡ and things look even worse than I thought about a minute ago.
Way to go Elyssia.
Maybe I should just¡ stay¡ awa-
***
I rarely dream, and hardly ever remember the events of said dreams. I close my eyes and open them again in the morning well rested and ready for the day. Not this time though. I can clearly remember being chased by figures shrouded in darkness and red eyes looking into my soul. It was a nightmare, one with some pretty recent material to work with.
Saying I slept well in this cramped little space with my body aching relentlessly, empty belly, parched mouth, and this unneeded cherry to top it off¡ I hope my bad luck has run out already.
I should look for some-
¡°Nothing here, maybe she¡¯s buried deeper.¡± I hear an unfamiliar voice yell relatively close.
¡°Or she¡¯s alive.¡± Another answer from somewhere up high judging by the echo. ¡°Leave a party here, comb the woods! You have three days to make sure that one is either ours or Malor¡¯s to take!¡±
I quietly tremble in my hole as the people who I can only guess are another wave of shadows talk about me. There¡¯s no need for me to try and stay quiet with even the air stuck in my throat, even so, my hands clamped hard on my mouth just to make sure.
One wrong move, a single loud breath and I¡¯m done. Please don¡¯t let it end like this.
The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Maybe my prayers got heard, or maybe these people just can¡¯t imagine me being stupid enough to hide right where I fell, I don¡¯t know.
¡°You heard the boss, either something already had a nice dinner last night or we¡¯ve got a runner on our hands!¡± The first voice reaches my ears again, this time from even closer than before. ¡°Spread out and look any for tracks we can¡¯t waste much time here.¡±
Even though the sound of footsteps quickly disperses I stay quiet and motionless for a few more seconds. Then a minute, then an hour¡ Finally, I get betrayed by my stomach roaring furiously for some sustenance just when I feel I¡¯m about to go crazy any second now.
The thought that someone might still be around and the things that might happen after I¡¯m captured have been haunting me constantly like a pack of hyenas playing with my sanity.
Not that it matters now that I¡¯ve made so much noise, even if involuntarily. A small hole appears in the dirt just at eye level, letting some light in and allowing me to take a proper look at my surroundings, just in case.
It¡¯s deserted and besides a pretty normal forest, a bunch of rocks shattered on impact and two corpses I can¡¯t seem to find anything worth investigating, not even with Mana Perception. And still, I stay put for a little longer.
I¡¯m not this hesitant usually but this time I just can¡¯t help it.
Staying in my hidey hole for a little longer wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea, another day or so maybe. The odds of anything finding me should be pretty mediocre. I know I¡¯m supposed to be able to survive that long without any food or water easily and hopefully by that point the forest would at least be rid of the shadowy bastards if nothing else.
That is if I¡¯m willing to take on this wilderness in a weakened state after starving myself for so long. Getting back up where I came from can only be accomplished by a suicidal climb, a Skill giving one the ability to fly or going around the whole cliff. Not that I¡¯d want to head back to where we got ambushed, that sounds like the worst choice possible.
I could also wait and hope for the Fist to send a search party¡ Yeah, even if they do I doubt I¡¯d still be alive at that point.
That leaves me marching through this uncivilized land of beasts on my own. If I remember the map correctly then going northwest should lead me to the¡ I can¡¯t recall the name of the sea. From there I just need to follow the coast all the way to Sereban and I¡¯m golden. In theory.
With that determination, I shed my earthen shell and emerge like the most miserable butterfly the world has ever seen. Even my legs give in for a second when I try to stand after being cooped up for half a day in that uncomfortable position.
All I have on me is Dad¡¯s bracelet, my clothes, and¡ that¡¯s it. Not much of a survival kit.
I wonder what happened to the pocketwatch after the explosion. The older I got the more I understood the meaning behind that gift and truly¡ time is worth more than any treasure.
I know the first rule of survival is to find water, then shelter then food, even Survival agrees with me on that, but there¡¯s one more thing I need to do before that. I gulp down my disgust and take a few more breaths before approaching the corpse of the knight and crouching down beside the bloody pile of meat with flies already swarming around the feast.
¡°C¡¯mon Eli, anything can help. Just- urgh.¡± I mutter before nausea takes the reins.
At first, I touch the body without even looking, but I soon realize that blindly patting it down won''t lead anywhere.
Think of something funny, no, something really irritating, something that¡¯ll make you go ballistic. Be too pissed to care!
And I do just that.
A few seconds later I¡¯m on my knees crawling away from the body with a waterskin and a simple knife in my hands, breathing deeply to remove the stench from my body.
¡°That went pretty well.¡± I sigh and push myself up. ¡°One more thing to do.¡±
I step over to what once was Milara, this time without averting my eyes. Seeping my mana into the ground I make the earth embrace her in a gentle hug, slowly dragging her down, back to Aelion where we all came from.
¡°May Malor bring you peace.¡± I mutter as it is tradition before falling silent for a few seconds.
I played with the thought of losing a comrade many times throughout the year, the simple fact that people would die chasing their dream¡ never did I expect to bury a friend this early. Life is unfair, the world is unfair and it was a little more unfair to her than to me, that¡¯s all this is.
At least this way it¡¯s the maggots that eat her and not the wolves, not much better.
With that done I finally begin to walk towards what could only be north, moving as carefully as possible. Not that it¡¯s difficult with a leg I can barely stand on.
A few minutes of wobbling later I still haven¡¯t found any water or food, and although I know this isn¡¯t supposed to be easy I¡¯d at least expect animals to live here so I can eat them. That¡¯s when I find blood, a lot of blood.
Following the trail of crimson liquid dripping down the bark of a tree reveals the owner pretty quickly in a state just as gruesome as I found my less unfortunate passengers down the cliff. I know this person, she helped us dig out Victor and Kayla, and she fought to protect us, but she never returned after falling off the cliff.
The woman is impaled by a branch as thick as her arm sticking through her stomach and keeping her midair like a distasteful scarecrow. When looking more closely I notice several other broken branches, much lower than where she hangs with a visible crater beneath them.
Either the one who dragged her down survived or these shadows might actually care for their comrades. Or beasts. I should really get used to that option now that I¡¯m stranded here.
¡°How do I get her down?¡± I mutter to myself again.
I try my luck with a blade of wind however it only nicks the wood, leaving a pretty shallow mark despite the amount of mana I used.
¡°Just as I guessed, not a simple forest.¡± This time instead of trying to get her down I start climbing.
I¡¯m in no position to disregard potential loot. Climbing up there is the hardest part, especially with my leg, because¡ how to say this without sounding like a psycho? Looting is a lot easier with the corpse hanging straight like this and a stake through the stomach is a lot less sickening than bones shattered to pieces. For me at least.
Thankfully I find just what I¡¯m looking for. No miracle gadget, nor my ticket out of here, just a simple round white rock the size of my palm. That¡¯s huge for a personal Hadron crystal.
Actually, this is probably enough to knock me out if I were to go through its entire mana reserve. Won¡¯t win me the fight against an opponent of overwhelming strength but at least I¡¯ll have a little more resources to work with.
¡°Now, let¡¯s find something to eat.¡±
***
For hours, and I¡¯m not exaggerating, hours I walked this forest looking for even a squirrel to eat and found nothing but berries. I don¡¯t count berries as food, they¡¯re below appetizers and barely even snacks. With that said I did find a small creek gently running through the myriad of trees which on paper should be something way more important than a few bites. Not to me though.
Speaking of trees¡ I¡¯m not well versed when it comes to nature but the variety here is apparent even to me. Some barks are glowing metallically, others seem to be moving like they¡¯re taking deep breaths, while a few are¡ humming. Yeah, it¡¯s hard to miss and pretty eerie.
But seriously is a little food too much to ask for? I thought animals preferred forests because it¡¯s much easier to find something to eat here yet here I am, hungry and grumpy. Not even Mana Perception could locate a single bug no matter where I look.
And then there are my sandals¡ They¡¯re cute and absolutely the best when going for a stroll in the city. But fuck me are they uncomfortable when jogging in the middle of nowhere.
¡°What is this even, like, at least have a beast eat me or something, let me die with dignity.¡± I stomp the group furiously. ¡°Starving to death is so slow and lame.¡±
I don¡¯t want to die but I¡¯ve never been this hungry before and it¡¯s taking a toll on me, even more than the tension. Anything could ambush me, and let¡¯s not even mention the shadows.
I follow the water just to have a stable source of hydration and because every living thing has to drink. That means prey.
¡°Maybe I should just call it-¡± As I¡¯m about to give up and look for a spot for the night the sound of something rushing through the underbrush catches my ears.
By the sound of it, the creature is fast and relatively small, just what I¡¯m looking for. I rush to intercept preparing a wind blade in hopes of finishing the fight as quickly and silently as possible because making a lot of noise might invite beasts I¡¯m not ready to face. My injuries make running painful and tedious but food takes priority over comfort.
Before the creature could even burst through the bush separating it from me I unleash my attack, tearing through leaves and branches and¡ I aimed way too high.
[Fawn]
I couldn¡¯t have asked for a better gift for dinner. Except¡
¡°Why are you so cu~te?¡± I coo while holding myself back from cuddling the little thing to death.
It¡¯s small, it¡¯s frail and it¡¯s frightened beyond belief, staring at me miserably with its big black eyes. Its brow fur is adorned with light blue streaks running through it and its legs are snow white which makes the baby even prettier and even harder to kill for my own survival.
¡°It¡¯s okay little one, you won¡¯t get hurt.¡± I haven¡¯t decided yet if I¡¯m lying or not.
As if to prove me wrong something growls from the bush the fawn came bursting through just seconds ago along with a pair of bright yellow eyes appearing between the leaves. I take a few steps back with my instincts screaming at me to escape except I doubt that¡¯s an option anymore.
Out of the bush walks one of the smallest bears I¡¯ve seen in my life. This is the first one actually but it¡¯s about the height of a fox yet it looks way more threatening than what its size would suggest. It has weirdly spiky-looking green fur and dagger-sized claws all hinting at close combat prowess yet the thing that frightens me most can¡¯t be revealed by the naked eye.
[Bear lvl 87]
It¡¯s stronger than me and not just a bit stronger.
¡°Run little one.¡± I mutter before taking off myself, ready to sacrifice the fawn if it means I live.
Before I can take a second step however the bear swings its clawed paw and three blades of wind just like the one I usually throw cut off my path. It seems the beast is not content with only a single prey anymore.
I¡¯m injured, I haven¡¯t eaten in almost a day and my opponent has quite a few levels on me not to mention an entire Class.
¡°I asked for this, didn¡¯t I?¡± I sigh, preparing to fight for my life.
Chapter 60 - A Warm Welcome
As intimidating as the bear is, with all the deadly weapons it received from nature, I¡¯m still thankful it¡¯s a beast that found me and not a human. Beasts kill to eat and don¡¯t fight to the death unless there¡¯s no other choice, which is very different from people.
Despite its relatively petite size, the creature is intimidating and even years of hunting around Granhall can¡¯t help slow my racing heart. Especially since there¡¯s no Martha around to save my sorry ass before unleashing another lecture.
I give fleeing another shot, just in case the bear has changed its mind. I¡¯m completely willing to give up on a meal if it means I can avoid a fight I¡¯m not too confident about winning. As a small distraction, I blast a mix of wind and dust into its face before taking off toward the river. If nothing else I can use the water to lose the beast if it were to track me.
To my great disappointment, I¡¯m not the only one determined to get as far from the murderous beast as possible as the fawn bolts past me the next second. The little shit dragged me into this and is now trying to ditch the bear by outrunning me¡ Unbelievable. It has two and a half legs of advantage on me and maybe the fact it was born for running through the woods but does the small fucker have no shame? Not to mention I was the one who came up with this first.
Of course, the bear doesn¡¯t take kindly to its dinner trying to slip away, be that the original prey or the new addition. I feel an itch at the back of my mind, similar to when someone is watching you behind your back, and so I instinctively glance behind me. Eight vertical lines cut through the dust so sharply that the cloud isn¡¯t even stirred.
Guided by instinct and by this point years of combat experience I crouch and prepare defenses because according to Premonition dodging isn¡¯t an option. I grab one of the fawn¡¯s hind legs and drag it closer to my chest just as two sloped walls of stone spring up from the ground in the shape of a wedge.
Angles, very few people seem to have realized how important angles are when it comes to deflecting an attack.
As the blades of gale meet the walls a small tempest erupts and dies down just as quickly, failing to break through my haphazardly put-up defenses. I don¡¯t waste any time and launch my pointed triangular walls at the bear because now I know, there¡¯s no way out of here without a fight.
The thing that worries me the most right now isn¡¯t the bear actually, but the noise we¡¯re making. I didn¡¯t tiptoe through the woods for hours just to not scare any prey away, oh no, it was to avoid becoming prey.
This at large means I¡¯m restricted to three elements, earth, water and wind. Fire isn¡¯t known for being loud, burning a forest down however¡ especially when I¡¯m right in the middle of said forest.
The bear slaps one of the stone slabs to pieces and takes the other to its shoulder without suffering any significant damage. Thankfully we¡¯re not playing a board game and there are no rules forcing us to take turns to attack¡ I¡¯d gladly break those rules anyway.
I follow up by shaping drills of hardened rock with some rotation added to their flight in hopes of at least one of them making it through the absurdly resilient hide of the green scourge.
No, not the hide but the quill-like fur I¡¯m having problems with. Their hardness makes them behave like armor while each individual ¡®strand¡¯ is elastic enough to act as a cushion against the impact. It¡¯s terrifyingly effective, and probably a Skill.
It only takes seconds for the bear to be fed up with my feeble attempts at taking its life and shut me down with a roar that¡¯s a little more than noise and stench leaving its maw. A roar is just a very loud noise and noise is the movement of air, which falls firmly under the umbrella of wind magic.
The booming noise shakes me to the core and makes my vision do some funky dancing while approaching the ground rapidly. I can¡¯t even hear my own thoughts yet a part of me, an instinct drilled into me by Martha, yells even louder.
MOVE!
With Elemental Burst I counter the bone-ratting noise with a soundwave of my own to gain clarity for just a second and roll my way to safety. My solution is only temporary, however, it does temporarily save my ass from the three more blades of furious gales.
Thankfully the bear runs out of breath rather quickly and I capitalize on this golden opportunity to silence the creature at least temporarily. Worrying about noise complaints from the neighbors is no longer an issue, we¡¯re fucked one way or the other. At least I don¡¯t need to hold back any longer.
A thread of explosion growing in size runs from my finger all the way to the beast greedily gathering its breath. It moves faster than my eyes can follow and stops only when the bursts of fire reach the back of the creature''s gaping mouth. The blast is deafening and the effects are immediate. The lower jaw of the bear is ripped off in its entirety, leaving its throat smoldering and eyes rolled back.
¡°This is bad.¡± I mutter, taking a few slow steps backward.
No notifications. It¡¯s still alive.
Should I finish it off? Run? Maybe it¡¯ll give chase¡ Then again, other beasts are likely already on their way here¡ Maybe even the shadows-
I hesitate a little too long, just a few seconds, yet long enough for the bear¡¯s hate-filled eyes to snap back at me and strip me of the right of choice. No wind rushes at me this time, no nasty blades, and definitely no more sonic roars, however¡ there¡¯s a reason the creature survived the explosion.
A spark ignites in its eyes before quickly spreading across the rest of its body, pulsing like a heartbeat and growing in intensity by the second. As frightening as this is I¡¯m more worried about the flora around us, especially because this summer has been disgustingly hot.
Gotta say the ugly thing¡¯s mug looks like it came straight out of a horror story. Blood dripping from where its jaw is supposed to be, eyes glowing red, bright flames making the surroundings look like shadows are creeping up on us¡
Before I can even make assumptions about what¡¯s coming my way next the armored fur begins to vibrate on the bear¡¯s back making an awful buzzing noise. Then they erupt. The burst of flames and air guided by the quills launches the bear straight at me like a massive bloodthirsty projectile.
Years of experience and my unparalleled genius work in tandem to come up with a solution yet every plan I come up yields the same result.
Rock spike? No. Slope? No. Dodge? I¡¯ll live but probably still lose a leg. A barrier? Would be nothing more than a bad joke.
The solution turns out to be pretty simple, I don¡¯t even need to do anything really. The small fawn, clearly frightened and without the Journey Guide, bravely bites the edge of my blouse and drags me away, or at least tries to, however, its assistance is all I need to make a full evasion successfully. After all, the bear is not the only one who can use wind and explosion.
Thankfully all I feel is immense heat rushing past me instead of my bones being crushed to smithereens after literally making the air beside me go boom. I don¡¯t get away uninjured though.
The explosion makes me fly past the fawn, bounce off the ground and come to a halt by smashing into a tree. I don¡¯t even have enough air in my lungs to scream as the hit makes the pain in my ribs flare up so I just quietly groan while already pushing myself up to all fours.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
The bear also hit a tree. And smashed right through it. That really means something considering I wasn¡¯t even able to cut off a branch. Unlike me, the beast only seems slightly drizzled as the flames on its back are only flickering but when its eyes meet mine¡
Rage.
It clearly has an agenda against me after taking its jaw even though I would¡¯ve just simply walked away if it wasn''t so greedy. The fire coating its entire body reflects its emotions and lights up even brighter than before, reaching the treetops and making the bushes catch on fire.
This time when its back starts buzzing I¡¯m ready, this time launching myself upwards instead with a gust of wind doing the heavy lifting. This gives me ample time to cook something up while the massive ball of flaming aggression sails past below me. And reveals an obvious yet easy-to-forget weak spot.
Martha¡¯s lessons about soft spots on the body didn¡¯t extend to beasts, mostly because we were supposed to be fighting people for the next three years. But if you think about it¡ there¡¯s one more part of the body that should be pretty weak, logically speaking.
It¡¯s not on the front¡
Thankfully my current state of mind doesn¡¯t allow for any hesitation, and so I act on the idea no matter how disturbing I find it. As my feet touch the ground I grit my teeth and bolt after the bear still blinded by rage and surrounded by seething flames. It still hurts to even walk with my ravaged leg, courtesy of that one last knight, but the rush of the fight, the fear of death, and the defiance in me refusing to die in this irrelevant backwater forest are shouting way louder in my head than any injury.
The bear recovers faster than expected, way before I can get in range, so I throw a few bolts of lightning at its blazing body to keep it down just for a few more seconds. My lightning was never strong enough to outright kill something. Even now the blue streaks of electricity simply disappear among the flames and thick fur yet I get the results I was hoping for.
It collapses back on the ground and my control range finally reaches it.
Without a second thought, I order the ground to harden, to compress, and to shoot up¡ Like¡ up there, to the behind.
The sizeable rock spike goes up the bear¡¯s ass like a knife through butter and the moment it pierces through its innard the flames die down for a second and its angry huffs go silent. I can¡¯t even describe the sound it makes a second later. Maybe a mix of pain, indignation, fear, anger¡ maybe it likes it, who knows.
Either way, I don¡¯t relent and keep pushing the weapon deeper and deeper into the beast¡¯s body while it has no strength to even stand. I¡¯ll repent later, I¡¯ll beg for forgiveness from its ghost but I¡¯m too scared to learn what it¡¯d do if I backed away now.
Soon I learn what it is willing to do to escape this torture. Anything. Blades of wind fly indiscriminately in every direction and it flails its paws, the flames clinging to its body erupt like never before and the strands of fur begin to buzz again.
But there¡¯s something different. The noise they make and the way they stand on end¡
A hunch, that¡¯s all it takes for me to throw my advantage away and focus fully on defense. Getting injured during practice is one thing, receiving even a small wound out here could take my life with no healer around.
I only elect to raise a barrier of pure arcane mana, only about as thick as my finger yet large enough to cover my entire body and translucent so I don¡¯t lose sight of the beast. Then another layer just to be sure.
I¡¯m forgetting something.
It¡¯s just me and the bear so¡ shit, did the fawn escape?
A glance behind me quickly answers that question. The little idiot is hiding in a bush half as big as its tiny brown body with only its head covered by the leaves. Not that they¡¯ll provide any protection.
Should I¡ no, why would I? But it did save me. But I can¡¯t risk it.
In the end, reason utterly loses this debate as my damn pride grabs the helm and makes me rush over to the defenseless fawn. I could leave it to die, hell I¡¯d even have my dinner secured. And still, it did save my ass. I¡¯d rather deal with a few life-threatening wounds over the guilt any day of the week. And Dad dares tell me the elves have no flaw.
Another significant advantage of the arcane barrier is how easy it is to relocate since the entire thing barely weighs anything. As I sprint toward the fawn the buzzing reaches its crescendo and the now needle-like strands of fur are let fly in every direction.
With a last dive, I make it just in time to pull the little brown baby closer before the first barrage arrives. The flaming needles batter my first barrier before the second tears it to shreds. This comes as no surprise after hearing them whistle past my face, faster than any arrow Victor has ever shot.
Then the third round arrives.
Thankfully Armory of the Arcane has Mana Armor incorporated which allows me to coat my back in an extremely flimsy and laughably poorly constructed set of defensive gear just before the last barrier could shatter.
I curl up even smaller and dig my nails into the soft creature in my embrace as some of the needles make it through my last line of defense waiting for the rain of attacks to abate. The damage I suffer is minimal, and the pain is surprisingly bearable however the knowledge that one of those needles could accidentally dig a bit deeper into me and pierce something important doesn¡¯t let me relax.
Soon the sound of¡ well, hardened hair hitting materialized mana disappears leaving only me, the fawn trembling in my arms and a very naked bear. Unlike before when it had the spike up its ass, it¡¯s now crawling toward me using only its front paws since its backside doesn¡¯t seem to be working.
Only when I try to get up do the needles really get to work, turning even the smallest movement into an agonizing task.
¡°You owe me one.¡± I push the little fawn aside and roll on my stomach.
Pain Tolerance is just barely enough to help me stand and even then I feel the recognizable effects of blood loss taking their toll on my body. However, now it¡¯s my turn.
The canopy above us is now completely engulfed in flames and the circle of lit-up bushes on the edge of this decimated clearing makes me feel like we¡¯re fighting in a dome of smoke and fire. My breath is running short and I can barely see through the smoke and only now do I realize something
Can¡¯t I just escape now?
The answer is probably yes, and any sane person likely would take this chance. Me on the other hand¡ I still have a turn to take. The bear thinks otherwise and opens its¡ right, not jaw, anyway it spits fire from its throat. A poor dragon imitation.
Time to humble this beast. Fire needs three things, fuel, heat, and air to burn. So I strip both the flames and the beast itself of the right to breathe.
The red sparks go out in an instant, before even leaving the back of its mouth, and it doesn¡¯t take long for the bear to realize I did much more than deny its attack.
¡°You picked the wrong opponent pal.¡± I whisper as the bear keeps on struggling for air.
The act of depriving the space around its head of air is extremely taxing and the only reason I¡¯m able to do it in the first place is because the bear is pretty much crippled.
The seconds slowly tick by as the silent contest of endurance goes on. The bear struggling for air and me fighting the urge to pass out on the ground as my body is begging for relief.
Would I really be willing to die here just to prove I¡¯m better? I¡¯m doing something stupid again¡ If you want to be so much better Eli, then be smarter.
The voices in my head echo a lot louder now that I¡¯m on my last leg and barely able to form coherent thoughts. They¡¯re good company when brainstorming alone and a terrible distraction when I¡¯m trying to concentrate on a boring task.
Releasing my magic still feels somewhat like conceding defeat but I¡¯m running out of both breath and mana. Another lesson on how stubbornness can kill you.
Even turning around to escape toward the small path of water running nearby almost takes me to the ground. And the next step does it. I can barely see my feet from all the smoke and ash flying in the air yet what I stumbled on was no plant¡
¡°Hey little one, still breathing?¡± I whisper, checking on the fawn even though my debt is already settled.
Its tiny chest is still rising and falling albeit only sporadically so I muster my remaining strength and throw the little body over my shoulder. It shouldn¡¯t weigh more than any normal dog and yet I feel like the burden on my back is about to crush me any second now.
One step, then another, then a third one¡
Gulping down air becomes more and more difficult and as I¡¯m running out of breath an unfamiliar tingling sensation takes over my body. Even with the white crystal flooding me with mana in one hand I can only do so much. Clearing a path is one thing, but gathering air to breathe when there is none¡ Even mana can¡¯t help there.
Slowly my consciousness begins to fade yet I can still feel my legs taking one sluggish and wobbly step after another. I refuse to die here, not in this forest, not to the flames I could choke with a thought if only I had a little more life in me. This sliver of thought is fueling my seething will that¡¯s now the only thing keeping me in motion but as I¡¯ve demonstrated, fuel and heat are one element too short to light a fire.
In the end, my legs give in. It¡¯s a wonder they carried me this long in the first place. The last things I feel are my legs hitting the ground and a shiver running down my back as something hits my neck.
Something cool.
Chapter 61 - The Sanctuary
Peace in the forest is a delicate thing, maintained only by the overwhelming strength of the few governing above the rest. Many participants in this natural feud for power wish to carve out a territory of their own in the lush central regions be it hunters or prey, families of hundreds, or lone wolves fighting only for themselves.
In the end, however, all bow down to the Lords of the Forest, the most domineering beasts older than most countries surrounding their home and powerful enough to be called calamities in the civilized world. These creatures govern their own slices of the sprawling woodland, enforcing their will either with an iron fist or allowing the free flow of life as it is the forest¡¯s will.
The Grand Sentinel Elk, overseer of the western bounds and protector of the natural order bolts through the landscape. Despite its great proportions, the beast moves as swiftly as the morning breeze and is graceful like a falling leaf all to preserve the peace of the forest even while restlessly scouring the woodland.
A child has gone missing from the herd, a reckless young one, and as the protector of their family it is his responsibility to make sure no harm comes to even the ones seeking trouble. As is stopping large-scale destruction to their home.
The rumbles of intense combat have been echoing over the trees for a while now, intermixed with roars the elk is too familiar with. Soon its concerns are proven true when billowing clouds of grey smoke wash over the sky as the ruler approaches the battle still going strong.
The elk picks up the pace jumping into the air and hopping on the tiny puddles of water forming under its crushing hoofs. Dashing through the air it can clearly see the hungry flames expanding and claiming more and more of the woodland, a crisis that needs solving before the search can continue.
As it passes over the tiny creek nearby the water comes to life and follows after the ruler of the lands, taking to the sky and gathering above the smoldering landscape. The trail of water turns into droplets, dispersed over the vile devourer of the greenery before raining down to push back and preserve.
It doesn¡¯t take long for the elk, a beast of his caliber, to quell the inferno and return the river to its rightful place. That¡¯s when he finds an unexpected surprise on the back of the creek just where the blackened ground meets the domain of water. The lost youngling.
To find it so close to where the fire broke out is no surprise, this one has always had a tendency to find trouble before it even popped its head out. What is surprising however is the fact that the child is completely unharmed and that it¡¯s not alone.
It¡¯s standing over a person, licking it gently and not taking its eyes off the unconscious thing even in the presence of this sovereign.
A furless walker as the dwellers of the forest call them, or men as they refer to themselves. This one should be a female and quite a young one at that. It''s badly wounded and obviously exhausted.
The little fawn nudges the girl with its head before finally gracing the great elk with its attention. As an elder beast, the elk can communicate through simple feelings, the transfer of will able to communicate simple thoughts or complex intent. The one it receives from the child is pretty straightforward and powerful, resonating with great desire.
Help, Heal!
The child wants to help the girl, the furless creature whose kind often intrudes upon the lands and hunts indiscriminately. It¡¯s not unheard of to help the walkers, but why would the fawn be so stubborn about it?
The elk replies with a sense of questioning. The answer is¡ chaotic.
Hunt, fear, run, this, fight, run, protect, fire, fight, lose, run, fire, fear, sleep, live, help.
The feelings are not easy to decipher, still the old male manages to get a vague outline of the events.
The girl indeed deserves to be helped, even if she¡¯s partly to blame for the burnt-down trees. Acting selflessly is a rare virtue amongst even the denizens of the forest and a trait even more elusive amongst the outsiders.
Rest now.
The elk reassures the distressed child.
The creek nearby reaches out and forms a bed under the children, carrying them with utmost care in the wake of the elk as the satisfied ruler returns home.
Now I did it, I think I really did die this time. Malor¡¯s domain, the serenity and peace¡ this is how I¡¯d imagine it. Okay, not necessarily a clearing in the middle of nowhere, a massive bed with an army of pillows sounds more like my cup of tea. But seriously, this place is breathtaking.
Even though the skies are dark and there is little light making it past the canopy of trees, what shines through creates the illusion of a milky veil covering the entire clearing. As if to compensate for the lack of light, patches of moss and families of mushrooms turn into tiny lanterns, bringing a myriad of colors to the darkness of the night. Pair that with the puny pond I¡¯m lying right next to, reflecting the entire scenery while emitting a relaxing and cool sensation and I¡¯m having fewer and fewer doubts about having found my end in that fire.
It kinda sucks, I really hoped to spend more time with Mom and Dad now that we reunited¡ Especially the part where we live together in a grand city and the idea of learning something new about that world.
Despite my sour mood, I feel no urge to cry so I just put my hand behind my head and enjoy the peace. ¡°And doing that should¡¯ve hurt, another point to being dead.¡± I chuckle sadly. ¡°Maybe I can watch-¡±
Before I can finish the monologue of self-pity, however, something disturbs my peace. A small brown and jumpy something I didn¡¯t expect to meet here of all places.
The little fawn only stuck its head through a bush at first as if to check in on me and the moment I turned my head, still a bit jumpy after all that happened it sort of¡ brightened up. I¡¯m not Kayla I can¡¯t read an animal¡¯s facial expression and have a chat with them about the weather but even so that¡¯s what it looked like to me.
The little shit who tried to ditch me, then pulled my ass out of harm''s way just to drag me back there again for being utterly stupid. I like this one and I¡¯d rather have an idiot around me than spend my days alone.
¡°What¡¯s up Little Fluff?¡± I intercept the tiny brown baby diving into my arms with a happy giggle.
I only have two weaknesses. The one I inherited through my racial traits, and cute fluffy things. Cuddling this little warm bundle of silky fur with those gleaming eyes and adorably restless nose is just what I need.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Just what I need to realize something when it accidentally steps on my chest. It hurts¡ Despite the discomfort no yelp leaves my mouth, the shock too overwhelming to think of anything else.
This is wrong¡ The place, the skies, the lack of people¡ Notifications.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Thronborn Storm Ursus - Wind lvl 87]-[Fireclad Fury lvl 24].]
[The Class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 72.]
[The Class Skill [Armory of the Arcane] has reached lvl 66 ->67.]
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 63.]
[The general Skill [The Art of Movement] has reached lvl 59 ->60.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 58.]
[The general Skill [Pain Tolerance] has reached lvl 27->29.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 63]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has reached lvl 51 ->52.]
I have long learned that the Journey Guide just loves to see us struggle every step of the way. I guess having everything handed to us poor mortals wouldn¡¯t be too satisfying but seeing all these numbers after almost dying twice in a single day¡ It¡¯s infuriating.
This solves one of the mysteries at least. I¡¯m not dead, I think. Probably. This leaves the question; Where the fuck am I? And what in the Gods¡¯ name happened to my injuries?
Judging my face wet enough from all the licking I push my new hug pillow aside and sit up with a long old people¡¯s groan. There¡¯s no one around to interrogate for answers so either I look for an answer myself or¡ or I don¡¯t I guess.
As if understanding my motives Fluff hops back on¡ wait, let¡¯s take a peek where it needs to be checked. Huh, a boy. He was so small and cute that I thought he was a she all along but turns out this- no, he is a calf.
¡°What are you so excited about, huh?¡± I scratch his little chin while keeping an eye on our surroundings.
If this is not the afterlife then dying is still an option and I definitely don¡¯t want a ¡®third time¡¯s the charm¡¯ situation. Even in a city, one can never be too careful, much less out here.
Just as I¡¯m about to follow Fluff as he tries dragging me away by tugging on my blouse a growl echoes over our small clearing. A long, angry and painful growl.
¡°Ouch, I haven¡¯t eaten in almost two days.¡± I wince, contemplating whether Fluff is cute enough to keep living.
In the end, I allow the little baby to lead me wherever he wants, putting his excited tip-taps to rest and picking a direction. I¡¯m pretty clueless here and I doubt I could get any more lost than I am right now.
The longer I walk and the more I see of this forest, the more obvious it gets just how far from home I am. The woods near Granhall were¡ normal. This place on the other hand makes me question the things I¡¯ve learned about both plants and animals. The number of bugs playing their music like a drunken band, the colors painting our trail, the sweet and sour smells filling the air.
And it¡¯s only the tip of the iceberg.
The pond I lay next to and the trail I¡¯ve just walked suddenly seem like an outhouse compared to the palace right in front of me that opens up once I step foot into the glade.
The colorful plants lighting the ground are present, only complemented by the countless tiny flickering lights hovering in the air and flying from flower to flower. There are also ponds, just like where I woke up, except these ones are bigger and interconnected by pathways of water crisscrossing in the air and arching over the myriad of animals lazing around everywhere the eye can see.
And to elevate this scenery to a whole new level the trees part above the majestic glade and the dancing rivulets, letting the moons bless this place with their light. Even though I, a person, a wielder, a stranger, just entered the home of all these beasts both predator and herbivore none of them mind my presence.
I wish I had a way to somehow engrave this picture into my mind forever. Rarely do I admire beauty, most too focused on the practical side of things but there¡¯s still a heart in me. One telling me to treasure this moment.
¡°Awesome.¡± Is all I mutter subconsciously as I watch like a newborn lamb.
My eyes and mind struggle to take in the sight, everything is so verdant and lush, and even the temperature feels more pleasant despite the summer heat. I always imagined the wilderness to be hostile and merciless, teeming with things trying to eat me and every tiny nook promising a new struggle. Here however I feel at peace even though many of the beasts should be able to prey on me without much effort.
I still prefer the city but I could take something like this in my backyard. Except for the smell of wet animals.
My oblivion is soon shattered by a deep huff and the sound of steps carrying enormous weight approaching from my back. No matter the environment the instincts drilled into me still kick in as I spin on my heels and ignite and bundle of blue fire ready to protect myself at all costs.
When my eyes fall onto the creature standing just and arm¡¯s reach from me I begin to question how I¡¯m even still alive. And yet despite the terrifying pressure the monstrous elk towering over me emits, I can only laugh. Laugh at how ridiculous all this is and how little I actually know about what awaits us outside the walls of our cities.
Majestic. That¡¯s the shortest way to describe the beast I¡¯m facing. The expansive antlers gleam like the most noble crystals, its earth-colored fur is streaked by blue lines running across it just like in the clearing, and the eyes¡ They speak of immense intelligence hiding behind the robust body of one of the largest beasts I¡¯ve seen in my life.
No, not a simple beast. A sovereign.
[Elk lvl ???]
[The general Skill [Identify] has reached lvl 60 ->66.]
Oh shit¡
I go still when the towering monster takes a step toward me and almost faint from what it does next. The beast slowly lowers its head, its eyes never leaving me until it reaches my eye level. Then it goes even lower.
A bow.
I¡¯m so taken aback that shock almost brings me to the ground and it¡¯s only amplified when a voice addresses me inside my head.
Child, save. Grateful, repay.
It¡¯s the elk, I don¡¯t know how I can tell and I have absolutely no clue how it¡¯s doing it. Since speaking doesn¡¯t seem to be its forte, just like most animals, relaying information through whatever weird Skill it uses to send feelings seems like a good alternative.
Actually, this is almost better. Faster, simpler and more intricate since feelings can be a lot more colorful than words. Also, I only did what I did because Fluff was cute. Cuteness is truth and we can''t let the only unshakably good thing in this world disappear, I refuse.
I repay the courtesy, bowing in my own human way and trying to send my own intentions back the same way they came.
Pleasure, heal, thankful.
It''s a lot easier than I thought. How do I know it worked? I just do, it felt right. I have no evidence the elk had anything to do with my condition but I feel like it¡¯s a strong guess.
Fluff skips over to us, nuzzling my legs at first, then hopping over to the elk and running laps between its legs. I eye his ridiculous behavior, acting this carefree around the¡
Wait, little one, big one, brown and blue fur?
My eyes widen at the revelation.
No fucking way. This goofy little idiot is this majestic thing¡¯s-
Indeed.
Comes the answer through the connection.
I didn¡¯t mean to share my thoughts, my astonishment must¡¯ve reached all the way across the mental channel. I fearfully look up at the elk again, however, instead of anger or indignation, I only see some amusement in its eyes. It looks down to the little fawn and huffs, puffing out enough air to make the comparatively tiny creature skid back a little.
Fluff runs over to me and hides from the abusive parent before the elk begins to walk past me towards the clearing, towards the rest of the animals. I pet the little version that looks fluffier and a lot less scary because even though I know my life is not in danger I still need something to soothe my spinning mind.
The elk looks back at me and its child before nodding towards the clearing.
Stay? Shelter? Food?
It asks.
I feel my eyes turn watery for a bit. This is all I could ask for, some stability. I might have had a few survival training sessions back with the Fist near Grandhall but this¡ this is something else. What I need right now is a stable point in this unknown and dangerous environment to rely on and I got offered just that.
¡°Yes please, I¡¯d love that.¡± I answer with a goofy smile.
Chapter 62 - Darling of Danger
Spending two days among beasts hunted for their ferocity and feared due to their devastating might was quite eye-opening. They¡¯re very much capable of complex thoughts and emotions, especially the older ones, although I have not interacted with the denizens of the Sancturay Meadow all that much in fear of angering them even over the smallest thing.
Except for Fluff.
I think he believes he adopted me as a pet¡ The little shit has been like a second shadow to me for the past few days, except this one eats my food and sleeps on my face. His cuteness pass still holds but things are getting shaky after all his shenanigans.
Sleeping on just simple grass or huddled up in a pile, eating whatever nature provides¡ It¡¯s nice and all but I miss my bath, clean clothes, actual bed, and most importantly spices.
Turns out animals aren¡¯t as¡ animalistic as I thought. There¡¯s an actual hierarchy here with rules, territories, gangs, and distribution of resources almost as complicated as the one you¡¯d expect from the slums.
With that said things are a lot less complicated here without a common beast language and all the underhanded stuff that has become a norm in every city. Turns out not every beast can talk right into your head, the elk is special, really special. Sovereign of the Sancturay Meadow, that¡¯s what they call him although the translation is not entirely accurate.
It is not a linguistical hurdle per se, but rather a difference in worldview. Animals don¡¯t perceive rulers the same way as we civilized people do, nor do they understand the concept of corruption. For them, it¡¯s self-evident that the strongest and oldest ones stand at the top since they survived and thrived meaning their decisions are the correct ones.
If only things were this simple¡
In my eyes, their system already has one massive advantage over the Valerian one I¡¯ve known for my entire life. These beasts aren¡¯t trying to kidnap me.
The lords, or in my case the elk, do surprisingly little when it comes to governing their respective domains. They establish a few rules that rarely follow any logic besides their own worldview, leaving it without any enforcing mechanism other than their subjects'' fear and reverence.
Sticking to the rules here made by Big Fluff is pretty simple even if a bit restraining.
Yes, Big Fluff after his son Little Fluff. I know it should be the other way around. And he¡¯s not even that fluffy in the first place. The great and mighty sovereign hates that name with all his being and yet can¡¯t do anything against it because I¡¯m holding his child hostage. I¡¯m untouchable, not that I want to test it.
So, rules¡ Big Fluff isn¡¯t a fan of unnecessary killing, aka any hunting for more than you consume. It was weird hearing this one. I always believed beasts don¡¯t take unnecessary risks, and that slaughtering the weak is a thing only we Wielders do to push ourselves to greater heights. Looking back now, that¡¯s naive thinking. Beasts are simple but not stupid so they must¡¯ve realized getting their hands a little dirtier can come with huge benefits.
Other than that killing around the Sanctuary is forbidden, messing with Big Fluff¡¯s family is forbidden, and destroying the forest or water supplies in any form is, you guessed it, forbidden.
Outside of that, it¡¯s free rein. My problem is that I wanted to do exactly just that. Indiscriminate hunting I mean.
Even now I can only gather berries to fill my stomach, half of which are stolen by Fluff the moment they leave my hand. Straying this far from the Sanctuary¡¯s clearing should be a death sentence on its own because according to my calculations and Survivor I¡¯m deep in the central regions, right where the biggest and baddest creatures reside. But it¡¯s not.
The only thing keeping me alive when I venture out like this is a piece of diamond-like bone I¡¯m carrying around my neck, a gift from none other than the big boss around here. I used some of my own hair instead of any rope to secure the piece of antler that weirdly glows when I pour some mana into it.
Big Fluff presented it as a gift for bravely protecting his child, even if that isn¡¯t exactly what happened, and told me this would act as a ward against unwarranted danger. Aka things won''t attack me unless I attack them. Most of the time.
Now I¡¯m no expert on beast customs but something is telling me this stuff is extremely valuable and probably an honor too big for someone as small as me. Maybe a good deed does have its reward.
¡°Hey Fluff, do you think your papa would believe me if I told him I killed five rabbits only because my eyes were bigger than my stomach?¡± Yeah, things are so bad that I started talking to an animal who can¡¯t understand a word I say.
Still not as bad as rambling by myself.
Then something catches my attention, or rather the lack of it. The little glutton always reacts when I call his name either by hopping over to me or stealing more of my food, always. Not right now.
A quick glance up from the bush I¡¯m currently stripping of all its goodies calms my heart when I see Fluff still standing nearby with his adorable ears twitching constantly.
¡°What are you hearing buddy.¡± My words go ignored again so I pounce. ¡°Acting tough, huh?¡± I grab his legs and start cuddling the cure thing.
He barely reacts to my playful advances and instead tries to wrestle away from me with his head still held high and eyes staring at something in the sky.
¡°C¡¯mon, there¡¯s nothing there.¡± I flick his ear again. ¡°All you can hear is the wind-¡±
I can¡¯t hear the wind. As a matter of fact, the usual summer breeze playfully running around the glade is gone. I get to my feet faster than ever before, listening along with my little friend to the lack of background noise one would expect to hear in a place teeming with life.
¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡± My whispered suggestion falls on deaf ears again.
Just as I¡¯m about to take the first step a cold tingling sensation runs down my back and I wheel about to finally find the culprit to this madness.
¡°I feared we wasted three days for nothing,¡± A horse male chuckle echoes around me from every direction. ¡°But that little campfire yesterday gave us a lead, good thing you were this eager to be found, little girl.¡±
I recognized this voice, I heard it cowering in my little burrow I dug at the foot of the cliff that ruined everything. He was there.
¡°I don¡¯t know how you survived the fall or what fortune Pessus endowed upon you to avoid every predator along the way but it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± The voice seems to fade into the distance before it gets louder again, almost as if someone is speaking right into my ear. ¡°The Master will be pleased.¡±
The same feeling of wrongness hits me, this time from the side, and as I turn there a shadowclad figure finally reveals itself. A head completely bald, one eye red white the other emerald green, and a large scar running across the elderly face. The mocking smile on his ugly mug and the leisurely steps he¡¯s approaching me with only creep me out even further which helps make up my mind on what would be the best course of action in this situation.
To get the fuck out here.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
As if coming to the same conclusion Fluff bolts past me before I can even make the first step, leaving me behind again to save his own fur. I¡¯m not mad or anything, that man is obviously here for me and the little calf is completely useless when it comes to combat anyway. Not that I have any chance against a shadow.
To my great surprise and even greater dismay, we aren¡¯t pursued. The scarred hound only takes one aloof step after another, strolling in our wake and making my heart sink the further I get.
Something is still not right.
The feeling of wrongness keeps growing and festering as we keep on running without any hiccups or danger on our heels and soon I bump into the terrifying answer to to my worry. Quite literally.
It''s there, it¡¯s transparent and it¡¯s incredibly hard. I didn¡¯t notice it at first because I wasn¡¯t paying attention to where I was going but now that the wall made its presence known I can only take a proper look.
Mana Perception quickly brings more color to the world, to the trees, the grass, the air and¡ not the wall. It¡¯s blank and colorless and not a wall at all. We¡¯re confined under a dome made from mana I¡¯ve rarely seen in my life, used only by a single person I know.
Me.
This explains why it felt like the world had gone silent. We¡¯ve been trapped all along. But this also tells me something about the man hunting me, something I¡¯ve been taught never to do. He likes playing with his food.
¡°Do you need me to make the futility of your actions any clearer or are you finally ready to surrender yourself?¡± The voice returns, along with the man leaning against a tree just a few steps away.
I jump back in fright, only to hit the solid barrier of mana again, trapped between a shadow and a hard place.
[Mage lvl ???]
No notifications, he¡¯s not that strong. Still, anything with just question marks can beat me without using a single Skill. I have an idea but I need time.
Putting my back against the arcane dome I start talking like my life depends on it. ¡°So many of you have died and for what, to capture a girl who can barely fend for herself? Am I worth it?¡±
This isn¡¯t even a question to stall for time, I¡¯m genuinely curious.
¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what I think little bird, we¡¯re all just tools in his hand to shape the future.¡± My question is left unanswered as my hunter replies with reverence in his voice. ¡°If he deems your life to be worth more than ours then that¡¯s all we need to know.¡±
Okay, a tough nut to crack. Not that I¡¯ll go on a revenge streak any time soon but getting some names already would be nice.
¡°Why not just request our service, and earn our loyalty without all this bloodshed? Words are just as powerful as the sword.¡± Now I¡¯m bullshitting. Even as we speak my words feel mighty weak in the face of his sword.
¡°Loyalty¡¡± The man frowns this time, stepping away from the tree and marching towards me. ¡°You know nothing about loyalty. The feeble bond of servitude you speak of is nothing in the face of true devotion to the cause much greater than you.¡± He stops only a few paces from me. ¡°You¡¯d be unfit to stand by his side anyway.¡±
C¡¯mon just a little more, I refuse to believe this barrier is so ridiculously thick.
¡°But I¡¯m fit to be one of you?¡± I defiantly meet his gaze.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the general Skill [Negotiation lvl 1]. Would you like to replace one of your Skills?]
Not now!
¡°Even the faulty tools do have their use. But first, we¡¯ll need to reforge you, get rid of the needless flames of stubbornness, and freedom burning inside you.¡± He takes another step and grabs my chin. ¡°Living in the shadows and serving the light is a noble cause, you¡¯ll understand it with time.¡±
Please, please, please!
With a sound very much like when your ears pop an opening finally appears and I waste no time. I¡¯ve been using Chaotic Touch on max output all along, hoping to free myself or in the worst case be able to at least make a commotion.
[The Class Skill [Chaotic Touch] has reached lvl 43 ->47.]
The shadow¡¯s eyes widen as he flies into rage. ¡°What did you-¡±
I don¡¯t let him finish and pump as much mana through my arm sticking out the hole as possible. My signature blue flames burst to life, climbing up to the skies at breakneck speed, where they bloom like a flower. To make sure my call is noticed I add a sharp whistle, amplified by my magic before I¡¯m finally silenced.
¡°I don¡¯t know how you did that making a commotion won¡¯t change anything. You¡¯re alone, the beasts won''t save you.¡± He shoves me to the ground and steps on my back. ¡°At least you spared me the effort of calling my brother and sisters.¡±
Talk big while you can, just don¡¯t regret those being your last words.
¡°No more tricks!¡± The man hisses before gagging my mouth and binding my arms with what feels like a pretty standard rope. Then I get hoisted up to my feet, waiting obediently with my head hung low just for show. ¡°If you keep resisting we¡¯ll-¡±
He doesn¡¯t get to finish his boring monologue, the cavalry has arrived.
A brilliant flash is all I catch from the corner of my eye before something smashes into the arcane dome, shattering it to pieces. The flimsy mana wall stood no chance in the face of the mighty pair of antlers that might as well put any metal to shame.
The arrival of the Lord changes the entire atmosphere instantly, his overwhelming presence and furious eyes reminding me why I shouldn¡¯t try his temper. I feel my captor¡¯s hold loosen on me as he likely realizes how the tables have turned yet before he can take action the elk delivers a decisive blow.
The ever-swirling lines on his body flare up and a small jet of water barely the diameter of a needle lashes out vertically with speed way beyond my comprehension. By the time my eyes turn to where the water has passed, the results are already clear. Two arms gripping me just seconds ago, now completely severed and dropping to the ground.
As the man opens his mouth to scream I kick him in the junk for good measure before taking off and seeking shelter along with Fluff behind daddy coming to save the day. The injured shadow lashes out, sending beams of arcane in every direction without a care in the world while screaming his lungs out.
I know how arcane works, I probably know about magic more than anyone yet I never thought of using my mana like this. And that¡¯s because this isn¡¯t how arcane works. It isn¡¯t hot or cold, heavy or light, sharp or smooth¡ even I don¡¯t know what mana actually is but one thing is sure, something¡¯s wrong with these attacks. They¡¯re vile, twisted, and unnatural, turning nature inside out.
The elk blocks the attacks without much effort but even so, I can see a hint of hesitation in its eyes every time a beam scrapes any surface. I¡¯m not the only one who thinks something¡¯s wrong.
I quickly get rid of my mundane bindings by simply burning them off before looking for an angle of attack to stop the rampaging madman. The elk stands tall with a layer of light blue shimmering standing between us and danger, barely even flinching every time the ground turns into a blistering mess. However, it seems cautious.
As if to confirm his suspicion, an attack from a completely unexpected angle far in the distance smashes into our liquid shield. An arrow oozing darkness and dread, a projectile I know very well.
As if finally satisfied the elk retaliates, sending out his water jets in the dozens and carving the man snarling like a beast to pieces. I expected a shadow to be somewhat better, cope with his loss, and fight on as you¡¯d expect from a professional but that¡¯s clearly not what happened. He was twisted, just like his magic.
We don¡¯t lower our guards just yet, the archer might still be around and¡ it¡¯s not up to me anyway. I¡¯m not the one fighting, besides, it doesn¡¯t seem like they want to kill me just yet.
For a few more minutes the tension persists as we patiently wait for the archer to reveal his position yet no more shots arrive. He¡¯s gone.
Fled.
The elk seems to have come to the same conclusion.
Attack. Why?
¡°They¡¯re after me.¡± I explain.
Although they can¡¯t understand my words speaking helps me formulate my thoughts and I still need to think about what¡¯s coming out of my mouth so they get my message one way or the other.
Danger, return?
The words are laced with uncertainty and a sense of guilt. I don¡¯t need to be a genius to realize what¡¯s on the old monarch¡¯s mind.
¡°From what I can tell they¡¯ll be back and kill anything and anyone in their path to get me.¡± I sigh before turning towards the elk and presenting an honest bow. ¡°Thank you for saving me and your hospitality but I think it¡¯s time for me to go.¡±
It¡¯s not an easy decision as a ruler, picking between repaying your personal debt and fulfilling your duty¡ So I won¡¯t make it any more difficult for him.
I know they could protect me, Big Fluff and the other elder beasts here, but many of them would die without a doubt while taking a portion of the forest with them if the shadows came back in force.
I rarely care about the death of strangers much less random beasts but the thought of so much destruction happening just because of me¡ not again. I lost my home once, never again.
Weak. Survive difficult.
¡°Look, I know I¡¯m not the apex predator around here but I can look after myself.¡± I lie through my teeth. ¡°It¡¯s just¡¡± How should I put this? ¡°Which way would my chances be the best?¡±
Not back south where I came from that¡¯s for sure.
Chapter 63 - Without a Roof
¡°Report!¡± A word bearing no emotions leaves the gray-eyed man¡¯s mouth in a room devoid of any other souls.
This time there¡¯s no bookshelf or desk in sight with an army of documents littering its top. Instead, the place is decorated lavishly with mirrors and portraits, carpets and a treatable, and lastly a bed large enough for an entire family to have a good night¡¯s sleep with ample room left.
¡°Your Grace.¡± Shadows crawl forth from beneath the bed and consolidate into a human shape. ¡°The ambush was carried out as you requested but-¡±
¡°So another failure.¡± Despite sounding like an absentminded sigh the man¡¯s tone carries emotions much deeper. ¡°How many escaped?¡±
¡°Three. One is dead while the rest escaped in a hardfought retreat. Our casualties were heavy.¡± The shadow adds the last part with a heavy heart.
¡°Understandable, the Fist took their job seriously even after we pulled some strings. A shame but at least that¡¯s one less variable to calculate with. What about public perception, were the rumors suppressed?¡± The grey eyes turn their attention to the shadows, highlighting the importance of the matter.
¡°We did succeed in convincing the local garrisons and the general public, but Malcador¡¡±
¡°That rigid old fool. Can¡¯t he see the Magisterium¡¯s power is waning?¡± The young man¡¯s temper has been on the rise and as the bad news keep piling up he¡¯s about to reach a breaking point. ¡°Failing the mission is one thing, I can just have the useless dogs executed but a scandal¡ an international one? Do you understand-¡±
A knock on the door interrupts the eruption of his boiling-hot rage.
¡°Your Grace we¡¯re landing in six minutes.¡± The gentle feminine voice informs before falling silent and likely disappearing.
A deep sigh helps the man rein in his temper and think with a clear head before issuing new orders. ¡°Reduce the scope of operations and move with utmost subtlety in case Inquisitors arrive. They take any breach of the Prohibition comically seriously and we don¡¯t want any trouble, not yet.¡±
¡°As you wish.¡± The shadow answers curtly before leaving through the open windows leading not to a garden this time but something much more ridiculous.
The open sky and the birdseye view of a sprawling city far below in the distance.
¡°Sorry little buddy, you can¡¯t come along.¡± Right now my soft little cuddling toy is nowhere as energetic as he usually is. He¡¯s just moping in my lap, delaying my departure and looking like a sad puppy. ¡°I know staying for so long is boring, I couldn¡¯t stand it either but it¡¯s not all bad. Peace and family are great treasures, make sure to look after them, okay?¡±
I sound like my parents.
It¡¯s been only a day since the pack of shadows discovered me. They¡¯ve probably already grouped up, ready to launch an assault or whatever they¡¯re planning so it¡¯s best I move as fast as possible.
Traveling south, towards Sereban is obviously a no-go, I¡¯d walk right into their arms. To the east I have Grandhall but the entire stretch in that direction is covered by the forest and according to Big Fluff, his gift wouldn¡¯t mean much in the domain of the other Lord. That leaves west and north.
Logically speaking, moving west would be the safest and easiest option. All I need to do is reach the Whateveritsnameis Sea, which shouldn¡¯t take more than a day or five hopefully before following the shoreline all the way to Sereban. Sounds nice and easy. And if I were the hunter I¡¯d expect my prey to do just that, especially if that prey is as weak and young as me.
I¡¯m not saying trouble is guaranteed but underestimating my opponent is not my thing. I¡¯d rather face bloodthirsty beasts than those brainwashed servants wearing all black.
So north it is.
¡°How about this then,¡± I finally push myself up to Fluff''s great dismay. ¡°next time we meet you¡¯ll have your Class, or Species or whatever and we¡¯ll go adventuring together. We¡¯ll show all those pesky bears and wolves who¡¯s the boss, alright?¡±
I know well he doesn¡¯t understand a word I say yet I¡¯m okay with that, he already knows why he has to stay back. Being weak is frustrating, and helplessness only adds insult to injury, but they¡¯re great fuel for ones with a spark already burning in their hearts.
¡°You¡¯ll do great little buddy.¡± I give the little calf one last hug before bidding farewell to my host.
Distance great, danger many. Be strong.
I think this could be translated to; ¡®Your journey will be long and difficult but I wish you good luck.¡¯
¡°I¡¯m grateful for everything and I hope you don¡¯t mind me popping in once the danger is gone?¡± I mix a respectful bow with a cheeky wink. A blasphemous combination but I think it has its charm.
Welcome, always.
I decide not to drag out my departure any longer, not because it¡¯s so difficult or heartfelt but due to the awkward atmosphere growing thicker by the second. Bye means bye, none of that one last word tomfoolery.
The journey is long and I want to cover as much ground as possible while Solaire is still lazing around on the sky. The first stretch won''t be much of a challenge, or so I¡¯ve been told. Inside Big Fluff¡¯s turf my lucky charm will act like a beast repellant, however, most of the northern woodlands belong to another Lord with different rules and little respect for me.
And so armed with a simple knife, a chunk of Hadron crystal, and my unparalleled genius I depart to conquer the world.
***
¡°Man, this is so boring.¡± I¡¯ve been whining for almost an hour now to no one in particular and I see no end in sight.
Every big bad hungry predator just huffs and gives up on this juicy bite with the lucky charm around my neck, which is great, but the quiet and monotony are killing me. What do even travelers do on a long journey without anyone to annoy? I¡¯d even settle for a book at this point.
With that said, no longer do I believe the forest is deserted despite the lack of beasts roaming around during the day. There¡¯s life all around, plenty of it, and I was simply too blind to see it. Being fast or extremely resilient is a great way to survive any confrontation but there¡¯s one other method.
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Camouflage.
It¡¯s insanity how well some of these beasts can hide themselves and if it wasn¡¯t for some of the Sancturay¡¯s inhabitants sharing their wisdom I¡¯d still have no clue what to look for.
I¡¯ve seen foxes with big bushy tails that were actually bushes and they could wrap it around themselves to disappear. Frogs with the size, shape, and texture of a rock, lizards burrowing underground with only their eyes sticking out of the dirt and many many more contestants in this game of hide and seek.
Can¡¯t hit what you can¡¯t see. This also means I probably have walked into like sixteen ambushes today without even realizing I was a hair¡¯s breadth away from turning into lunch. Even Mana Perception is of little help when most living things around me are at minimum twice my level.
I still caught two, just saying. Only because I¡¯m that good.
With that said not every beast is an absolute coward, even though the strat is absolutely brilliant. Some just retreat to caves or find comfort on the top of a tree and sleep through the entire day before going on the hunt at night. Now these are the ones I¡¯d like to avoid if possible.
The only thing I can put my mind to is-
[The general Skill [Survival] has reached lvl 41.]
Yes, yes whatever, this is like the fifth level Survival has gained in the past three days. The Skill is only moderately useful, telling me which plants are poisonous, in my case most of them, and some other basic stuff like which way is north. Okay, it¡¯s an extremely useful Skill.
Still jogging past tree after tree, not in a hurry but not wasting my time either I finally notice some change in the forest ahead of me. Then I realize it¡¯s not the forest that¡¯s darker in the distance, it¡¯s the skies. The light of Solaire is obstructed by a veil of storm clouds sluggishly dragging themselves southwards, carrying a cooling breeze along with them and the promise of heavy downpours.
¡°I didn¡¯t mean that type of bath...¡± I come to a quick halt.
I¡¯d rather melt in the heat than get soaked, have mud cover my feet, and then be boiled alive when the warmth returns in combination with humidity. The only time I like rain is when I¡¯m comfortably in my bed, inside.
¡°Well, bitching won''t keep me dry.¡± A shrug and sigh is all the reaction I can muster. ¡°Time to look for someplace to hide.¡±
I could just keep the water away with magic or make a small burrow with earth but the first would slowly eat through my mana while the second is¡ it¡¯s just really uncomfortable, okay? I can¡¯t spend another night like that, I refuse to.
Instead of running straight toward the stormcloud, I switch directions and aim for a more hilly region nearby. I¡¯m hoping for caves obviously, they¡¯re the best place to hide from the hissy fits of nature, especially since the trees around here aren¡¯t large enough to make shelter between their roots.
In the end, I lose the race against the pesky winds carrying an entire herd of thundering clouds overhead and arrive at the hills with my mana already dwindling. The paper-thin shield fends off the vile waterdrops by simply floating above me courtesy of Maintained Magic but it can¡¯t do anything against the harsh gales.
¡°Now, if I were a cave where would I-¡± Just as I walk past a thinker bush the mouth of something distinctly cave-like falls into sight. ¡°Okay¡ a rare gift from fate, maybe?¡±
Just to be sure I check the cave itself with Identify because after everything I¡¯ve seen it wouldn¡¯t surprise me anymore if the black rocky hole was the maw of a massive beast lying in ambush.
It is not.
I don¡¯t waste more time, scampering deeper into the belly of the tiny mountain to be finally rid of the stupid wind messing my hair up even further. A small spark hovering above my shoulder provides ample light for me to see as I walk just a little deeper. There¡¯s a chance I¡¯m not alone in here, a very non-zero chance.
¡°It¡¯d be nice to have some meat with me right now, or potatoes, or any food for that matter.¡± I mutter while settling down in a less uncomfortable-looking nook.
I haven¡¯t eaten since leaving the Sanctuary, so maybe in the last seven or eight hours and all this running really doesn¡¯t help with my appetite. I can always make a hideout as a last resort and collect some water from my surroundings but food¡ that¡¯s the only necessity magic can¡¯t solve.
¡°And why does it smell like fish in¡ here¡¡± The stench is the first thing I notice, quickly followed by a pair of gleaming yellow eyes staring at me from the endless dark. ¡°Oh, no way.¡±
I don¡¯t panic, not right away, I have my cheat talisman.
Holding the antler piece between my fingers I lift it slightly and pour some mana through it, causing the bone to shine with a gentle white light. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s the light it emit or any smell I can¡¯t register or simply the antler itself but this usually works to make local beasts back off, respecting their Lord.
Not this time.
As the eyes draw closer my fire illuminates the rest of the body belonging to those two yellow eyes, painting the silhouette of something lean, scaly and¡ quite small. Like a child small, shorter than me by quite a bit.
[Lizard lvl 78]
No shit it¡¯s a lizard who could¡¯ve guessed¡
Its jaws are comically large in proportion to its body, filled with countless tiny teeth, and opened wide right towards me threateningly. The dog-sized creature is still crawling right at me, hissing and flashing its eyes, not the least concerned by the shiny little thing in my hand.
What¡¯s wrong with them? Are they too dumb to recognize it? Maybe or am I no longer in Big Fluff¡¯s turf?
¡°Hey, don¡¯t come any closer!¡± I warn the aggressive chompy little thing while taking a few steps back. I know it¡¯s not the greatest powerplay but as it turns out, this one is not alone. ¡°Back off, I don¡¯t want any trouble!¡± I flare the fire floating above me which only aggravates the lizards.
They¡¯re not too strong but the terrain is really not in my favor and neither are the numbers. If possible I¡¯d like to avoid a life-and-death fight on my day of departure, even if it means giving up this spot. If I had to choose between catching a cold or having my arms chewed up¡
As I keep weighing my options the walls of the tunnel begin to vibrate slightly while more and more lizards gather just outside the boundaries of my torch.
¡°Fine, you win.¡± I huff and begin to make my way out. ¡°I bet your meat would taste like shit anyways.¡±
Without much choice, I return to the embrace of the storm where the wind is trying to rip my hair off and the droplets literally sting when they hit my face. The search for a shelter continues.
Fallen trunk, occupied. Small fox burrow, most definitely occupied. Heck, even the branches of the lushest trees are teeming with life as the beasts have come out of hiding to take shelter. Not because the storm brings any danger but to preserve their camouflage, and hide their scent. Wet animals reek.
My long search finally brings me to a sizeable river just about when I¡¯m beginning to shiver from the harsh weather conditions. Its water is crystal clear and the flow is relatively gentle but that¡¯s not what caught my attention.
A small drop covered by a curtain of water raining down below. A waterfall. More water won''t really help my case here but it¡¯s something else that made me stop¡ the stories I read back home in our backyard under the shade of my favorite tree.
¡°But what if it¡¯s true¡¡± I just keep staring at the waterfall. ¡°What if there really is a secret hideout behind it?¡±
There¡¯s only one way to find out.
After a deep breath, I take a running start and throw myself over the tiny lake gathering underneath, through the veil of water, and right into a solid wall. The shock of the impact is nearly as great as my disappointment, followed by a cold shower to bring me back to reality.
¡°That was stupid.¡± I grumble after crawling back to shore, now completely drenched and absolutely quivering. ¡°At least the water is somewhat warmer than-¡±
Wait, so what if there¡¯s no hideout behind the waterfall? I can just make one myself.
And with that brilliant thought shining bright in my mind I get to work, cold and exhausted but more motivated than ever.
Everyone loves making secret hiding spots after all.
Chapter 64 - Sweet and Sour
It took me a while to dig out a hole while standing neck deep in the water but at least the wind didn¡¯t bother me all that much. I even made it into a warm bath after a spark of genius struck me.
Tearing out the dirt was the easy part. Making it flat and relatively spacious took a lot more out of me, especially after there was enough room for me to climb up there and start using my hand as an act of mercy on my poor mana supplies.
I¡¯m no stranger to hard work and once I put my mind to something I¡¯ll either finish it or collapse from exhaustion only to get up and continue, repeating this vicious cycle until the task is done. It works.
¡°If you can¡¯t find shelter just make one for yourself huh?¡± I chuckle, lying on my back in the dirt with the skies still furiously rumbling outside the curtain of water. ¡°Only one thing to do¡¡±
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the general Skill [Digging lvl 1]. Would you like to replace one of your Skills?]
¡°No, not you!¡± I dismiss the message.
And with that, I roll out of my new temporary home straight into the water. Washing off the dirt and sweat is heavenly but only my secondary objective right now, after all, there are fish in the water.
Now unlike Nia, I never caught a single fish in my life, even though she just got lucky. I never showed much interest and since the Fist usually moves inland fishing wasn¡¯t part of our curriculum.
So I just pump as much electricity into the water as my dear Intelligence allows me to.
I built myself a shelter, got a semi-bath, and even secured food¡ Peak survival skills if I do say so myself.
[The general Skill [Survival] has reached lvl 42.]
And that just confirms it.
A quick glance at the sky covered by dark blankets as far as the eye can see lets me know the storm will rage for many more hours and likely the entire night. This just means my pursuers will have a more difficult job of finding me and I can get a full night¡¯s rest before picking up the pace for real.
¡°Now, food!¡± I fish out some of the fish floating on the surface completely knocked out before returning to my hidey hole.
I don¡¯t even need wood to light a tiny gentle fire to dry my clothes and keep me warm while I do the dirty work. I might be hungry but eating fish guts and eyes and all that gross stuff is out of the question.
First things first, off with the head, hehehe. Then, out with anything that¡¯s not meat.
My knifework is sloppy and closer to brutalizing the fish than preparing a meal but I can allow myself to be wasteful, I¡¯ve got like six of the swimming suckers just for dinner.
Life is good.
***
Falling asleep was surprisingly easy despite the constant thundering outside and rumbling of water just next to my head. A full belly and an exhausted body can do wonders and even though I was a little wary of sleeping defenseless it came like a comet; fast, unexpected, and devastating.
Something shining my eyes out wakes me up a bit earlier than I¡¯d prefer while the sound of water babbling and my back killing me quickly remind me of my situation. Sleeping on the hard ground, no blanket, pillows or even grass¡ I¡¯m too old for this.
Some heat generated with fire magic and supported by Maintained Magic kept me warm all night with negligible drain of my mana so at least I don¡¯t have to worry about getting sick.
After a quick groan, I finally roll over to do something about the rays scattering on the water and trying to blind me, only to be unpleasantly surprised.
An absolutely massive snout poking through the water parts the veil, which explains the light, with saliva dripping from the shortsword-sized teeth and nostrils flaring constantly. The beast has no fur or scales covering its body, using thick and loose skin instead as a form of protection.
I almost shriek in fright and let¡¯s not even mention lashing out, before the main rule of the elk¡¯s gift comes screaming in my head. No violence, no threatening moves, just deep breaths. If the shiny knick-nack fails, like it did last time then and only then am I allowed to act rashly.
Okay, but how? The beast literally can¡¯t see me. Do I even want to take a risk with the antler?
[Badger lvl ???]
I definitely want to take a risk with the antler.
Lifting my only hope high I let some mana trickle into it before pulling the water aside just like how I opened the door a crack to my parents¡¯ bedroom when I was little. I couldn¡¯t help it, they made weird noises.
The moment the waterfall parts enough for the eyes to catch a glimpse of me they narrow and the mighty maw just an arm¡¯s reach from me open wide¡ only to close just as quickly. The beast stares at me for a few moments, or rather the shiny piece of antler in my hand, before releasing a stinky huff and pulling away.
Like a puppet with its strings cut I collapse back on the ground, clutching my still racing heart and silently thanking the elk for his wonderful gift.
¡°I won''t sell this thing, ever.¡± I take another look at the beautiful gift in my hand. ¡°It saved my life one too many times and I¡¯ve only been here for a few days.¡±
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This encounter proved yet again how dangerous this region is and how unprepared I am to face off against the creatures calling the central regions their home. The simple solution? Get as far away from here as possible as quickly as possible.
Falling asleep like this was a mistake honestly, a very dumb and almost lethal mistake. One I still don¡¯t know how to avoid simply because my body needs sleep. Maybe some sort of alarm mechanism¡
The heavy footsteps getting distant inform me of the beast''s departure, allowing me to check the perimeter without coming face to face with something considering me bite-sized. A careful peek is more than enough to confirm my suspicion.
Life out there has changed, drastically. Creatures ranging from dog-size all the way to towering monstrosities tall enough to glance over city walls are scattered all over the landscape. There¡¯s one thing common about these creatures, besides appearing out of nowhere overnight in droves, they¡¯re all after the purple-ish fruits hanging from a few trees.
And I mean just the fruits. I don¡¯t see any bloodbath or vicious duel fought over the right to eat whatever those are, nothing like that. To be fair there there¡¯s no shortage of the stuff but even beasts with fangs that are clearly made to tear flesh and bite through throats seem to simply mind their own business and stick to a herbivore diet.
Is this my chance? I have no clue what¡¯s causing this eerie peace but it¡¯d be a shame to miss this window of opportunity. I was mostly prepared to fight beasts about my own level, living on the outskirts of any wilderness, or things with a first Class instead of Species, yet here I am. Clueless and not much more than an appetizer.
So let¡¯s get as far from away here as possible.
With utmost discretion, despite the unusual ceasefire reigning over the forest, I hop through the waterfall, out of my no longer hidden hideout, and straight into the water below, disappearing completely. After resurfacing my eyes scout the surroundings once again, looking for any unusual or rather aggressive reaction.
It¡¯s this whole situation that¡¯s unusual.
After a few minutes of overly cautious stealth, I finally ditch acting like a stalker, and start simply walking among the beasts despite my danger sense still screaming at me. And they couldn¡¯t care less.
I hate it, this peace, this abominable tranquility, seeing the order of the woods turned completely on its head. And it¡¯s not like I have to exert myself to find the source of this anomaly.
Thankfully today is a day of celebration because for the first time, my unease seems to be able to bring my curiosity to the ground and tell that reckless fool of an emotion to piss off.
Bad! Get back to the corner!
So all that¡¯s left is running. Although those fruits do look juicy as hell and I haven¡¯t had breakfast yet.
***
This is a test of mental endurance. I¡¯ve been running for about three hours now, like full-on running and not just some lighthearted jog, because the more I see the eerie blue fruits the harder they are to resist. Every time a beast bites down on one and those sweet juices flow everywhere¡ They look so happy and satisfied.
Add to that the fact that I¡¯m utterly famished and we have what I¡¯d call a vile temptation.
That¡¯s not to say the fruit is the only potential source of food around. Beasts, all pacified and docile, not even snarling when I get too close. I¡¯ve contemplated walking up to a weaker one and simply burning a hole through their head but¡
I don¡¯t know, sounds risky. What if they survive and strike back, what if the sudden sounds of violence wake the others up from their dreamlike state?
I just need to hold on until the fruits disappear or the average strength of the beasts is low enough for Identify to have some actual use. Even if that might take days.
Moving this fast requires a lot of energy. Energy I don¡¯t have and energy that is only further drained every time a fiendish voice sings songs of sweet temptation in the back of my mind.
¡°But what even is this thing?¡± I pick up one of the devil¡¯s fruits while sitting on a felled tree, and observe it properly for the first time.
Survival is sending mixed signals, telling me the fruit is both perfectly edible and something I shouldn¡¯t even touch. Not that I expected more from a Skill as basic as this one. That leaves the conventional method.
Looks like a peach, albeit slightly larger and as blue as the Azure Shores. Even when observing it with Mana Perception the damn thing looks absolutely blue with a tint of white and yellow. That color can mean only one element, lightning.
This¡ thing was born from the storm. The trees probably absorbed the volatile mana brought by the winds and produced these concentrated bundles of sweet nourishing mana.
And the smell¡ It¡¯s so incredibly sweet and refreshing that my mind keeps buzzing after a small whiff.
Maybe this is what they call the gifts of nature, the rare treasures of the wilds. Every tale I heard was centered around a rare and potent source of mana that permeated something random and made good stuff.
That reminds me of those dragon blood apples the Fist gave us¡ They were a scam just as expected but earning them still felt pretty damn good and although they failed to give us unparalleled strength those pretty red fruits were not without their benefits.
Nice and smooth skin¡ that was their reward.
¡°So, what can you do?¡± I whisper as the temptation keeps growing.
The beasts around me have been feasting on these for hours now and they¡¯re all completely fine, it¡¯s safe¡
¡°No!¡± The fruit lights on fire as my last whisps of sanity flare up. ¡°No no no no.¡± I bite my lip instead of the sweet blue flesh, drawing blood but also regaining control.
Seeing as pain works surprisingly well to return my right state of mind I slap myself on the cheeks with as much force as my arms can deliver.
¡°Thank the Gods I didn¡¯t attack any of the beasts along the way.¡± I whisper while taking a few deep breaths to clear my mind. ¡°I can¡¯t stay here, not around these fruits. I don¡¯t know how much longer I can resist.¡±
The fact that those words even left my mouth says it all.
¡°Maybe if I ate just a little-¡± I bite the traitorous mouth again before forcing my legs to move even though they¡¯ve been sapped of all their energy hours ago.
So I keep running and running passing trees both completely empty and slumping under the number of blue snacks hanging from their branches. Coming eye to eye with beasts comfortably sleeping in the shades or chewing on the blue nectar blissfully.
Closing my eyes doesn¡¯t work because the aroma pervading their air is overwhelming. Let¡¯s not even mention how crucial the ability to see is when it comes to moving at high speed.
Even my masochistic moves are slowly losing their effectiveness. The slaps and bites are no longer enough to banish the clouds over my mind, almost as if I¡¯m growing numb to the sensation.
The struggle continues for what feels like hours if not days. In the end, I can only collapse on the ground, mentally exhausted to the point where even lifting a finger feels like a colossal task.
Only one thing left I can do now¡ Okay, two. Either I take one of those cursed fruits and just pray for it to be normal and all my suffering pointless or¡ sleep.
I¡¯ve been dancing on the edge of consciousness for a while now so just letting go does the trick, dragging my poor exhausted mind down to the dark side where reality no longer haunts me.
Sweet dreams¡
Chapter 65 - Gardening
Dreams¡ sweet dreams¡ soft, juicy and crunchy dreams?
There are many prerequisites for a round of snooze to be in the sweet dreams category. Just a little cold in the room and perfectly warm below the blankets, a bed not too hard and not too soft, a full belly, quiet, and an eventful day.
Now, the vague image I have of the events before I hit the ground and things went dark ticks out only two of them, namely the temperature in the room and a hectic day¡ that¡¯s it. Things don¡¯t add up. And this sweetness¡ I¡¯m not just imagining it. Wait, I¡¯m awake!
The hard soil beneath me, the breeze making a shiver run down my neck, and¡ the sound of erratic breaths clearly not matching the movements of my chest. And then there¡¯s the sweetness in my mouth.
My heart falls for a second as my hazy mind puts one and one together.
I throw the cursed fruit away in an instant and try spitting its vile blue flesh from my mouth but it¡¯s¡ it tastes so good and I¡¯m so incredibly hungry. I inadvertently continue chewing, my mouth rebelling against my mind¡¯s desperate commands while a teardrop rolls down my cheek.
¡°It¡¯s so good.¡± I mutter, basically shivering in delight.
And this is not just the hunger speaking. I¡¯m a master at stuffing my face and have cleaned more plates than stars on the boundless sky and yet¡ this is the best thing I¡¯ve ever eaten. The moment the bite rolls down my throat, the second my body claims the prize along with all its mana an electric buzz rushes through my body.
The surge of energy carries no pain or danger as it snakes from top to bottom leaving only comforting bliss in its wake and letting all my worries turn to dust. Turn out I¡¯ve been overly paranoid all along, simply scared of something new, fearful of the unknown.
Chuckling slightly, I roll over to pick the discarded fruit back up when instead of the fuzzy soft peel my hand finds something else. Something equally fuzzy albeit warm and twitching. My standard reaction would be to yelp and jump out of my skin before burning whatever it is to pieces. After experiencing this eerie, unnatural side of the forest, right now, however¡ I couldn¡¯t care less.
¡°Big puppy.¡± I babble, patting the wolf sleeping right next to me before picking up the fruit.
I already took one bite so what could another hurt?
And so I dig in.
The effects are immediate. Besides feeling my gnawing hunger recede, the sleepiness is also instantly banished from my eyes along with the soreness and tension from my muscles. It¡¯s like a hearty meal combined with a blissful bath and a total day¡¯s rest in a single bite.
¡°If only I could sell these¡¡± A satisfied sigh escapes my mouth after licking my fingers clean.
No wonder everything in the forest was so calm and happy after the storm¡¯s passing¡ That harsh weather was nothing but a blessing in disguise. Good thing I stopped for the night instead of leaving something this special behind.
A few more¡
My body feels so light when I finally put some weight on my legs that I almost fall over face first. Good thing elves are more agile. It takes me a few seconds to get used to the wonders of the blue fruit before approaching a tree and gathering a small feast.
The more I eat the less I feel like the world is a cruel place. All my worries, burdens, pain, and goals¡ they¡¯re meaningless.
¡°Why was I even in a hurry?¡± My words come out slurred. ¡°What¡¯s to the north anyways? No fruits that¡¯s for sure, hehehe.¡± And with that, I snuggle back next to the wolf before closing my eyes again.
This is all I need, this is the best.
***
¡°Hey Eli, dear, you slept in.¡± Someone gently shakes my shoulder. ¡°You know well that Mr. Rion will deduct your pay if you¡¯re late.¡± The male voice whispers into my ear with the warm breath tickling my neck.
The voice is comforting, so much so that it almost pulls me back to the realms of dreams if only it wasn¡¯t for the dreadful news. The promise of the old dwarf¡¯s wrath is enough for my eyes to snap open, only to meet Dad¡¯s smirking face.
Still groggy and very much unhappy to be alive I look around, heavily contemplating just digging myself back under my fluffy blanket and letting my future self deal with this.
I¡¯m in my room, lying in my bed and covered with my old blanket as the morning light is seeping through my curtain.
¡°What is it sweetie, are you not feeling well?¡± Dad asks, his goody face quickly morphing into one showing real parental concern.
I¡¯m home and I have to go to¡ work? Right, work¡ I help with the inscriptions. Grumpy old dwarven blacksmith¡
¡°I¡¯m fine Dad, just not entirely awake yet.¡± I throw my blanket off at my old man before crawling out of bed to wash my face
Weird, I¡¯m so slow while also really stable. Am I actually sick?
¡°Have a quick bite before you go, breakfast is on the table.¡± He puts his boots on while I busy myself getting ready. ¡°I¡¯m gonna be late today but your mother will take care of the cooking while we¡¯re away.¡± Dad kisses me on the forehead and leaves. ¡°See you at dinner.¡±
¡°Bye, love you!¡± I giggle and throw my nightgown off.
A not-too-loose wool shirt, thick leather pants, leather apron for the tools, boots, and the gloves can wait until we ignite the furnace. The old shorty is gonna be furious, even though he doesn¡¯t start working for like another hour...
¡°Morning Mom.¡± I greet the true ruler of the house with a big hug.
She¡¯s cooking¡ whatever that brown thing is supposed to be, pretending she didn¡¯t hear, feel, smell and just basically sense me coming.
Stolen story; please report.
¡°You¡¯re gonna be late.¡± This is her way of saying good morning to you too.
I plop down at the table and start gobbling down the bread, cheese, veggies, and ham combo.
¡°Don''t just swallow the food, you glutton!¡± Comes the unnecessary comment.
I¡¯m in a hurry, woman. I¡¯ve got important¡important? Why am I even here?
I¡¯ve got things to do.
She¡¯s the one breaking the convention in the first place, expecting me to speak while stuffing my mouth. I can stay simply quiet and there¡¯s nothing she can do about it. Okay, there are a number of punishments she could smite me with but it wouldn¡¯t be fair. I enjoy family rule immunity.
¡°Will you be home for lunch?¡± Mom asks me on my way out.
¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe. Probably not, old Rion is gonna be livid and drown me with work, knowing his personality.¡± I shrug, already on my way out.
¡°He¡¯s a good man, you know, we wouldn¡¯t let you work for him otherwise.¡± Mom looks over and winks playfully. ¡°That grim outside hides a soft heart.¡±
¡°And hides it very well.¡± I mutter.
¡°Have a nice day and don''t do anything stupid.¡± Mom bids me farewell.
¡°I value the trust Mom, love you too.¡± I hold back the snarkier comments and just suck it up.
Be mouthy with your parents and bear the consequences, a rule as old as time itself. Especially when they¡¯re the ones feeding you.
Good thing Mom is an expert when it comes to the feeding part with her chef Class Conductor of the Kitchen.. or something like that. Yeah and Dark Needle, her¡ spatula?
Man, just what did I eat last night to be so out of touch today? Or is it the lack of sleep?
The weather is nice, the streets are not too congested this early in the morning, and even last night¡¯s stench is gone¡ If only I could just stay home and sleep.
On my way to work, I catch a glimpse of Jappo at the edge of the market in a heated discussion with a merchant. Heated as in fast and using a lot of hand gestures, no aggression involved.
When our eyes meet the boy flashes one of those infamous gnomish smiles with a glint playing in his eyes promising minor financial loss at best.
He quickly shakes off the man he¡¯s been trying to do business with before walking approach me to my great dismay. ¡°Hey Eli, how are you doing on this fine day? Can you take a look at our kettle in the afternoon?¡± He asks and pats my shoulder, tiptoeing.
There it is, I knew he looked too friendly. What better way to have something fixed than for free?
¡°Again? Jappo you could just take it to the shop and I''d give you a discount.¡± I flick my money-grubber friend on the forehead.
¡°C¡¯mon now, it¡¯s just a few minutes of your time. I can¡¯t even warm a cup of water at home for tea.¡± He whines with his high-pitched gnomish voice.
¡°A little fire is all you need, it¡¯s not witchcraft.¡± I shake my head and snap my finger to make a small flame.
Nothing.
¡°Huh?¡±
I blink like a newborn lamb before giving it another shot.
Fire. Air. Lightning! WATER!
¡°Are you okay?¡± Jappo snaps me out of my downward spiral of confusion.
¡°I- I think so.¡± I rub my head. ¡°I have to go, I''m late for work.¡±
¡°About the kettle?¡± Jappo asks shamelessly.
What are friends for, huh?
¡°Sure, come by in the evening,¡± I yell and step onto the main road. ¡°And bring some-¡±
¡°Watch out!¡±
My reflexes are spot on and I whip my head to the side just in time to come face to face with an Oxbear. My movements however feel sluggish, and my body is hardly responsive despite the years of training¡
Training?
Then everything turns dark as the massive beast tramples over me.
***
I bolt up like never before as the panic and confusion just seconds before the collision rush through me soon followed by something else. A piercing sense of pain radiates from my calf and spreads through my body as if my muscles were on fire.
I¡¯m in the grass, on the ground, still in the forest¡ and with a root wrapped around my leg.
Then as if someone dunked a bucket of cold water on the fire that is the alarms ringing in my head things quiet down. The pain pulls back, the shock and my fighting instincts get muddled¡ Everything will be fine, this forest is a good place, safe and full of delicious fruits.
It was all just a dream and even now this root around my leg and the blood pouring from the wound where it¡¯s digging into my flesh is nothing more than¡ Right, it¡¯s just a coincidence.
To fix my issue I reach for my magic, relying on both Arcane Focus and Serene Spellcrafting I find it hard to concentrate, and all of a sudden the veil on my mind is lifted ever so slightly. My senses feel sharper, my thoughts louder and the pain more realistic than before.
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 64.]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has reached lvl 53.]
In this moment of clarity and absolute fury flames erupt from my injured calf and engulf the root in their blue embrace. The plant doesn¡¯t last long in the face of its natural enemy but as soon as I relinquish control over my magic I begin to feel sluggish again.
¡°Damn it!¡± Realization is quick to hit me.
I need to keep those two Skills running to preserve my sanity.
Since it¡¯s still very much summer and the temperature during the day can be quite unbreakable I elect to simply cool the air around me a little, using as little mana as I can.
This would be the perfect time to assess what happened if not for another radicle creeping toward my leg or more accurately the blood seeping from the wound. But the secret of the trees turns out to be much more vile than I first thought.
The wolf I foolishly huddled up to in my moment of utter foolishness is now entangled by the very same tree I picked the blue fruits from. The vines and roots are snaking up and down the beast''s body, piercing the flesh and running under the skin as they slowly eat the creature from the inside.
It¡¯s a repulsing sight made only worse due to my curiosity¡
[Wolf lvl 95]
It¡¯s still alive. The tree is draining the blood from its body and eating its flesh minute by minute while the beast is still breathing, locked in the world of its dreams.
¡°Maybe I should burn this forest to the ground.¡± The simple cooling magic around me quickly morphs into uncontrolled heat before flaring up into furious flames.
There¡¯s a chance I¡¯ll fall to the temptation again even after seeing this¡ abhorrent sight. The disgustingly sweet smell lingering in the air could drag me down again, especially after experiencing the happiness every bite of the fruit promises. All it takes is a moment of weakness¡
¡°I refuse to die like that.¡± I hiss and command my flames to do their thing. ¡°The wind has turned, it¡¯s moving north now. Good.¡±
That way I won¡¯t piss off Big Fluff.
The trees in this forest are obviously not your usual plants, more resistant and as it turns out slightly evil by nature, so they¡¯re not so easy to incinerate as normal firewood. Add to that the massive storm that passed just about two days ago and the amount of life juice some of these bloodsuckers have consumed and any tiny flame in a forest this massive would stand little chance to devour to its heart¡¯s content.
Almost any flame.
The red and orange tint, only able to slowly gnaw away at the tough bark and resistant fibers seemingly takes a deep breath before flaring up. A hoarse otherworldly howl accompanies the spectacle of the flames competing for the title of brightest with Solaire himself, turning white as the first snow and marking the start of the inferno I envisioned.
¡°Now, let the fire clear my path.¡± I mutter as my work blooms.
Should I be concerned about the size of the smile on my face?
Chapter 66 - Sleepy
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 67.]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has reached lvl 55.]
These last two days I must¡¯ve turned into a villain for most creatures calling the forest their home.
The curtain of fire I¡¯ve conjured has been slowly crawling northward for two days now, eating away at anything in its path. In the first few hours, it took my care and attention for the fire to spread properly, reaching far and wide and becoming a veritable shield along my journey.
It burned away the sweet smell, the vile trees with the fruit of false dreams and¡
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Southern Goliath Bat - Wind lvl 84] - [Night Prowler - Dark lvl 23].]
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Blood Blossom Bobcat - Nature lvl 91] - [Feral Venom Fang - Life lvl 61].]
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Amber Star Firefly - Light lvl 35].]
¡
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the general Skill [Indiscriminate Slaughter lvl 1]. Would you like to replace one of your Skills?]
Oh c¡¯mon, I¡¯m not a psycho, shoo!
I''m under no illusion, the amount of progress I receive for each of these kills is most likely negligible, considering these beasts are more or less incapacitated and only indirectly killed by me. With that said quantity has its own quality and I¡¯ve been receiving quite a number of notifications for a while now, albeit less and less by the hour.
So why is that? One of the options, first, the storm passed here maybe a day earlier and the trees had already finished their feast by the time the fire claimed them. Option number two, the storm never passed here and all I¡¯ve been doing for the past hours is destroying the homes and families of hundreds of beasts¡
Not that I have the ability to stop the inferno anymore. The flames stretch as far as the eye can see, covering the skies above me with dirty grey clouds and marching on relentlessly. Trouble of this scale requires a Big Fluff level intervention.
Speaking of the old elk¡ the fact that he hasn¡¯t shown up yet despite his principles makes me believe I¡¯m no longer in his territory, the lucky charm won''t save my ass anymore. I still had to deal with a few beasts, barely hanging on to their life yet somehow still breathing after the firestorm washed over them¡ Killing those poor bastards was mercy, nothing else.
Then there are the ones who weathered everything with barely a scratch and are now ruling over the rubble like kings of a county lying in ruin. I tend to avoid them as far as I can.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Hungering Devouring Locust - Fire lvl 44].]
These things again¡
¡°The edge of the woods can¡¯t be that far now. Or at least I really hope it isn¡¯t.¡± By now I¡¯m no longer even trying to suppress my crazed ramblings.
I¡¯ve been all alone for far too long. That and the fact I haven¡¯t slept for more than two days now. I need to stick close to the inferno to stay out of harm''s way, weird way to do it I know, but it takes an hour or two for the survivors to claim the lands and that¡¯s more than enough time for me to be on my way.
More importantly, I¡¯m still not comfortable with closing my eyes after the last dream I had, or rather the way I woke up from it. Any cover that ever existed has been burnt to ashes by the fire and I really don¡¯t want to wake up in a cocoon of roots or with a beast already sizing me up.
¡°Can¡¯t be that much more!¡± I repeat my mantra while forcing my exhausted and slightly injured body to move.
A wild mix of angst and conscious stubbornness is driving me forward even now, even after deep exhaustion has set in. If my Status could display stamina that number would be scraping the barrel by now¡ and things go only downhill from here.
¡°If I start moving west now I could go arou-¡± My little solo planning session gets interrupted when something bursts out of the ground just behind me.
And I¡¯m not even surprised anymore. Startled a little, sure, but not surprised.
Hiding underground takes first and second place on the podium of the most popular way to survive a forest fire while countering it with magic comes in at third. I¡¯ve had beasts ambush me just like this before and I¡¯m pretty sure this attack won''t be the last.
My next footfall sends tremors through the ground, following which spikes jut out of the earth to do quick work on my newest wanna-be attacker. The last two have been weaker than me even and I have equally low expectations for this one.
The lack of grunts, howls, or other beastly noises of pain along with the distinguishable sound of flesh being torn to shreds surprises me for a second. I expected my counter-surprise attack to at least leave the beast slightly wounded, or pinned down, or anything really to earn me the upper hand but that didn¡¯t happen. The reason for that is simple. My opponent has no fur, legs, or even arms¡ it¡¯s a damn snake, a big one.
[Snake lvl 69]
Looks like a normal snake except for the large head, the spear-like tail, and the patches of dirt covering its back.
I really hope to get a better version of Identify sooner rather than later because I find this one a bit lacking.
It takes me a moment to register the snake¡ snaking past the spikes intended to turn it into a pincushion since thinking, in general, has turned into a task of monumental proportion. No amount of Intelligence or Focus can replace the lack of sleep that¡¯s been dragging me down for a while now.
Thankfully instincts and movements practiced day after day can take over the reins now that tactics and deceit have left the room.
I still comprehend the way the snake¡¯s tail shoots out to skewer me with the help of Premonition. I can still take a measured albeit wobbly step to evade before slicing it off with a wave of my hand and a blade of whistling wind. I can still capitalize on its moment of weakness to form dozens of needles made of ice to blind the serpent and basically seal its fate.
The basics have taken over, nothing flashy, nothing excessive, just the bare minimum to kill whatever is after my life. The energy spared by ditching thinking as a whole is instantly used for every mechanical movement, squeezing my already dried-up reserves even further and probably worsening my situation, not that I have a choice.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Tidal Kodiak Badger - Water lvl 56].]
Finally. This was easier than-
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
A kill notification, the blue window marking the moment Malor claims another soul¡ except the snake never stopped thrashing. The crippled tail swipes my leg accidentally or not, which in turn gives up my position to the blinded beast, opening its jaws wide and lunging for the kill.
The flop mixes up everything and with my mind already in shambles, it takes a bit longer than usual to understand the world around me. I¡¯m still me though, and I¡¯m good. It¡¯s no coincidence I picked a Class with additional Speed and Endurance per level while also boosting my Dexterity from time to time. Dodging is the most superior form of defense hence the Speed and Endurance¡ that¡¯s the only thing keeping me going right now.
The hair only on my arms stands up as I sense the marble-like fangs vibrating, growing ever closer to my skin to enact revenge for the pair of gleaming gems some call the mirror of the soul. I find the eye for an eye concept totally fair, except for when I¡¯m on the receiving end.
Elemental Burst discharges a pulse of electricity all around, stunning the snake just long enough to stop its jaws from closing on my shoulder. The dagger-sized fangs still rake across my skin but that¡¯s just a minor nuisance, not even worth a yelp or a hiss in the heat of battle.
I straighten my right hand, covering it with a flittering layer of ice and turning my limb into a deadly blade before shoving it through the snake¡¯s chin. The beast goes still with blood gushing out from its wound, nevertheless motionless does not mean dead. I¡¯ve learned that the hard way.
My arm is still stuck almost up to the elbow in the snake¡¯s head but instead of melting the ice and freeing myself, I decide to rid myself of the burden as a whole. And create a sizable explosion in my palm.
The lack of thinking shows its side effect again as a veritable rain of blood, bone fragments, and other organs I don¡¯t want to even think about splatters me head to toe.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Tremor Serpent - Earth lvl 69].]
Now it¡¯s dead.
[The Class Skill [Armory of the Arcane] has reached lvl 68.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 59.]
[The general Skill [Pain Tolerance] has reached lvl 30.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 64]
I don¡¯t even have the strength to freak out or start bitching about my circumstance, all that¡¯s left is getting back to my feet and following the wall of fire.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the general Skill [Martial Instinct lvl 1]. Would you like to replace one of your Skills?]
Martial Instinct: Some instincts are engraved at birth while others are forged through struggle and the will to live. Innerous battles have tempered you to the point where fighting has become second nature, an integral part of your being, guiding your decision past what the mind is capable of. Temper the soul and erase all hesitation as regret is only temporary while death is eternal.
¡°Switch The Art of Movement!¡± I command my Journey Guide, too tired to remember my parents¡¯ chiding about mental commands.
I need this now more than ever.
Valka Pov:
¡°Move, faster you useless pieces of trash!¡± The panicked voice of my newest owner is almost music to my ears.
Almost.
Sadly that tune is lost in the wind that carries the sound of flames consuming the horizon as far as the eyes can see along with the desperate roars of a thousand beasts. We noticed the smoke far in the distance hours ago but have continued on our journey in hopes of outrunning the fire and sticking to a schedule our captors seem to value more than their own lives.
That decision came back to bite us when the winds from the forest picked up and painted the sky above us gray along with driving the first beasts out of hiding. By now we¡¯ve escaped the worst of it, putting enough distance between us and the tree line, but an inferno of such scale promises more than just a few burns for those in its path.
¡°Sir, we have to leave,¡± One of the low-ranked soldiers tries to reason with his superior. ¡°the nearest city is only-¡±
¡°Silence!¡± But the prideful old fool refuses to listen. ¡°As the swords of Turan it is our duty to protect the land and its people from any and all threats including mother Aelion herself. Prepare yourself to stop the stampede or else they¡¯ll wash over our southern borders and take the people we¡¯ve sworn to protect with them!¡±
I can respect his dedication if nothing else. Even when the horizon is red and grey, even as the ground is shaking and otherworldly howls are filling the air his sense of duty prevails. A man of firm values but little intellect. I¡¯ve seen very little of this new world, of Eborden, but if it¡¯s anything like our mountains after an avalanche then we¡¯ll be eradicated.
¡°Soldiers, slaves, prepare for battle!¡± His speech surprisingly manages to raise the faltering morale of his troops. However the same can¡¯t be said about us with these cursed collars around our necks.
As if responding to his call to arms the forest erupts in a tide of claws, fangs, fur, and violence. The beasts are desperately fleeing the inferno that has mercilessly claimed their home with only one direction to move towards.
¡°Still better than hauling stones or being locked up in a cage.¡± I mutter, obeying the collar for a change and preparing for a proper hunt.
[Bear lvl 85]
[Racoon lvl 45]
¡
I¡¯m not worried about my life, surviving tough situations is my specialty and if this fight drags on I might have a chance to finally rid myself of these hateful chains. All I need is that piece of paper their leader has in his satchel and enough pressure on the troops to escape.
¡°Advance!¡± Comes the order leaving no room for defiance.
Our lives were bought to fight for a cause we don¡¯t consider our own and it seems now is the time to prove our worth. The line of shield infantry lines up as the vanguard, except they are not the ones standing truly at the forefront of our formation, ready to suffer the brunt of the approaching stampede.
It¡¯s us, the exposable ones, thieves and murderers, fugitives and victims all sentenced to the same fate and all lumped under the umbrella of ¡®guilty serving their sentence¡¯.
¡°What a joke.¡± I mutter before cocking my arm back to meet the fastest of the incoming horde.
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Valka
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Age: 12
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Nephilim
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Mana: 2310/2310
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Free Points: 6
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+140/hour
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Might: 603
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Intelligence: 78
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Mana: 231
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Speed: 330
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Focus: 120
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Willpower: 140
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Endurance: 495
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Dexterity: 98
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Fortitude: 217
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General Skills:
Manaforged lvl 68
Identify lvl 56
Resting lvl 37
Relentless Advanace lvl 51
Pain Tolerance lvl 47
Sharpened Instincts lvl 46
Intimidate lvl 31
Survival lvl 41
Stamina lvl 55
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I. Class: Battle Maiden - Life lvl 74
Brawling lvl 70
Fast Recovery lvl 66
The Body¡¯s Grudge lvl 45
Power Burst lvl 62
Budding Strength lvl 36
Beastly Perception lvl 39
|
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II. Class: Unruly Slave - Lightning lvl 3
Oppressed lvl 2
Obey lvl 2
Serve lvl 1
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III. Class: *Locked*
|
Just like most beasts, this wolf has also decided that a small army of humans and some other races is a lot less threatening than the relentless wall of fire and thus attacked the thing it can actually bite. Except we hit back.
My fist dents its snout and stops the canine¡¯s momentum in midair. I don¡¯t waste much time on the half-dead mutt, forming claws with the fingers on my other hand and tearing its throat out in one swift swipe.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Full Moon Coyote - Dark lvl 57].]
Just as the bulk of the waves is about the crash into us the true threats, the beasts of colossal proportions make themselves known. Covered in scales, feathers, or skin, some on two legs while others use no less than seven to walk, and let¡¯s not even mention the size of their claw and teeth¡
The previously blazing morale is instantly extinguished among the rank of the soldiers but they know better than to start fleeing one by one. Holding the formation is the only chance we have¡ except that part wasn¡¯t issued in orders.
¡°No, not that one.¡± The shouts come from our backline. ¡°Grab hold of the Blessed, the Battle Queen will have great use of that one!¡±
Oh crap, that¡¯s me.
Chapter 67 - Not Stealing
¡°Is it finally over? Did I get out?¡± I stumble past tree after tree with hope in my tired eyes.
It revitalized me, seeing the flames that burned a path for days now in front of me quickly lose their size before disappearing below what remained of the canopy. There was little planning involved when I first lit fire to the forest and what I¡¯d do after reaching the end of the treeline was definitely not part of whatever I had in mind back then.
Surprisingly the notifications have gone silent for about an hour now, no longer informing me of the literal massacre I¡¯ve committed. While I do feel a little bad for all the trees and homes destroyed I¡¯d do it again any day of the week. This was the easiest and most fruitful way out.
¡°Do I even want to leave the forest?¡± I¡¯ve only scratched the surface of this question every time it popped into my mind and the answer was always the same. It depends.
Without the predatory trees and cursed blue fruits? Yeah, I guess this place is pretty okay and at least the food is free. IF however I had to put up with the trees and other forms of danger I¡¯d much rather try my luck in civilized lands. I¡¯m more used to dealing with humans than anything, as irritating as they are.
As I walk closer and closer to what can only be the edge of the forest the unmistakable sound of combat grows ever stronger. And it¡¯s not just claws, flesh, and roars that I¡¯m hearing. People, clearly quite a number of them putting up a valiant fight against what sounds like an absolute horde of beasts.
The tug of war between caution and curiosity is quickly decided when I deem the whole shebang too much thinking and just walk toward the source of combat anyway. The ground is still smoldering in a few spots where the flames finally went out and the smoke constantly rising from the ground makes it hard to breathe. Nevertheless, it acts as a veil, covering my approach but also making me rely on my hearing alone.
Intense fighting with orders echoing above the carnage¡ Could it be the shadows? No, they have no reason to fight the beasts and there¡¯s no way they crossed the wall of fire and missed me in the process. But then who?
Wait¡ this is because of me isn¡¯t it? The beasts are pushing to the north all because of the fire I started and¡ too much thinking. Can¡¯t.
If the situation is pretty stable I¡¯ll probably throw my weight behind the humans to ease my conscience and maybe earn their favor. I need all the help I can get. If they¡¯re losing pretty badly I¡¯ll honor their sacrifice and get as far as I can¡ Yes, that¡¯s what I¡¯ll do.
Soon my half-blind tumbling turns into a full-on crawl to avoid tripping on something and kissing the ground nose first. Slow and careful not to put my hand into a patch of embers I make my way forward relying mostly on my sense of touch since I can¡¯t really see past the bubble of air around my head helping me breathe.
More than once I hear something rushing past me, clearly using all four of its legs and likely injured if the whimpers mean anything yet to my surprise none of them stop to take their chance against me. Then finally I touch grass, fresh green grass.
I¡¯m out, and whether that¡¯s a good thing or not remains to be seen.
The veil of smoke is already dispersing so it only takes a little puff of air from me to clear my view and back off right away after observing the events for just a few seconds. There are humans alright, and beasts, a buttload of beasts and¡ slaves.
¡°This is the worst.¡± I hiss, crawling backward as fast as one can crawl backward.
A lone girl lost in the forest, wary and tired¡ ripe for the taking. Call me paranoid but I¡¯ve heard enough terrible things from Mom and Dad, besides seeing with my own eyes how some slaves are treated, so thank you but no thank you. To make things worse the humans seem to be winning, more or less.
Their forces are mostly scattered, fighting in isolated pockets instead of one coherent unit but they seem to have brought down two colossal beasts likely acting as the core of the charge. Morale is not just a thing specific to us Wielders, animals too can be discouraged from fighting.
Beasts don''t possess Identify so size and one¡¯s general aura of danger are the only aspects they can use to judge someone¡¯s strength. Seeing the biggest and badest beasts acting as damage sponges fall probably isn¡¯t too encouraging.
It¡¯s pure chaos.
¡°Don¡¯t let it escape!¡± Someone bellows from my side, way closer than I¡¯ve expected any human to be.
Hold up, are they talking about me?
For a moment I hesitate with indecisiveness halting all actions. Should I run, hide? What about fighting back? But thankfully the world solves that problem of mine when a white-haired girl gets dragged out of a crumbling husk of a bush not five paces from me by a soldier in armor clearly flashier than the rest.
¡°Have I not made it clear? The Battle Queen won''t tolerate it if you¡¯re not delivered!¡± The man treats her like a ragdoll, with furious eyes and not a speck of kindness despite the girl being only a year or so older than me. A slave in the hands of its master.
The soldier simply grabs her by the back of her neck and lifts her off the ground like a dog before turning back to his troops. She struggles in the iron grip, fighting back with desperation and sadness in her glimmering blue eyes, clinging to the even still-burning trees in hopes of pulling herself towards freedom and preventing her capture.
I won¡¯t lie, I respect that. Criminal or not, beastman or gnome, I learned to recognize the beauty of the fighting spiriting and hers is especially bright. And then there¡¯s some pity in me. I know well criminals are more useful alive than dead or locked up in a cage but I just can¡¯t stop imagining myself in her stead. A cruel fate but at least she¡¯s feisty, she might even fight well¡
Or¡ she could be useful to me.
It¡¯s very dangerous, it¡¯s very dumb, and probably very illegal¡ So I move very carefully.
Maybe due to my utter lack of sleep or something else inside urging me to stop watching things from the sidelines, I don¡¯t know but I feel like if I were to walk away now I¡¯d regret it. I¡¯m on my last leg and falling asleep all alone in the middle of a wilderness is basically a death sentence¡ I need her.
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Swift and silent like a cat I begin to approach the man behind his back, making sure to mask the noise of my movement as much as possible and stay out of everyone¡¯s sight until the last second. My senses sharpen as my poor little heart gives me one last push, one final hurray to allow me to operate in top condition as I resolve myself to strike.
It¡¯s not that hard really. Malor has received many new residents with me as the sender and I don¡¯t regret any of my kills. I¡¯ve also faced countless humans before, hurting many of them and never pulling my punches just because it seemed mean.
Neither do I this time around.
Besides, I don¡¯t like how cold and rough the soldier acts, slaves are still people, just serving their punishment.
The man suddenly halts his steps when I get within arm¡¯s reach but it¡¯s already too late. He must be a flimsy fighter in general or his Class is closer to a support type like Commander than to an actual Warrior, either way, only a miracle could save him right now.
[Leader lvl ???]
That makes this all much simpler.
With my arm reached out I have the butt of my knife firmly planted in the palm of my hand with its tip pointing straight at the gap between his helmet and chestplate. This is not the time to be cautious and try to keep the damage to the minimum, to worry about his life when my own is on the line. It¡¯s all or nothing and I¡¯d rather take his life than endure what follows after my ambush fails.
Just as my magic gathers in my palm the man¡¯s head turns ever so slightly until from the corner of his eyes our gazes meet and the flash finally goes off. An explosion, as violent and devastating as my stats and Skills allow me to create¡ It destroys the bottom of the knife I scavenged from the knight and launches its blade at a speed I can barely comprehend straight into the back of the officer¡¯s neck.
The weapon is of decent quality, I aimed for an absolute weak point and the execution is flawless. The metal pierces the skin just as I hoped and keeps going until the tip of the blade finally digs through the entirety of the neck and appears on the other side. A lethal blow.
Not lethal enough for a notification though.
The armored body goes limp, like a puppet with all its strings cut, releasing the girl and crumbling to the ground without a noise.
¡°Wha-¡± I slap a hand on her face before she can make any inappropriate sounds while stealing the satchel of the body lying at my feet.
[Warrior lvl 74]
I can deal with her if things go south.
¡°Keep yelling and follow!¡± My voice leaves no room for disagreements and probably my face only reinforces that. I¡¯m dead serious.
To her credit, the girl only hesitates for a second before pulling my hand away and returning to grunting and making all their weird noises of futile resistance. With some subtle use of wind magic, I open up a path through the smoke back to the depths of the forest while also closing the curtain behind us to hide the body and our escape.
¡°Run like your life depends on it!¡± The girl is off before I even finish the sentence, outpacing me by a lot and making me look like a clown.
When we finally leave the dense smoke after a few tense moments of all-out sprint in a weird twist of events we find ourselves in the company of three other individuals, all wearing ugly accessories similar to the girl and all with a nasty grin on their faces. Unlike my new pet, they have something invaluable, a large bundle of contracts, their freedom.
Without much concern for us, they rummage through the papers before seemingly finding what they¡¯re looking for as disturbing grins crest their faces.
¡°Keep running!¡± I instruct the girl watching them wide-eyed because I don¡¯t want to be around when they learn about their mistake.
The contract is what empowers whoever possesses it to issue commands for the collar to enforce. That¡¯s it. Destroying it means the tool to control is gone, but the same can¡¯t be said about the collar, the brand of a runaway slave.
Soon after we leave the men behind and completely lose the line of sight, clearly human roars of frustration fill the forest, truly music to my ears. And a place I should avoid as far as possible.
We run for minutes, passing trees reduced to ashes and burned corpses in the dozens. Every time I slowed down a little, every moment of hesitation brought me closer to finally finally collapsing and I think my body has reached its limits.
¡°Move left!¡± I give directions again but instead of following like she did before the girl now turns on her heels and launches a surprise attack.
She tries tackling me, using my own momentum to deliver a devastating hit yet something is not quite right. Premonition confirms my suspicion right away, the thing I find baffling about her attack¡ It¡¯d only knock me down, I wouldn¡¯t even break a bone.
Of course, one needs to be a lot more shrewd than this to take me by surprise and going easy on me¡ big mistake.
Since bashing into a heavy Warrior would yield little results I instead move the ground beneath her feet, pulling it out like a carpet and making her lose balance just as our noses are about to touch. I grab onto her collar and drag her to the ground while discharging lightning into the ungrateful thing and finishing things off with a cocoon of earth embracing her right after the impact.
¡°That¡¯s not how you say thank you.¡± I take a few conscious steps back just in case. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid, you should know after hearing those idiots that you can¡¯t get rid of the collar just like-¡±
¡°Liar!¡± The white-haired girl¡¯s words are filled with hate. ¡°Humans and elves, liars all. All you do is steal and take until you end up fighting amongst yourself because there¡¯s nothing else left to plunder!¡±
My heart skips a beat when her eyes, those blue balls filled with immense hatred gaze deep into my soul and the girl begins to struggle with the roar of a wild animal. Her efforts quickly bear fruit as the earth keeping her captive begins to crumble even with me sparing some control to hold her back.
But instead of wasting my mana and engaging in a fight, I have no confidence in winning my hands dig through the contents of the bag.
¡°Whatever you went through blaming an entire race is not the answer.¡± I try to stall as she pushes herself up, despite the immense weight pushing her down.
¡°Like I should care!¡± The air around her begins to vibrate along with literal steam escaping her mouth. ¡°They never cared!¡±
Thankfully I turn out to be faster.
I pull my arm out of the bag with a bundle of paper rolls in my hand just as the earthen shackles finally crumble and the savage beast in human skin is about to charge at me.
¡°Stop, don¡¯t make me use this!¡± Her contract should be here in my hand meaning this isn¡¯t a fight she can win.
As expected the girl hesitates, her shoulders slumping and eyes losing some of their furious gleam as the hammer of reality delivers a crushing blow to her. Right now, at this moment, I own her.
¡°I¡¯m not like them,¡± I try to reassure her. ¡°I won¡¯t make you do anything and once we¡¯re-¡±
¡°Why?¡± Oh no, are those really tears? Can we just not? ¡°Just when I finally escaped, when freedom, my future was within arm¡¯s reach you took it from me!¡± Even her voice is so hollow and saddened¡ She really is making me feel bad. ¡°What did I do to deserve this?¡±
Ask the law not me. Here in the Northwest people rarely get enslaved just for the sake of it. More importantly¡ why is the world turning murky?
¡°Tearing the contract won''t make the collar fall off and killing me won''t get you revenge against whoever hurt you. Just please¡¡± I pull the contract closer to my chest, frowning at what¡¯s about to come out of my mouth. ¡°I order you to stay and protect me!¡± I really hate this. ¡°I¡¯ll free you,¡± My words are no longer dictated by reason, but the whispers of the heart. "I swear.¡±
Words I rarely, if ever use.
My knees finally give out and the ground approaches fast, whether I wake up alive or we both die is up to her and her alone.
Chapter 68 - Whitey
Sleep¡ One of the three main necessities of the body and one I¡¯ve been neglecting for days now. Without my Endurance I probably would¡¯ve just fallen face-first into the dirt by the end of the second day, much less almost kill someone and then escape after the third.
Actually, did I kill¡
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 68.]
[The general Skill [Martial Instinct] has reached lvl 2 ->4.]
I did not. That¡¯s good.
Hurting people is one thing, people I don¡¯t like and people who might pose a threat to me but I¡¯m not so comfortable with taking their lives. Sure the man looked like an asshole but judging by his words he was just doing his duty and what he thought was right. He probably even had a family. Just imagining someone killed Mom or Dad for doing their job¡ I don¡¯t want to be the cause of such grief and the target of all the hatred.
I just want to be back with my family.
With that said I probably found the key to surviving in this forest while also fucking up everything. I attacked a person, probably a military official of another country, and stole a slave¡ Would that get me executed if they ever caught me or just simply enslaved for a lifetime? Let¡¯s never find out.
Finally opening my eyes reveals the exact same forest I¡¯ve been wandering in for almost a week now except with a lot of dead trees and a complete lack of greenery. I¡¯ve no clue how long it¡¯ll take for the forest to reclaim this land, whether mana can help the greenery flourish or it¡¯ll take actual decades for everything to regrow after the destruction I caused.
I really am a criminal, huh?
And I don¡¯t remember collapsing next to a small pond¡ So, where is she?
I still have the contracts, I don¡¯t feel like anything took a bite and¡ yeah, she did her job well. Not that she had a choice after I made my request into an order.
More importantly, we can¡¯t stay here. This part of the forest won''t stay vacant for long and I¡¯d like to avoid both the beasts arriving to claim the territory and the humans likely searching for either of us.
¡°Why did I have to find an antagonistic one?¡± I finally sit up, feeling groggy but no longer dying of exhaustion. ¡°Would you deign me with your presence oh graceful¡¡± I really shouldn¡¯t just call her Slave. ¡°... warrior?¡±
No response, no movement, and not a single soul in sight.
¡°Fine by me.¡± I mutter and dig through the bag again I¡¯ve been using as a hug pillow until now. ¡°Let¡¯s see what we¡¯re working with.¡±
This time maybe not so much a royal plural. It¡¯s weird, having company after being around just beasts for so long even though they turned out to be much more intelligent than I thought.
Some coin, nice but not too useful right now, a knife, which worked wonders even the last time, a waterskin, with something that definitely doesn¡¯t smell like water inside, some stale bread, papers, and three small vials. Healing potions. Quite a haul.
¡°Look, I really don¡¯t want to use this damned piece of paper so just come here,¡± I feel like dealing with a child. ¡°I have some food if you¡¯re hungry.¡± The universal lure, it always works.
A combination of the threat and offering finally breaks the ice and the girl lands by my side with the grace and impact of a rock while also scaring me shitless. Judging by the fleeting smile on her face this was no coincidence.
Now that I have the time to take a proper glance at my new involuntary companion¡ Her parents must be some damn lookers. The slight malnourishment and layers of dirt aside, her white hair and blue eyes combo are already breathtaking, not to mention her considerable height and¡ tsk, curves. It¡¯s not fair though, she¡¯s older.
To top it off she¡¯s got some muscles. Like, they took our physical training seriously back in Granhall, and I never slacked just because I hate sweating but¡ she might be stronger than Hugo.
¡°My name is Elyssia,¡± Even I know common courtesy. ¡°care to introduce yourself?¡±
The frown and silence. My years of defiance have taught me how to recognize a firm no.
¡°Then I¡¯ll just call you Whitey. Simply saying Slave is too derogatory, even for me.¡± I shrug.
Sulk all you want, but if you refuse to communicate properly we won''t get anywhere.
¡°Release me!¡± She finally turns to face me and declares as if this was some sort of negotiation.
Really, that¡¯s the first thing you want to say?
¡°I can¡¯t.¡± I declare nonchalantly and through great difficulty take a bite of the bread.
It¡¯s old, dry, and pretty tasteless but still a change compared to berries and barely grilled meat. A shame there was no salt or pepper in the bag.
¡°You have the contract,¡± She snaps, still as hostile as ever. ¡°All you need to-¡±
¡°That¡¯s not how it works.¡± I really should¡¯ve just explained this properly from the start. ¡°I¡¯ll say this once, nice and simple. Destroying the contract does not remove the collar. Even if you do shred it and escape you won''t get far because just looking at you screams runaway slave which means you¡¯ll get captured and locked up, again. People don¡¯t like convicted criminals running around, obviously. You breaking the law is not a me problem.¡±
That was neither short or simple but I hope it at least got through to her. In Valeria and the neighboring countries only misdeeds serious enough can make you lose your freedom and lowering your guard around people like that is the same as inviting trouble.
¡°I¡¯m innocent!¡± She yells loud enough for my ears to ring.
¡°Sure, sure, every criminal says that.¡±
¡°Then give it to me!¡± Okay, at least we¡¯re getting somewhere.
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¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Her eyes grow menacing after my flat-out refusal but I don¡¯t back down, meeting her gaze without flinching. ¡°I need you but I don¡¯t trust you, it¡¯s that simple. The upper hand¡¡± I dangle the contracts in front of her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t make me issue orders, forcing my will onto people is really not my thing.¡±
I really need her to realize one thing; I value my life over her comfort and feelings, She can hate me all she wants and attack me once this is all done but until then it¡¯s the survival of the fittest. With that said I¡¯ll treat her like a person, like a comrade, with respect and most of her free will.
She needs me but she hasn¡¯t realized that yet.
The silence that follows¡ I wouldn¡¯t really call it awkward, more like cold, and slightly hostile. The lack of communication leads to the downfall of even the most stacked team. I learned this the hard way.
Imagine if something ambushed us just because we were arguing like some snotty brats¡
¡°Fine!¡± I grip the scrolls again. I should really check which one is hers. ¡°New orders!¡± Whitey visibly flinches and grits her teeth as the words leave my mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t leave me, don¡¯t attack me, and don¡¯t try to steal anything from me!¡±
Then a moment of silence descends.
¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Whitey raises an eyebrow after blinking a few times.
¡°That¡¯s it.¡± I slap a piece of bread into her hand before standing to my full height, which is still a little over a head shorter than her.
I heard stories about how the Tamer Class came to be, and how people slowly earned the trust of beasts through small gestures and patience. So why not try the same? She looks beastly enough to me.
¡°C¡¯mon, I think I¡¯m slightly better than whoever held this piece of paper before me, right? So how about we don¡¯t give them a chance at catching up?¡± Talking to someone who refuses to answer feels even more weird than just babbling to myself.
Do I really need her? Yeah, I haven¡¯t slept this well in days. Maybe because I haven¡¯t slept in days at all¡
A slight nudge of Survival gives me a basic idea of which way the East should be. I burnt down most of the forest to the northwest, most likely angered the authorities to the north, and hopefully lost my hunters from the south, and¡ yeah, that only leaves the east. Or the heart region of the forest with the most powerful creatures around.
East.
I start walking without waiting for Whitey to make up her mind, just like parents do with their unruly children. The only difference is I ordered her to stick close to me so it¡¯s not really her choice.
The quiet persists as we trudge through the ash-covered land with only a husk left of the once lush and lively forest. The skies still have a tint of grey, a testament to the days-long inferno even though life around us is scarce the first signs of the upcoming rebirth are already visible to the watchful eye.
Small bugs crawl through the thick gray layer and the first sprouts are already forcing their way through the ashen remains. In the end, nature always prevails.
Should I strike up a conversation? But what could I say? ¡®The weather is nice.¡¯ would be cliche and-
¡°Valka.¡± In the end, Whitey is the one who speaks up.
¡°Huh?¡±
¡°My name.¡± She clarifies. Although, the ¡®Huh¡¯ was just an instinctual reaction, I¡¯ve already put the pieces together to realize it¡¯s a name.
¡°Didn¡¯t like the name I gave you?¡± I really should stop teasing but it¡¯s just so much fun. Silence means no so I just steer the conversation to different waters. ¡°Just so you know, I am helping you.¡±
¡°Huh?¡± Her noise of disbelief is much more believable, especially with her fists tightening.
¡°Let me explain.¡± I raise my arms appeasingly. ¡°I have no clue how to take off the collar and as I said if you tried to approach a settlement with that thing around your neck things wouldn¡¯t end well. But, if you had someone with you carrying your contract¡¡±
¡°People will think you own me.¡± She finally uses that pretty head of hers.
¡°And we can get help. I know some pretty skilled craftsmen.¡± My mood is finally on an upward slope, keep it going. ¡°But getting to them won¡¯t be easy.¡±
¡°Uhuh.¡± Okay, we¡¯re finally getting somewhere.
¡°I guess you already checked that I¡¯m a Mage but since we¡¯re gonna have to stick together and most likely fight together I¡¯m gonna give a quick rundown of what I can do.¡± Just the bare minimum. Don¡¯t get too comfortable Eli, she¡¯s still a convicted criminal.
¡°When you attacked me¡¡± The girl, Valka, speaks up again, seemingly lost in her thoughts. ¡°How did you use two elements?¡±
That¡¯s not how I remember it.
¡°First of all, you attacked me, I simply made sure nobody got hurt.¡± I was doing the right thing back then. ¡°Second, well¡ I¡¯m a little special, you know. Most people call individuals like me Blessed because-¡±
¡°Born under the Comet.¡± Valka finishes the sentence for me.
¡°That¡¯s right.¡± I haven¡¯t got the slightest clue why my mood is this good today. Usually, I¡¯d just go full-on sarcasm mode with someone this uncooperative. ¡°And because of that, I can use a whole lot of elements.¡±
Will telling her this much bite me back? Eh, by the time she could do any harm, I¡¯ll be around allies who can snap her neck in the blink of an eye. I¡¯m starting to see why the contract is so popular. No risks, all the rewards¡ I still don¡¯t like it.
¡°Who were the kind people you were traveling with before I butted in?¡± Fuck it, I need information more than anything right now.
¡°Abyss damned scum who bought me to fight against some monsters until-¡±
¡°No, not that. I¡¯m talking affiliation, allegiance¡uh, chief?¡± I try something much simpler because my conversation partner seems pretty simple herself.
¡°They kept mentioning some Battle Queen and Elder Line.¡± A proper answer finally arrives after some contemplation.
I hoped they were just some mercenaries or any random hired muscle but it seems like I really did step into some deep shit. This leaves marching through the forest all the way to Granhall.
***
The following hours are spent marching through the blackened land and slowly increasing the amount of words exchanged. Valka is clearly wary of me and I¡¯m not naive enough to leave myself open around some bearing the mark of a criminal just because I have the power to command her.
I made it clear to her that I don¡¯t plan on keeping a slave because it sounds like a lot of responsibility and honestly just way too cruel.
I¡¯ve kept my eyes peeled for possible shelter and lunch as usual but haven¡¯t seen much besides a few rodents and finding any suitable spot to set up camp with everything burnt to the ground isn¡¯t easy. I still can¡¯t believe I am the one who caused this. All those level-ups waiting to be claimed¡
¡°I¡¯m telling you I¡¯m not a criminal!¡± Valka keeps insisting despite the collar telling a whole other story.
¡°That¡¯s exactly what any murderer or thief would say you know?¡± It really is. ¡°People don¡¯t just get condemned with the collar because they were naughty children, the laws are pretty strict about that around here.¡±
¡°Well, I¡¯m not from around here.¡± She huffs.
At least be a bit more creative, add some creative flair or tragic backstory to the mix to make me want to believe you.
Before long something finally breaks the ugly and monotonous scenery, cutting through the landscape like ink on paper, except with a whole new surface on the other side. Greenery, at last.
Life has finally returned, all kinds of life. Big furry, growling type of life¡
[Badger lvl 95]
¡°I don¡¯t think I can outrun that.¡± I mutter to Valka while taking a few steps back, just in case I¡¯d need to use her as a shield. She¡¯s the Warrior after all.
¡°Why would you run from our lunch?¡± She cracks her neck and although I like the confidence the size comparison really isn¡¯t in her favor.
¡°Don¡¯t you need any weapons?¡± I¡¯m already afraid of the answer.
She simply rolls her shoulders and slams her fists together. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±
Dear Gods¡ of all the slaves back then why did I have to pick her?
Chapter 69 - Tag Team
[Badger lvl 95]
¡°How confident are you about restraining that thing while I come up with something to take it down?¡± I ask the most pressing question we currently face.
Unlike the petite cousin of the hungry enemy I faced shortly after landing in this wilderness, this behemoth is no joke. The pair of horns on its head, the thick fur with a metallic gleam, the bone ridges running on its back, and last but not least that maw, probably able to fit my head whole¡ This thing is worth like twenty meals.
¡°I don¡¯t go down that easy but can you even kill it?¡± Valka replies with a question.
Fair. My educated guess tells me the big guy is probably of the metal attribute, simply judging by its outer coat, in which case my job will be infinitely harder. But my options will also increase.
Tired of the pointless standoff I fire off a streak of lightning straight at its ugly snout, grasping the initiative instead of letting the beast dictate the tempo. Thankfully my new meat shield is quick to react, dashing forwards the moment the blueish arc connects. The energy spreads through the glistening strands, dancing on their surface like moonlight across rain droplets but thankfully that¡¯s not the end of their performance.
The badger goes still for a moment before its legs buckle and it hits the ground, twitching in the dirt like a dying bug. It¡¯s quick to recover yet not quick enough to react to my companion''s fist bashing into its face. The impact is deafening yet barely enough to make the massive creature grunt and slump back to the ground, asking for more.
One more cracking line of the storm¡¯s rage, a crushing blow for Valka with fists locked together right on the back of its neck, a lance of stone digging into its side¡ The beast takes quite a beating but all that ends when it finally recovers enough to take a swing at the unsuspecting warrior right in its face. The claws on its paw grow significantly larger as the hefty limb sails through the air, becoming the size of short swords by the time they meet the hastily raised arm, swatting Valka away while probably tearing her to shreds.
¡°No!¡± I yell as a life is extinguished in front of my eyes after only one simple swipe.
Fuck, I just got her. She was irritating and simple-minded and really fucking difficult to see eye to eye with but¡ it was so much better than alone. How am I gonna sleep now?
With blood running down its visibly retracting tricky bone claws the badger slowly pushes itself up again, wholly confident in its victory now that one of the two flies bothering it has been vanquished.
Two questions remain. One, what tricks does it still have up its sleeve, not that it has sleeves, and two, how do I escape?
Then as if possessed the creature stops in its tracks, its head whipping in the direction Valka¡¯s remains disappeared in the greenery. I take this opportunity to bring my hands together and let the heat build up until it''s about to burst, shaping the frothing white flames into a spear of dazzling light.
My glorious feat of course does return the badger¡¯s attention to me, only for it to witness the weapon leave my hand and slam straight into its left shoulder. The tip disappears completely, sinking through the metal and flesh, only for the secondary effect to come into play. Armory of the Arcane allows me to make some pretty crazy weapons and this one is no different.
With the tip firmly lodged into the beast roaring and thrashing in pain the shaft begins to shrink. The spear is quickly being eaten up with a sound very similar to water boiling in a kettle along with fresh meat being grilled right from the wound. Naturally, if I spend my mana on the entire spear¡¯s worth of flames then I¡¯ll use all the Gods'' damned flames and so all the mana is forced right into the depths of its flesh.
The badger is basically crippled but I don¡¯t want to push my luck and go for the kill. It still hasn¡¯t shown me everything. The cornered rat is the most dangerous one. Just for good measure, I command the earth to grab hold of its still-functional front leg, in case it wasn¡¯t satisfied with the meal it already has, before turning to leave.
¡°Nice one!¡±
No fucking way.
Valka burst through the bushes like a white meteor, landing another devastating punch right at the downed badger¡¯s eye. Her right arm is hanging limp with blood flowing in rivers down to her fingertips, her clothes mostly shredded and deep groves carved into her side.
But she still has her arm.
To top it off the incapacitated limb seems broken rather than torn to pieces. And they¡¯re actively closing!
With both its front paws occupied the badger resorts to opening its terrific maw wide, biting at the insolent creature that dares to cause it pain. Valka has learned her lesson from her earlier mistake, approaching the fight a bit more cautiously and taking a step back the moment the badger snaps at her.
¡°Have you come up with something already?¡± I¡¯m asked the question while still trying to cope with my astonishment. A rookie mistake I¡¯d get a lot of scolding for if Martha were around.
Something to break through basically a layer of armor as thick as a tower shield and deal significant damage¡ The spear worked but I¡¯d need like five of those to take this monstrosity down.
Metal¡ hmmm.
¡°I need to get close.¡± After letting the idea ripen a little I finally give my answer. ¡°Keep it off me!¡±
Then instead of waiting for a reply I jump into action straight away. I was stating facts, not making a request, and if Valka can¡¯t realize even that much by herself then I have no use for her. The beast clearly notices my approach, wary of my presence ever since I basically melted through one of its shoulders but when it tries to get up using its remaining three legs my loyal helper steps in.
Actually, she just kicks out the back leg on the same side as the crippled one to make the badger hit the ground again but it''s more than enough. Upon reaching the armored side I simply place my hand on the slightly warm and very metallic coat similar to a scale armor.
The first step is fire. While the beast is struggling against Valka in a battle of strength for its freedom I keep my palms on its side rapidly aiding the gray surface to earn an ever brighter crimson hue. My touch carries not only heat, however.
Chaotic Touch is pulling its weight by likely nullifying any Skill that might work against me by reinforcing the natural armor and¡ honestly, I never tried the Skill on the living before. It could mess with mana regen, control or even Skill use¡ Maybe my new assistant would be a willing test subject.
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Melting through metal is hardly an effective way of breaking the armor because it¡¯s both time and mana-consuming. I wouldn¡¯t mind really but judging by the two men''s chorus of roars and strained grunts I doubt Valka can hold on much longer.
When my work is satisfyingly red I turn serious. Timing and output are critical for the next step if I don¡¯t want my palms burnt off my hand.
The surface I¡¯m touching is searing hot and even though the heat is a product of my mana, the metal isn¡¯t. Thankfully thermodynamics, whatever that means, is on my side. My mana and thus my palm is hotter than the metal, which means I win this tug-of-war¡ no, more like push-of-war of temperatures.
That is until I swap to cold, freezing very fucking cold to mess up its inner structure. The metal squeals as the expanded material is violated by the sudden change in temperature, basically lurching with the rage of its host trying to get me at all costs. Thankfully I have my trusty meatshield and mana to protect my frail damsel body while taking a thousand tiny steps a second towards snuffing out this vile thing¡¯s life.
¡°Hurry!¡± The cry draws my eye to the struggle right next to me and almost makes me faint where I stand.
Valka is still holding the beast, using both her hands to pin down its remaining paw while the head¡ the head is currently biting down on her shoulder. The massive teeth slowly dig deeper through her skin and muscles, making the girl wince and frown in pain while saliva soaks her remaining clothes. The two remain in a deadlock, Might against Might, metallic resilience against the endurance of the flesh¡ Then Valka retaliates by literally biting back.
I could keep watching this charade all day if it wasn¡¯t for the crack signaling the end of my work and most likely a timely finish to the fight. I¡¯ve reheated and cooled the metallic coat three times in a row, totally unconcerned about any order or duration and simply focusing on intensity. Now it¡¯s time to crack the shell.
To do that though I first need my hammer back. With a precise strike, a hard rock pillar slams into the throat of the growling bundle of indignant fury that is the badger. It¡¯s not nearly enough to kill the beast but does the job of freeing Valka from its hold, at which point I take over the job of keeping it occupied.
¡°You¡¯re up, hit it as hard as you can!¡± I don¡¯t go into details and thankfully I don¡¯t have to.
The white-haired warrior quickly backs off, leaving the badger swinging at nothing but thin air and finally free for my attacks to have no collateral effects. An involuntary smile crests my face as energy crackles between the strands of my hair, slowly growing in intensity as the badger finally changes its target.
¡°Let¡¯s dance big boy!¡± I taunt the creature and crouch under the first swipe of its massive paw.
The swing is fast and incredibly heavy, outclassing me in every category, except for wits that is. I saw it coming the moment the muscles twitched under the massive shoulders and layer of armored coat, it¡¯s child¡¯s play.
To return the care I simply tap the limb passing over me, sending the built-up charge straight into the massive growling body accompanied by a fiendish giggle. Yes, I¡¯m basically torturing an already dying beast and I find it funny¡ That¡¯s messed up huh? No, I¡¯m right, messing with the big bad badger is funny, it bit my pet.
Sadly I don¡¯t get to have my fun much longer as something flies past me with a deafening warcry and impact humbling anything I¡¯ve ever achieved in my life. Okay, maybe not the time I demolished half the courtyard.
For a split second, the weakened layer holds defiant with its rigidity increased¡ Only for a second though. The sight of fur, skin, and flesh breaking like a sheet of ice with blood pouring from the gaping wound is probably one of the most disturbing things I¡¯ve ever seen. The arm delivering the final strike buries itself almost all the way up to the elbow inside the badger¡¯s battered body.
¡°Mom, Dad, bear witness to my first prey!¡± Valka yells to the skies before yanking her hand out of the body with something firmly in her grip.
¡°Please tell me that''s not a heart.¡± I mutter, slightly petrified by the brutal display.
Please don¡¯t eat it raw, please don¡¯t eat it raw.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Ironclad Tremor Badger - Metal lvl 95] - [Silver Blade Bearer - Metal lvl 23].]
[The Class Skill [Armory of the Arcane] has reached lvl 69.]
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 69.]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has reached lvl 56.]
[The general Skill [Martial Instinct] has reached lvl 5->7.]
Oh, this stupid thing picked two Classes of the same element. I heard there¡¯s a possibility for the two to complement each other with all sorts of passives and synergies and all that crap but I think it¡¯s just straight-up stupid. More importantly¡
¡°Are you alright?¡± I rush over to the warrior basically bathing in the blood of her kill. ¡°I have a few healing potions if it hurts-¡±
¡°No need, I can heal.¡± She replies dismissively.
The lack of wounds on her limb and shoulder does confirm that statement but the limply hanging arm at her side would probably like to differ. Eh, at the end of the day, I¡¯m fine, we have our lunch and I even got some progress into those pesky Skills.
¡°So what was that about?¡± I raise an eyebrow after letting Valka have her moment for a little longer.
¡°I¡¯m finally an adult,¡± She sighs to the skies. ¡°I wanted my parents to witness this.¡± Her voice is solemn yet filled with pride.
I know my first kill had quite a bit more meaning to it, my first offering to Malor and the moment the weight of a life first fell on my shoulder. It¡¯s heavy but not that difficult to digest. The second and third kills are nothing in comparison, especially if you can accept death as an inevitable part of life. Every moment of our fleeting existence is just a coin flip whether you live or don¡¯t.
Maybe I should tone down the snarky remarks while she processes the¡ severity of her actions. Especially the ¡®ripping the heart out¡¯ part. And although this time¡¯s catch could feed us for days I don¡¯t like the idea of staying-
¡°What the fuck are you doing?!?¡± I instinctively yell as Valka¡¯s jaws close shut on the piece of meat still steaming and dripping with blood in the clutches of her hand.
¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± She declares offhandedly.
I can¡¯t help but facepalm, my hands executing the action on their own as if they were suffering alongside me. I¡¯m beginning to believe she¡¯s actually from the farthest corner of the world or whatever because even beastmen aren¡¯t foolish enough to feast on uncooked meat. Plagues lead to more deaths than conventional wounds.
Then she takes another bite.
¡°Stop that you moron!¡± I finally snap and pull my knife out.
This sudden move makes Valka flinch, drop the meat, and take a fighting stance, ready to face me at a moment¡¯s notice. Despite fighting side by side less than a minute ago, covering each other¡¯s backs almost admirably, like a practiced team, now her eyes hold only distrust and wariness toward me. Almost like a stray dog on the street, one that only suffered abuse and the darkest side of human nature.
I quickly freeze, realizing my mistake, and remain motionless for a few more seconds while looking for a way to make things look a little less bad. She¡¯s not a woman of words and likely not the trusting type¡
¡°Don¡¯t eat like an animal, would you?¡± So I decide to go the sassy route.
What¡¯s more believable, a half-assed apology or some good old mockery to play with her nerves? Me personally, I¡¯d pick the latter one even if some great sage told me it¡¯s not the way.
To reinforce my words with actions I swallow my disgust and plunge into the corpse, still warm and tender after the beating it received. My knife work is as sloppy as ever, especially because the meat of this one is tougher than anything I¡¯ve ever worked with but in the end, I do manage to carve out a piece for educational purposes.
Lifting the meat for my lousy pupil to see I call some water from the nearby body of water to wash off the blood before sitting down on a small dirt stool that appraised just conveniently under my bum and start cooking. Literally.
I found using some gentle flames, Maintained Magic, and a few stone skewers to be the most convenient way of preparing a meal. While waiting for my bribe¡¯s luring effect to come into play I finally look up at the now hesitantly observing girl visibly chewing on her lip with eyes glued to my makeshift grill.
¡°So, care to tell me how you¡¯re still alive?¡± Redirecting the spotlight, another classic move to avoid taking responsibility. Yeah, I¡¯m just this good.
Chapter 70 - Skewers
¡°No way, you¡¯re lying!¡± I hop up, too baffled to take reality in while sitting on my bum.
¡°No I¡¯m- Why would I?¡± Surprise and indignation play cat and mouse on Valka¡¯s face.
¡°You look like you¡¯re fourteen, minimum, and the number Identify shows does not add up either.¡± I refuse to believe she¡¯s the same age as me. I might be developing a little slower because of the elven lineage but she¡¯s simply too big for a human. ¡°I¡¯ve lived among humans all my life, and no twelve-year-old looks like you, not even the most gigantic and well-fed ones.¡± I argue although she¡¯s far from well-fed in her current state. Closer to starved for weeks really.
¡°Screw those puny human pricks.¡± She huffs. ¡°And thank the Gods I¡¯m not like them.¡± Her ridicule messes things up in my head once again.
I look her up and down, and up and down again. Human ears, normal feet, the eyes are ice blue and seemingly shimmer surrounded by the rim of white hair¡ but that¡¯s also not that special. Pretty, but nothing weird. Her height and robust build aside she looks as human to me as August or Victor, just quite a bit stronger.
¡°Okay, I get it, you don¡¯t trust me but you could also just refuse to answer instead of telling white lies.¡± I dejectedly drop the conversation.
I really thought we were getting somewhere. A little company, even of this quality, is so much better than traveling just me and my demons. In the end, I can¡¯t really fault her. And it¡¯s not like we¡¯re supposed to be friends or anything. Once I¡¯m safe I¡¯ll keep my promise and release her back to¡ wherever she came from.
Instead of any snarky remarks, however, Valka just scratches her nose and flashes a toothy grin. The teeth¡ they look sharper. The numbers seem to match, and so does their general shape but¡ It¡¯s like they¡¯re straight out of a beast¡¯s maw.
¡°You were saying?¡± She gives me one of those cocky glances I know very well. I¡¯m a master myself after all.
There¡¯s a not-so-fine line between stubbornness and straight-up stupidity and right now I¡¯m only a step away from looking dense as fuck. Prudence must have its limits.
¡°Fine, let¡¯s say I believe you.¡± I sigh. ¡°Let¡¯s just pretend you really are something else and not a human, and despite looking older you actually are my age.¡±
She nods before adding. ¡°There¡¯s no need to pretend, we¡¯re not in¡ What are those places called? Theaters?¡±
I simply ignore her comment, since we¡¯re playing that game. ¡°You¡¯re like me then? That¡¯s why the soldiers kept bringing up the Battle Queen?¡±
That¡¯s what her explanation boiled down to, a Blessing.
¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± She asks back, playing with my nerves and sucking up the last droplets of my patience like an oversized mosquito.
¡°The ruler of these lands and someone powerful enough to kill you before you could even open your mouth to plead for mercy. Your resilience wouldn¡¯t amount to anything.¡± I give Valka a quick rundown without any paltering.
¡°I don¡¯t beg!¡± Of course that¡¯s the part she gets hung up on. ¡°If I were to-¡± The rest of the words get kidnapped by a gulp as her eyes are drawn to the delicacy sizzling at my feet.
I¡¯m no cook, nor do I have excessive knowledge or even a Class to aid my work but a food-deprived belly would never say no to even an unseasoned cut of meat. Especially if it¡¯s roasted to perfection with fire manipulation as precise as mine.
The bread did its job as breakfast, especially because I must¡¯ve woken up around noon, so my hunger is only mildly discomforting right now. Valka however¡ I think she¡¯s actively drooling.
With practiced ease, I warm the palm of my hand and fingers before simply nabbing up the first piece of the feast and lifting it to my mouth. Watching Valka¡¯s eyes follow all my actions, her eyes locked onto the booty and mouth opening and closing every time a drop of meat juice rolls down the fine bite¡ I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m evil but it¡¯s definitely a lot more fun than anything a good guy would do.
Then karma strikes back right after I take the first gleeful bite and start chewing. It¡¯s hot as fuck. Seeing an opening Valka decides to strike, just when I¡¯m the most vulnerable during my flameless angry dragon impression. Unlike me she wolfs down the food without as much as a hiss, earning some minor points of respect despite stealing my meal.
She needs it more than me anyway. A good owner has to take care of their pet.
***
The journey must continue. I¡¯m pretty sure tracking us down is only a matter of time and effort and from what I¡¯ve learned both parties have plenty of the latter. The shadows want me and the soldiers want us both so staying ahead is our only option.
With that said¡
We ate like half the badger¡ Okay, it was mostly the doing of the white glutton trudging beside me with a satisfied grin on her face but that was like enough meat to feed a family. For days. I also stashed some in my bag and made sure to fill up the waterskin just in case, Survival is like a pestering parent out here in the wilds.
¡°So you can just shrug off blades?¡± Communication between us has never been smoother and I¡¯ll make the most out of this rare lull of distrust to learn as much as I can.
The saying ¡®A way to a man''s heart is through his stomach¡¯ should be more generalized. What woman can¡¯t be bought with food, and I¡¯m not talking about love here. Peace, happiness, a small favor, a genuine smile¡ Food is the best.
¡°Blades, arrows, spears, any weapon that isn¡¯t meant to pulverize bones.¡± She proudly thumps her chest before adding. ¡°But nothing against fire and all that pesky magic.¡±
What do you mean ¡®but¡¯? You basically have a cheat-like advantage against half the world¡¯s fighting force. Beasts and people alike rely on sharp and pointy things to do the dirty work and you don¡¯t have to be concerned about any of them? Wait, no, even after the badger swacked her I saw some claw marks¡ So it¡¯s resistance, not immunity.
¡°Convenient.¡± That¡¯s all the praise she¡¯ll hear from me.
¡°You¡¯re also pretty good for an elf.¡± Valka comments offhandedly.
¡°Half.¡± I correct her.
¡°So both a human and an elf at the same time while being a Mage. What a mix of curses you are¡¡± She huffs, her frown growing by the second and the previous friendly mood disappearing in an instant.
What¡¯s her problem? Like, honestly, I get it she hates being at my mercy and I¡¯m not surprised at the amount of distrust I have to wade through but I gave no reason for the hate.
¡°Not human.¡± Despite all my efforts the sass dam has been finally breached. ¡°And don¡¯t hate on Mages just because you¡¯re too dumb to understand the beauty of the arcane. Your fighting skills are on the level of that badger¡¯s and that''s an insult to poor deceased creature.¡±
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Running headfirst at the opponent and swinging your fist while eating every strike coming your way¡ it just hurts watching after the years I spent relentlessly training.
She should just shut the hell up honestly, her voice is irritating. That and this weird noise¡ It¡¯s been bugging me for minutes now.
¡°If not for this damned collar I might¡¯ve already bashed your head in, just like that beast you hold in such high regard.¡± The white-headed barbarian dares threaten me.
¡°Maybe.¡± I return the hostile glance. ¡°Maybe I should¡¯ve left you with the soldiers yesterday. Maybe they were a more pleasant company than this ungrateful elf girl.¡±
How many times have I already regretted saving her¡ or at least not picking another slave from the herd? I know her defiant and firey personality was the one thing that caught my eye but can¡¯t she tone it down a little?
If not for the shadows hunting- Wait, these pulses¡
¡°Get off your high horse before you fall-¡±
¡°STOP!¡± I yell with a sense of wrongness overwhelming my mind.
For a few seconds now I¡¯ve been hearing this weird noise like when you flick a glass put sharper, more frequently and in regular intervals. Too regular. At first it just simply bothered me a bit and I hoped it¡¯d go away but the noise only got stronger.
Just right now it became too loud to be called a simple bother but this is also when I noticed something. How on Aelion can Valka not hear it? The answer is simple, it¡¯s not actually sound I¡¯ve been hearing¡ they¡¯re mana pulses.
And this clearing, full of white flowers with large petals swaying in the wind is where those pulses are the strongest¡
¡°What, your ego can¡¯t-¡± Valka thankfully never finishes her sentence because the moment her foot lands on a flower the entire clearing reacts.
Just like when a droplet meets a perfectly flat mirror of water a lonely insignificant wave spreads through the grass and dirt. It¡¯s a change so minor that one might simply attribute it to the wind without a second thought¡ But not me.
So I grab onto Valka¡¯s arm and start yanking her back, hopefully as far from the creepy clearing as possible. Or at least I try to. Even without resisting me properly she simply drags me along, her weight and Might so much greater than mine that it requires no effort on her side.
As a last-ditch move, I try shaping the ground under her feet but to no avail. My mana can¡¯t find purchase because¡ There is no dirt, rocks, or anything below the flowers.
Panic claims Valka¡¯s previously cold and hostile gaze as her leg falls through the ground, soon to be followed by the rest of her body as her center of mass shifts ever forward. I dig my heels in the remaining footing I have and heave, clinging to the arm even though it feels like playing thug of war with a horse.
¡°Don¡¯t let go!¡± I¡¯d laugh at how the previously mighty warrior¡¯s voice suddenly jumps by a pitch of two, I¡¯d really do but now is not the time for that.
It doesn¡¯t take long for me to find out how pointless it is to try lifting an adult¡¯s weight, especially when even her momentum is pulling against me. For a second I contemplate just letting go and maybe rescuing Valka in case she survives but Aelion makes that decision for me when the ground beneath my feet gives in.
Now we¡¯re both falling.
Memories and emotions resurface, courtesy of the familiar sensation and none of them are good but I manage to rein them in.
By now I have a little too much experience when it comes to being at gravity¡¯s mercy and there¡¯s one very important thing I¡¯ve learned. Don¡¯t close your eyes! I¡¯ve survived like six similar falls by now, even though half of those were not my achievement, but when it was down to just me¡
Keep looking Eli, keep trying because it¡¯s not over until it¡¯s really over!
The fake flowerbed does deceive me for a moment but seeing my hand phase through it all helps my mind fight through the illusion. Time seems to come to a crawl as I watch first Valka disappear, followed by my own arms still not letting go of her until the false surface reaches my face.
Just like when plunging into water I hold my breath as I get submerged yet my eyes remain peeled and met with complete darkness on the other side. It¡¯s dizzying, watching the light disappear, falling through a plethora of colors and shapes only to have darkness erase it all¡
For the next few seconds, the weightless fall continues. Then the disturbing sound of metal shredding meat breaks the silence, quickly followed by a blood-curdling scream. The owner of the voice couldn¡¯t be more obvious and considering how close behind her I am¡
Do I even have time for any countermeasures? For a shield maybe? Or just a burst to slow my-
The arm I¡¯ve been clinging on to all along grabs me by the waist out of nowhere and halts my descent so abruptly that I almost throw up the mediocre meal we had just a few minutes ago. The maneuver is followed by another muted scream accompanied by my own yelp as something sharp pricks my shoulder.
Then finally everything comes to a halt. Falls quiet? Not so much.
Further screams, grunts, and labored breaths urge me to ignite a spark above my shoulder and push back the darkness to reveal our predicament. Spikes. Sharp pieces of metal taller than I am, pointed at the sky, covering the entire floor. The whole place screams man-made or at least very artificial which clearly indicates a trap. Not to mention the rotten carcasses and bones littering the ground, attesting to its efficiency.
I shift a little to take a better look at the far-away wall in hopes of some answers but instead, all I get is another long hiss shattering my curiosity and bringing my attention to more important matters.
Valka.
She is currently on her back, face contorted in a pained frown with tears rolling down her cheeks and similarly blood running the length of the spikes piercing into her back. None of the pointy weapons seem to have completely dug through her body yet but I can tell her injuries are serious. Not to mention the fact she¡¯s adding my weight to the equation by holding me from meeting a much crueler fate isn¡¯t making things any easier on her.
A dark mix of emotions grips my heart at the sight, something along the lines of pity, angst, and the strongest of them all, guilt. I was the one leading the way after all.
Taking action is the only relief that comes to mind yet when I try to get a grasp at anything with my magic control, be that the metal of the spears or the chiseled stone floor beneath us I fail miserably. They are heavy and slippery, clearly the work of a proper craftsman imbuing the materials with their Skills and creating something lasting, something resistant.
¡°I can¡¯t move anything and conjuring matter might increase the weight.¡± I give a quick rundown to the girl just as helpless as me, just in a lot more pain. ¡°Maybe I can slip between the-¡±
¡°Aaargh!¡± With a valiant cry, the arm holding me in the air and way closer to my death than I¡¯d like moves.
To put it simply¡ she just dumps me on her chest hissing slightly as I land on her torso on all fours. The weight is now dispersed.
¡°How bad is it?¡± I ask. What a stupid question honestly¡ only a tiny bit less idiotic than asking ¡®Are you alright?¡¯
¡°I¡¯ll live,¡± She whispers between breaths. ¡°but not much longer. I can¡¯t heal like this.¡±
Not much of a surprise there. What baffles me really is the fact she can even speak. Her Pain Tolerance probably leaves mine in the dust. Not to mention her weight and that fall should¡¯ve made the spike slide through her like butter¡
¡°Just do not move.¡± My voice carries concern and authority alike.
¡°Then do something!¡± The reply tells me that her condition might not be as dire as it looks.
To distribute the weight even further I decide to lie down on Valka¡¯s chest, alighting my arms to her arms and legs to her legs, hoping for as much time as possible to cook something up.
¡°Urgh, what are you-¡± Valka tries to act tough but I can feel her entire body trembling and every fiber of muscle tensing, fighting for survival. ¡°Need a hug before we die?¡±
¡°Shush, I need to think!¡± Not that anything comes to mind.
¡°How did you know something was wrong about the flowers?¡± Despite my warning she keeps talking, although she brings up a valid point.
¡°I¡¯ve been hearing these soft pulses for a while now and the closer we got to the clearing the louder it became.¡± I answer honestly, not much wiser than her.
¡°So you led us here on purpose?¡± She almost sits up on habit before suffering her own stupidity and laying back down ¡°You walked with such certainty¡ I thought you knew the way.¡±
¡°It was just a coincidence, now shut it!¡±
It wasn¡¯t a coincidence, I was curious and subconsciously drawn to the weird noise like a moth to the light. But that¡¯s not important right now.
An ice platform could work¡ Much cheaper and tougher than dirt. Creating stone is just too much and arcane can¡¯t hold even my weight alone¡ Flight is out of the question. I also need to free Valka somehow and to do that¡. Aaargh, fuck, I can¡¯t even just leap to safety, the trap is just too massive. There are spikes from wall to wall and not an empty foothold in¡ The spikes are everywhere¡ What if they weren¡¯t?
¡°Hold on a little longer, I have an idea.¡± I mutter and aim at the ground.
If magic can¡¯t bend the weapons aiming at our lives then that leaves the good ol¡¯ blacksmith method. Force and fire.
Chapter 71 - Ceasefire
¡°I am not the dinner, turn the heat down the Abyss damn it!¡± Valka yells as I crank up the temperature again to get rid of those stubborn and pointy rods of steel.
At first, I¡¯ve thought a few seconds would be all it takes for them to liquify and fold but I¡¯ve already burnt through a third of my mana supply and they¡¯re barely beginning to glow.
¡°Shut it! Do you want to stay a pincushion or not?¡± She must be recovering if she can yap about some fire so much. It¡¯s not even the blue flames¡
After a few more seconds of constant care, I see the metal finally begin to lose its shape albeit only barely. Keeping the flames concentrated from this distance isn¡¯t all that easy but the rigorous extra training with Martha to get a better grip on both my special flames and magnetic magic has finally shown their result.
¡°Okay, I think it¡¯s done. Probably.¡± I know it doesn¡¯t sound too reassuring but I don¡¯t there are always unseen factors so I¡¯m just being truthful.
¡°And what if it isn¡¯t?¡± Valka asks the question I wanted to avoid.
¡°Well, after taking that leap either I die,¡± I chuckle like it¡¯s nothing. ¡°or you¡¯ll be in for a whole lot of more pain.¡±
¡°That plan sucks.¡± She huffs but I can tell there¡¯s a smile on her face even without looking.
Either my weight is enough to bend the spikes and allow me to slip to the ground or it isn¡¯t. Too big of a leap and Valka might get her lungs pierced, too small and I¡¯ll end up among the other dead stuff lying beneath us.
¡°I need to stand up.¡± I tell her straight without any dilly-dallying. ¡°Ready?¡±
¡°Wait.¡± Her arms move and she grips the spikes closest to her torso, straining a little to add some additional leverage. A few deep breaths and a long grunt to prepare herself¡ ¡°Go!¡±
Swift yet careful I push myself off my breathing platform and get my feet under me in record time. The faster the better yet just as I¡¯m about to jump Valka speaks again.
¡°Just- if you fail just jump back. I can take it.¡± Her voice is strained yet determined. ¡°If you die, I die and I can not die yet.¡±
Yeah, now I remember¡ This is why I picked her. Those eyes, that stubborn resolve¡
¡°Good thing I won¡¯t fail.¡± I wink with my heart beating in my throat and take the leap of faith.
Faith in my own judgment and abilities that is.
Right after stepping off, I plant my feet against the side of a spike and kick off with all the force of my cute little legs. This gives me enough momentum to kick the weakened weapon so perfectly that I lament wasting it here and not on August¡¯s face.
The spike bends, slightly, but resists me stubbornly in the end. It¡¯s still enough to find the slightest of footing and push against the adjacent metal rod. My balance is tested, muscles straight and nerves almost fried but I prevail.
I feel cool as fuck, sliding down between the two spikes with one hand helping me balance and landing on the ground charred by my own flames. Is it cool? I think it¡¯s cool.
¡°You made it?¡± The question almost makes me chuckle.
¡°Yeah.¡± I reply nonchalantly.
¡°Thank the Gods, I never thought someone as light as you could ever feel this heavy.¡± Oh, that¡¯s a compliment, I think.
¡°Hold on just a little longer, I¡¯ll get you down as fast as I can.¡± I encourage her to¡ do nothing, but do it more bravely.
The work is simple, grab the rod, heat the rod, cool the rod, and break using leverage the rod.
The job is meticulous and time-consuming yet much faster and safer than my feat against the badger. First thing I do is clear off some space around my skewered damsel in distress to¡ actually to come up with a solution on how I¡¯m gonna get her down.
Removing the rods one by one would result in increasing load on the remaining one and likely even more damage¡ I need to push her off the spikes somehow.
¡°Can you move? Maybe sit up?¡± I ask, just to get a more precise estimate of what I¡¯m working with.
The blood pooling under her suspended body is a worrying sight but I don¡¯t want to cause her any more pain or worse, have my actions lead to her death. I owe her one. The selfish ones would say we¡¯re even because I rescued her from the slavers but it''s not the same.
¡°I¡¯d rather not.¡± Valka answers, her voice much weaker than the first time she started screaming. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can pull myself off these damned things, not without any proper grip.¡±
Not what I asked but I¡¯ll take that as a yes. I¡¯ve cleared the area around me already so all I need to dislodge her is a push. Ice is pretty cheap and so is air¡
¡°Okay, don¡¯t hold this against me. I¡¯m an advocate of quick and simple solutions.¡± I give Valka a vague warning before getting down the turning mana into water.
¡°I don¡¯t like the sound of that.¡± She mutters and gets slapped on the back by an aggressive stream of water aided by a strong gust of wind.
Her initial surprised yelp turns into a muted cry as the metal finally leaves her flesh, signaling for me to give her a sideways nudge else she¡¯ll just drop back down on the spikes and make things even worse. Maybe. I¡¯m not sure the trap would be effective against her Blessing without the fall and my added weight¡ Best not to check.
For a moment I consider cushioning her fall¡ Then I realize that neither can I create more water quickly enough nor use my pitiful strength to do anything without breaking my arms and legs. So I just let gracelessly impact the ground.
The slap she received from the bear was harder, she¡¯ll live.
¡°Fuck you and your stupid plans and your garbage magic!¡± The round of curses barely suppressed by a groan was within my calculations so no suprise there.
¡°Just turn on your stomach and stay like that for a while!¡± I instruct Valka sounding very much like Mom. ¡°And drink this, you lost way too much blood!¡± I hand her one of our few health potions without hesitation.
Although we¡¯re no longer in direct danger I¡¯d bet an arm on further dangers lurking around here or more traps at every step. I want my meat shield in top condition to face those threats and don¡¯t trust her healing abilities alone to do that job. She¡¯s a warrior first, a moron second, and healing only comes in at third.
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¡°But I can-¡±
¡°No buts, drink and heal! I¡¯ll look around in the meanwhile.¡± I put on the gloves, ready to use her contract if needed.
She begrudgingly follows my instructions allowing me to finally relax and think about step two. Namely looking for a way out of here. This place looks old, like ancient old, and both the craftsmanship that lasted for however long this place has been standing along with the illusion I failed to notice are foreboding signs. That and the pulses of mana in the air that have grown even stronger down here¡
I don¡¯t know who decided to build a sophisticated trap like this one in the middle of a forest but it seems to be working mindbogglingly well. The amount of bones, rotten meat, and other bodily remains on the ground creates a real obstacle. And I¡¯m not just talking in a physical sense.
Melting the rods is still my best bet but when heat and rotting flesh meet¡ fuck me it¡¯s horrid.
To mitigate my suffering I try looking for clues about who or what might¡¯ve built this place, or for what purpose¡ Not that I get anywhere without reference or proper knowledge. Some old carvings on the walls depicting what seems like serpents and a flooding river and¡ is that a dragon? Is this a cultist hideout or something?
Wait¡ a trap to gather sacrifices, in the middle of nowhere and well hidden¡ Shit, this might actually be a cultist hideout. A former one at least. This place looks more abandoned than the crumbling houses in the slums so I highly doubt anyone is still around.
Feeding a little more to my flames I finally get a glimpse of the opposite side of the room and the thing I was hoping to find while at the same time not really looking forward to. A doorway. Climbing back out where we came from doesn¡¯t sound plausible to me, even if I tried building a platform and dying here is also not on my agenda but at the same time¡ I don¡¯t want to know what else this place might hide.
Vampires? Failed experiments? A demon? Or some other monstro-
¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±
¡°Kyaaa!¡± I scream as Valka scares the living shit out of me.
I¡¯ve been so engrossed in my thoughts and the horrors this place might hide that I didn¡¯t even notice her sneaking up on my back.
¡°What is wrong with you? And why are you moving already?¡± I yell, flustered and still a bit twitchy.
¡°Wrong with me? Nothing, the wounds weren¡¯t that deep so I healed pretty fast.¡± The reply comes a bit too nonchalantly compared to what she just endured minutes ago. ¡°What now?¡±
And she¡¯s even asking me what to do¡ Maybe the side effects of the healing potion.
¡°See that door across?¡± I point across the room. ¡°We need to get there but it¡¯ll take time and plenty of mana. These spikes are annoyingly tough.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll help.¡± Valka declares and steps up to the two rods still enjoying my fire treatment.
¡°And how do you plan to do that, rub the metal until it melts?¡± I huff at the ridiculous idea before having my mouth shut.
The warrior just simply steps over little sitting me on the ground, grabs both the metal poles, and pulls. And I just quietly chuckle when she fails, not that I expected anything else. I¡¯ve already weakened the structure but bending metal as thick as my wrist isn¡¯t-
Steam escapes Valka¡¯s mouth, just like when she smashed the badger¡¯s side in, along with a straight grunt coming not just from her but also the metal. She¡¯s strong, like really fucking strong but this doesn¡¯t prove much. I could¡¯ve done it without her, she can¡¯t make it budge without me.
I still don¡¯t like being proven wrong, or the cocky eyes watching me from above but I also know when to shut up instead of making things worse. She deserves this much for catching me.
¡°Just don¡¯t run out of breath on me.¡± I comment before getting to work on the next pair of spikes, using much more heat and putting all my mind to work.
I won¡¯t be outdone.
***
¡°What up Whitey, a little work made you lose your breath?¡± I taunt the warrior as we both slump down against the wall on the corridor we finally reached.
My head hurts from the almost an hour-long constant concentration and precise control of my wild flames while Valka looks like she¡¯s about to collapse. It took her almost a minute of constant effort to bend the last pair of bars on the last stretch. We¡¯re spent.
I¡¯m surprised she lasted this long after losing¡ Of fuck me I¡¯m dumb.
¡°Here, drink.¡± I hand her the waterskin and fish out some of the reserve meet I packed just in case. ¡°And eat this.¡±
For a change, I don¡¯t have to repeat myself, nor stress my words for her to see reason. She grabs the waterskin and empties it in one breath before setting out to devour our food supply.
Healing doesn¡¯t just make your blood and flesh magically appear. It converts what resources you have, highly influenced by your diet and Endurance, and fixes the damage depending on the building material available. She lost a lot of blood and although the potion can help a little with that it¡¯s not a cure-all miracle.
Although¡ that¡¯s all our supplies. All our water and food.
¡°Why?¡± I ask, watching her wolf down the meat like it¡¯s an actual feast.
¡°Why what?¡± She asks back with her mouth almost too full to understand.
¡°Why did you catch me? If I died you would¡¯ve been free, might even be able to escape if not for my weight. So why?¡± This question has been bothering me for a while now.
A rough estimate tells me that she only made things worse for herself and that saving me wasn¡¯t worth it logically speaking.
¡°Hmm, that¡¯s true.¡± She agrees and then keeps on chewing on the cold and tough meat. ¡°But you didn¡¯t let go of me either when the ground disappeared beneath my foot.¡±
Huh? That¡¯s¡ that¡¯s why? But I was about to¡
¡°But I thought about it.¡± I admit quietly, venting the guilt instead of allowing it to fester.
¡°But you didn¡¯t.¡± Valka repeats herself and returns to her meal, considering the conversation as finished.
Heh, I can¡¯t argue with that.
Seriously, it¡¯s a miracle I¡¯m still sane after an entire week in a forest with danger lurking around me every waking minute and only beasts to keep me company. Or am I still sane? Eh, there''s a fine line between genius and insanity and I¡¯m fine with slipping over to the other side from time to time. As long as there are people to drag me back¡
Right now Valka is the only such person. I needed her more than I realized.
¡°Here.¡± I hand over one more thing from my bag without even glancing her way. Her contract.
Even without looking, I can hear all her vital functions grind to a halt from the shock my actions have just caused. Until now she was at my mercy even though I had nothing against her and thought of this more as a partnership of convenience. But that¡¯s probably not what it looked like to her. I was just a new master, dragging her around and with the power to make her life hell on Aelion on a whim.
Not anymore. A life for a life.
I feel a gentle tug on the paper and one last massive gulp before the awkward silence gets finally broken. ¡°Erase all orders.¡± She mutters.
Shit, I expected her to ditch me when presented with the opportunity but it still stings a little. I wasn¡¯t the only one yapping constantly and being rude and¡ I probably would¡¯ve done the same in her stead. It still sucks.
Well, I¡¯ve survived without her before, I¡¯ll survive without her now. Not like-
Then the paper lands in my hand again.
¡°Keep this safe for me, would you? I think I¡¯ll pass on the runaway slave treatment.¡±
To say I¡¯m utterly baffled would be an understatement. Even after I confirm things with my eyes and move closer to see any signs of this being a prank I can hardly believe her choice.
¡°Why do you look so stupid, your orders were meaningless to begin with. And although I¡¯m still not convinced about what you said regarding the scrolls and collar I¡¯d rather not try my luck.¡± She finally smiles, a genuine smile after all the frowning and furrowed eyebrows¡ I don¡¯t regret anything.
Another mild growl shatters my happiness and I give Valka a flat look for being a glutton on a whole other level. She¡¯s eating even now and-
¡°That wasn¡¯t me.¡± She stuffs the rest of the meat into her mouth and stands up to welcome our uninvited guest.
From the darkness emerges a pair of beady red eyes, followed by a second, then a third, then a fiftieth, and so on. The noise the creatures make is also recognizable enough to know what we¡¯re dealing with, the squeels and hisses.
I still have my little torch flare up to illuminate the creatures and throw an Identify into their midst silently praying for them to be just simple rats. No demon spawns, abandoned abominable pets of long-deceased cultists, or any of the weird shit.
[Rat lvl 65]
It looks big, green, sickly and has patchy fur but other than that¡ I think we might be okay.
¡°I hope you don¡¯t plan on turning those into dinner.¡± Valka comments with a frown mirroring my own.
I¡¯d rather starve than eat anything even remotely related to these things.
Chapter 72 - Rat Infestation
¡°So are we doing it your way or my way?¡± I ask, fairly confident against a single rat, not so much against an army.
A shower of intense flames would clear them out though, just saying.
¡°Let¡¯s not rush, there¡¯s many of them and we don¡¯t know what they might have up their sleeves.¡± Valka rolls her shoulder and takes a few slow and menacing steps toward the wall of fleshy tails, red eyes, and patchy fur.
The rats actually back away slightly, their instinct likely strong enough to recognize a beast far more powerful for whatever they¡¯re hiding in their nonexistent sleeves.
What element should I use to massacre these rodents? Fire is lame and the stench would be straight-up friendly fire, while earth isn¡¯t really an option. The magic in the walls is just too potent and I can¡¯t do anything about it. It won¡¯t just magically disappear because I touch¡ it¡
¡°FUCK!¡± I yell full-throated and absolutely infuriated by my own stupidity.
¡°What? What happened?¡± Both the rats and Valka are equally surprised and frightened by my sudden outburst.
Instead of answering I just march over to one of the metal spikes still mostly intact and grab it hard enough to feel my fingers go numb. Chaotic Touch.
The material in my hand instantly revolts, almost boiling under my touch. The mana tries to obey the Skill that was once bound to the iron while simultaneously enduring being torn to shreds by my will. It¡¯s a hard-fought battle but in the end, I come out victorious after just five seconds of devoting my entire mind to it.
¡°Fucking shitty ass¡ aaaaargh!¡± I continue raging like a needy child, smashing my new metal weapon wildly.
¡°Elyssia, calm down and focus.¡± Valka tries to reason with me but now is not the time.
We¡¯ve wasted so much damn time because I forgot about something this basic. Plain stupidity is the most infuriating thing in the world and if the idiot is none other than me¡ it¡¯s even worse. I¡¯m supposed to be better.
Then my eyes land on the rats.
¡°Let''s combine the pleasant with the useful, shall we?¡± I mutter, my whispered voice promising murder and a death unlikely to be painless.
Valka POV:
Why is she even pissed? Does she hate rats so much? I mean, they¡¯re super disgusting in their own way but this is a bit excessive.
¡°Stay back!¡± Elyssia growls and walks past me with the metal rod still in her hand.
Despite her tiny size and feeble frame, her aura gives me chills similar to whenever Mom was livid and ready to fight even Dad till one of them could move no more. And Mom usually won.
And this tiny prickly Mage who is an elf at the same time now reminds me of her somehow¡
Still more curious than intimidated, I lean against a wall and let her do her thing. Her skills are passable but I want to be around in case the rage clouds her judgment enough to cause problems.
Without halting her steps she continues marching toward the hesitant tide of rats and grabbing hold of the lank spike with both hands.
Those nasty metal things. They caused me enough trouble even with Manaforged able to stop the fangs of most beasts. How I would¡¯ve escaped my predicament without Elyssia I still don¡¯t know but I doubt that¡¯s what she needed to hear back then. The hatchet has been buried and that¡¯s all that matters.
To my astonishment, the metal bends in her grip curling up on itself before flattening out, morphing into blades, and splitting into three pieces. The three thin cross-shaped blades then begin to rotate with increasing speed until their shape is no longer recognizable and the air-tearing sound they make sends shivers down my back.
I¡¯m pretty sure even my Blessing wouldn¡¯t be able to completely stop those¡ And how come she can shape the metal now and not before?
My questions have to wait as the murderous blades finally swing into action, racing through the air like a sneeze in the dead of the night. My imagination did come up with scenarios of how this ruthless attack would play out but I clearly haven¡¯t seen enough of this world yet.
Flesh, bone, organs and literally anything made out of rat is bisected in the path of the spinning weapons. Due to their sheer numbers and the size of the corridors, there is little room left for the rats to escape their fate and so every cut demands more lives than I¡¯m willing to count.
And it still barely makes a dent.
Elyssia comes to the same conclusion and so do the rats both making their next move simultaneously. The wall mound of rodents finally shifts, rolling right at us and throwing bodies into the slaughterhouse just to overwhelm the furious mage with sheer numbers. The girl is a crafty one though, with sleeves likely wide enough to hold all the world¡¯s tricks.
Said trick comes in the form of a blueish-white streak of energy jumping between the blades and Elyssia faster than the eye can track and making entire chunks of the vermin wall crumble whenever it lands.
She can even use lightning magic now. That makes it what, seven? No Mage should be able to do that. However, she seems¡ weak, maybe? I expected a bigger boom, more destruction... That colorful fire sure could make a dent in that horde but I¡¯d rather fight a prolonged battle than endure their stench.
These creatures fall firmly in the swarm beast category, weak, stupid, and numerous but not without outliers. A few of the rats, smaller but no less deadly have chosen to sneak through the crack in the stone running across the walls and the ground probably trying to launch a sneak attack while their brethren are being slaughtered.
I despise creatures like these. Not just because they¡¯re small and harder to hit but for the lack of honor and unity they display. No wonder fighting like a rat is considered an insult.
Just when I¡¯m about to step in and save my lousy support she finally reacts, with precision and speed betraying her mental state. The flames rushing through the cracks leave no survivors.
She knew they were there. Even when acting like a raging bull she had enough presence of mind to be in full control of the field of battle. This has little to do with talent, not to mention luck¡ no, it¡¯s experience and useful habits drilled into the body through many years.
I¡¯m a bit jealous honestly. And bored by now.
Thankfully it seems the gang of rats is finally running out of their most expendable members, as nasty rodents much larger than the average begin to waddle through the piles of bodies. This is a common tactic among beasts relying on numbers actually. The stronger ones force the bottomfeeders to basically march into their death only to weaken the enemy even if just a little.
¡°Dibs!¡± I claim the first rat big enough to be worth punching.
If Elyssia wants to continue throwing a temper tantrum then she needs to grow up honestly. The forest was teeming with danger in every corner and I highly doubt this place is any more welcoming. Especially after getting a taste of the spike trap and being met with a welcoming party this unsightly.
Ignoring Elyssia¡¯s previous demand I begin to accelerate toward the mass of rats, keeping my eyes on the big ones but otherwise rushing at them without much caution. The rats are small, weak, and hardly threatening with their tiny claws and crooked teeth. Same goes for the big ones, except¡ well, bigger and possibly some actually dangerous Skills in their arsenal.
The dumber the beast the less likely it is to wield magic the way the prick behind me does.
Not that magic defines intellect, no no no. My knife-eared idiot isn¡¯t any wittier than me only because she can make some pieces of metal dance around the air. And quite a few other things.
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¡°There!¡± I grin wickedly when a rat far larger than the rest dives back into the sea of rodents.
Power Burst
It¡¯s a slaughter. My fists carve craters in the mass of bodies, crushing bones en masse and thinning the enemy numbers or so one would think. Despite all the notifications tingling at the back of my head the swarm keeps on coming and the rats soon begin to scale me like a tree.
Their claws and teeth do no harm but the way they crawl up my legs and back¡
¡°Stop messing around and exterminate them already!¡± I shriek after one of them bites my inner thigh.
No matter how many of them I smash until they turn fluid they just keep coming and it¡¯s fucking disgusting. Fire would¡¯ve already taken care of it all¡
¡°I told you to stand aside.¡± I hear the reply, sounding a bit too amused for my taste. ¡°Just keep killing, I want to try something-¡±
Then something tugs on my hair and I feel something snap inside me. Almost subconsciously my hand reaches out guided by instincts and catches one of Elyssia¡¯s flying blades.
The weapon has had quite some momentum, plenty of rotation, and edges razor sharp yet a small trickle of blood running down my forearm is all the damage I receive. It¡¯s still impressive considering no Skills were involved but a few seconds is all it¡¯ll need to heal.
¡°Now!¡± I sound just like my captors did and right now I don¡¯t really mind it. I¡¯ll drag her right into the thick of it if that is what it takes for Elyssia to stop fucking around.
¡°Fine.¡± She huffs with another metal spike already in hand. ¡°You¡¯re in the way though so stick to the right.¡±
In the wa- In the way, huh?
Oh, I¡¯d love to hear her say that the next time we stumble into something massive, because there¡¯s guaranteed to be a next time. I¡¯ll be sure to let her have a clear line of sight then.
For now, I shut up though and get back to trying to get the rodents off me. It¡¯s like kicking in the snow or trying to swat flies during the summer¡ there¡¯s nothing enjoyable to it.
The explosion rocking the other side of the corridor does a much more impressive job at mass murder than my fists, reaping tens of lives without burning too much of the filth. The first radiant sphere of fire is soon followed by two more, both larger and more destructive than the previous ones.
This finally does it and the rat tide begins to recede. I¡¯d already call this a win and retreat to hopefully check my hair and clothes just in case one of them decided to stick around but the knife-eared seems to have a different idea.
The frequency of the explosions increases and so does their impact, not to mention¡
¡°Aim properly you idiot, that almost hit me!¡± I complain and rightfully so. Her searing spheres of big boom have been inching closer and closer and I¡¯m really not comfortable with weathering those.
¡°You didn¡¯t see it?¡± She ignores my warning because of course she does. ¡°Time your attacks with me, we need to make a dent.¡±
And tells me to run willfully into her line of fire¡ Ah, fuck it.
One, two boom, three! I dash across the corridor and deliver a devastating kick right where the explosion just wreaked havoc before sliding to a stop.
One, two BOOM, three¡
This time I almost need to dive into the wall of rats to hit my target but after landing the kick I finally catch a glimpse of what Elyssia might¡¯ve talked about. A lump of scarlet red fur, completely pristine unlike the rats surrounding it.
Sadly my momentum carries me away before I can catch whatever that thing is. The rats are also quick to swarm back around the red thing, covering it before I can land an Identify. Thankfully my support is fairly competent.
The metal spike she¡¯s been messing around with whistles through the air and impales everything in its path before getting stuck in something. Something screeching in pain.
¡°Grab that-¡± The stupid elf acts like I was born yesterday but I¡¯m faster than her.
Wrapping my finger around the rod, I widen my stance and heave with all my might. The leverage is shit, the weight is considerable and the mass of rats is as irritating as ever but my Might proves just enough for the task.
¡°HNNNGHAA!¡± I really throw my back into it, happy to destroy whatever these disgusting creatures care about so much.
Just like pulling things out of mud, it gets easier and easier to lift the red thing at the end of my spear until finally the sea of rats parts and a massive one, easily the size of a chunky adult emerges.
[Rat lvl 109]
A massive horn on its head, a serrated tail, a morbidly massive belly, and an ugly teeth-filled maw that just won''t stop screaming. The other rats go into a frenzy and surge after this red-colored one acting as one.
This behavior can only mean one thing¡
I slam the spear into the ground driving its tip through my prey before stomping on its throat to silence it finally. Despite the damage the beast still doesn''t stop squirming, already mostly enveloped by its brethren and fighting in frenzy like their life depends on it.
I still refuse to admit fire was the right tool all along.
Despite stomping repeatedly the struggle continues and movement becomes increasingly difficult as I¡¯m already standing in rats up to the knee. That¡¯s when a second spear arrives. This one isn¡¯t metal though but made of glistening ice shining like the stars under the light of the fire keeping the corridor lit. Then a second one. And a third.
This last spear does it as the body beneath my foot finally goes limp causing another unexpected change on the battlefield. The army of rats freezes and the corridor descends into silence.
It¡¯s weird, it¡¯s disturbing and coupled with the fact that there are still about thirty rats clinging to me extremely irritating.
Then as if awoken from a dream they begin to move as one again, except not to fight but to flee in every direction. Big and small, wounded or emerging from their hiding spot, they all scatter in panic like¡ well, rats.
¡°What the hell was that?¡± I ask the smug elf approaching me leisurely.
¡°Swarm behavior.¡± Elyssia answers matter-of-factly, explaining things properly only after my frown can¡¯t grow any deeper. ¡°Swarm-type beasts behave either erratically, thinking about only growth and survival, or as one massive organism, just like the rats. The difference between the two is the presence of a leader, or a parent in our case.¡± She points at the big red dead rat at my feet.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Tomb Vermin - Dark lvl 66].]
No.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Tomb Vermin - Dark lvl 66].]
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Tomb Vermin - Dark lvl 43].]
Not this one.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Tomb Vermin - Dark lvl 27].]
No.
¡
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Tomb Vermin - Dark lvl 70].]
By the Gods, just how many of them did we kill?
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Flesh Furnace Broodmother - Fire lvl 101] - [Blood Pupeteer - Life lvl 56].]
[Your Class [Battle Maiden - Life] has reached lvl 75, +4 Free Points, +15 Might, +13 Speed, +15 Endurance, +8 Dexterity, +6 Mana, +4 Willpower, +2 Intelligence, +4 Focus, +4 Fortitude.]
[The Class Skill [Brawling] has reached lvl 71.]
[The Class Skill [Power Burst] has reached lvl 63.]
[The Class Skill [Budding Strength] has reached lvl 37.]
[The Class Skill [Beastly Perception] has reached lvl 40.]
[The general Skill [Manaforged] has reached lvl 69.]
[The general Skill [Relentless Advance] has reached lvl 52.]
[The general Skill [Sharpened Instincts] has reached lvl 47.]
[The general Skill [Intimidate] has reached lvl 32]
¡°Huh, so this thing basically birthed a whole army for itself.¡± I back away from the mass grave we made now that my fighting spirit has receded and my sense of disgust returned.
My arms and limbs are covered in rat blood, guts, and pieces of shattered bone, and trying to shake those off just doesn¡¯t seem to do the trick.
¡°Can I get some help?¡± Asking this from a Mage and a knife-eared at that does hurt my pride but only a tiny bit.
¡°You¡¯d waste my precious mana on something this trivial?¡± She gasps, displaying the acting skills of a dead moth. ¡°I never expected you to be this picky, much less forget the magic word.¡±
I give her a flat look and cook up an answer that would make even the Gods fold. ¡°You¡¯d waste that mana in the blink of an eye on yourself and there are no magic words needed.¡± I spread my arms wide and step closer. ¡°Want a hug instead?¡±
Without another word, a ball of water materializes next to the sassy mage, growing larger and larger just like the grin on her face. I realize a little too late what she¡¯s up to. The blob of water slams me into the ground, soaking me top to bottom but at least accomplishing what I asked for.
¡°Hehe, don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± The perpetrator walks past me with a shit-eating grin. ¡°Believe me when I say you needed that bath really bad.¡±
¡°Uhuh?¡± Is all I mutter while getting up with only vengeance on my mind.
By the time I turn around, Elyssia is already sprinting down the corridor at breakneck speed. She knows very well what¡¯s coming for her if, no, when I catch up and she¡¯s not wrong.
¡°Run little mouse!¡± I yell after her and begin the chase.
Despite being a Mage Elyssia is faster than I expected but even then all I need is seconds to be on her heel. She uses the winds to accelerate and take turns but she¡¯ll need a lot more than that to escape from me.
It¡¯s fun, being the hunter that is. The position of power, the smell of fear oozing from the prey, the possible consequences of every move and-
¡°STOP!¡± The girl yells again, coming to a grinding halt and almost making me stumble over her. Almost.
I¡¯ve seen this before and suffered the consequences of not listening. Actually, that¡¯s why we¡¯re here in the first place.
Even though her voice sounded quite distressed I see nothing wrong with the corridor stretching into the darkness both in front of us and behind. How long have we been running anyway?
¡°Can¡¯t you smell that?¡± She asks and we both sniff the air vigorously.
¡°It¡¯s like,¡± I fill my lungs again. ¡°Rotten eggs?¡±
¡°And ash.¡± She adds just as I see a spark ignite from the corner of my eye.
A spark growing rapidly.
Chapter 73 - Tomb Raiders
Was really it the smell that gave it away? Are rotten eggs even combustible? Did I really just sniff out the danger like some magical bloodhound?
None of those actually, not even my sense of danger or bad vibes of mana tingling. I was just curious where the smell was coming from. Despite seemingly running around carelessly I did pay attention to my surroundings using both my regular sense and Mana Perception.
Two things caught my attention in particular. One, I took the first left three times in a row now and counted my steps after the first corner¡ it still doesn¡¯t add up. Second, this place used complex illusions combined with conventional weapons to make a deadly trap. The fact that I can¡¯t see any magical anomalies doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re safe, it only means I¡¯m too blind to notice when we¡¯re already on the knife¡¯s edge.
So at the first sign of something irregular, I stopped, and what a blessed decision that was. I was ready when the spark jumped out of a tiny hole in the wall. Not prepared for flames exactly but just generally on my toes.
The combustion that followed the spark was nearly instantaneous, spreading way too quickly to escape and looking just hot enough to melt my eyeballs. I also realize that this smell, or something air is acting as fuel for the fire since I still failed to see even the slightest disturbance on the tapestry of mana.
So I just need to cut that off and puff, problem solved. In a fairy tale maybe.
I don¡¯t even have the time to shape my magic properly so I rely on Elemental Burst to create a violent pulse of air just in the last second. It¡¯s not enough to stop the encroaching explosion but just what we need to avoid the brunt of it.
Raising my arms and hoping for the best is all that¡¯s left to do as the searing hot air touches my skin and the actual shockwave hits me hard enough for the world to go dark for a second.
My ears are ringing, my eyes feel glued down and my body aches worse than after a cruel round of morning exercises. It¡¯s awful. I roll to my side with a low grunt, checking my condition and searching for my partner in doing stupid shit. Bones seem fine, although it wouldn¡¯t be my first time overlooking something serious and suffering the consequences later. Bruises are all but guaranteed and no serious burns either. That¡¯s good.
Valka is in an even better condition, up on her feet and ready to fight whoever dared ambush us. I¡¯m pretty sure she would¡¯ve lived even without my intervention anyway.
¡°It¡¯s okay, mostly.¡± I chuckle while massaging my temples. ¡°That was another trap. One probably too old to function properly anymore, judging by the spike trap and the fact that we¡¯re alive.¡±
I expected living things to be our main source of trouble here, not decrepit tricks left behind by some mad cultists. Not to mention those pulses of mana¡ they¡¯re getting louder than my own thoughts.
¡°Why did it go off now when there are hundreds of rats down here with us? Why not for them?¡± Valka grumbles while carefully taking a few steps to the now blackened ground, sniffing the air like a bloodhound.
¡°I think it did.¡± The smell of ash still sticks to my nose. ¡°And even more scary is that it used no magic.¡±
Now aware of the danger I drain a bit of the Hadron crystal I looted after getting stranded in the forest to replenish my reserves before pushing the air through the tunnel. Whatever that smell was I don¡¯t want it anywhere near me. With that said¡
I approach the tiny hole I saw in the wall where the first spark jumped out of, walking like I¡¯m in the park simply because I stripped that little cavity of air the moment I came to. I¡¯d like to avoid another explosion if possible. Eyeing the thing and knocking on the wall reveals nothing so I request the assistance of the brute hiding behind me.
¡°Could you knock on this wall for me?¡± I point at a crack, taking a step back to let her do her thing.
Then my hand comes to life to deliver a mighty facepalm when she starts just gently to tap on the carved stone surface. You¡¯d expect a meatshield who can survive being impaled, shredded, burnt, and beaten to be a bit more daring but¡
¡°Just smash the damn thing.¡± I claw at my face before pushing her aside. ¡°Chicken.¡±
A tall white big-mouthed chicken is what she is. A chicken I¡¯d hide behind the moment something tried to bite off my head but a chicken nonetheless.
Since I can solve this with brute force I rely on Chaotic Touch to dismantle whatever shenanigans the ancient builders¡¯ Skills did to reinforce the wall. The mana in the stone is a lot less stubborn and it takes only seconds for me to liberate the surface under my palm and pull out a cylinder of stone without any difficulty.
A quick glance inside reveals¡ many things. Gears, levers, wires, a container, and a metal frame just to name a few. Their individual functions are beyond me but the outcome is no longer a secret.
¡°Should be that container¡¡± I mutter and carelessly stick my arm through the hole.
¡°Are you insane?¡± Valka whispers. Like, being quiet won''t change a thing at this point. ¡°What if-¡±
¡°Shush! Help or be quiet.¡± I hiss, faced with another dilemma.
I¡¯m stuck, the container is bigger than the hole¡
¡°Maybe if I turn it and pull harder¡¡± I mutter before the sound of something very clearly cracking reaches my ear. ¡°Uh-oh.¡±
¡°What do you mean uh-oh?¡± My companion asks for an explanation. Not that she¡¯ll get one because now is not the time.
¡°Okay, when I say run- Are you kidding me?¡±
Valka is already off, sprinting down the corridor the moment the word run left my mouth. I guess it¡¯s only fair, she can¡¯t help much here but leaving me alone like this¡
¡°Aarrhg, fuck it.¡± I flip the container and let it fall, spinning on my heel and taking off down the dark corridor narrowing in the distance
I hear only the beating of my heart, the sound of my bare feet taping on the cold stone, and the eerie silence before the chaos. Time seems to crawl to a halt while the distance between me and Valka¡¯s head popping out of a corner is no less than me and the moons.
The more time passes and the closer I get the stronger the sense of impending doom gets in the back of my mind. It could go off any minute now¡ any second¡
¡°What did you do?¡± Valka¡¯s voice reaches my ears and only now do I realize I arrived right next to her. No explosion, no nothing.
¡°I dropped it and¡¡± Then it hits me. ¡°Oh¡ I¡¯d move behind the corner if I were you.¡±
As a precaution, I prepare a pure arcane shield by my side before sending a spark down the now completely dark corridor. I decide against observing the little wisp of light growing distant and instead address my grievances.
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¡°You left me!¡± I poke at Valka¡¯s chest.
¡°You told me to run.¡± The outrage on her face couldn¡¯t be any less convincing. ¡°And you deserved that for almost drowning me.¡±
¡°It was conjured water you idiot, it already disape-"
BOOM
The walls shed their dust cover as they tremble caused by a deafening roar of the shockwave where the full might of the trap finally revealed itself. The local earthquake is followed by enough light and heat to help me imagine what standing face-to-face with Solaire could feel like.
The layout of the tunnels helps and my arcane blanket holds pretty well yet the warning is clear¡ One wrong move, a single hasty step and we¡¯re very very dead.
¡°See? That¡¯s why you shouldn¡¯t just fool around.¡± I walk past Valka - hehe - acting like an adult with an unruly child.
Her face¡ it says it all. I really missed messing around with people.
***
Despite the perilous situation and the constant presence of beasts about as dangerous as a single rat we simply failed to take things deadly seriously. Even though things were literally dead serious.
The endless stone corridors we passed were home to mostly bugs and smaller rodents along with snakes and weird mole-like plant creatures. We even found a small meadow where nature invaded this underground place through a crack in the wall but other than filling our water reserves from a cute little pond there it wasn¡¯t of much help.
I wasn¡¯t comfortable with digging ourselves out, not because I was scared the tunnel I¡¯d make would collapse, not only that but mostly because I lost track of how deep we¡¯d wandered. A map sounded like an obvious solution and I really did try making one on the back of a random slave contract with some dirt and water but this only confirmed my suspicion.
The steps and directions simply don¡¯t add up, nor do any markings I leave behind, be that dead bodies or a literal hole in the wall, and lastly the reason why the traps don¡¯t seem to be magical.
¡°I never thought I¡¯d say this in real life because it just sounds stupid but I think this place is constantly rearranging itself.¡± I break the news to Valka who skillfully observed many times already how incredibly long this¡ whatever this place is.
Not once did we see a room, like an actual room that was not a collapsed pitfall trap or a segment of the wall slamming at us like a trapdoor. It¡¯s all just one infinite corridor. Except that also does not add up because space magic of this scale would require more mana than I¡¯ve seen in my life. Every second.
¡°You¡¯re telling me the walls just move every time we don¡¯t look?¡± I don¡¯t appreciate Valka¡¯s sarcastic tone, nor the doubtful eyes but that¡¯s the only idea I have at this point. So I nod. ¡°Uhum¡ so what now?¡±
That¡¯s the big question, isn¡¯t it? No element or perception Skill can help me divine our path, especially because I have no idea where even¡ Where anything is¡
¡°You said you have a good hearing, are you sure everything is quiet?¡± I ask once more before picking the only difference I found between corridors. The loudness of the mana pulses.
¡°Beside your bitching and the rats hiding in the cracks? Nothing.¡± I¡¯m clearly not the only one sick and tired of wandering aimlessly. Still, rude.
¡°Fine, don¡¯t blame me if this doesn¡¯t work.¡± I sigh and start walking back to where we came from.
¡°That¡¯s where we-¡±
¡°I know, just¡ don¡¯t question it.¡± I really don¡¯t need her to point out the obvious. ¡°Either this or digging our way out.¡±
Right after the first turn we take the noise changes, coming from behind this time. So I spin on my heels again only to find a path straight forward that wasn¡¯t there a second ago and start walking in that direction. Soon we reach a cross-section where both to the left and right the echoes are about the same volume¡ So I turn right, then left, then left again which is already fucked up before walking straight for a while.
¡°You¡¯re lost, aren¡¯t you?¡± Valka¡¯s grumpy comment is almost refreshing after too many minutes of silence.
¡°We were lost from the start, it¡¯s not like it can get any worse.¡± And at least I¡¯m not completely useless.
Okay, she did kinda save me today so I can¡¯t really complain. Surviving in ancient ruins and dealing with traps was never part of my curriculum, and I highly doubt it is a common skill in the first place. Like, other than to hide why would anyone build extensively underground?
Okay, that sounds exactly like something gangs and other illegal businesses would do¡
¡°Stop, turn again.¡± I still have not caught a glimpse of how this place rearranges itself, but I swear I¡¯ll tear it down if that¡¯s what it takes to reveal the secrets.
It¡¯s almost as if the corridors can sense where I¡¯m looking and are playing a little hide and seek with me.
¡°Why do we have to go back again.¡± We begin to walk back to where we came from accompanied by some whining only for the noise to play games with me again.
I stop and Valka miraculously takes the first step towards developing mind reading. ¡°It¡¯s behind us again, isn¡¯t it?¡±
How? What sick fuck designed this place?
***
We had to walk backward¡ Then walk some more¡ then deliberately fall to the bottom of a pitfall trap and lastly walk through what seemed like a completely solid stone wall. This last one filled me with hope because it was finally the work of magic and not some bullshit tripwire or sinking floortile those mad builders used to create this labyrinth.
¡°Should I be happy or worried?¡± Valka asks right after we step through the illusion to a corridor illuminated by yellow star-shaped crystals all over the ceiling.
At this point, I can barely hear a word she says. Not that I mind after listening to her bitch for hours but even that would be better than these sharp pulses that are making my ears ring.
¡°Would you rather go back to the tunnels or see what we have here?¡± I know I just wasted a lot of breath and words instead of just saying shut up and walk but that¡¯s just how I am.
Needless to say, we proceed even more carefully now, checking every crack in the walls and putting all the goof on a dark shelf in the back of our minds. All the traps we encountered until now failed to kill us for two simple reasons. One, they were so old that it¡¯s a miracle some of them still went off, and two, we were lucky.
This place seems well-maintained and clean. Even the air feels more refreshing here as I take one deep calming breath after another.
¡°Do you think-¡± Valka tries to chit chat, a different way of coping with stress.
¡°Sssh!¡± But I¡¯m not up for it.
From the moment we stepped through the wall three doors were visible right across with five more along the corridor lit by artificial stars. Unlike the endless decrepit tunnels outside the walls here are adorned by carvings depicting a serpent wrapped around what looks like a lake, a tree with roots holding continents, and a mountain touching the stars.
I guess whoever made this must¡¯ve been fond of drugs.
There¡¯s also what I can only guess to be writing below the images. Blocky and snaking lines glowing blue and¡ I can¡¯t read it. I¡¯ve seen human, elves, gnomish and even dwarven letters but this is unlike any of them.
Reaching the first door to our left my eyes meet with Valka¡¯s and I point to the weird gnarly handle with my head. You go! The message is obvious and so is the reluctance on her face.
The mimicry conversation then goes something like this: Why me? What do you mean why, you muscle head? You can spot the traps! And you¡¯re the one who can survive them.
I like the company but I value my own life a little higher.
¡°Rock paper scissors!¡± I declare just to be fair.
Many believe it to be a game of pure luck but Victor explained to me in great lengths just how wrong that assumption on mine was.
We¡¯re surrounded by stone, and judging by her hair she¡¯s never seen a scissor in her life¡ I¡¯ve got this in the bag.
¡°Rock, paper-¡± I start the play but it seems like the stress was simply too much for someone.
¡°Ah, fuck it!¡± Valka yells bashes the door in, rushing into the room like a charging beast.
Not what I meant by checking the room¡ Rushing in like that is basically asking to be ambushed.
¡°It¡¯s empty.¡± She declares the obvious as I enter right behind her.
Well, not completely empty. Smashed furniture, decaying sheets of cloth, pots and other tableware¡ Someone used to live here. The items vary greatly in size, as if some of them were made for adults while others were used by children. And the quality is also all over the place.
A quick yet careful scavenging run yields us a few cups, forks and knives although I doubt they¡¯d be able to hold their ground against a chewy cut of meat as rusty as they are. The other rooms offer just as little with most valuables probably already taken and the rest smashed for good measure.
Not that we¡¯re here for any treasure, a staircase upwards is all I¡¯m asking for.
This leaves the last three doors. The big ones. Their surface is like a mirror, made of some silver-like metal with a purplish hue. They all have the same five symbols on their surface depicting what I can only guess are fire, wind, earth and water¡ But something from their center is missing. A circular indent shimmering with a cold light, as if yearning for something.
¡°I see no handles.¡± Valka gives the one on the left a slight push but even after throwing all her might against it the door doesn¡¯t even budge.
Yeah, no handle. The noise on the other hand¡ It¡¯s coming behind the door to the right, I can feel it.
Chapter 74 - What Life Remains
¡°Can¡¯t you just magic the door open like you did with the wall?¡± The clueless white-haired brute beside me certainly has a point but I doubt it¡¯d be this easy.
Just to make sure I try ticking the symbols with their respective element as well with just as little success. A finger on the massive metal door and a quick thought of Chaotic Touch is enough to prove my theory. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m breaking through these three metal monstrosities.
It feels like trying to shatter metal with wet noodles just for the iron to repair itself the moment I cause even the slightest of dents. There¡¯s a power source somewhere around here, a damn strong one. Now, the door might be off-limits but what about their frames? I never understood why heroes in the tales were like, ¡®Well the door itself is too tough, I guess there¡¯s no way I¡¯m getting through.¡¯
As expected the adorned stone frame, almost too magnificent to destroy, folds much easier, lacking the enchantment carved into the fabric of the mysterious metal. As the magic begins to crumble however the carvings of the wall and the dome housing the three main gates light up and come to life.
The serpent swallows the ocean before aiming its gaze toward us, the star illuminates atop the mountain turning the clouds furious, and the boulders begin to vibrate in the clutches of the mystical tree.
There¡¯s no longer a path we came from, only another wall with a hexagon on it, and let¡¯s be honest, what shitty trap would let its victims escape that easily¡
Not a trap but a defensive mechanism, one activated by my meddling to protect whatever is behind those doors. Wait¡ Water, wind, earth¡ I glance at the four symbols on the door again before snapping my gaze upwards.
The fire.
Sitting in a strangely triangular volcano is a lizard with magma flowing from its mouth and the air sizzling around the fiery red lines.
I counter the descending inferno with a gust of wind of my own, or at least try to. As if betraying me the mana, my mana gets drawn to the mountain where it forms deadly blades and turns on its owner.
I can¡¯t block both.
As if reading my distress or maybe realizing that we¡¯re really dead if it''s just up to me, Valka steps up, putting herself between me and the murderous gales with her arms up. This leaves only the fire, which I block with a barrier of arcane mana.
Just as I thought, this one does not revolt.
The flames still embrace us, carrying the heat of a dwarven furnace and threatening to boil us, or at least me, instead of incinerating everything but my bones. This forces my hands and I reach for ice magic to cool the room, fully aware that I won¡¯t have control over the mana for long.
It¡¯s not even that I have to wrestle for control¡ instead of a thug of war, this is closer to getting robbed. These symbols or whatever they are control mana on a way higher level than me, relying not on brute force to win but inhuman finesse. Like a rock playing tag with an eagle¡ But rocks can still kill eagles.
As expected my water gets stolen, so I switch to wind to scatter it all before having even that snatched from my grasp. Just as I expected. I add fire, plenty of fire, to the air being dragged back to the starry mountain in hopes that it¡¯d damage the aggressive image on the wall.
And it does.
The impact is minimal and the lines are still glowing all the same but there was a flicker and a lull in whatever shenanigans it uses to steal my magic.
¡°Valka smash the- Aargh!¡± I forgot to count because of how little I used earth magic down here. I thought I had a moment of breather now that the icons are busy¡
The stone brick smashing into my shoulder and causing something to go crack begs to differ. The pain is almost enough to take me down to the ground but I¡¯m not new to injuries. That and my mental Skills working in the background as I weave my mana and I manage to keep my mind on the battle even as the broken bone sends numbing aches through my body.
¡°Are you okay?¡± Valka smacks another brick sailing towards me before blocking a water lance with her back.
¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± I raise another barrier to block a barrage of curved fireballs. ¡°I¡¯ll be the bait and you smash those damn symbols!¡±
That¡¯s it, that¡¯s the plan. I have not got the slightest clue yet how I¡¯ll draw all the fire on me and survive the ordeal but improvisation has always been a strong suit of mine. With my arm limp and an angry frown, I step out from behind my meatshield to demolish these fake mages.
Their control might be out of this world but every response is slow and devoid of creativity.
And so the dance begins.
Since I¡¯m basically stripped of my magic, besides arcane, dodging becomes the only option, Premonition going above and beyond to save my skin. Weaving under a beam of water, only making the slightest of twirls to avoid a rock whistling past my face¡ Jumping over the floor consumed by flames and raising a barrier to block another round of wind blades.
The attacks keep on coming and not once do I use Valka as cover from basically anything but the fire raining down on us. She can hold better than any stone barrier I could make.
Retaliating isn¡¯t as easy as I imagined either. The symbols react instantly to danger, focusing their punishment on Valka every time she makes a move to shatter one of them. It¡¯s four against two with some weird ancient doodle guardians working in tandem to wear us down however I feel like there¡¯s a limit to their power.
The magic often fluctuates and each symbol can only wield about as much mana as I did a year ago. Despite the looks this trap is in no better condition than the ones we faced along the way.
And I can wield more than four elements.
The sparks of energy around my hair dance in delight as I charge my bolt of lightning, all the while dodging like a mad woman. Until it¡¯s time to strike. Using Valka as a ledge while also pushing her out of a rock arrow''s way, I take to the sky and aim for the most irritating symbol of them all. The mountain.
The crackling arc slams into the stone wall and snakes through the bright carved lines doing their utmost to murder us. The damage is minimal yet still enough for its purpose.
¡°Hit it!¡± I yell, prepping myself for the second phase of my do-or-die plan.
To try and wrestle for control.
The symbols generally target the one closest to them so I position myself in the middle of the fire, water, and earth triangle and begin operation entanglement. As much as I hate to say it¡ brute force is the only way.
The moment I land a hateful breath of fire is already upon me along with a beam of water swiping down at me vertically. It¡¯s a pincer attack, albeit an unintentional one and I could probably dodge without too much difficulty. But that¡¯s not the plan right now.
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As stupid as it sounds I create both fire and water launching them at their elemental opposites and praying for my hunch to come true. The attacks clash, get gently peeled from my grip, and turn on me, as expected. But before that, I grip my mana again¡ only to lose control once more.
And still, I go back for it, again and again and again. It¡¯s like the bar of soap making an escape from your grip but you catch it only for the damn thing to slip away again. That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m doing except the soap is immaterial and others are yanking it away on a string.
I don¡¯t relent though¡ Concentrating to a point where I can barely make out sounds I claw for control like my life depends on it. By adding more mana and literally forgetting to breathe I finally manage to pull the masses of water and fire against each other, mixing them thoroughly.
Now all the magic, all the mana is just one big mix where I¡¯m not fighting one against two but simply pitting the other two sides against each other by engaging things repeatedly. Mixing the colorful yarns into a big ball of mana and keeping it entangled is already much easier except there are more than two colors of yarn¡
From the corner of my eye, I can see a barrage of rocks promising a painful end, with a clear message from Premonition. Dodge now or turn into holey cheese. However¡ I don¡¯t think I can keep up the struggle while directing my movement. So I reach for more, grab the mana harder, focus on the ethereal energy with every morsel on my mind¡ And pull.
¡°Hhnnngha!¡± I grunt and bite my lips, throwing my everything into this. I raise my arms just the way I¡¯d grab something and pull¡
My head feels like it''s on fire and there¡¯s something wet flowing down my face but I succeed and the blob moves. The flames and water are locked in their dance-like duel, frothing and boiling as I shift them to become my shield.
More or less.
Some rocks still make it through, still hit me, it still hurts but it¡¯ll bruise and heal. I¡¯ll live.
Now with earth added to the mix, I¡¯m fighting three forces all trying to regain control. I keep pumping my own mana into the mix to regain control and sink my nails deeper into the swirling chaos of arcane I created yet I can feel myself slipping.
I can feel my arms and legs trembling, my throat burning and my vision slowly taking on a red hue, all signs of a very bad next few hours to come. If I survive that is. And to do that I need to hold on, need to push a little longer, need to fight with everything I¡¯ve got.
But I¡¯m losing. It¡¯s a wonder I held on against two and now with the third added to the equation, all of them with a mastery over an element far surpassing mine¡ The earth magic slips from the whole, however, even while clinging on to it with the edge of my consciousness I can feel its influence just¡ disappear.
Then seconds later the fire is gone¡ then the water. Even with nobody left to fight my mind just keeps pushing, grabbing whatever mana it can find and bundling it up relentlessly, with only the task in mind¡
¡°Elyssia!¡± I hear a distant echo. ¡°Elyssia.¡± A weak and muddled voice.
¡°Eli!¡± Huh, that''s me.
A pair of hands grab my shoulder and only now do my eyes register the reality in front of me.
It¡¯s over, the symbols are shattered, the room in shambles, and Valka¡ cuts, rocks embedded in her skin, burn marks all across her arm, and a deep bleed on her left thigh. About as intact as a target dummy after something gets on my nerves.
Just as I¡¯m about to throw a snarky comment to literally add insult to her injuries my knees give in, turning into noodles and dragging me fast to the ground. My arms aren¡¯t all the more responsive and when the only thing keeping me from breaking my nose on the cold hard floor is a pair of strong and bloodied arms¡ I¡¯m almost thankful those quips never left my mouth.
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 70 ->72.]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has reached lvl 57.]
¡°You did something weird there didn¡¯t you?¡± Valka¡¯s tone is filled with amusement despite both of our states as she lowers me to the ground. ¡°And wipe that off your face.¡±
Just now do I remember the sensation before I went bonkers and a quick touch with my arms currently rivaling a kitten in power reveals something red. Blood. Blood from my eyes, nose, ears¡ blood everywhere on my face. With a quick thought I make a mirror of water, relieved to finally wield my magic without anyone stealing it, and¡ well, I look like a character from a horror story made flesh.
¡°You¡¯re one to talk?¡± I shift my eyes to the Valka tiredly resting herself against my back.
If I have blood on my face then she has it everywhere. My mind is numb and slightly buzzing so it takes a lot more out of me to gather my mana, nudge Savant to help me convert it into water before swiping it across my face and lastly dumping it on Valka.
¡°No complaints this time?¡± I ask, considering her reaction the last time.
¡°Can¡¯t you make it any warmer?¡± This bitch¡ not a bad idea actually.
Pushing my exhausted mind a little more I add some more liquid before heating it just a little and wrapping it around us like a soft and warm blanket.
¡°You really need to learn how to dodge.¡± I point out as the water quickly turns pink from all the blood dissolved in it.
¡°Eh, it¡¯ll heal.¡± She shrugs nonchalantly. ¡°And you need to stop collapsing. This is the second time and I haven¡¯t even known you for a day. I think. I don¡¯t know what time it is.¡±
It¡¯s not a habit I plan on keeping, things just end up the way they do. But man I¡¯d like to just fall over and close my eyes for a few hours¡
¡°Let¡¯s-¡± I try getting up but an arm pulls me back effortlessly.
¡°A little more!¡± Valka declares rather than asks. ¡°New water, and warmer.¡±
I don¡¯t think this is how our roles are supposed to be. But I do appreciate one thing. There¡¯s no need for words of thanks or praise for a job well done. We did our part, we did it mostly for ourselves and that¡¯s just how things are meant to be.
Indulging my new friend a little I grab the Hadron crystal in my now ragged bag and create a new blob of water before boiling it to the point where it could make soup out of us. This is why food is my only concern out in the wild. Food and a good bed but I¡¯ll come up with something sooner or later.
¡°I can¡¯t even remember the last time I cleaned myself.¡± Valka mutters as we sit back to back. ¡°Or ate to my heart¡¯s content without the need to work myself to the bone¡ You sure are better than the soldiers.¡±
That¡¯s the bare minimum. I believe in the small things in life, and that happiness matters no matter how tiny or fleeting it is. I learned that danger is something unavoidable and death might lay in wait at any corner¡ I don¡¯t want to die with an empty stomach, smelling like a pig, and feeling miserable as the last breath leaves my body. Small things do matter.
¡°Wanna check what¡¯s behind those doors?¡± I finally ask after a few minutes of soaking. My head is starting to feel dizzy. ¡°At least now you smell a lot better than you look.¡± A little cheeky there just to spice up the mood.
¡°Aw thanks, you¡¯re also pretty¡. on the inside.¡± Okay, we¡¯re back to normal. ¡°And do you mean the locked doors?¡± Valka reluctantly gets up as I let the water disperse back to wherever things made of mana go.
She isn¡¯t wrong, the fancy metal gates are indeed still sealed shut but any self-respecting Mage would¡¯ve realized the way to open them after our battle. And no it¡¯s not arcane, yet something equally as strange.
Despite the now blaring pulses clearly coming from the right-hand door I still approach the middle one. The best stuff is always in the middle. Besides, noise tells me there¡¯s still something operational behind the right door and we haven¡¯t had much luck even with the already broken stuff around here.
I walk up to the gleaming metal masterwork and touch the indentation with my palm. All good, no new traps, hand still connected to me, we¡¯re making progress. Now, the principle to open the door is pretty simple in my mind and was a common pattern for all the symbols trying to kill us just moments ago.
I let my mana spread freely like the smell of something heavenly cooking back home, seeping into the metal just as I hoped and then fumbling around in the dark. It¡¯s a general rule that things well made and of special materials are way, way, way more resistant to mana in any form¡ but that wouldn¡¯t make sense in our case with mana literally being the only option to unveil what¡¯s behind the large metal slabs.
It doesn¡¯t take long for me to find four¡ objects in the door, four spheres just around the elemental marks on the metal¡¯s surface. And then just like the murderous doodles I grab those orbs with their corresponding elements and give them a gentle pull.
Yeah¡ that doesn¡¯t really work. The grip is there and it all does feel right but¡
¡°What¡¯s the matter, can¡¯t turn the key?¡± Valka really seems to be the fast-recovering type to be mocking¡
Oh damn.
Lo and behold rotating the orbs counterclockwise does it. The elemental markings on the metal mirror their movement, turning a quarter of a circle before refusing to budge again. Until I pull them again that is.
Soon all four elements merge in the center, filling the previously empty hole with their light and giving us an encouraging click. Without any need to exert ourselves the metal wings move quietly, to reveal something I never dared even imagine down here in the middle of nowhere.
A city. The abandoned ruins of a gargantuan dazzling metropolis, easily the size of Granhall and probably larger since we can only see so much from where we stand. Spires towering in the distance, bridges of light spanning between buildings and floating platforms, and a ceiling illuminated by stars, maybe even more beautiful than the real thing.
I doubt anything behind the other two doors can match this¡
Chapter 75 - The Loot
A city¡ an entire settlement of gigantic proportions all abandoned and empty hidden from the world and now revealing itself to us. All the history, riches, tools, and legendary stuff that might be down here¡
Curiosity is killing me to know who or what this place belonged to and what secrets it might hide below the remnants of the once majestic cave city. I just want to run free and explore what the creators of something as intricate as the traps we¡¯ve encountered until now called their home.
The scenery is still glorious and breathtaking¡ but now there¡¯s an eerie undertone to it. The shadows on the streets and derelict houses, the water and moss overtaking everything, and the possibility of something new inhabiting this place. Something that¡¯s more adept at eating than tinkering.
¡°Should we loot this place like the rooms, see if they left anything useful?¡± Valka asks and in all fairness, a part of me wants to agree without a second thought.
¡°No, we won¡¯t.¡± I declare instead of leaving it up for a debate.
It doesn¡¯t take a genius to realize how the door might seal itself back, aka, pushing the elements back to their place with a simple touch.
¡°Wha- why?¡± Valka¡¯s outrage is only dampened by her confusion as I walk up to the left side door.
¡°Because I don¡¯t want to die, you brute. I had too many close calls today and that city looked like a death trap if I¡¯ve ever seen one.¡± And I¡¯m not willing to explain things any further. We¡¯re looking for a way out not our graves.
I¡¯d rather go back to the tunnels and wander around for another day to look for a way out, even the spike trap, rather than go down there. My instincts are telling me we¡¯re not ready. Not yet.
The very left gate slides open just as easily blasting stale air into our face putting any abandoned cellar to shame. It¡¯s dark in there, lightless and cold however a touch of fire magic is all the place needs to unveil the beauty hiding inside.
A staircase leading both up and down. Now, I¡¯m mildly curious about what the mysterious ancient tunnels might hide even deeper than that city of dreams but not curious enough. The stairs leading up however are just what we need.
¡°It¡¯s decided then.¡± I mutter before turning my gaze to the last set of doors.
Like, c¡¯mon, it¡¯d be lame to leave whatever secret is hiding in there. It¡¯s been knocking on my sanity for hours now and I think I¡¯ll hear that damn clinking noise even in my dream. And let¡¯s not forget¡ a Mage always needs to be curious. Not stupid, just curious.
No quirky remarks from Valka either as I approach the last door, only bated breath and eyes basically sparkling in anticipation. Although I doubt I look any different with my mouth chewing on my tongue involuntarily.
¡°There¡¯s something behind this?¡± Valka asks and I can feel my mind already digging its grave from the stupidity of the question.
¡°No, it¡¯s only the Void on the other side.¡± I answer sarcastically before snapping at her a little. Pure stupidity is my weakness, my nerves just can¡¯t take it. ¡°Of course there¡¯s something but I¡¯m not a Seer to divine what it is. It makes noise, mana noise, so be prepared.¡± I huff like an angered bull before opening the lock.
¡°You could¡¯ve just said yes.¡± Valka mutters quietly. Not that I care.
While grasping the four orbs of the lock again and sliding them to unlock the mechanism something weird pops up in my mind. Four orbs¡ Not three, four, and space for only a single limb¡ With only three Classes nobody should be able to access what¡¯s behind these metal monstrosities¡ Right?
A bit late to think about that now with the chunky metal wings already opening up and flooding us with light. It takes a few seconds for our eyes to adjust all the while waiting for an attack with our guards up only to find this place just as deserted as the rest.
Not a living soul in sight, only four tubes with some swirling colorful liquid inside them and a central pillar adorned with more inscriptions than I¡¯ve seen in my entire life. Almost too much I¡¯d say.
Then I hear it again, the pulse, the noise, however this time more erratic than before, almost as if reacting to our presence. It¡¯s obviously coming from the central spire yet that is not what draws my eyes as we carefully go deeper into the room.
Blue, brown, red, and green. These are the colors of the large glass containers, or more accurately the liquid inside them. The liquid that¡¯s swirling and turning, following our movements.
Identify does not return with anything yet my guts are telling me that this place is wrong, like, seriously messed up. The tunnels, the traps, the doors, and now the containers¡ We have not seen a single piece of Hadron crystal yet.
¡°Do you think smashing this place would make things a little safer? Things here look important.¡± Valka masterfully assesses the room¡¯s function yet her suggestion¡
¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± I agree without a second thought before touching the glass on the container.
Help us¡
The voice is like a dying whisper, quiet, weak, and desperate. It was not an actual voice I heard in face, nor an emotion like the ones Big Fluff sent me to communicate. No, it came through the mana.
Despite something weird speaking to me out of nowhere in a way beyond strange and asking for my help, I don¡¯t panic. Don¡¯t react at all actually. This is all just so absurd¡
Please.
It could be something dangerous locked away in there, trying to trick me into freeing it before eating my soul and bringing chaos to the world. Although the blue goo doesn¡¯t look like a demon to me, not that I¡¯ve ever seen one, and besides slimes, every living thing needs something solid to house their mana vessel. And slimes are absurdly stupid.
Before however I can come to a decision I hear glass shattering as Valka¡¯s fist smashes through the cylinder of glass holding the green goo. Or at least it did. Water rushes through the hole, completely clean transparent water, leaving behind something I¡¯ve only ever heard of in tales.
[Spirit lvl ???]
[The general Skill [Identify] has reached lvl 67.]
The embodiments of mana and the elements themselves, somewhere between ghosts and elementals. Not that ghosts exist. Although I always thought the same about spirits¡
Us mortals can be described as physical beings with mana to wield while spirits are kinda the opposite. They are the aspects of nature and the will of their surroundings come to life and while you touch them, their material body is just a result of the duality of mana.
Man, I always bugged Mom to read about them when I was little, the gentle and playful hands steering nature¡ But it is common knowledge that no more spirits are living among us, they disappeared thousands of years ago.
Or at least most of them did.
Despite Identify clearly hinting at this thing being well above my paygrade my instincts don¡¯t react the way they usually do. The green wisp just remains floating there in the broken remains of its former prison, whispering only for me to hear.
Free¡ after three millennia¡ Unshackle the others, I must.
The voice doesn¡¯t sound feminine or masculine, soft or harsh. It¡¯s just¡ there.
Unlike me, Valka is not as reserved. Her fist is already on a collision course with the embodiment of wind only for it to fly through just as one would expect. This does not deter my brutish companion who keeps on swinging even as the spirit floats over to me, to the blue container.
Weak, drained.
The flickering consciousness mutters and I can¡¯t help but ask. ¡°Do you need a hand?¡±
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
All movement in the room comes to a halt and¡ this might sound weird but I feel the gaze of the spirit fall on me for the first time. There are no eyes to speak of yet I can clearly feel what people call the mirror of the soul being aimed at me with curiosity and wariness permeating the atmosphere.
Thou¡ can you hear me?
¡°Are you talking to the fart?¡± Valka asks in a straightforward manner.
¡°Yes.¡± I answer both questions with one word. ¡°You are a spirit¡¡± I mutter, still mesmerized by the being of legends floating right next to me.
Why free me? New masters?
As much as I¡¯d love to answer the question I have no clue what the spirit is talking about. Mom and Dad could only tell me so much about how or why the spirits disappeared and throughout the years that piece of history seems to have just faded into oblivion. I really should look into it once I have the time.
¡°No, I just heard a noise and found you here. Why are you even here?¡± The longer I look at the thing the more questions I have and I think the spirit is no less confused than me. As confused as sentient air can look like.
Wouldst thou lend me a hand?
Why do I see puppy eyes before me when this thing is literally thousands of years old? Could it still be a demon disguised as¡ Nah, we¡¯re too weak, it wouldn¡¯t make any sense.
¡°Sure?¡± I¡¯m still not entirely convinced but walking away now would be too awkward, I just simply can¡¯t.
¡°Can¡¯t you just kill it, the fart seems weakened to me?¡± As subtle as ever Valka, as subtle as ever.
Seemingly the spirit can understand us perfectly and backs off upon hearing the suggestion. Not that I haven¡¯t considered attacking it yet.
The creature is made mostly of mana so magic should have no problem hurting it, even if just barely due to the enormous level difference. The fact that it didn¡¯t just snap the glass container or Valka after saying something so stupid out loud just proves that the wind spirit should be unable to protect itself.
Killing an elusive spirit¡ just imagine the Class options that would give me¡ Although, that would be straight-up murder.
¡°Well, let¡¯s do it. I¡¯m hungry and had enough of this place.¡± I place my palm against the glass.
A tiny localized explosion is all that it takes for the container to shatter to pieces and for even more water to cover the floor. Not that it matters, we¡¯re already barefooted. Now, I totally expected the blue one to be a water spirit and be the water itself however it turns out to be just another wisp of fart just like its cousin or however this works among spirits.
Free at last?
Oh great, are we about to go through this again?
¡°Valka, would you be so kind as to free the other two while I ask them a few questions? They don¡¯t seem all that dangerous.¡± I know the old stories described them as friendly but I like to be careful.
¡°You really can talk to them huh? I don¡¯t think that¡¯s an elven thing so you really might not be human.¡± Her voice sounds impressed even if just barely as she moves to do as I asked.
¡°So you no longer have masters?¡± I ask the two¡ they really do look like glowing farts.
The two spirits have been doing what can only be described as hugging in the meantime albeit without limbs, or body, or anything that one would need to give a hug. Although it becomes pretty clear pretty fast that this is more than a long time no see hug after the two begin floating around me.
Our masters, dead and deceased, returned to dust.
But we were trapped in those prisons, sapping our energy away day after day for eternity.
Old masters, scaled and ancient. The first. Thou, however¡ an elf perhaps? Something more? The whispers of mana you can hear, a rare talent among the living.
Whispers of mana? Well, the pulses stopped now that Valka smashed the central pillar and¡ yep, all the containers. Those were anything but whispers. Also, the spirits are surprisingly talkative¡ after being trapped for thousands of years. Yeah, that was stupid.
With all four colorful farts freed they gather around for a group hug that also seems to be a special way of communication between them. Four elements and the four symbols outside¡ Too weak. The power the murder doodles outside displayed was nothing compared to what Identify tells me however at least their existence explains why I struggled so much when wrestling for control.
A miracle I even held on actually¡
Actually, the longer I observe these four the more questions I have. How their magic works, why they were locked up in here and by whom, where the other spirits are, and whether or not those stairs can actually take us back to the surface. All questions awaiting answers if only I wasn¡¯t considerate enough to let them have their moment. After thousands of years¡
¡°Do you believe in good deed never goes unrewarded?¡± Valka steps closer as we observe the four anomalies.
¡°Unpunished you mean?¡± I chuckle sarcastically.
I don¡¯t expect anything, expectations only bring disappointment. With that said I¡¯d be happy for something nice even though this whole rescue was just a fluke on our way out.
The spirits mingle for a while before gathering around me again to convey their wish.
We are shriveled.
Starving.
Empty.
So we beseech you for strength.
Energy.
Life.
Okay, the way they¡¯re finishing each other¡¯s sentences is a bit creepy. Besides, I don¡¯t feel like giving them my life or whatever they want just because they ask nicely.
¡°What do they want?¡± Valka asks, probably reading my reaction.
¡°My¡ life?¡± I¡¯m uncertain myself.
¡°I told you we should kill them.¡± She cracks her fingers, eyeing the spirits dangerously.
Mana. Please share your mana.
One of them finally clarifies.
Your mana is pure.
Compatible.
Nurturing.
The sweetest.
Okay, this is beginning to sound creepy again.
¡°Whatever, eat.¡± I raise my arms and release my mana as I normally would when wielding my magic.
The spirits jump at the opportunity like starved dogs, sucking it up greedily before touching my skin and going a step further. Usually, my mana flows through me as fast as I allow it or rather as fast as my Intelligence allows but now¡ it burns. The spirits are basically sucking me dry, pulling mana through my body so fast that I collapse on the ground with my eyes going water.
¡°Stop it!¡± I scream as power slowly leaves my body.
The spirits on the other hand begin to solidify, their elements and bodies taking shape along with their distinct presences descending on the room that once was their prison.
Valka reacts quickly swinging at the earth spirit closest to her only for her fist to basically bounce off as it meets the rocks forming its body. Yet the elemental beings don''t retaliate and just keep on feasting¡ feasting on me.
It takes mere seconds for my mana reserves to get completely emptied which comes as a relief with no more mana to be forced through my body. My everything felt like bursting from the amount of pressure¡ is this what giving birth is like?
¡°Why?¡± I whisper with hateful eyes.
Valka¡¯s standing guard above me, acting as a shield in the face of the four spirits somewhat empowered now by sucking almost every drop of mana out of my body. We helped them, without any conditions or ulterior motives, and yet¡ good deeds really don¡¯t go unpunished.
We¡¯re sorry but trust is a luxury we cannot afford. Not anymore, not towards anyone.
The spirits speak in unison before forming a ring in the air and beginning to¡ hum. Their voice is otherworldly, resonating with the world itself. The melody despite being simple touches something deep inside me, something fundamental and ancient, something that knew these tunes since before my birth. Like nature singing.
At the crescendo of their little performance the air, or rather the space the four spirits surround ripples before tearing itself apart like a light purple wound. On the edges, the tear seems to be adorned by the stars while on the other side are shapes that my mind simply fails to comprehend however I try.
¡°Wait!¡± I didn¡¯t get my answers yet.
Thank you and fare well.
The spirits speak as one before piling through the narrowing hole in reality. The hole they opened by simply singing and likely a portal hiding many of the answers researchers would sell their families for.
Yet before the tear can fully close, before the world can return to normal, something emerges from the other side. The world loses its colors, donning a grey hue the moment a massive arm covered in white feathers emerges with vivid purple lines running up and down its length in stark contrast with the faded reality. The colors and aura it emanates seemingly make the world shrink back, no, bow in reverence as it slowly reaches toward us.
¡°Did the world finally change for the better? For the lost lambs to be returned to the fold¡ You have my gratitude. Rest now.¡±
This time to voice clearly isn¡¯t the result of some mana shenanigans and I clearly feel it transmitted through¡ everything. The air, the mana, and even the emotions.
Before I can react or even protest a finger gently presses against my forehead.
¡°To quench your curiosity and help you in the future.¡±
The voice declares and a light purple gleam escapes from the fingertip. I feel an indescribable energy flow through my being. It¡¯s both hot and cold, rough and gentle, soothing and energizing¡ It¡¯s something more.
Then the arm shifts toward Valka who raises her arms to protect herself although I¡¯m pretty sure even Bennett would be powerless against whoever this is.
¡°To patch the gaping hole of loneliness.¡±
This time a round metal ball emerges from the massive palm before floating over to Valka and gently plopping down on top of her head.
¡°The debt is now settled, may the mana guide you.¡±
And with that the arm disappears back through where it came from, allowing the world to breathe again. Breath returns to my lungs along with the colors of the world, yet everything is not okay.
Who was that? A God? But which one? And what happened to me? And where did that portal lead to?
¡°Fuck!¡± I yell, breaking the silence upon remembering something.
¡°What? What happened? Did it hurt you?¡± Valka rushes over with distress in her eyes, letting the metal orb fall to the ground.
¡°I forgot to use Identify.¡± I slam my fist repeatedly into the ground no matter how much it hurt even the first time.
Chapter 76 - Through Stone and Darkness
Just thinking about the boost Identify could¡¯ve gotten if I wasn¡¯t so stunned¡ Argh, I¡¯m so stupid. What was that thing even and why did the world react like that? It was powerful, no, beyond what the word power can describe, beyond even the head of the Fist, I¡¯m certain. And yet I doubt it was a God.
Gods never show themselves, not even to their most devout followers or even in the most dire situations. Never. But then-
¡°What is this thing?¡± Valka¡¯s voice breaks me out of the chaotic world of my mind.
She seems far less hung up on what we just witnessed, holding the small metallic orb like a piece of rock and looking at me questioningly. I envy her attitude. Sure we can¡¯t do much more than ask questions and we should be thankful we got out of this unscathed but instead of answers even more questions is all I¡¯ve got.
Well, no point in searching for answers when I know so little. Savant is of no help here and I doubt Valka is any wiser. As a matter of fact, I have very little hope of receiving an answer even from Martha. But first¡
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Elyssia
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Age: 12
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 4220/4220
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Free Points: 10
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+458/hour
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Might: 7
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Intelligence: 462
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Mana: 422
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Speed: 101
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Focus: 522(+77)
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Willpower: 458
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Endurance: 80
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Dexterity: 30
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Fortitude: 80
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 53
Identify lvl 67
Dodging lvl 59
Pain Tolerance lvl 30
Premonition lvl 64
Survival lvl 42
Maintained Magic lvl 44
Serne Spellcrafting lvl 56
Martial Instinct lvl 7
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I. Class: Mystical Daredevil - Arcane lvl 72
Arcane Mastery lvl 72
Armory of the Arcane lvl 69
Mana Perception lvl 71
Elemental Burst lvl 55
Arcane Focus lvl 69
Chaotic Touch lvl 47
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II. Class: *Locked*
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Pretty close to my ideal for a Class up but more importantly, I¡¯m absolutely super certain the spirits sucked every bit of mana out of my body, and yet¡ Valka received a cool metal ball and I got my mana back, is that supposed to be it? A piece of junk and something the Hadron crystal in my bag could achieve without all the fanfare?
No. It was different, not the simple soothing feeling like an icy cold drink in the summer, not the usual. Heh, I hoped for answers and more questions are all I got.
¡°Let me see that.¡± I crawl over to check the gift Valka received since whatever I got isn¡¯t really tangible. If I got anything in the first place other than a mana recharge¡
A solid silver-colored metal orb about the size of an apple with some blueish hue. Identify gives back nothing however Mana Perception reveals something much more wondrous. The orb has a mana weave, no, an entire mana field of its own unlike products of a Craftsman reinforced and shaped by a Skill. It¡¯s solid, complex, and incredibly elegant.
Like a magnetic field.
¡°So?¡± Valka pokes my cheeks.
I get that she¡¯s curious and I¡¯ve been just basically staring at the thing for a while now but she really needs to learn so bare-bones basic manners.
¡°Cool piece of metal you have here. Would make a fine sword.¡± My shit-eating grin is world-class because it''s clear Valka never used any weapons to fight in her life and probably never will.
Yet the reaction is nothing like I expected. ¡°But the arm said it''s something to solve loneliness.¡± She mutters with eyes locked on her small treasure, probably the only thing she can call her own.
¡°Well, many people consider their weapons and armor as companions.¡± Now I feel a little bad and start bullshitting. ¡°Or maybe it has some other sentimental value. Something from your home?¡±
It¡¯s pretty obvious my comment gets us nowhere and I can very much understand her frustration with our lackluster boons after such a grandiose entrance but at the same time, I don¡¯t think we deserve to be mad. We did barely anything, like, smashed some glass and had my mana slurped up but that¡¯s it.
I¡¯m still curious how the spirits did that by the way. I heard void sodden materials can do something along those lines but to have someone not only steal your magic but also the mana right out of your body¡ Wild.
¡°We should go.¡± Valka reaches over to the bag on my shoulder and drops the only piece of loot we got in this entire labyrinth, tomb, secret city¡ whatever this place is. Pretty weak I¡¯m not gonna lie.
With one door hiding the city, one the now empty prison of the spirits we only have the leftmost one to explore with the staircase and hopefully our ticket out of here. There¡¯s no doubt a curious itch in both of us, whispering glory and riches if we were to just follow the stairs down but¡ That itch needs to be burned, not scratched.
¡°After you.¡± I gesture my brute to enter, providing the light in the form my a gentle ball of fire.
¡°I¡¯ll remember that order when it comes to getting our meals served.¡± She huffs, walking past me without any actual complaints.
She knows I live longer when she acts as my shield and it¡¯s pretty obvious that she herself will have a greater chance at surviving whatever we face if I¡¯m there to have her back. We¡¯re barely allies, definitely not friends but clearly in need of one another.
Unlike the intact hallway leading up to the three metal gates, this place is in complete shambles. Worse than the tunnels we wandered for hours as a matter of fact. It¡¯s pretty spacious so we won''t have much problem when it comes to combat but the walls have already collapsed here and there and the edges of the stairs look like they¡well, as old as they are.
Step after step, after step after step¡
¡°I hate stairs.¡± I complain and we haven¡¯t even been going for a minute.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
***
I¡¯ve always preferred staying in a city and dealing with the crowds and stupid people over wandering the wilds and giving up all the luxuries civilization has to offer for the freedom outside. But anything underground definitely tops the list of most undesirable places in my opinion.
Caves suck because they smell and are dangerous without an exception and as it turns out the artificial stuff is no better.
¡°How many steps was that?¡± Valka ask as we¡¯re currently resting for the fourth time on our way up on the endless stairway.
¡°I stopped counting after seven hundred.¡± I admit, massaging my poor legs and cursing whoever built this place.
It doesn¡¯t even add up. The spike trap was about three stories deep, we only walked for a few hours maybe in the tunnels without any serious slopes and I would¡¯ve noticed if we were teleported at any point in time. There¡¯s just simply no way.
¡°Are you down to start digging?¡± I ask, completely out of options and patience at this point.
¡°Absolutely!¡± She growls before hopping up and punching the wall right in front of us with a resounding boom.
And the wall collapses revealing even more darkness on the other side.
¡°Oh don¡¯t tell me¡¡± I feel my will to live dip instantly. ¡°Wait here!¡± I tell Valka and begin running down the steps.
Please don¡¯t do this to me, please don¡¯t do this to me, please don¡¯t do this to me!
I know if I¡¯m wrong the climbing back up will be quite a hassle but I¡¯d love to be proven wrong this time. I¡¯d even pay for it.
But it turns out I¡¯m right, as usual.
While rushing down the light of the fire finally illuminates a figure a little taller than me and with white fur covering its upper part.
¡°How did you do that?¡± Valka¡¯s incredulous voice almost makes me want to cry,
This is a loop, one of the simplest traps using space magic and one I¡¯ve joked about when we scoured the tunnels just hours ago. It¡¯s a dumb and obvious little trick that is almost completely harmless, and quite easy to notice if you know what you¡¯re looking for¡
But that¡¯s the thing¡ the cracks on the walls, the imperfections on the steps, or even the tilt of the tunnel¡ none of them are repeating themselves. I made sure. Which means¡ I don¡¯t know what it means but I¡¯m sure any and every scholar would be drooling even at the idea of studying inscriptions like this.
¡°What now?¡± Valka asks glancing between me and the hole she punched in the wall.
¡°Just keep punching, the stairs are a dead end.¡± I answer with my, attention already elsewhere looking for the lines of power fueling this prison.
Dead end¡ Well, walking forever without reaching your goal does sound like a dead end to me even if it doesn¡¯t actually have an end.
Savant can answer many of my questions regarding the mysteries of the world however I never found a common ground between it and the different inscription languages. How they turn mana into actual magic with only a few twirls or cute little pictures. I know some methods are derived from songs or the mana vessels of the living and so on but¡ why does it work? That always interested me.
Despite Mana Perception being able to sense irregularities in mana most people have no clue about, I still fail to find anything substantial. That is until Valka smashes a hole big enough for us to fit through into the wall.
At first, I thought there was only endless darkness on the other side, a lightless and cruel emptiness just like our parents painted the Abyss to be. But now that the hole got wider that presumption turns out to be¡ pretty accurate. Even with my flame working hard to illuminate what¡¯s on the other side I can¡¯t make out anything other than the radiant outside wall of the infinite staircase stacked with many layers of inscriptions. Lines and symbols completely foreign to me.
I¡¯m definitely coming back here in the future, scholars would pay entire fortunes to study something like this. I think.
¡°There¡¯s nothing.¡± I mutter after staring into the great emptiness for a while.
¡°No.¡± Valka sniffs the air vigorously. ¡°Drop the fire!¡±
Drop it? Like extinguish? Or¡
I pump some more juice into the flames, increasing its size, heat, light, and everything before commanding it to fall below. You can¡¯t really drop fire, it¡¯s not a torch.
Watching the fire plummet along the inscription-clad tower is just¡ weird. It feels like someone turned the usual dropping something into a well situation just turned inside-out. A bottomless well.
¡°Is there really bottom to it?¡± Valka asks as the fire grows distant before slowly disappearing.
¡°There isn-¡± I¡¯m about to answer when something finally happens.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Copper Spider].]
The corners of my mouth curve into a devious smile when a message pops up, only to return to its original state of an irked frown after reading through the entire thing.
¡°I hate spiders.¡± I mutter, eyeing the tower before sighing and climbing out of the hole.
¡°Wait, what are you doing?¡± Valka pulls me back like a ragdoll in fright.
I¡¯m not used to this treatment, to being manhandled¡ me. She saved my ass, proved somewhat useful, also ate all my food, and tried to kill me once¡ Yeah. Maybe she does deserve an earful. But that has to wait until after we¡¯re out of here.
¡°I hope you¡¯re good at climbing because there is something down there.¡± Then I pop my head through the hole, turning my gaze upwards. ¡°Yeah, the only way is down.¡±
After all those steps, the endless stairs and my aching legs¡ and the fucking tower end just a little above us, clearly broken like a snapped twig. Spatial trap aside, we¡¯re still pretty deep underground and going downwards is the last thing that would come to my mind when it comes to reaching the surface.
¡°You first.¡± Valka grins fiendishly as she mirrors my previous gesture.
Not that I can argue with her on this one.
***
I really can¡¯t complain this time, we had an easy climb down the side of the tower. A long one but without any traps or things trying to take a bite. Creating footholds was child¡¯s play with Chaotic Touch to erase the inscriptions followed by a little nudge of earth magic to create the protrusions. I¡¯m a master at climbing beyond my elven heritage and the brute is basically made for this so the journey was simple yet tedious.
¡°Ugh, maybe we should just head back to the tunnels.¡± I propose after finally catching a glimpse of what¡¯s waiting below us.
¡°Yeah, and how do you plan on navigating in the moving maze?¡± Valka yells down sarcastically before almost sitting on my face while I¡¯m hesitating. ¡°Move already!¡±
¡°But it¡¯s gross. I hate spiders.¡± My desire to die in an underground tunnel instead of going down there just keeps growing the more I hover my fiery lantern to explore what awaits us.
Spider webs, eggs, legs, many many beady eyes and that disgusting noise their legs make when they move¡
¡°Get down there or I¡¯ll start kicking.¡± Valka threatens and I have no doubts she¡¯d hold herself to her word.
No¡ I don¡¯t think you will.
Without a warning, I let the bricks holding her crawl back into the wall, making her let out a very unladylike yelp before gravity butts in and does its job.
She can¡¯t threaten me like that without consequences.
Then Valka grabs me on her way down¡
The spiteful brute of a woman would rather pull me down with her instead of doing her job as a warrior and throwing herself into the disgusting mix of webs, too many eyes, hairy legs, and other yucky spidery stuff. But no, I can¡¯t just assist her from the safety of my ledge¡ not that it matters when spiders can climb actually.
We hit the ground with simultaneous pained groans, finding ourselves in what can only be a massive cavern infested by the bugs. At least Valka was considerate enough to take the brunt of the fall.
¡°You bitch.¡± I roll off her chest, ready and alert for whatever might approach.
¡°Right back at you.¡± Valka takes a little longer to get up. ¡°We¡¯re not done here.¡±
Her warning goes right over my head when the first leg steps into the circle of light around us. From the curtains of webs and tall pointy rocks emerges one tiny hairy leg quickly followed by seven more.
And I incinerate the thing right away.
¡°Why do you hate spiders this much?¡± Valka actually steps behind me, probably to clear my line of sight.
¡°Two legs are good.¡± I point at my own pretty pair of well-worn feet. ¡°Four is still okay. Many cute things have four legs.¡± Actually, almost everything cute has four legs. ¡°Six is pushing it a little but it¡¯s a sacred number and eight¡ it¡¯s just way too many and one too few at the same time. And let¡¯s not forget about the eyes.¡±
¡°That¡¯s it?¡± I can feel her ridiculing gaze even with my back towards her.
¡°Just shut up and hold my back.¡± The flames around me flare up. ¡°I¡¯m burning our way out of here.¡±
The endless darkness parts in front of me as I advance revealing more and more of the cavern that even now looks exactly what I¡¯d imagine the Abyss to look like. Even my lazy flames are able to turn webs and spiders alike into ash with almost no effort since the creatures are without the Guide, weak, and magicless.
The messages about all the worthless spiders dying at my hands just keep on coming, interspersed by some of their low leveled cousins or siblings or whatever ending up just the same despite the number beside their name. Weak and numerous, just the type of enemy I like.
Valka is holding on to my shoulder while following right in my wake, doing very little but giving me the type of support I need more than anything right now. I¡¯m basically walking into the unknown, into endless darkness filled with danger and courage is something I need right now more than mana.
Movement is life in our case means we need to find a way to the surface as fast as possible before anything beyond our capabilities decides to extinguish our light.
¡°Go left!¡± Valka¡¯s voice breaks through the muted howl of the flames and dying screeches.
I have no clue where I¡¯m going nor the will to question her word so left it is.
It takes only seconds for the ragged rocky floor to smoothen out a little and the dripstones to disappear almost entirely. Not the small spiders though, nor the growing cracks on the floor or the four massive gnarly pillars right ahead of us.
It takes a few more steps, a little more light, and a few years lost of my lifespan to come to the terrifying realization of what we stumbled into. When the rest of the titanic spider body gets illuminated my legs almost give out under me.
This might be the largest creature I¡¯ve seen in my life with eyes easily the size of me reflecting the light hovering above my shoulder like full-sized mirrors. Its bulging abdomen the size of a mansion resting on the ground and robust marble-like legs neatly beside the body and mandibles large enough to tear a horse in two with a single bite¡
We¡¯re so very dead.
In a last moment of despair I activate Identify to see what monstrosity will be our doom, however¡ the Skill returns with nothing. Not the first, second, or the third time¡
¡°Is it dead?¡± My voice echoes in the darkness.
But then what could¡¯ve killed it?
Chapter 77 - Path to Freedom I.
I¡¯m awed. No matter how much I despise spiders or how terrified I am even though I¡¯ve been told this specimen is already dead¡ I feel so small and insignificant even in the presence of its remains.
¡°I really hate this place, you know?¡± Valka grumbles, her eyes glued to the massive carcass while her legs are hard at work stomping the small spiders still coming at us relentlessly.
¡°At least you got something. More questions are all I found here.¡± A quick jog around the body showed no signs of injury. Nothing whatsoever.
Beasts don¡¯t tend to die of old age. It¡¯s not that they can¡¯t but with every evolution, they can somehow extend their lifespan and after breaching four digits they tend to live for many, many centuries.
This place is old, the spirits were old and the city looked absolutely ancient but even so I doubt this one died a natural death.
¡°We should keep moving.¡± Valka suggests and I couldn¡¯t agree more.
Ever since passing through that illusionary wall when I started following the spirits¡¯ cry things have been consistently going south. Danger after danger, the promise of freedom and sparks of curiosity juggled in front of our eyes yet just out of reach. This place sucks.
So I do the usual Elyssia thing when I¡¯m frustrated. Something impulsive and stupid.
¡°Close your eyes!¡± I¡¯m considerate enough to warn my partner this time, just to avoid any arguments.
My cute little fireball acting as a lantern until now floats up high in the air where I pump it full of mana to increase the flames both in size and intensity until even I can barely make out anything without going blind. Finally, the outline of the cavern wall becomes visible along with many many other things left forgotten under the veil of complete darkness.
Corpses and skeletons in the thousands, broken wings sizeable shaped out of what looks like metal embedded into a wall, and spiders. As if irked by the intense light a furious screech breaks the relative silence just the way I shattered the darkness. It¡¯s hard to tell how far, how big, or how dangerous but I don¡¯t plan on sticking around to find out.
¡°There!¡± I grab the wobbly and half-blind Valka, despite my clear warning, and sprint toward what seems to be a tunnel in the distance.
The chances of it leading straight to freedom are abysmal but it¡¯s easier to defend and can stop massive opponents for a while. Clearly the best direction.
Taking one last glance at the titanic remains of the once mighty spider I finally catch something unusual under intense albeit diminishing light. The top of its body seems¡ open. Just completely missing.
I don¡¯t get to ponder more on the how, the what, or the when because the last thing I see as the lights go dim is the shadow of a very large and very spidery leg cresting a wall to our right. Likely the owner of the ear-piercing screeches and just as likely an offspring of the big bad dead thing we left behind.
The looks of the creature remain a mystery, not that I¡¯m curious, as we finally reach the tunnel just as dark, damp and depressing as the rest of the underground spider habitat. And the webs, the unending walls of thick spiderwebs covering everything.
This does give me some hope of something else besides spiders living down here because those eight legs are the last thing I¡¯d want to eat.
¡°Don¡¯t stop here!¡± I drop the useless advice. Just in case.
Just because I¡¯m adaptable and clearly smarter than almost any beast doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t bring something new to the table. They can be surprisingly cunning and being overly cautious is the only remedy for that type of danger.
¡°You should collapse-¡±
I¡¯m already one step ahead. Halting my escapade I turn on my heels and throw a violent ball of fire promising a real blast at the ceiling while aiding its destructive work with a hint of earth magic. The results are instantaneous and the furious screech from the other side proves the effectiveness of the makeshift barricade.
I¡¯ve basically trapped ourselves. There might be creatures just as dangerous down this tunnel but now all we have to our back is a dead end. Still better than an army of spiders.
¡°What now?¡± Valka inquires, already walking a few paces ahead of me.
¡°The exact same thing we¡¯ve been doing for about a day now.¡± I chuckle. ¡°We wander around aimlessly and hope for the best.¡±
¡°That¡¯s a shitty plan.¡± The wild grind on Valka¡¯s face says it all. ¡°Just keep lighting the path, I¡¯ll take the vanguard!¡±
There really is nothing else we can do. Only forward.
***
¡°Hey, wake up!¡± Someone gently pokes my shoulder. ¡°I let you rest a little longer but enough is enough.¡± The nudges are getting more and more aggressive. ¡°I heard your stomach growl in your sleep and I¡¯m also starving.¡±
¡°Just a few more minutes Mom.¡± I mutter and roll over finding the rest of the hard rock surface just as uncomfortable to lie on.
¡°Get up or I¡¯ll find a spider and put it in your clothes.¡± Valka¡¯s ice-cold tone makes sure her words sound like a promise rather than a joke. And I¡¯m sure she¡¯d do it.
I finally open my eyes with a big stretch and a groan that would put even old people to shame. What welcomes me is a little hideyhole I made in a corner, a tiny spark controlled by Maintained Magic, and a frowning Valka. We¡¯re still underground, still hungry, and still very lost.
¡°How did you even survive all alone without me?¡± Valka pulls me to my feet, sounding a lot like Mom without the benefit of actually being my mother.
¡°I didn¡¯t have days'' worth of supplies disappear in a second.¡± I counter, shaking my very empty bag.
¡°We can always find something else to eat.¡± She crosses her arms and looks pointedly at the stone wall I raised to cover us while we sleep.
¡°Sure, we have snails, spiders, and some other small lizards. Make your pick.¡± With that said the lizards look more and more appetizing by the hour.
It¡¯s been about a day or two since we escaped the spider cave if my inner clock is to be trusted. With little to no rest and basically no sustenance we won¡¯t last much longer but at least it''s not the spiders that get us.
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I think we got rid of the eight-legged nightmares not long ago and now we¡¯re only left with beasts more afraid of us than the other way around. Hopefully, that means they¡¯re not all that strong and confident, suggesting the surface can¡¯t be that far.
I miss the light of Solaire, the fresh air and-
Out of nowhere, Valka punches the wall behind me strong enough for pieces of rocks to come falling down. The crack I hear is hopefully just the stone and not her bones because there¡¯s clearly enough force behind the strike to crush every bone in me.
It¡¯s pretty frightening but I won¡¯t stop messing with her just because she¡¯s really freaking strong, I¡¯m not a helpless damsel either.
¡°What was that?¡± I make an umbrella of arcane to save myself from the falling debris.
¡°Just wanted to make sure this isn¡¯t one of those space jumbles.¡± The slight frown on her face betrays her tough act, that punch must¡¯ve hurt. Probably didn¡¯t hurt enough to make her any wiser but that¡¯s not my problem.
She still keeps acting like an animal most of the time, as if she grew up among berserker bears after being dropped on her head as a child. I could teach her¡ with food maybe, like a dog? Proper human food, yes, that¡¯d definitely work. Oh Gods what I¡¯d give for a slice of cake or even fresh bread right now¡
¡°What¡¯s on your mind? Something good?¡± She asks while checking the perimeter after my wall has been pulled down.
¡°What, no? What do you mean?¡± I stutter, I can¡¯t deny it.
How did she know? Only my parents, Bennett, Martha, and the squad can read me like that. We haven¡¯t even known each other for a week.
¡°I¡¯m not blind, I noticed how they move.¡± She explains basically nothing. So I do the usual head tilt and eyebrow raise. ¡°Hah, you e-¡± She slaps a hand on her mouth, going wide-eyed and collapsing on the ground all of a sudden.
¡°Valka!¡± I rush over in fright, only to find her in tears and holding her side as her entire body trembles.
She¡¯s laughing.
Valka POV:
There¡¯s no way she doesn¡¯t know. I can¡¯t believe the people around her kept her in the dark for twelve long years about this, I refuse to believe it.
¡°What!¡± Elyssia demands this time with her ears pulling backward and lowering slightly.
Seeing this I completely lose it and dissolve into laughter.
Her ears¡ they betray all her thoughts. Slight wiggles for excited or happy, up means surprised or embarrassed, down is usually sad or something troubling, while back is angry or combat mode. And then there¡¯s the way they can turn red in just seconds¡
Cute.
It takes a good few minutes of dying on the ground, plenty of shouting and yapping from Elyssia, and endless wheezing for air to finally calm down. Her ears and the thought of her being completely in the dark will likely never stop being a source of entertainment but I do manage to overcome the urge to cackle.
I can¡¯t even remember the last time I laughed like this¡
¡°WHAT!¡± She demands and I almost lose it again.
¡°No- nothing, we should, pffff!¡± I can¡¯t help but giggle again, only to be rewarded with a blast of wind right at my face.
The push is strong enough to make me skid back a few steps and it does manage to make me forget about the comedy that my companion is. Not because it poses any danger, no, but rather due to the smells the air rushing past me carries.
¡°Do you smell that?¡± I sniff the air, looking for that specific scent again.
¡°You need to be a bit more specific. Is it the feces, the decay, or the damp rocky stench?¡± Elyssia is as snapy as ever although this time it¡¯s entirely my fault.
¡°Meat, roast to be more specific.¡± I describe to her what I¡¯ve felt.
¡°You must be hallucinating.¡± She huffs and starts walking.
¡°Do that again, the wind thing!¡± I barely finish the sentence and the air is already rushing at me, throwing me off my feet and continuing to roar into my face for a few more seconds.
She¡¯s enjoying it¡ The ears don¡¯t lie.
¡°There!¡± I hop up. ¡°This way.¡±
The retribution for Elyssia¡¯s childish behavior has to wait because now I¡¯m certain. I wasn¡¯t just making up things. Beastly Perception enhances all my senses which can sometimes backfire, like when a bear roars right into my ears or something is trying to bite my arm off but it saved my skin plenty of times, it stays.
¡°But if you¡¯re wrong-¡± Elyssia tries to bitch again.
¡°Then what? We can¡¯t get any more lost. I trusted your judgment in the tunnel, now it¡¯s your turn to trust mine.¡± My words are not just simple facts but also a request. I want her to trust me.
This does shut her up surprisingly. I sharpen my senses and follow the smell, moving with haste yet not too fast, I don¡¯t want to make a fool out of myself.
The first few turns are simple, two right and one left, then just at the next junction a few steps before the tunnel begins to broaden the smell reveals its secret. A crack in the wall, barely big enough for a mouse to fit through and close to the ceiling, just out of sight.
I pull my arm back to clear the way but Elyssia stops me. ¡°Let me!¡± She whispers. ¡°We don¡¯t know what to expect so I¡¯d like to keep the element of surprise.¡±
And she¡¯s right.
The rocks begin to part, slowly and meticulously, making as little noise as possible while breaking off the wall and piling to the sides. I do have to clear my throat and pointedly look at myself after she stops clearing the path a little too early with the hole just big enough for her and too small for me.
When we finally climb through the small flame Elyssia uses as our source of light illuminates what I can only describe as hope. There¡¯s greenery here, mostly moss and a few skinny roots reaching into some puddles but it is still infinitely more than what we¡¯ve seen in the past days. It¡¯s a marvelous first step.
The eerie silence of the underground is also no more as the rattling of water and muted echoes of distant conversation reach our ears.
¡°Careful from here. Remember we have no friends in the forest.¡± Elyssia reminds me as I take the lead.
Despite her words, it proves difficult to hold myself back as my excitement overflows. We might finally get out and get to sleep under the starry night sky and hunt for a proper meal and get a step closer to freedom. To fulfilling my promise¡ With that said, I hope Elyssia doesn¡¯t go back on her word.
The closer we get the louder the voices are yet I still don¡¯t understand a word spoken despite my superb hearing.
¡°What are they saying.¡± I ask Elyssia since she¡¯s native to this continent and not me.
¡°Shush, I do have a guess about who we¡¯re dealing with. We¡¯re either fortunate as hell or in for the most painful and humiliating death you can imagine.¡± Her answer is not too encouraging but I¡¯m willing to fight through anything standing between us and the surface.
It only takes a few more turns to find the next corner illuminated by what¡¯s clearly the light of a camper fire, judging by the dancing shadows on the wall. We can now hear all speakers loud and clear, albeit without understanding a word they say.
¡°What now?¡± I ask, despite having a few ideas of my own.
¡°Let¡¯s move to the bend.¡± That we do. ¡°I¡¯ll check if I was ri-¡± But just as she¡¯s about to get an eye on the mysterious grill party someone from the other side decides to reveal¡ itself?
A small creature looking like a disfigured green child clearly abandoned by its parents for being too hideous. Large beady eyes, massive ears, hunched back, patchy hair, a potbelly and a smell strong enough to stop even a punch.
¡°Catch it!¡± Elyssia hisses and I decide to trust her word without hesitation.
My hand springs out and grabs the ugly child by its face, making sure to cover its mouth before lifting it off the ground and bringing it close for inspection. As it turns out Elyssia has other plans and she slits the creature''s throat with a blade of wind without any hesitation.
¡°Just as I thought, goblins.¡± She mutters more to herself than me. ¡°Ugly little buggers. There might be hundreds of them but if we move can dispatch them fast enough and move swiftly¡ yeah, that might work.¡±
The gleam in her eyes and of course the ears tell me the planning session is over. She¡¯s smart while her adaptability and experience both leave me in the dust. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d lose to her if she were to betray me or that she¡¯s more than me but one needs to respect wisdom. That is the teaching of my tribe.
¡°Show no mercy Valka, these creatures are pests, worse than rats.¡± Elyssia explains with a disgusted frown and ice-cold eyes. ¡°Aelion might even thank us for cleansing the lands of goblins. Be swift and quiet, we¡¯re not here to exterminate but be ready¡¡± Her eyes turn dark. ¡°If they capture us death will be the least of our worries.¡±
Stealth is not my strongest suit but I really don¡¯t feel like dying today. Together we can do it.
Chapter 78 - Path to Freedom II.
¡°Ready?¡± I ask, get the nod I¡¯m looking for. ¡°You take closest the three, I take the four in the back. Don¡¯t stop moving until we¡¯re out!¡±
Valka is as dense as they get but she¡¯s far from stupid. However, a quick reminder never hurts when the situation is this intense.
¡°Go!¡±
At my word Valka burst forth into the light, surprising the goblins, cooking what seems to be an entire monkey. She rushes at the closest ones like a true predator and I follow close behind with four spears of ice floating at my sides and glistening in the light. Their tips are already aimed at my targets and a thought is all they need to shoot out, flying right past Valka and striking true.
From this distance it¡¯s hard to miss, however, only two manage to deliver a soul each to Malor while the other two suffer only mortal wounds. But that¡¯s not good enough for me.
Advancing past Valka who¡¯s currently snapping the neck of one of the poor goblins I release a wind blade on course to sever the head of the kneeling goblin while dealing with the other one backing away from us in fright. Just as it opens its ugly mouth with a few teeth here and there the wall behind it turns into a rocky porcupine and pierces the deformed green body enough times to kill it in an instant.
¡°Done.¡± Valka declares with blood pouring from her arms and a goblin still in her grasp.
I thought I was a bit cruel but she seems to have shattered a skull, broken a spine, an arm, and a throat, and lastly¡ she basically tore out the throat of a poor creature. At least she did her thing silently.
¡°Let¡¯s keep-¡±
¡°Iiiek!¡± A high-pitched scream of terror and anger comes from the righthand tunnel where now stands a goblin, an eighth one we didn¡¯t account for.
The screech was clearly for its brethren because just like spiders, rats, and locusts, goblins rely on their numbers to bring down their target. Valka hurls the body still in her hand at the new arrival taking it to the ground only for me to finish it off with a pebble through one of its eyes.
¡°To the right!¡± I pick our path and start running.
Even though the goblin just came from this direction and we¡¯re almost guaranteed to run into quite a few more of the green pests the tunnel slopes upwards and that takes priority. Being discovered was within my calculations from the start however I didn¡¯t expect it to happen this soon. We¡¯ll need to pick up the pace and be ready to face a veritable goblin horde if our usual luck persists.
We no longer proceed in our Valka first and I¡¯m right behind as fire support setup, instead advancing as fast as we can and taking turns clearing the path. When a few goblins pop up there¡¯s no need for the both of us to get bogged down.
I can make the walls devour them and break all their limbs, just simply shoot them down with a lightning bolt, or send an explosive pellet straight into their necks. Valka just breaks things¡ brute. The goblins prove only slightly more resilient than the rats however there is a reason why many call them the scourge of civilization¡
A cleverly hidden tripwire and a careless step is all it takes for the wooden frame hidden in the wall right next to me to slam around in a half-circle, adorned with rusty spikes and whatever scrap weapons the goblins found. It¡¯s a nasty trap and with the potential to be lethal¡ But compared to what we faced down in the tunnels this is a joke.
I do get startled a little yet my steps remain steady as Serene Spellcrafting does its job and I find a simple solution. First, a touch of earth magic rips the springs and hinges out of the wall, turning the trap into a flying hazard after which a simple pillar of stone stops the spikes in their track. Simple, swift, efficient.
And I¡¯m smug as fuck because that looked awesome. I¡¯m a natural genius.
From behind the trap pops up yet another deformed green child, probably hoping for the trap to do the brunt of the work but the shock and disappointment on its face says it all. Finally, I can put the hand-to-hand combat Bennett made us drill into practice.
I grab its slim wrist holding the chipped and rusty knife, twisting it slightly using the goblin''s momentum before digging my knee into its chest just the way we practiced. The goblin proves to be a lot weaker opponent than August was, that uncooperative bastard, and hugs right away. Just to do things without magic for a change I stomp on its neck to finish the job only for Valka to bolt past me.
¡°Stop messing around!¡± She yells, already rounding the corner and gaining a huge lead.
¡°This isn¡¯t a race.¡± My voice probably doesn¡¯t reach her through whatever carnage she¡¯s causing but still, we¡¯re trying to be professional here. I could probably win though¡
With that thought in mind, I race after the warrior with a white mane. She can smash all the goblins for all I care, it only means less of the bothersome enemies for me without much danger to her life. Maybe she needs this, maybe this is her way of coping with the hardships of life.
And then I catch up to her, faster than I expected, finding Valka standing at the mouth of a dark room with a heavy stench of blood and decay oozing out into the tunnels. A quick glance is all I need to recognize what the goblins use the place for an¡
¡°Go ahead.¡± I put a hand on Valka¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with this.¡± And the flame dancing behind me turns from orange to furious, incandescent white.
She just silently nods and walks on with fists clenched and knuckles white, clearly shaken by the sight. And so am I even though I already knew what goblins are. They¡¯re parasites, unable to multiply on their own and without any morality or the slightest regard for life. Let¡¯s just say they need a body¡ dead or alive.
We just so happened to find their brood and I¡¯ll make sure nothing can walk out of this chamber alive.
I let fire do the cleansing, turning my head to the side and dismissing any and all kill notifications I get. Someone had to do it and Valka is kinder than she shows. Besides doing this by hand¡
With a heavy heart and vengeance vested in me by all those who fell victim to the goblins, I continue following in the wake of destruction. Valka clearly lost all sense of mercy and went on an absolute killing spree, maiming bodies beyond necessity and venting her emotions in the only way that comes to mind.
¡°She won¡¯t leave me any.¡± I chuckle as the battle-cries of the girl in question echo through the tunnels.
When I catch up Valka is already covered neck-deep with goblins, smashing them like mosquitoes and snarling no differently than a beast. This isn¡¯t the most optimal situation because hitting the goblins without causing any collateral damage is¡ Hehehe, it doesn¡¯t matter.
Windblades. Many many windblades. I swipe my hands left to right, up and down and in whichever direction I can come up with, sending arcs of razor-sharp air into the fray without any concern.
The goblins fall, in many pieces mostly, and Valka does a quick job on the remainder with only one regrettable casualty on our side.
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¡°You¡¯re naked.¡± I state the obvious, although most of her body is actually covered in blood.
¡°And whose fault is that, huh? Who tore my clothes to shreds?¡± She crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow without a hint of embarrassment.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll get you new ones.¡± I have no idea where we might find clothes in the forest.
¡°How can you even wear all the extra layers in this weather? I can basically feel my skin melting under the gaze of Solaire.¡± She complains, already past the whole clothes issue.
It¡¯s a pretty mild summer actually, I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s on about¡ Or maybe she''s one of those people. The exhibitionists.
Why do I always end up with the weirdos?
Then my eyes get drawn to something else other than the butt-naked girl standing in my face and the piles of corpses. Everything else in the room. The room itself actually. The design, carvings, and material are a picture-perfect match of what we found deeper below at the city and prison of the spirits. The abuse of time and mostly the goblins does make a big difference but I trust my intuition telling me to dig around a little and finally get some of that loot we deserve.
Heaeps of scraps, bones, pieces of rock and other things the goblins seem to have found valuable litter the room and the sizeable stone tables. Garbage is the only word that comes to mind and Mana Perception only confirms that idea.
¡°Put this on, we¡¯re not animals.¡± I throw her a tunic that¡¯s relatively clean and likely belonged to an unfortunate soul murdered by the green savages.
¡°C¡¯mon, we can¡¯t waste more time here.¡± For a change, I¡¯m the one acting irrationally and Valka is the voice of reason but I just can¡¯t let this go.
¡°But it doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡± I rummage through things in a frenzy. ¡°Why is this chamber here? For what purpose- Arrgh!¡± I begin to rage and smash things left and right.
Until it comes to pushing off a piece of uncure fur from the masterfully carved stone table in the center. Half its top is smashed to bits but the remaining side¡ well, they do say many things about knowledge and this could probably be considered a type of treasure.
¡°Holy shit.¡± I mutter.
I¡¯ve never seen a map of this scale, not in any books or even in the planning room. The Elder Forest, the Green Sea, the Sarahal Desert¡
¡°Oh, I think that¡¯s where I lived.¡± Valka exclaims and points to the mountains in the top left corner.
¡°You can read maps?¡± I look at her incredulously because that definitely isn¡¯t a common skill.
¡°No?¡± She tilts her head. ¡°But it says Koleth right there, and the mountains are covered in snow.¡± She basically reminds me once more that the lack of knowledge is no proof of one''s intelligence.
A map of this scale and age is probably worth a sum larger than how far I can count on its own if not for the damage and these small white symbols. Are there buildings? Wait, just to the left of the Azure Shore, is that¡ us? Does this map show the location of bases just like this one? I need to learn more about whoever built this place and maybe the others marked right here.
¡°Eli, we need to go, right now.¡± Valka begins to drag me away as the roars and high-pitched warcries coming from the depths of the tunnels grow louder.
¡°Just a few more seconds.¡± I whisper with my eyes glued to the map as I try to memorize each and every location.
¡°NOW!¡± Valka picks me up and start running. ¡°No secret is worth dying for.¡±
¡°Wait-¡± My words get stuck in my mouth as four more goblins pop around the corner armed to the teeth and quickly followed by a veritable army of their kin. ¡°Faster!¡± I yell instead, pulling up a shield to protect us from the incoming projectiles.
Valka moves much faster than anything my legs could ever achieve and being carried like this gives me ample room to unalive anything that breathes.
¡°Hold on.¡± The yell of my steed comes just a second before we slam into something, clearly crashing through it only to be basked in light.
We¡¯re out. And we¡¯re surrounded.
The tunnels were teeming with goblins and the mouth of the cave turned out to be no different with tiny huts, wobbly towers, and other botched buildings all around. It¡¯s basically a goblin village.
¡°How many do you count.¡± Valka asks as she gently puts me down and steps in front of me.
¡°About sixty.¡± Meanwhile, I busy myself with collapsing the cave entrance to protect our backs and stem the source of enemy reinforcements. ¡°Including the five big ones at the back.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t feel like escaping.¡± Valka cracks her neck. ¡°You take half I take half?¡±
¡°Don¡¯t get complacent.¡± I warn her nonchalantly. I know, not the best attitude. ¡°You might be able to shrug off the small ones but they can bog you down. Then the real threats will make you regret looking down on the small green pests.¡±
Warfare against goblins was part of Martha¡¯s basic curriculum, even though we never actually faced off against them before, and she drilled it into our heads to never look down on goblins. They¡¯re weak but still manage to kill people as frequently as real predators in the wilds. Really nasty opponents.
¡°Slow and steady, got it.¡± Good girl, she listens to me. ¡°But I want the big one.¡± She points at what should be a chieftain or some other sort of leader of the goblins feasting at the back.
Yes, feasting. The absolute unit of a goblin treats us as entertainment, yelling constantly in his kind¡¯s pig tongue flanked by his aides and the only sources of danger in this entire shithole.
¡°All yours.¡± I chuckle and make the first shot.
Or rather first few dozen shots. I stomp the ground, a completely unnecessary move, and it bursts forth in a barrage of sharp rocks and mundane pebbles to thin the small army surrounding us. I¡¯d consider an attack like this a waste of mana most of the time but against opponents this squishy and inept¡ It¡¯s perfect.
A shower of flames follows right after, mixed with a whirlwind of blades and then some more rocks because I liked how they screamed, hehe. They¡¯re goblins, they deserve every moment of the hell I unleash upon them.
Valka stays put, literally acting as my shield which comes in handy in a sixty versus two situation. The scrappy weapons and gnarly claws merely scrape her skin while every swing extinguishes a life, or at least breaks something crucial, like a knight clad in armor and swinging a mace. Except she¡¯s unarmed and barely clothed.
¡°Left!¡± I yell and Valka rotates, covering the flank while focusing on killing.
The energy bouncing around in my dancing strands of hair finally lashes out from the tip of my finger with a very different target in mind. A goblin bigger than average standing at the back with the lord observing us with disturbing cunning in its eyes. The feathered headpiece and carved wooden mask, along with human skulls and elven ears hanging from its belt paint a picture of something far more dangerous than the average goblin. Something we cannot allow to join the fray.
The arc flies through the air faster than any of us or even people three times our level could follow yet the spear of lightning does not strike true. A barrier made of all the metal scrap lying around springs up and protects the crazed trophy collector. Mostly. The power behind my attack blasts the shields, armor and broken weapons everywhere before reaching its intended target with a reduced kick.
There¡¯s only one goblin showing no signs of surprise. The fatty, their leader with its eyes locked on me and tongue slowly licking its greasy lips. I judged the disgusting book by its cover¡ as usual.
Now I¡¯m about to be overrun after leaving myself exposed just to deliver this attack that the target survived anyway. As if to add insult to injury, at a wave of their chieftain two of its aides, a lanky one carrying about a three dozen spears on its back and a goblin with arms thicker than my torso leave their spot to get rid of the disturbances.
I retreat a few steps before spewing fire again and sending waves through the earth to ensure the pests harassing me meet an early end. Their screams are just as unbearable as their stench or sight yet before I can make sure all of them are well done Premoniton picks something up from the corner of my eye.
The line it draws goes right through my chest, starting from a spear held in a reverse grip already mid-throw to take my life. Abandoning my assault I jump back to save my life only to bump into a back I¡¯ve seen one too many times.
¡°Should we retreat?¡± Valka asks as if that would be a simple thing to achieve.
We¡¯re in a tough spot but the thought of losing to goblins¡ to letting them fill their broodchamber again¡ I hate it.
¡°I want to slaughter them all.¡± I declare no matter how wrong it sounds.
The next spear flying straight at me gets stopped by an earth wall I prepared but clearly too weak to stop the buff goblin charging right toward us. The number of goblins is slowly decreasing but something tells me things will only get more difficult from now.
¡°Finally something we agree on.¡± Valka¡¯s chuckle surprises me along with the wicked grin on her face but it¡¯s also reassuring at the same time.
Some people find joy in the heat of battle and although I don¡¯t consider myself to be one of them weirdos for some reason¡ I look forward to this one.
Chapter 79 - Path to Freedom III.
¡°I have a plan.¡± Valka pulls me back just as the absurdly buff goblin smashes through my earthen barrier.
The big green bundle of muscles only has its eyes on me which proves to be a painful mistake when a fist much smaller, Valka-sized, slams into its side.
¡°You said the goblins are somewhat like the rats right?¡± She asks, casually grabbing a goblin by its leg and using it as a club to smash the other ugly green pests.
¡°You mean the horde mentality? Yeah, they should be similar.¡± I confirm although I¡¯m no expert on the topic.
It¡¯s cool and all having a conversation in the middle of a heated battle but splitting my concentration doesn¡¯t really help with killing. We might¡¯ve reduced the goblins¡¯ number by about half but with two of the dangerous ones now active, I doubt things will get any easier.
¡°Then I hope you¡¯re as tough as you act and don¡¯t need me to hold your hand.¡± She basically roars in excitement before rushing off. ¡°Keep these ones off me!¡± She adds and I finally realize what she¡¯s planning. And I don¡¯t like it.
With that said, complaining now would seem weak and scaredy on my part, basically admitting to having no confidence in my abilities. I can do this, killing things is a mage¡¯s specialty, it¡¯s just¡ There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll end this fight unscathed without Valka to act as the vanguard.
I¡¯ve grown soft.
¡°Fine,¡± I growl and the elements ready themselves at my command. ¡°Let¡¯s do this!¡±
The whitehead brute dives into the goblin ranks clearing a path with baffling ease, using her fists and entire goblins as weapons of mass destruction. She alone could take on all the small ones, I have no doubt about that, and if not for the five generals or leaders or whatever the goblins have than I¡¯d be nothing more than a hindrance. Deadweight¡
This won''t do.
In a second of lull created by Valka''s reckless assault, I grab the white crystal of nigh-infinite power from my trusty bag and prepare to unleash destruction like never before. The spear, or rather javelin-hurling goblin has already set its sights on Valka while the burly one is dead set on squashing me. Maybe dissecting it would reveal the conversion rate between muscle and brain matter among the goblin race¡ not that I plan on keeping the body intact.
Despite the danger in the shape of a massive fist coming right toward me, I elect to take down the ranged threat first. I step to the side and allow the massive fist to sail past me, moving swiftly behind the sluggish creature and delivering a kick to the back of its knee along with an explosion, bringing it to the ground.
I begin to form a spear of solid stone as a gift to the lanky ranged goblin aimed at its throat when Martial Instincts blows the horns of danger in my head. I still don¡¯t completely understand how the Skill works but it should work somewhere along the lines of decades of combat experience. Pretty handy.
I jump high up into the air as if possessed, bringing my legs up without stopping my preparations while watching a treetrunk-sized green arm whip around below me.
Aggression is always the answer, especially if the brain is clearly the weakest muscle. Is it even a muscle?
I land on the buff goblin¡¯s shoulder now with a fully hardened spear of stone and let it fly to stop the creature from interrupting Valka¡¯s advance, like a side character. I don¡¯t like my role.
The weapon flies through the air like a tool of judgment yet when it¡¯s just about to deliver a devastating blow the lanky goblin¡¯s hand snatches my creation out of the air. The skinny green thing sneers my way before hurling the tool I made after the bogged down Valka along with the javelin already in its hand. All I did was provide it with another tool, one it specializes in, to do exactly what I was trying to stop.
The speed of both throws leaves whatever my magic is capable of in the dust, making the weapons basically fly in a straight line and strike true, lodging into Valka¡¯s back and thigh. Unlike any attacks until now, or even the spike trap we encountered these things deal serious damage and manage to take down the seemingly unstoppable force with little effort.
[Goblin lvl 87]
The level disparity isn¡¯t too outrageous which means that particular opponent is all damage, no mobility, no resilience, no nothing. I can¡¯t imagine garbage weapons like those taking on a Blessing otherwise.
Valka falls to the ground with a pained grunt, quickly dogpiled by tens of ugly green children-sized devils trying to tear her apart. And although she really could¡¯ve paid more attention I do feel a little responsible. And so I hop down from my fuming green flesh platform, ordering the earth to lock its legs and slap it on the bump making the burly bundle of stupidity kiss the ground and leave me be for a second.
No more slacking.
I rush after my Warrior comrade, diving into the sea, or rather a puddle of goblins unleashing dancing sparks of lightning and ruthless bursts of fire as I advance. Some fall unconscious, others hit the ground crying in pain while the luckiest ones just die right away without the need for a follow-up strike.
My eyes jump from enemy to enemy observing all their movements, reactions, their gaze, weapons, center of gravity¡ everything. The sound of carnage gets completely muted as only my thoughts of the next step and most efficient response remain, fighting with more efficiency and deadliness than I¡¯m used to.
This state of concentration sadly isn¡¯t something I can achieve whenever I wish. It¡¯s a fickle thing appearing when my heart starts racing and my mind does things I can barely even comprehend, processing information faster than I can understand. Martha told me this isn¡¯t a Skill or Race thing but rather a sort of mentality, one usually observed among warriors in their fiercest battles. It also makes my head hurt like hell afterward.
After twisting my body to the point where I can feel my muscles protesting I counterattack again with waves of sharp rocks bursting out of the ground and bringing a gory end to a handful of the remaining goblins. Despite only about twenty or so of them still kicking I still need to dodge constantly, with danger closing in from all sides and the javelin thrower constantly eyeing me for a lethal throw.
When the goblins charge as one in a surprisingly coordinated effort I rely on Elemental Burst to push them all back slightly except for the slightly heavier steps right behind my back. When I turn with open palms and fuming balls of fire in hand to face the thing down a face I¡¯ve almost forgotten about meets me close enough so I can feel her breath.
¡°Thanks.¡± Valka grins before resuming her advance as if nothing has happened.
I can only gape like an idiot as she rips a goblin''s throat out with her bare hands and returns to her path of slaughter without any sass or any normal human reaction after suffering such serious wounds. A weirdo.
My astonishment completely shatters my previous absolute state of focus yet even without proper concentration I know, no, feel danger running its finger down the back of my neck. I¡¯ve been looking forward to it actually.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Mid-turn I catch a glimpse of the pointy weapon approaching flying at me with the promise of a swift death, fast and accurate just like before. It takes all my self-restraint to push myself out of the way with a blast of wind instead of trying to catch the weapon to prove myself but the moment the hurled javelin slams into the ground right at my feet¡ It¡¯s mine.
The green brute has been chasing me for a while now, pushing itself through its brethren without much concern for their safety and letting out deep guttural roars wherever I sent a lightning bolt at its face to keep it at bay. Now however I pick up the gifted spear, all the while holding perfect eye contact with the lanky goblin, and throw it up in the air for the winds to grab it for me and do the aiming while I prepare the throw.
My hand forms a claw, concentrating the raging power or a fiery burst in the middle as I pull the arm back.
¡°You went after my knucklehead,¡± I grin wildly at the spear-hurling goblin. ¡°Eye for an eye.¡± And slam my palm against the butt of the spear.
Half of the shaft gets shattered to splitters, unable to endure the force of the deafening explosion while the remaining bit¡ Well, I can only confirm its aftermath. A hole wide enough so I can see a goblin blinking on the other side gaping in the chest of the burly green freak with blood gushing out of it wildly.
The massive body by goblin standards hits the ground right away, likely still breathing but bleeding out by the second. The rumbling of the explosion followed by one of their mighty fighters being subtracted from their fighting force freezes the remaining goblins long enough for me to freely dash past them to my next target.
There¡¯s already another javelin ready to strike me down in the lanky green skin''s hand but my magic is faster, lightning is faster. The bright arc sends my opponent crashing to the ground and by the time it comes to I¡¯m already right in its face with an earthen spear of my own in hand.
¡°You won¡¯t get to see Malor that easy.¡± I mutter and thrust the weapon through its left shoulder. The green creature probably taller than even me screams in pain and lashes out but I simply pull back before lunging again and making its other arm just as useless. ¡°Where¡¯s that sneer now, huh?¡±
For some reason, I¡¯m extra angry at this one. Maybe because it mocked me but that¡¯s usually not enough for me to stoop this low.
I pull my weapon dripping with yellowish-green blood out once more only to thrust it back again straight through its stomach.
Usually, I¡¯d just kill it swiftly for the sake of efficiency and to play things safe but this time I feel like that¡¯d be too lenient.
My weapon strikes again and again and yet I feel no remorse or pity for the green abomination wiggling and weeping under my feet, probably begging for mercy in its disgusting tongue.
It went after something that I consider mine. The throws were aimed to immobilize Valka, to let countless claws and teeth tear her apart, to make her suffer an excruciating death. Her sass, hardheadedness, stupidity, and compassion have all grown close to me¡ she has grown close to me, and so I simply cannot let this slide.
So I keep sinking the spear through its flesh repeatedly with my gaze completely devoid of any emotions boring into its soul to teach it one last important lesson.
Don¡¯t fuck with what¡¯s mine!
About eleven thrusts later the body goes completely limp and the screams finally stop. A gruesome death, probably worse or about as painful as being burnt alive but I¡¯ve grown used to taking lives with such cruelty so this much doesn¡¯t affect me in particular either. It felt right.
With the grudge finally settled I finally turn my eyes to the remainder of the dozens of goblins that surrounded us just less than a minute ago. There are about ten of them, all staring at me with terrified gazes and keeping a respectful distance all the while trying to seem intimidating with knives raised in their trembling arms.
They no longer pose a threat. But leaving loose ends is one of the things Martha warned us about the most often. Violence breeds violence and even if not necessarily against the two of us these green pests might gather their strength and come back for revenge one day. Not my problem I know but it¡¯s little work for some peace of mind.
¡°Stay still and I¡¯ll make it quick.¡± I spin my spear splashing blood everywhere.
And they flee. Of course they do.
A quick glance at Valka and her own brawl is all the reassurance I need before bolting after my prey, eager to test some of the tricks I came up with in the past days. It¡¯s hard to find suitable targets weak enough to pose little danger. Goblins are just the best.
***
The experiments went well, although the goblins really could¡¯ve lasted a little longer. Turns out I can still shape the tip of my stone spear even after it is firmly in someone''s abdomen, a water stream thin and powerful enough can cut through bones easier than skin and flesh, and that differently shaped explosions have different impacts.
The cone-shaped charge made quite the hole- Ah, she¡¯s finally got an opening.
Valka has been going at it for a few minutes now, fighting against the chief and its last servant relentlessly. I offered to help but she firmly refused it twice already and I can¡¯t blame her. I brought down two of the big ones along with the small army of fodder so it''s only fair if she does at least this much. She needs to work for her meal.
The chief swings around outrageously massive clubs of scrap metal mostly relying on magic instead of brute strength while his aide, a similarly large specimen hoisting a tower shield adorned with rusty spikes and blades does its best to act as a nuisance. The two have considerable battlefield control and would be able to corner any opponent swiftly or wear it down without receiving a scratch.
Long story short, Valka exploits their meager intellect and the little regard the big gobs have for each, maneuvering so that when the chief swings for her she simply hugs the ground and lets the pile of trash crash into the tower shield right at her back. I think to everyone¡¯s surprise it¡¯s the weapon that loses out, falling to pieces and leaving the chief green fatty defenseless.
Valka goes in, breaks an arm, and helps a knee learn how to bend the other way before turning her attention back to the shieldbearer.
¡°A little help with this one?¡± She yells and I oblige with a satisfied smirk.
She made the right choice. If two people both adept at defense go up against each other then the fight might as well last for a day. I¡¯m happy Valka proved smart in this situation because I would¡¯ve done the same and would¡¯ve been just as proud of myself. A lazy zap does the thing, stunning the tower shield goblin just long enough for Valka to break its neck with a single strike.
Now it¡¯s just the incapacitated chief, groaning on the ground and drowning in its own snot and tears however one opponent we mostly forgot about suddenly swings into action. The collector hiding its face behind a mask springs up from the ground and lunges at Valka with two proper daggers in its hands.
The surprise attack works¡ to an extent. Val does manage to raise an arm and protect her face but the weapons leave deep grooves in her flesh, returning and sinking into her side before either of us can finally react. Wounded but still kicking Valka literally kicks the goblin away and I crash a ball of fire into its chest, followed by a rain of icicles until the body twitches no longer.
¡°Fuck that hurt.¡± The girl hisses as blood gushes from her newest injuries. ¡°No wonder that bastard killed so many people, those cuts almost reached the bone.¡± How she can say things like this so casually I will never understand. ¡°Anyway, you can kill this one, you probably need the levels more than I do.¡± She points at the chieftain, the most disgusting of them all.
[Warrior lvl 83]
She sure is stronger than me but once I advance my Class¡
¡°No need.¡± I wave off the offer. ¡°It¡¯s your prey. Besides, I¡¯m pretty sure I have quite a few levels in the bank.¡±
¡°Fine by me.¡± She stomps the throat of the last remaining green skin. ¡°But what are you waiting for, a dragon to bless you or something?¡±
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Cave Goblin - Earth lvl 57].]
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Cave Goblin - Earth lvl 46].]
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Gobling - Dark lvl 32].]
No.
¡
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Prowling Green Fiend - Life lvl 83] - [Javelin Hoarder - Wind lvl 23].]
Nasty thing got what it deserved.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Verdant Flesh Brute - Life lvl 87] - [Stone Crusher - Earth lvl 16].]
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Feral Nilbog - Nature lvl 96] - [Herald of Slow Death- Life lvl 32].]
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Lord of the Cave Hoard - Metal lvl 98] - [Goblin High Chieftain - Dark lvl 51].]
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 70-> 71.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 65.]
[The general Skill [Maintained Magic] has reached lvl 45.]
[The general Skill [Martial Instinct] has reached lvl 8-> 11]
Well¡ she¡¯s not entirely wrong. All my Class Skills besides Chaotic Touch and Elemental Burst are already maxed. And Arcane Focus, but one level is basically nothing. General Skills matter little and as for achievements¡ I think we did pretty well on that front as well.
¡°Nothing really.¡± I nod. ¡°Find me a quiet spot and I¡¯m good. But before that¡¡± I turn back to the collapsed mouth of the tunnel we emerged from. ¡°Can you help me with something?¡±
Chapter 80 - Eventless Camping
¡°Good enough.¡± I clap the dirt off my hands, observing the result of our work before lighting it on fire. ¡°This should get rid of the rest.¡±
We¡¯ve piled as much junk wood as we could find over the boulders blockading the entrance to the goblins¡¯ underground burrow for the last few minutes to ensure they won''t ever get out. At the same time, we gracefully left the right of choice to the little scoundrels¡ they either choke to death as I flood the tunnels with smoke or venture deeper where only the dwellers of the deep and certain death await them.
I plan to be thorough when it comes to exterminating pests.
¡°Now, it is time to exercise our right as conquerors.¡± I declare while basically committing what could be considered a warcrime by the Epros Accrods. If they weren¡¯t goblins of course.
¡°Which is?¡± Valka tilts her head just like I did when I was younger.
¡°We take whatever we desire my friend. Time to plunder.¡± I giggle.
With that said¡ what valuables do even goblins have?
***
I always expected looting to be like some sort of treasure hunt but this was just straight-up disgusting. Rummaging through long rotten corpses, exploring goblin huts¡ Yuck.
We did manage to find some proper travelers¡¯ tunics, actual boots, and the most godsent of all¡ pants. Actual clothes that make us look like weary travelers rather than shabby-looking barbarians. They need plenty of rope to not fall off and a good washing was a must before putting them on but it''s still something.
¡°Please, anything but this.¡± Valka whines with sweat running down her in rivers. ¡°Who came up with the idea of wearing more than a light dress in this weather?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not even that hot, stop bitching.¡± I shoot her down with little sympathy to offer.
Endurance reinforces the body not just against blows but also other outside influences. Like extreme temperatures. Although considering where she came from¡
¡°Say Val,¡± Yes, a nickname because I feel like it. ¡°you really aren¡¯t a criminal, right? I mean¡ when you pointed at your homeland on the map¡ Do you even understand how far that is?¡±
It¡¯s hard to put it into words and even harder to believe. Someone dragged away and halfway across the world only to end up in chains in Turan of all places¡ Fate has really been cruel to her.
¡°Took you long enough to get it through your thick head.¡± She crosses her arms with feigned irritation on her face. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything and I want to have nothing to do with this land or the humans once this cursed metal binding is off me. So help me with that as you promised. Eli.¡±
Heh, looks like at least she¡¯s on board with the more casual approach. That¡¯s the bare minimum after this many life-and-death battles together. With that said I don¡¯t feel bad or embarrassed for doubting her, it was the logical thing to do and even now I¡¯m not a hundred percent sure she¡¯s as innocent as she claims to be. She needs me and manipulation is the least a criminal is willing to do.
Although if that¡¯s the case she sure is going above and beyond.
¡°In that case,¡± I drop the newest pouch into my bag. ¡°let us continue our journey.¡±
A handful of silver coins and plenty of bronze, a fairly useable dagger, and a hunters¡¯ guild badge. These were the only items with any value we were able to find, however, to get some use out of any of them we first would have to approach human settlements of our own volition. Places where I¡¯m pretty sure the local guards are already searching for Valka if not me as well considering she was meant to be a special delivery to the Battle Queen.
No biggie, the forest can provide us with everything we need to survive and more. We only need to be willing to claim it and have the strength to protect ourselves.
Leaving the smoking remains of the former goblin village behind we return to the green embrace of the forest, basking in the light of Solaire and enjoying the fresh breeze playing between the trees. The few days underground taught me how precious and wonderful living in a forest is and how much worse I could have it, even though it''s still leagues below life back home or in Granhall.
Never think it can¡¯t get worse because the world will think it is its duty to prove you wrong.
¡°That promise you talked about can I hear it?¡± I initiate some small talk as we leisurely walk through the woods, going east according to Survival.
I want to know a little more about Valka, learn about her friends, favorite food, plans, and her life before¡ this. I am aware our paths will part once I¡¯m returned home but I doubt that will be the last time we see each other.
¡°I don¡¯t mind, it¡¯s nothing intimate.¡± Her words sound casual, or at least that¡¯s what she¡¯s trying to force. ¡°We were a tribe of few and one day fell victim to the rule of the wilds. The strong came and we were left without a choice. My kind is strong and resilient so the humans used us for all kinds of hard labor until we could barely stand. But shortly after a new conflict consumed the southern lands of Koleth, making our captors decide to abandon ship and search for profit in these new lands.¡±
I hate tragic stories and this one is even worse than mine. I got rescued, if we consider Bennett gently kidnapping me a rescuing, but the same can¡¯t be said about her or her people. And I feel like the worst is yet to come.
¡°We were dragged across countries performing odd jobs now or then for the right to eat but soon the slavers decided that we were no longer needed and sold us at an auction. Separately.¡± Her voice chokes, meaning we¡¯re just getting to the promise part. ¡°I swore to rescue them, to liberate my people even if that is the last thing I do. To give them even the tiniest hope and to do what my parents would¡¯ve done in my place if they were still alive.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I mutter as more of a learned piece of courtesy than an actual response.
What am I supposed to say, ¡®That¡¯s just how things are¡¯? She went through hard times and is on track to struggle some more out of her own volition. I do pity her sure, but if she¡¯s anything like me then expressing that pity would come through as an insult more than anything.
¡°Yeah.¡± Valka simply nods. ¡°Do you think I could get some of that money you found once I¡¯m free? It might be enough to buy back one or two of my people.¡± She makes a pitiful request with a saddened smile and if it were up to me I¡¯d tear her collar off and give her all my wealth here and now.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Although I doubt it¡¯d be enough to buy the freedom of even a single person. Freedom¡ a valuable thing and thus a pricey one.
¡°I think I¡¯m done with fighting for the next week.¡± I stretch, still happy to be out and back on the journey home. ¡°These past days have been hectic but probably quite beneficial if you think about it. There¡¯s no way anyone can follow us now.¡±
Good luck tracking footsteps or smells through ever-shifting tunnels, spider-infested caves, or an entire goblin settlement. Okay, we left some corpses, a bunch of corpses, but I think we¡¯re good.
¡°Too bad it¡¯s not entirely up to us.¡± Valka chuckles before adding for the sixth time today. ¡°And I¡¯m starving.¡±
Yeah, me too. Let¡¯s kill something.
***
¡°No, that¡¯s not how you do it, you¡¯ll burn the bottom.¡± I chide and regulate the heat.
¡°Stop messing with the fire, I¡¯ve got this!¡± Valka protests and lowers the cut of meat back into the flames again.
¡°By the Abyss stop doing that already!¡± I yell, extinguishing the fire and trying to pry the knife with the meat on its tip out of Valka¡¯s hand. ¡°Just what the hell have you been living on until now, dog food?¡±
On the outskirts of the woods, it is much harder to find prey large enough for the both of us to soothe our hunger. Of course, catching a bunch of squirrels and rabbits is always an option but I wanted something bigger.
Thankfully I have ample experience when it comes to hunting so it only took us about two or so hours to finally secure our prey. Dad really wouldn¡¯t be proud¡ It¡¯s already dark with only the three ladies of the night and the countless stars glancing through between the foliage watching over us. The campfire is gently crackling in the small clearing we found and there was peace¡ Until Valka decided she wanted to give cooking a shot.
¡°Just let me do it my way, you¡¯re not my Mom.¡± She protests. ¡°And give me back the fire!¡±
¡°You mean my fire, the meat I butchered for myself with my knife?¡± I ask, probably sounding like a damn spoiled brat but she started it. And I¡¯m hungry and grouchy.
¡°Don¡¯t make me use force, you¡¯ll regret it.¡± Her voice turns threatening yet the playfulness in her eyes betrays the serious-sounding words.
¡°Oh yeah?¡± I raise an eyebrow, all the while shifting my weight ever so slightly in case I need to flee. ¡°Big words from someone who needed my help against some goblins.¡±
¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t let that go you knife-eared prick. We¡¯ll see who needs help with wha- AaAaAaaaA!¡± I shock her before taking off, willing to bear the responsibility of the first strike over the consequences of getting caught in her grasp.
I also snatch the booty out of her hand to add insult to injury, resorting to the good ol¡¯ method of using my palm as a heating stone. I¡¯m still hungry, it¡¯s a question of life and death.
¡°ELYSSIA!¡± A roar echoes over the forest.
¡°Oh shit.¡± I mutter and pick up the pace.
It only took seconds for her to get back up, literally way too short of a timeframe for anyone to recover from a serious zap. The sound of branches shattering, and nature bowing before the absolute force of my hunter make my poor little heart tremble a little even though I know my life isn¡¯t really in danger but the sizzling fats and mouthwatering smell give me strength.
That does not translate to outrunning the white monster closing in behind me.
¡°Be gone, be gone, be gone be gone!¡± I chant, throwing up obstacle after obstacle. Turning the ground into mud, felling trees, and raising walls but¡ It isn¡¯t working all that well.
So I use my dirty tricks in combination.
When Valka catches up I turn the ground ahead of me into mud again, hopping up high and catching a branch to escape danger and stop my momentum. She¡¯s heavier, faster, dumber, and in conclusion unable to stop, slipping on the devious trap I laid and faceplanting spectacularly.
¡°Hehehehe.¡± I cackle like a real villain after hopping down but put one cold glance promising painful retribution.
She¡¯s hungry, dirty, and now totally pissed¡ and let¡¯s be honest, it¡¯s almost entirely my fault. No regrets though, I needed some fun after this depressing day.
But before legging it again I think the meal is ready to be served. Medium, just the way I prefer wild unseasoned meat¡ Yeah, beggars can¡¯t be choosers.
The bite I take is slow, drawn out, and filled with delight just to spite my hunter even more all because she dared challenge me. I don¡¯t take it well if others try to mess with me. If they¡¯re willing to bite then they should be ready to be bitten.
And I¡¯m so not ready.
The familiar steam escaping Valka¡¯s mouth makes a reappearance, the herald of a punch so powerful it might even tear through steel. And her cold blue eyes staring at me like I just murdered her dog¡ Now I¡¯m actually getting a little scared.
¡°Hey, we can talk about this.¡± I try the diplomatic approach before things get nasty. ¡°I¡¯ll make you a new one in no time but you have to- Eeeek!¡± I yelp and jump back slightly when Valka begins to tear the ground up to escape the mud trap.
Negotiations failed, time to run.
My legs carry me back towards the camp, following the light of the sleepy campfire and hoping to appease the white brute one way or another. I know I can be pretty mean and I might¡¯ve gone overboard a little but her reaction feels a bit out of proportion.
¡°COME BACK HERE!¡± A yell comes from the darkness of the woods from behind and I feel my blood run cold.
Just what is wrong with her?
Before I could ask that question aloud however something sails through the air and sweeps my legs out from under me before I can react. It¡¯s mud, a big ball of mud. I slam on my back with my meal in my mouth like a weird ragdoll and by the time the dizziness fades it¡¯s already too late.
She¡¯s standing above me with white locks falling into her face and the moonlight reflecting in her eyes.
¡°Waehf, ah wafnt-¡± I try to speak with my mouth full but the beast pounces before I can act.
Her hands grab mine and her chest presses against me, pushing me back to the ground with absolute force before leaning close and¡ biting the food out of my mouth.
My surprise lasts long enough for a palm-sized chewy piece of meat slab to disappear as if consumed by void magic yet the first to speak up it¡¯s not me but the Valka.
¡°I told you you¡¯d regret it.¡± She growls as a victorious smile betrays her previous act. ¡°The next one is also mine, now cook!¡±
This bitch¡ I really can¡¯t wait for that Class advancement now. Our trip is still long and I¡¯m the type that neither forgets nor forgives.
***
¡°Man, if only I had some salt at least. Or butter, or pepper and maybe even some fresh bread¡¡± I lament the taste of an otherwise well-made meal.
I can manipulate the fabric of the world but conjuring spices is one thing even magic can¡¯t solve.
¡°Stop being so picky and give me that if you don¡¯t want it!¡± Valka licks her mouth asking for more even after the fifth serving.
¡°I bet you¡¯d take that back after eating a proper meal.¡± I huff, fully aware of what a foodie she might be once proper cuisine is introduced to her. ¡°A little salt, that¡¯s all I ask for.¡±
¡°I might have a solution to that problem.¡± A male voice answers my plea past the treeline illuminated by our temporary camp.
We both jump to our feet instantly because our opponent is dangerous. Despite eating merrily we¡¯ve been keeping our eyes on the surroundings, listening to every noise piercing through the silence of the night and even the slightest of movements in the shadows. Yet he went unnoticed.
¡°I mean no harm, company and some rest is all I ask in exchange for some luxury.¡± Finally a man reveals himself.
Brown hair and brown eyes, clearly a human in his early adulthood with a bow over his chest and gear similar to that Dad wore whenever he went out to do his job back in Meliorport. A hunter.
[Ranger lvl 125]
He¡¯s relatively weak and I suspect the two of us might be able to put up a good fight but I¡¯d rather avoid the confrontation. We¡¯re not animals and as long as he shows no ill intent I hope to avoid any risks.
¡°So, what do you say young ladies, may I join you at the fire?¡± He asks politely, holding his arms up to show he¡¯s unarmed and came with no ill intent.
A random stranger in the middle of the night offering just what we need at the right time¡ Then I take a closer look and sense something bothering around his chest, something that makes my eyes itch, almost like an¡ An amulet.
This could end really badly.
Chapter 81 - Unexpected Company
¡°May I sit with you?¡± The mysterious hunter asks again, grabbing a small pouch from his belt and dangling it before our eyes.
The bribe.
But then there¡¯s that strange yet familiar feeling I get when an obscuring amulet is doing its magic before my eyes. Bennett made sure to train this special talent of mine since mobile and reliable methods of detecting one are rare like a scholar goblin.
I can only think of three ways this could play out. One, and the worst-case scenario, I am right, he is wearing one of those illegal amulets, and he¡¯s either with those soldiers or the shadows. Now, this is quite unlikely because we¡¯re not strong enough to do anything against a powerful adult. Deception would be a waste of time.
Then there¡¯s the chance I¡¯m just imagining things or that he¡¯s weaker than he portrays himself to be in hopes of deterring any potential attackers. I can¡¯t decide honestly, but Valka already made that choice for me, and the only thing certain right now is the bag of salt swinging in front of my eyes.
¡°How about we trade and then you leave?¡± She scratches her side, frowning deeply.
Yeah, she despises humans, all of them without exception. And elves. And mages¡ She¡¯s one hostile creature.
¡°C¡¯mon, I understand your caution but what is so suspicious about a hunter in a forest?¡± He¡¯s got a point. ¡°You on the other hand, two young ladies wary, tired, and with little survival know-how,¡± He glances at the brutalized dear carcass. ¡°maybe I¡¯m the one in danger?¡±
¡°And you still approached us?¡± I huff, actually hoping he¡¯d stay because salt is not the only thing I¡¯d like to extract from this man.
¡°What can I say, hunger is a reason just as great as any and some sleep would also be welcome.¡± He flashes another innocent smile, one as fake as they get.
I don¡¯t like him. Call me paranoid but I find everything suspicious about him. Not threatening, not to us I think, just simply¡ I don¡¯t know how to describe it.
I wonder if his attitude works with ordinary people. Kind, respectful, nonconfrontational¡ sounds like my exact opposite.
¡°Badge!¡± I command and he complies with a wink, flashing his emblem depicting a stag and making it glow to prove it indeed belongs to him.
¡°The name is Damien and I¡¯m a hunter, a pleasure to meet you.¡± His charming smile bounces off me like goblin arrows when meeting Valka¡¯s skin.
Anyone can steal one of those things or forge an insignia but experienced eyes are able to discern fake ones and every single piece is custom-made to react only to their owner. Everyone''s body is unique as is their mana vessel and the mana itself flowing through their being. With that said I¡¯m almost certain experienced tricksters can play the system without breaking a sweat.
With that said, I¡¯ve never met evil hunters before. Dad is of course cool and Darcy and that big oaf Joseph were also insanely friendly. The only thing I have against Damian is the place and timing, my recent experiences, and a bad hunch.
¡°Now that we¡¯ve got to know each other,¡± He steps closer, pauses, and looks between me and Val. ¡°and calmed all hostilities.¡± He pauses again. ¡°Can we settle around the fire to enjoy a late-night snack?¡±
Fuck it, let¡¯s just stay cautious.
¡°Since my butchering skills weren''t up to par you can handle that part. Leave the cooking to me.¡± I simply throw my knife at him and he effortlessly grabs it out of the air.
If this doesn¡¯t prove he¡¯s not just a simple hunter then I don¡¯t know what does. But if this Damien, if that¡¯s his real name, is far beyond our scope of strength acting rashly might cause us more trouble than simply playing along.
¡°Did your mother not tell you to be more careful¡¡± His eyes bore into me.
¡°Elyssia. And this glutton is Valka, a pleasure.¡± I try to answer in a neutral tone, sitting back on my rock and staring into the campfire.
¡°Hey!¡± Said glutton revolts.
It¡¯s been a long day, many long days, and all I want now is food and some peace. Let¡¯s just hope Aelion is willing to grant those two things just this once.
¡°So what brought you two out here this late?¡± Damian initiates the small talk while his hands work wonders.
¡°We were, are hungry and there¡¯s no cheaper meal than a free one. Took us a few hours to down this one.¡± I answer the truth and the truth only without revealing anything significant.
I need to steer this conversation carefully without revealing anything significant or sounding like an interrogator. The problem is, my genius doesn¡¯t extend to socializing, and Valka¡ yeah, she will be of little help.
¡°Then it must be fate that brought us together.¡± Damian chuckles and with this one, I cannot disagree. I hate the meddling hands of fate. ¡°That means your home must be nearby, right?¡± He hands me the first cut to be prepared.
Instead of answering I just stare at him flatly before using my favorite tool to get out of a pinch. Sass. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll just tell a stranger I met in the woods late at night where I live, sounds totally reasonable to me.¡±
¡°Yeah, and why are you still here?¡± Valka keeps scratching herself and it¡¯s going on my nerves.
¡°Oh don¡¯t be like that,¡± The awkward head scratch tells me the trick worked, more or less. ¡°is it Katrich, Fonica, or maybe Somnir, I¡¯ve been there a few times before, loved the nighttime market.¡±
This time my silence is not the result of reluctance to speak but rather astonishment. His irritating attempts at getting all chummy ended up giving me just what I was looking for. A vague description of where we are just in case someone official asks the same questions as Damien.
Words keep leaving the man¡¯s mouth but I pay him no attention as my eyes focus on the fire dancing above my palm and the meat on the tip of my knife. I¡¯m perfectly able to multitask but right now I choose not to for obvious reasons.
I¡¯m tired, not the sleepy kind of tired but rather exhausted. I don¡¯t want to be cautious anymore and have my guard up constantly, I never¡ I never imagined the real thing the Fist prepared us for to be like this. And yet I can¡¯t imagine leading a peaceful, normal life for myself anymore. Even the thought of boredom is more unbearable than anything I¡¯ve faced.
But the last days have been a little too messed up, they¡¯ve cut too deep. When I lost myself to the fruits of the storm, not thinking clearly and basically being trapped in my body while something played with my mind¡ That was worse than any wound. And it came from the most unexpected place. Not a person aiming for my life or a beast luring me into a trap but a plant. And the dream¡ It was so real, it made me question so many things.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Then we almost died in the spike trap, the closest I¡¯ve been to death in my entire life. Then we were faced with beings of fairytales, and spirits. And then met with something¡ otherworldly.
And even today in the goblin burrows. Those creatures were the embodiment of malice and cruelty, ravaging anything they come across and treating anything living or dead with abhorrent curiosity. I don¡¯t know if anything had been alive in the brood chamber when I incinerated everything and I never want to find out.
It¡¯s been too much. I just want someone to hug me tight and a few moments to vent it all out.
¡°Eli?¡± Valka¡¯s voice pulls me back to reality. ¡°Are you alright?¡±
But now is not the time for that. I have to hold it in. I have to stay strong for a little longer.
¡°Yeah, I just zoned out.¡± I play it cool and change the topic. ¡°This one should be ready any second now.¡±
And I need to stay strong not just for me. Valka is completely lost in a world foreign to her and even though I respect her resolve and do wish for her to find happiness, giving her guidance and her freedom back is the most I can do. Or rather the most I¡¯m willing to offer.
I sprinkle some of the tiny treasures of the pouch on the still sizzling perfect cut that makes even my mouth water before letting it rest for a few seconds just as Dad always instructed me to. I¡¯d have to be blind not to see Valka¡¯s face slowly inching closer and closer to the food, like a moth to the light.
¡°Here.¡± I hand her the first serving gracefully, like an owner feeding their pet before getting back to work.
¡°Hmmm, so you¡¯re one of those people.¡± Damian hums, observing our interaction.
¡°Pretty, brilliant, kind, or all of them combined?¡±
¡°Considerate.¡± He answers, ignoring my cheeky comment. ¡°Not many people can look past the universal prejudice and treat slaves like people, or even friends.¡± He glances at the oblivious Valka happily squealing next to me. ¡°To forgive their mistakes and offer a second chance¡ You¡¯re a good person.¡±
Uhum¡ I¡¯m immune to sweet-talking so you might as well stop. I¡¯m no saint for treating people like people and neither am I a naive idiot to trust actual criminals. Valka is just different.
¡°As if.¡± I huff, finding his words funny for the first time. ¡°You talk like you¡¯ve been there.¡±
¡°Well, yeah, I¡¯m a fugitive after all.¡± A sentence leaving Damian¡¯s mouth manages to steal my voice the second time tonight, however, my reaction is a little different this time.
Both Val and I jump to our feet simultaneously, which means she was listening all along, and make sure the next move this snake makes will be his last. She grabs one of his arms, lifting her other fist to crush his face at a moment''s notice while I aim a hand clad in frothing white flames at his body willing to erase any evidence of what¡¯s about to happen here.
¡°I hoped we could stay civil.¡± Damian sighs, his voice a disturbing embodiment of composure. ¡°But this is still better than the usual reaction. Remember Elyssia, don¡¯t judge a book by its cover. Take that lesson as my parting gift, and if I may¡¡± His eyes wander towards the food still cooking in my hand.
What is his deal? First, he approaches all chummy and harmless, looking for company and now he openly admits to being on the wrong side of the law just for a quick moral lesson. This man is nuts, killing him might be the safest option.
But just out of curiosity, I throw him his meal and hope for the best.
¡°I¡¯ve got what I came for, mostly. You can keep the salt.¡± The fake smile returns to his face and before we can react he sort of half morphs into a gaseous state and lets the soft breeze carry him to the edge of our campsite. ¡°Oh and Valka, I¡¯d have a healer take a look if I were you. That¡¯s a nasty venom and you either lose a limb or have it cleansed by an expert.¡± His words hit me like a cold shower. ¡°Best of luck ladies.¡± And he¡¯s gone.
Now, even though this Damien turned out to be just as dangerous as I suspected my attention is somewhere else.
¡°Lift your tunic!¡± I order Valka leaving no room for negotiations, just like Mom used to do.
¡°It¡¯s nothing-¡± And she still dares talk back.
¡°Now!¡±
Reluctantly she pulls her clothes out of the way and reveals a horrifying sight. Her skin is brown and festering while the veins below have an unhealthy orange color to them.
¡°How can you be this stupid? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± I yell in outrage, surprising her and even myself.
¡°I- I thought it would heal. It''s really not big of a deal.¡± Her voice is meek and quiet like a newborn kitten¡¯s yet I don¡¯t let her off the hook with just this much. ¡°And¡ and I didn¡¯t- I didn¡¯t know what to do, okay? I didn¡¯t know if you¡¯d agree or help at all and visiting a human city is risky so-¡±
¡°So you still don¡¯t trust me?¡± I mutter.
We¡¯ve only known each other for about a week but even so¡ this stings a little I¡¯m not gonna lie.
¡°No that¡¯s not it, I just don''t want us to get bogged down.¡± Valka protests but her words fall on deaf ears. ¡°I¡¯m trying not to be a burden, to help-¡±
¡°Don¡¯t!¡± I shut her up. ¡°Just eat then get some rest. I¡¯ll take the first watch.¡± I settle back down and return to my task. ¡°We¡¯re going to the nearest city first thing tomorrow.¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡¡± She whispers but I always trusted actions more than words.
I don''t care if she thought this would benefit our journey. I''m not this selfish, I can be mean and say things but I do care for her.
I feel betrayed.
***
Last night¡¯s meal was the best one I had in weeks. The night was calm, serene almost, as only a few pesky flies intruded on our camp. We finally had the time to rest without worry.
Except I didn¡¯t sleep a wink. We¡¯re about an hour after the crack of dawn when the shadows are still long but the land is already awash by the light of Solaire.
I was worried and that feeling hasn¡¯t changed ever since. I also wanted to let Valka rest as much as possible while keeping an eye on her condition and it¡¯s just as I feared. The patches on her arms and side are expanding and there¡¯s only one culprit that comes to mind. That goblin with the disturbing collection.
It was odd how easy the nasty thing went down yesterday but I didn¡¯t think much of it. Or rather I didn¡¯t expect more from a goblin.
¡°Hey wake up.¡± I nudge the still soundly asleep Valka. ¡°Don¡¯t make me do this, you slept for like eight hours, I can¡¯t give you more, c¡¯mon!¡± I start shaking her, using both my arms and my entire weight since she¡¯s so heavy.
¡°Wha- Is it my turn?¡± She rubs her eyes but a few seconds are enough for her to drink everything in. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me¡¡±
¡°Oh yeah? How does it feel?¡± I cross my arms.
¡°Heavenly, just another minute or two...¡± She lies back down and makes herself comfortable in the lush grass.
¡°Don¡¯t make me drown you this early in the morning, I know you hate water and I¡¯m not in the mood.¡± I start kicking her arm gently. ¡°C¡¯mon, if we get moving now we might find a merchant caravan to join and help us get into a city.¡±
¡°I¡¯m telling you I¡¯m fine.¡± She mutters with irritation clear in her voice. ¡°Just rest a little-¡±
¡°Okay, then you can catch up later, I¡¯ve already packed everything so I¡¯ll go ahead.¡± She acts like, more precisely me when I was little, so I¡¯ll do just as my parents did.
The good old ¡®Move or be left behind¡¯ threat. It took me like two years to realize they were bluffing.
I shoulder my bag and start walking towards what should be north, keeping a steady pace but for a change walking without any haste. I made plans last night, I had plenty of time, all I had was time actually, so I came up with contingencies for every possible roadblock we might encounter.
I kinda look forward to finding myself behind walls once more, taking safety and an easy meal for granted, and sleeping with my guard down. With that said I don¡¯t plan on staying too long among humans, not with our funds and without anyone to rely on. Humans are not beasts, they¡¯re people, and they are worse.
¡°I¡¯m lucky you¡¯re short.¡± Valka finally catches up. Her hair is like a bird¡¯s nest and her eyes are barely open yet the same can¡¯t be said about her mouth. ¡°You look grumpy, didn¡¯t sleep well?¡±
I can¡¯t tell if she¡¯s joking or not.
¡°I¡¯m not telling you. That¡¯s how we do things, am I right?¡± I quip back and pick up my pace.
Call me childish but she won''t hear the end of this for quite a while.
Chapter 82 - Hitchhiking
¡°So do we just walk up to them and say hi?¡± Val whispers as we walk down the dirt road toward a caravan of carts and a colorful mix of mounts.
It took us about an hour to find our way out of the woods and discovering even the most basic sign of civilization, namely the road, didn¡¯t go any faster. We were in luck with the caravan though. I don¡¯t know who they are, where they''re headed or what¡¯s their purpose but once we caught sight of the four carts resting by the roadside I knew things would progress smoothly.
By our standards. If things went without a hiccup¡ now that¡¯d be the actual surprise.
¡°Just act naturally, let me do the talking, and try not to growl.¡± My instructions are as basic as they can get and yet I still don¡¯t have my hopes up.
We don¡¯t need company per se, but I don¡¯t actually have anything to identify myself with so hopefully we can get a free ride through the gates. Not to mention I¡¯m at a loss where the nearest city might be.
Valka seems to be in a fair mood but if I had to guess she¡¯s in pain and it¡¯s only a matter of time before the venom spreads to vital organs, from there¡ We must hurry.
Our approach is noticed long before we¡¯re even in hearing distance and a small welcoming party assembles to realy their stance. One elderly beastman, a ram judging by his sizeable horns, a woman not much younger as age begins to suck the color from her hair, and lastly, a man wearing what I could hardly call armor. Likely a member of their hired arms.
¡°Welcome travelers.¡± That ¡®travelers¡¯ sounded a bit questioning. ¡°What can we do for you?¡± The woman is the one opening the discussion. Although she looks to be about as old as Martha I bet the old hag back in Granhall has about twice as many years behind her as this one.
A quick glance behind the trio reveals the reason behind their stop in the middle of nowhere. And possibly our key to gaining their favor. The lands past the forest are somewhat hilly, albeit largely flat, covered sparsely by a few lonely trees and bushes. This means in most cases a carriage would have no problem going around and an unexpected obstacle, except if said obstacle were to ambush the caravan.
A landslide, a minor one that could hardly kill a person considering the gentle slope and thick foliage, yet the possible damage to let¡¯s say a cart stuffed with valuable wares in case the last two wheels slipped off the road¡ Quite a devastating blow, such a tragedy.
¡°We were just out hunting when my¡¡± I get myself into the act. ¡°My servant got sick after a chaotic night against a pack of Ardent Wolves.¡±
I just made up those beasts on the spot but pulling up Valka¡¯s sleeve is more than enough to convince the adults. The way they recoil at the site of a wound this small¡ they¡¯re soft. That could come in handy.
¡°I must admit we¡¯re slightly lost.¡± I look embarrassed, or at least try to. My ears just refuse to play along, they never followed my commands and likely never will.
¡°Oh, your poor things.¡± The woman¡¯s emotional barrier breaks first, of course it does, and she offers her aid immediately. Almost. ¡°To care about your slave this much¡ what a kind little lady you are. If only we weren¡¯t in such peril I¡¯d be delighted to help, however¡¡±
I see where this is going, she used Identify and decided to shoot her shot. Cunning, as expected from a merchant. Also, this is so cliche. Like, what¡¯s going to happen next, one of the secretive cloaked travelers holed up in a cart turns out to be a foreign prince on the run or something¡ Hah, as if.
Please don¡¯t.
¡°I must admit we¡¯re in a hurry but a few minutes sounds like something we can spare.¡± I flash a professional smile and tap into my earth magic to prove my point.
¡°And I can assure you we¡¯ll travel with utmost haste to make up the lost time due to this little fiasco.¡± The woman mirrors my grin, sealing our deal. ¡°I hope you can do what you were hired for with the help gracefully offered by our useful new guests.¡± The woman now turns to the man likely in charge of their security.
We wordlessly follow the man who doesn¡¯t seem too pleased with our company, not that I care, and this proves to be the perfect opportunity to scout what we¡¯re dealing with. There seem to be about nine merchants and other clerks, twelve civilians, likely just travelers tagging along for safety, and seven combatants. Four Warriors, one Mage, and two Rangers.
A solid setup but a quick glance is enough to reveal the measly training these shoddy mercenaries received. No secure perimeter, a seemingly random formation, and gear that might as well have been dug out of the trash.
The Fist taught us to not look down on ordinary city guards just because their priorities lie elsewhere and that common Valerian soldiers aren¡¯t that dangerous individually but pose a serious threat as a coherent unit. Laymen like these¡ yeah they probably weren¡¯t worth mentioning.
[Warrior lvl ???]
As expected but maybe¡
¡°Val, can you see his-¡±
¡°146.¡± She answers, her mind probably running the same rounds as mine.
Oh and also¡that¡¯s pathetic. Man you¡¯re at least twice my age and got only this far, have some pride. It¡¯s clear the merchants were stingy when they allocated the budget to hiring the muscle and it came to bite them back spectacularly. We¡¯re finally in luck.
¡°It¡¯s safe to say you already tried pulling it back up with the rest of the beasts, right?¡± I try assessing what we¡¯re working with because returning without a solution would be highly embarrassing.
¡°The ground is loose and we fear the front axel might break. The merchants loaded the cart till it creaked, as usual.¡±
So the incompetence is shared and the mercenaries are not the only ones to blame. This is tricky. Moving both the ground and the carriage resting one is beyond my scope of abilities.
¡°I might have an idea but it¡¯ll take time.¡± I finally came up with a simple yet bothersome solution. ¡°I¡¯ll need all your Warriors.¡±
***
It takes a good few minutes to compact the loose dirt both beneath the cart and further down the slope where I form a platform for all those with enough Might to earn their pay. The next step is to attach a pair of the heavier Bearoxes to provide the actual muscle and lastly to let the earth below the wagon flatten.
A ramp, a steep one to allow the front wheel some support and set things into motion. Needless to say, the brunt of the work was left to the beasts and brave brutes who totally knew what they signed up for but a success is a success in my book.
¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± The man whose name I¡¯ll never bother to learn but clearly leads this ragtag group of third-rate combatants storms at me after our successful operation. ¡°What if that overloaded piece of shit ran us over and squashed us on the way down. Your slave is one thing but you can¡¯t play with others¡¯ lives like-¡±
¡°A wonderful job.¡± The woman, likely their employer interjects raising her voice.
Resolving heated situations must be one of her specialties because I almost reached boiling point really fast there. So what if they fail to accomplish even this much, I was prepared to drag Valka out of danger¡¯s path all along and then blame everything on those fools.
¡°There¡¯s a spot on the last car if you¡¯re feeling tired after the wonderful work, the rest will have to walk. Regrettably, we¡¯re loaded to the brim and can¡¯t spare any more space. These tough times¡¡± The woman instantly loses sympathy points with me but it¡¯s too late to argue about that.
We need their guidance more than anything.
Valka finally rejoins me and just a glance is enough to see she worked hard for¡ nothing, there¡¯s no reward.
¡°I thought you were tougher.¡± I taunt her and covertly use some water magic to cool and dry her skin. ¡°To break a sweat after only this much¡¡± She looks like shit, worse than after any of our fights. Almost as if she didn¡¯t sleep all night and fought monsters of nightmares constantly.
¡°You could¡¯ve warned me, you know?¡± She throws a nasty look, not that it works. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m fine, really. Just hop on and we can- Owe.¡±
Her yelp is my doing. Simply flicking her side where the skin is rotting proves to be enough to make her grimace. It¡¯s hard to believe her words when she endured the badger ravaging her shoulders better than a simple flick.
¡°You go and rest. If you collapse noone will carry your heavy ass.¡± I huff and walk after our not-so-beneficial benefactor.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°No, and I¡¯m not-¡±
¡°That was an order!¡± I make her shut up while maintaining the image of master and slave.
I don¡¯t use the contract, there¡¯s no need to and I¡¯d rather walk aimlessly for a day than suppress her will again. Thankfully she¡¯s smart and or exhausted enough to comply, even though she slept through the entire night. Her body doesn¡¯t lie but I hate that her mouth refuses to be honest with me.
¡°You¡¯re awfully considerate with your slave, lassie, and surprisingly witty for a hunter.¡± In the end, it''s the old lady who finds me, calling out from the driver¡¯s seat of a carriage and tapping a spot right next to her.
I can¡¯t believe someone can be this cheeky at her age. Merchants are just a whole other breed.
¡°I¡¯m Elyssia.¡± I start the introduction, or rather the ruthless bargaining because that¡¯s the only language servants of the coin understand.
¡°Oh my, how boorish of me.¡± She continues to play her little games. ¡°My humble name is Fiona Falks, the pleasure is mine.¡± She smiles gently yet my only reaction is my eyes going wide.
Wait, two names¡ isn¡¯t that? No, we are not in Valeria, the law of names is not in effect here. I think.
¡°Well then, now that we¡¯ve got that behind our back¡¡± The carriage lurches and we finally depart. ¡°I know why you¡¯re on the run.¡± Fiona quietly adds.
Her comment makes my blood run cold and my hands tighten as the first thing that runs through my mind is eliminating this mostly defenseless old lady. Even the thought of going that far frightens me but her words are no less concerning. If she reports us¡ if the Turan army were to catch us now¡
¡°It¡¯s obvious by how you treat that girl.¡± A haughty huff of the old lady shatters all my paths of thought in a second.
¡°I think you misunderstand, we were just out hunting and the poison-¡±
¡°Oh dear calm your nerves, you¡¯re not the first one to stand up for their servant.¡± A mirthful chuckle blows away my panic. ¡°I was just like you back then.¡±
What? I don¡¯t understand anything.
Sure they¡¯re after Valka but it¡¯s not like I helped her because of the kindness of my heart. I didn¡¯t even know her and even now I barely do¡ Is this old hag delirious?
¡°But seeing your badge would clear up any misunderstanding, don¡¯t you think little hunter?¡± She has me cornered and I don¡¯t think we can make a quick escape.
The merchants¡¯ hired security is horrendous but they outnumber us, outlevel us and Valka is hardly combat-capable. Reluctantly I fish out the bronze emblem with the stag on it and show it to the old lady. But the last step is missing.
Then as if answering my wish the intricate piece of metal begins to emit a gentle radiance. It¡¯s the real thing, or at least I¡¯m almost entirely sure it is except for the simple fact that I didn¡¯t pump any mana into the emblem.
¡°I¡¯ve been in the business of deception far longer than all your years combined, Elyssia.¡± Fiona gently puts a hand on my shoulder. ¡°But I like you and what you stand for. You¡¯re not the first one to escape with their slave to save them from the mandatory draft and neither was I. The meatgrinder up north at the Elder Line is merciless, I understand your decision.¡±
What is she babbling about? I¡¯ve heard about the eternal war against the unrelenting horde of beasts gushing from the ancient forest of titanic proportions but we have nothing to do with it. Okay, maybe the other slaves I saw fighting for their lives when I picked up Valka were destined for that fate, not her though.
Fiona seems to assume she comprehends our situation thoroughly, clueless about our actual goal and that might come in handy. This happens when otherwise smart people overestimate their intelligence, they make unlucky fools of themselves.
¡°I just couldn¡¯t let her¡¡± I whisper pitifully and it works.
¡°Do you have the contract?¡± The old lady inquires and I nod. ¡°Money?¡± This time I¡¯m a little more reluctant to give her the answer.
¡°Some.¡± The last thing I want is for someone to rob me.
¡°If Valeria is your destination then you choose right and traveling the edge of the forest is plausible for two powerful kids such as yourselves. A noble house if I¡¯m not wrong?¡±
Me, a noble¡ I can see why she¡¯d assume that. I¡¯m pretty, talented, and just basically well above my peers in any category. A true elite scion.
¡°No need to answer that, the less I know the better if they by any chance catch me.¡± Fiona quickly adds. ¡°I can help you get inside the city but the rest is up to you. But I must tell you, our destination isn¡¯t exactly the most accommodating.¡± She tells me as if this entire conversation was just business.
¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± I mutter, not really used to unconditional kindness before adding. ¡°Why?¡±
¡°Under the previous Battle King, Turan was strained and the wall fell at least once a year but at least we still had hope and something to fight for, a reason to protect these lands.¡± Her voice is tired and weighted down by the years. ¡°If the cost of protecting this country, protecting humanity as they preach, is marching the younger generation to their death¡ then I¡¯m not sure it''s something worth defending.¡±
That sounds extremely depressing. Thank the Gods I wasn¡¯t born in this shithole of a country and ended up with the Fist instead of becoming a child soldier basically. With that said the training back in Granhall didn¡¯t feel all that different from exactly that, child soldierng. Except for the fact that we didn¡¯t need to risk our lives even once and the training sessions were even a little fun.
Eh, some people enjoy murdering so it¡¯s all a matter of perspective.
¡°So you want to help us because¡¡± I¡¯m still trying my best to understand her motives.
¡°Because I feel like it.¡± She winks. ¡°And that¡¯s all the justification I need.¡±
True that.
***
¡°Papers and identifications!¡± The guard barks when it¡¯s finally our turn.
The road wasn¡¯t all that long and unlike back home there wasn¡¯t an endless queue waiting to gain access to the city. And that¡¯s understandable after observing the state of the settlement. Thin cracks here and there on the stone meant to protect the citizens, guards in shady gear and bellies too big to hide behind their armor, and an overall lack of will to live.
I¡¯d be surprised if we can find a healer here.
The merchants and local forces go through the lengthy process of discussing paperwork and cargo, something they both handle with experienced proficiency before moving on to the tagalongs.
¡°Identification and proof of ownership!¡± It¡¯s finally my turn with Valka standing meekly behind my back like an obedient puppet except with brown hair for a change.
Fiona turned out to be an adept user of the light element, able to play with the lighting and colors even if large-scale illusions were beyond her capabilities. Shining hunter¡¯s emblem, check, slave contract, check, and lastly, a plausible reason for visit, namely the massive rotting wounds on Valka, check.
I feel my heart beating in my throat throughout the entire procedure and whenever the eyes of the guards fall on us but it all turns out well. Until they check the bag that is.
¡°A knife, junk metal, a trophy, coins, supplies, an emergency potion, and¡¡± They meticulously rummage through my bag before pulling out the fist-sized Hadron crystal. ¡°Care to explain?¡±
This is bad. I was so hung up on how we¡¯d get past the gate that I never considered the amount of treasures our bag holds. About three gold coins which is more than a respected craftsman¡¯s weekly pay, a sizeable Hadron crystal that¡¯s worth about four times the money we have, a gift from a Lord of the Forest, and lastly another gift, this time from possibly a God¡ We sure didn¡¯t play things small.
¡°The goblins, my lady.¡± Valka whispers into my ear, playing her role splendidly.
Her idea quickly forms into a believable story in my head, sprinkled with plenty of lies and some creativity. ¡°Speak only when spoken to!¡± I talk to the poor girl behind me barely standing straight before turning my eyes back to the guards. ¡°We eradicated a goblin village and what you¡¯re holding is most of our spoils along with some of the coin.¡±
My restrained attitude is no more. This is no different than actual live combat where the enemy will exploit every weakness you show mercilessly. Confidence is the greatest shield.
¡°The two of you, an entire goblin village?¡± The guard chuckles, already checking our funds, his eyes gleaming with greed.
¡°So you think we stole it? You expect anyone that wealthy to get robbed by two young girls?¡± Sarcasm oozes from my voice and not without a reason.
¡°We might never know,¡± The one holding our money shrugs. ¡°However, mana stones of this size are subject to tariffs upon entry, you know. Something this precious moving into our city can not be overlooked.¡± He pulls one of our few gleaming golden bits out from the already thin pouch and pockets it without a hint of shame in his eyes.
I know he¡¯s bullshitting and we basically just got robbed but there¡¯s nothing I can do. Corruption is a common thing and raising my voice will not solve anything. Quite the contrary really, it will only draw more trouble.
¡°I think everything is in order.¡± The guards finally nod, not even trying to hide their satisfied grins. ¡°Welcome to Solermo and have a pleasant stay.¡±
¡°Come on, we¡¯re almost there.¡± I nudge the delirious Valka to move. ¡°Can you walk?¡±
¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± And she still refuses to admit how dire her situation is.
Sure we have a health potion with us but I¡¯m almost certain it¡¯d do precious little against something that not even a dedicated healing Skill could restore.
Once past the gate, it takes only seconds to find Fiona again, busy organizing whatever merchants do when arriving in a city yet not too busy to let us leave without saying goodbye.
¡°Forty silver.¡± She casually names a price.
¡°Excuse me?¡± I try to act normally but my nerves are already at breaking point.
¡°I¡¯m a merchant, my dear. My Skills, my life, and my mentality all revolve around an exchange of value. You received my much-needed help, now be graceful and show your appreciation. It really can¡¯t mean much to someone with such treasure in your possession.¡± Her words sound like a voice of reason yet somehow I feel a well-veiled threat behind the polite argument.
And that¡¯s when my eyes catch a certain picture plastered on the wall right by the gate. A picture of a girl, a short description below, and words present on all the posters marking their purpose.
WANTED
It¡¯s Valka and the reward for bringing her to the authorities is fifteen Abyss damned gold coins. That¡¯s a sum of money nobody could resist and it looks like I¡¯m not the only one who connected the dots.
Forty is pretty cheap actually, not that I know the rates of human trafficking.
¡°Of course, thanks for the ride.¡± I hand over a bribe for the second time in less than a minute before getting as far away from those people as possible.
Vultures. How could I ever believe someone would offer us their help without any ulterior motives¡ We lost about half of our money and earned nothing in exchange other than the basic human right of visiting a city. Okay, we legally shouldn¡¯t have been able to get past the checkpoint and considering the trouble we avoided the price of one and a half gold is cheap, but sill.
How naive of me¡ Not to mention the lenghts I''m willing to go for this idiot. She has a special spot in my heart I can''t deny it.
¡°Let¡¯s find you a healer as fast as possible so we can leave this shithole.¡± I call out to Valka but receive no response.
I¡¯ve kept marching toward the town center ever since leaving the damn heartless sharks behind, too angry and disappointed with the world to look back but now¡ Val is a good few dozen paces behind me, knocked out cold on the ground in the middle of the street.
¡°Shit.¡±
Chapter 83 - Expensive Treatment
¡°Shit.¡± I quickly turn on my heels and rush back to the unconscious Valka already drawing a crowd. Especially with her hair now back to its original white color.
Judging by the eyes and attire of the ones approaching her their intent is not so much to help the poor helpless girl on the street but rather rob her blind while they have the chance. In broad daylight, in the middle of a busy road.
Thankfully everything we own and wasn¡¯t extorted from us is with me, and I¡¯m fast enough to arrive before things could take a grim turn.
¡°Move!¡± I¡¯m not afraid to raise my voice and get pushy. ¡°Get away, you piece of vultures!¡± Or get aggressive if need be.
A pair of men malnourished and clearly from the streets are already crouching by Valka¡¯s side and if words don¡¯t do the job I¡¯m totally willing to get practical. The scrawnier one proves wiser in the end, backing away after just one warning however the other one ignores my words and starts patting down my defenseless friend.
To say I¡¯m in a murderous mood would be an understatement so when the sole of my boot kisses his face I feel only disappointment for going easy on a piece of human trash like him. The crowd barely reacts to my blatant aggression or the entire commotion I¡¯ve kicked up whatsoever¡ This is not like Granhall. People don¡¯t walk around with the same purpose and spark in their eyes, the sense of security within these walls is not the same and the people are the root of it all.
They are not worse, not by birth at least, only forced to adapt to these wretched circumstances due to the country¡¯s situation. But that still doesn¡¯t make their actions right or any easier to forgive.
My kick, a normal if irked boot from a low-level Mage, fails to deliver the intimidation factor I was hoping for but at least it does earn me my target¡¯s attention. He throws me a nasty look but since I don¡¯t feel like mincing my words coating my arms with bright orange flames yearning to burn the fucker¡¯s face off is the last warning he¡¯ll get.
And it works, no surprise there. Most creatures learn to fear fire pretty early in their lives and this is not the sort of fear you can overcome just with a smidgen of dedication.
They take off and I take over poking the unconscious deadweight on her cheeks.
¡°Hey, wake up!¡± I try gently first, everyone deserves that one chance. Before resolving to more effective measures. ¡°And here I was hoping to visit a proper inn and have a real feast¡¡± She still doesn¡¯t respond.
So I just dump some water on her face.
I feared she wasn¡¯t faking it, I knew the promise of a feast should¡¯ve been enough to wake her from even the deepest slumber but¡ confirming it myself is even more frightening. Wasting no more time I scoop her off the ground through great effort almost like lifting a hefty bag of rocks except even more unresponsive, before continuing my search for someone to take the remainder of our money in exchange for saving her life.
Closed stores, dilapidated buildings, smashed windows¡ and let¡¯s not forget the eyes constantly watching around every corner and from every shadow. Where there is civilization there is crime and nothing will ever change that, but even then¡ isn¡¯t this a bit too much?
Constantly being on the edge while traveling the wilds is one thing with beasts lying in ambush in every nook and cranny but to suffer the same thing in a city? In a place of safety and civilization? Not to mention I¡¯m not in top-notch condition and escaping anything, even someone with two broken legs would be quite a task with Valka on my back.
I want my money back, this is a scam.
***
Closer to the city center the outlook improved somewhat and I finally dared to ask passersby for some directions since they looked like proper people and not thieves trying to blend in. Needless to say, I got ignored and shooed off numerous times with my looks only slightly above an average beggar with a clearly dying young girl on my back. That was until a kind old lady finally came to our aid. For two silver coins¡
The alleys leading to the healer¡¯s hideout were teeming with crawling shadows and dangerous gazes looking for even the smallest weakness but I already knew this game. Intimidation is a battle before the real thing and one¡¯s confidence is all that matters.
As it turned out no official healer resides in Solermo simply because people are poor and the amount they can afford to pay is equal to the taxes demanded from the doctor. It¡¯s really not anyone¡¯s fault¡ okay, there are multiple people at fault here but at least this means his services should be cheaper, right?
With that said your eyes aren¡¯t supposed to say ¡®Come at me I dare you!¡¯, oh no, that¡¯s too childish. ¡°You will die!¡± That¡¯s one and only message that everyone understands.
¡°Three gold.¡± He ruthlessly names his price after taking a quick glance at Valka.
She¡¯s already losing color and her breathing is becoming weaker by the minute. The previously unstoppable and lively brute is now in a terrible condition and all I can do is¡ nothing. Fuck me I¡¯d even hand him over the money just to have Valka cured at this point because I fear arguing over the price would just put her life at risk but that¡¯s money I don¡¯t have.
¡°One and sixty silver.¡± I present my counteroffer completely fine with giving him everything I have at this point.
¡°You know where to find the door,¡± The middle-aged man, already balding yet in perfect health completely disregards my offer. ¡°Next!¡±
¡°Wait!¡± I¡¯m not good at the art of bargaining and I¡¯m desperate but even so¡ ¡°Three is way too much.¡± And that is a fact not just me trying to plead for a discount.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
¡°Listen here, girly.¡± The man locks his fingers and leans forward threateningly, his figure illuminated by the cracked window behind his back. ¡°I only have so much mana to spare and if not you then someone else will come around and give me what I ask for to save their loved one.¡± His words don¡¯t sound like a threat, more so a lecture. ¡°Her death will not weigh on my shoulders, nor would the demise of someone else I can¡¯t save because of the mana wasted on saving your little slave. Life has a high value and in this city, you see¡ my mana is life so either pay up or leave!¡±
¡°I- In that case, I have something else that could maybe pay for her treatment.¡± And the Hadron crystal emerges from my bag.
This small item possesses immense tactical value and in our case a considerable monetary one. With that said the tactical value of a Valka far outweighs that of a piece of rock.
¡°Now we¡¯re talking. This should be enough.¡± He reaches out for the small fortune I¡¯m presenting yet his hand never reaches the white piece of rock.
¡°It¡¯s worth far more than three gold.¡± I¡¯m desperate but not stupid. Paying five times the already outrageous price¡ my ego wouldn¡¯t survive the humiliation.
¡°Not the time for haggling but go ahead and look for a merchant then. I can wait.¡± The healer nonchalantly shrugs. ¡°Not so sure about your little friend though. The time is ticking.¡±
And this is where he made a mistake.
Until now his words conveyed reason above all else, making solid arguments for his scam and offering me a choice to accept his price or look for an alternative. It was an unfair deal but I was desperate enough to accept.
Until he openly threatened Valka¡¯s life that is.
¡°Now you listen to me,¡± A strong gust of wind slams the door shut behind my back. ¡°You will heal this girl even if that is the last thing you do in this life, you understand?¡± To reinforce my words two swords of raging flames materialize behind my back. The light playing through the window shrinks back at my magic, shifting the shadows and roles alike. ¡°Do anything funny and this entire place burns to the ground with everyone inside, even me if that¡¯s what it takes. There¡¯s only one life I care about here so do your job! The time is ticking.¡±
Am I crazy enough to actually go through with what I promised¡ Maybe. I¡¯m furious to an indescribable degree and I can only barely restrain myself. So let¡¯s just say Valka¡¯s death might just be the thing to push me past that certain tipping point.
¡°HELP! GUARDS!¡± He cries for the men stationed outside to save his skin. But I locked all air movement around the door the moment it closed shut.
¡°It¡¯s pointless.¡± I whisper, pointing my swords toward him. ¡°Heal her, NOW!¡±
¡°You can¡¯t- you dare?¡± Arrogance and fear vie for the right to express themselves on the bastard¡¯s face in a comocal race so I provide some help in making up his mind. By sending one of the swords flying just past his face.
The man might be easily twice my level but the lack of combat capabilities is not what makes him an easy target. He¡¯s not necessarily a coward or anything just¡ normal.
Thankfully he¡¯s also a smart one. He steps over to Valka on trembling legs and places one hand on each of her terrible wounds. By now the flesh and meat are barely recognizable and I¡¯m actually thankful she is not awake to see her body in this condition.
¡°Try anything funny and you¡¯re dead. Leave the job unfinished and you¡¯re dead. Hurt her and¡ guess what?¡± I giggle menacingly.
Of course, I¡¯m only bluffing. If he¡¯s dead who¡¯s gonna heal Val? Not that he¡¯ll realize that in his growing state of panic but that¡¯s all the better for me.
At last a gooey layer of gently shimmering light crawls out from under his palm, spreading until it claims every part of the vile thing trying to eat Valka alive. The light jelly grows in intensity, only a little squirming slightly as it does its job of visibly sucking whatever is killing the girl out of her body and restoring her flesh as it should be.
The work only takes seconds yet the exertion is clear on the healer''s still frightened facade now adorned by the sweat of an honest job.
¡°You will regret this.¡± The healer seems to have finally found courage after finishing his task. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve calmed myself. ¡°You¡¯re just a grain of sand in this city and the consequences of-¡±
I never hear the end of the threatening rant.
And that¡¯s because I knock the man out cold now that he has no use. The last thing I need is him yammering for the guards when I¡¯m about to leave, likely still with Valka on my back because she¡¯s still very much not awake.
¡°Hey, are you feeling better now?¡± I gently shake the slumbering lovechild of beast and beauty. Her only reaction is a satisfied sigh before curling up like a cat without a worry in the world. ¡°You¡¯re such a handful¡¡±
Childcare is not what I signed up for, hell I¡¯m not even ready to take care of a pet but she doesn¡¯t leave me much choice. I mean I could try to break her nose or zap her to high heavens to see if that¡¯d wake her up but even I have some conscience. And it¡¯ll be faster this way.
Tired as I am after all the physical work, anxiety clawing at me since last night and a complete lack of sleep I still do my task. Just as the Fist drilled it into us. Just always ask yourself the question; ¡®Would you be rather uncomfortable or dead?¡¯
I swiftly close the door as I leave the room, carrying my burden and lying to the guards as the situation requires it. ¡°The doctor wished for some rest.¡± I inform them and they seem to accept without much doubt.
I keep up the facade of a normal satisfied albeit robbed customer all the way until the crumbling corner house is no longer in sight. From there I¡ do something that resembles running barely at the speed of a lazy jog.
We need to get the hell out of this city. Having the local authorities after us is one thing because they seem just as corrupt as incompetent. But those armed men back at the healer¡¯s door¡ I doubt they were working for that cowardly scammer.
Honestly, if I just dumped Valka and looked for another settlement where crime isn¡¯t as rampant before entering this shithole my journey home would¡¯ve been much easier. Beside the identification part. She¡¯s the one with a warrant and I¡¯m the idiot who¡¯s completely aware of the danger, tags along anyway, and drags even more shit onto our necks while trying to fix things it seems.
And I¡¯m fine with that.
I¡¯d rather have her with me than August or¡ heck even Kayla if I¡¯d end up in the middle of nowhere and I could choose my partner. I¡¯ll even call her a friend, although not out loud, that¡¯s embarrassing.
Anyway, we need to leave, this neighborhood, the slums, and this fucked up city as a whole. However, without any tricks to smuggle Valka out that won¡¯t be easy and I can¡¯t see myself just straight up carrying her through the gates without anyone raising an eyebrow. The big baby comes to life, we cook up a brilliant plan and then we¡¯re out of here, easy¡
My first brilliant idea is to take shelter in the sewers just like in all those adventure stories but the environment doesn¡¯t seem to favor that approach. We¡¯re in the slums, with shit and piss all over the streets and barely any stone covering the ground. Looking for a way to the tunnels below would be like fishing in the desert, there is no sewer system.
My second idea is just to flop through a crumbling wall, lay flat in the dust, and hope for the best. Since this plan is still better than its predecessor I refine it a little, use the good old think with your enemy¡¯s head method, and start digging.
Yeah, this place is full of perfect hideout spots like abandoned houses, collapsed houses, half-collapsed houses, still inhabited houses but without a proper owner and just used by a bunch of druggies, whore houses, and a plethora of other welcoming places¡ Yeah, no thanks.
¡°Hey you, this way! I can help.¡± Whispered words call out to me from the shadow of an alley.
How reassuring¡
Chapter 84 - Questionable Employer
¡°Hey you, this way!¡± Whispered words call out to me from the shadow of an alley.
I know it¡¯s a trap, or at least I¡¯m like ninety percent sure the owner of the voice is out to mug me, but I still decide to follow his lead. Why is that?
A wild rumble against a street rat has already proved its case once in my life as a brilliant camouflage in the slums. In the worst case, it¡¯ll slow us down a little and help me vent some steam, or if we¡¯re lucky help us hide until the coast is clear. There¡¯s also the chance he¡¯s really trying to aid us but¡ I was raised in a fortress, not a castle.
Lo and behold the moment I round the corner in the wake of the mysterious cloaked figure guiding us through the streets two more people emerge. Two men and a woman with knives and a clearly dysfunctional crossbow in their hands.
Seriously, the string is snapped, have at least this much attention to the details.
¡°It really is her, from the poster.¡± The woman with the ranged weapon equivalent of a stick quickly reveals their intentions and that¡¯s all I need to act.
First off I grab Valka and hurl her at them like a bag of dirt, pushed by some wind magic coming to my aid. She finally has some use, acting as a distraction, cover, a shield, and most importantly a considerable weight no longer on my shoulder. Like what are they gonna do, stab her? What a useful person she is even in her sleep¡
The amateur bunch is rightfully surprised by my move, catching the bounty and leaving themselves completely open as I close the distance in the cover of the white hair curtain. As the three people catch Valka in a group effort I slide past between their feet and find three backs turned to me ripe for punishment.
¡°Good night.¡± I giggle murderously, touch the shoulders of the two on both ends and discharge a mighty zap.
They collapse where they stand, however, the two dudes do manage to stay conscious, something a gentle stomp on their head quickly remedies.
¡°Ouch, just how wicked can you be?¡± The only one who weathers the attack and manages to sit up is of course Valka, groggy yet clearly much healthier. ¡°What was that for? Huh?¡±
It takes her a second or two to digest the world around her and watching that confusion on her face is truly priceless. And when she finally looks at me while still sitting on the three lowlifes¡
¡°You took them down in your sleep.¡± I manage to pull a serious face. ¡°They were helpless and you just went Hah, hiya and puff and bamm.¡± Then I finally lose it.
I know we¡¯re in dire straights but the moment I can no longer laugh is probably when my life is no longer worth living. If anyone shows up to have a go then I¡¯ll just wipe the floor with them all the same, especially now that I¡¯m not alone.
¡°Hey, doesn¡¯t even hurt-¡± Valka pulls her shirt up elated to feel better and rightfully baffled at her sudden recovery until the pieces of the puzzle finally click. ¡°Why did you¡¡± She whispers, her mood taking a sharp turn.
¡°Because you looked like shit and I was afraid you wouldn¡¯t make it.¡± I shrug as if it was no big deal. ¡°It cost me quite a sum and we might be in a lot of trouble but-¡±
¡°I didn¡¯t ask for it!¡± Valka snaps out of nowhere loud enough for the entire slum to hear. When she finally looks at me her eyes are watery and her lips are trembling but there¡¯s only sadness in that gaze. ¡°I have nothing, why can¡¯t you understand?¡± Huh what is she-? ¡°I can¡¯t repay you so please stop giving me more kindness, I can¡¯t take it anymore.¡±
To put it mildly, I think my brain just got damaged. People ask for things, demand them, or in the worst case take what they want by force. But never in my life have I ever heard a request like this.
¡°My conscience can¡¯t take it anymore.¡± Valka¡¯s plea however has little concern for my confusion. ¡°You saved me from a horrible fate, fed me, showed me care and genuine attention, taught me to laugh again, you risked your life for me multiple times, gave me those potions and through your efforts alone I even received a weird gift from a god for all I care. And now this? How can I not feel like a parasite living off you?¡± No, you are wrong. ¡°How do I deserve any of this while my people are probably suffering out there?¡±
Her voice slowly quiets as she shares with me the burden on her heart, yet even as no more words leave her mouth I can feel there¡¯s much left that¡¯s hurting her inside.
I truly pity this girl who¡¯s been through so much that basic human treatment feels like an unrepayable debt weighing on her shoulders. I¡¯d do the same things for anyone I hold even a little close to my heart. This one, the white-haired brute, did manage to carve out a special spot for herself, and seeing her like this-
¡°Looks like we finally have our little rats.¡± The owner of the voice shattering this moment doesn¡¯t know yet but he just signed his death warrant.
It¡¯s not the crooked alleyways where the enemy took up position to punish my transgression and only when I lift my gaze to the rooftops does the severity of my actions truly shine through. Twelve, And that¡¯s just the ones I can see, armed and armored properly unlike the garbage still lying at my feet.
¡°Leaving without pay, threatening our poor healer and even hurting the kindhearted man¡¡± Of course, their leader, a woman to my great surprise starts with the expected bullshitting. ¡°Reimbursement is one thing we can solve reasonably. But the audacity to attack something that¡¯s mine¡ I fear there¡¯s no easy solution for that. We need to set an example.¡±
Her words promise no easy way out of this and Val comes to the same conclusion as she quickly wipes her tears, springs to her feet and we stand back to back. It¡¯s about to rain trouble any second now and fighting our way out might be the only-
¡°Who told this bitch she can just march into our turf with her army of goons, huh?¡± This time a male voice rises above the roofs, commanding just as much attention as the previous threats. ¡°If it¡¯s trouble you Bloodcrows came looking for then I¡¯m happy to oblige, otherwise you¡¯d be wise to gather your dogs¡ And get the fuck out of here before I rip your throat out and shove it up your ass!¡±
This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Ah, gang rivalry, the most common cause of death in the slums only after drug abuse¡ Once they clash the area around them turns into a hazardous warzone where no life is spared and the unlucky souls nearby end up as collateral damage.
All in all, this is bad news but at the same time... just what we needed.
¡°We have no beef with you Hector or your Duskrunners, besides the usual that is.¡± The woman clearly in charge of Gang 1, the benefactor of the doctor tries to defuse the situation. ¡°We¡¯ll just grab those two and be gone in a-¡±
¡°And who gave you permission to grab anyone?¡± That¡¯s right, you tell her random lowlife dude. ¡°We have established¡¡±
¡°Now, follow me!¡± I whisper to the only person on my side out of the almost a hundred warm bodies surrounding us.
What better way to escape surrounded by walls and enemies than through the walls?
With a wave of my arm the wall to our right crumbles instantly and we bolt through the new opening while the two sides are locked in verbal combat. We cut through the housing block like a hot knife through fresh dogshit and only when we¡¯re on the next street do the two gangs finally decide to move.
¡°Keep going through!¡± Valka takes the lead in my moment of hesitation trying to pick a direction.
The vigor with which she bashes through the wall makes me question her true reason for going straight, she¡¯s likely enjoying it, but instead of pondering about useless questions, I focus on blocking our pursuers.
Pulling entire buildings down, sending walls flying at the ones hunting for us on the rooftops, all the while watching the two sides descend into chaos¡ It¡¯s liberating. I¡¯m no longer the little mouse running desperately, and I¡¯m no longer alone.
The chase goes on for a while as we demolish parts of the slums and drive our pursuer back only for them to return in numbers again. I try to aim for the limbs and avoid killing anyone if possible, but that doesn¡¯t justify all our actions.
A quick apology is all I can offer to quivering families as we barrel through their homes leaving their little sanctuary of privacy in shambles as a result of our escapade. The destruction is significant and towards the end, I do try to avoid causing more damage if possible only to find no pursuers in sight.
¡°Did we lose them?¡± I stop to catch my breath in an alley adjacent to the city wall.
¡°For now. Any ideas on how we leave this crime den of a city?¡± Valka¡¯s question is one that has been on my mind ever since knocking out the healer but only a few risky proposals have come to mind.
Either we climb the wall and jump down on the other end or bribe someone to smuggle us out. If they¡¯re still here¡
¡°We need to hurry-¡±
¡°But I¡¯d love for you to stay.¡± Hector replies, or at least that¡¯s the name I can pin to the male voice. ¡°After all you made quite a mess and I¡¯m sure your parents have taught you to clean up after yourselves, no?¡±
A middle-aged man dressed like a noble yet stroking a scruffy beard like a dead squirrel emerges from a nearby building. And he¡¯s not alone. The pairs of eyes watching us from every corner of our surroundings pit the odds against us to a ridiculous degree.
¡°I¡¯d check under your own nails if you¡¯re looking for dirty.¡± I huff, to show I¡¯m not afraid of him. The other thirty people though¡ ¡°Take whatever we have I don¡¯t care just let us leave this city already, we don¡¯t want anything to do with it.¡±
Unsurprisingly my words are only met with a round of fake and irritating laughter but it¡¯s an intimidation tactic even children often find¡well, laughable.
¡°It¡¯s funny.¡± Hector approaches us confidently. ¡°I heard you offer us something that¡¯s already ours¡ No girlie, you see, I¡¯m a man of principles.¡± Highly doubtful. ¡°And serving the people under my protection, the people whose homes you destroyed, and the brave fighters¡± He turns his back on us to address his people. ¡°who offered their lives to protect our part of the city from the danger you invited¡ It pains me but this time I cannot be lenient.¡±
[Leader lvl ???]
He is the most dangerous type of person you never want to make an enemy of. One great with words and blessed with the ability to move the masses. We¡¯re pretty screwed. There¡¯s one silver lining though¡ I don¡¯t think he wants us specifically, but we just need to wait and see.
¡°But I¡¯m also a man of business.¡± There it is, the catch. ¡°So if the compensation is attainable without resulting to this.¡± He waves a poster with Valka¡¯s face plastered on it. ¡°I think we could be very good friends.¡± Weird old man trying to befriend kids, eww. ¡°I¡¯ve heard you almost managed to take out the good doctor and the fighting prowess you displayed during our little innocent chase was also admirable.¡±
¡°Cut to the chase!¡± Bad choice of words¡ I¡¯ve allowed his little show to keep going because he has the upper hand but I¡¯ve had enough.
One thing needs to be clear very fucking clear. If he tries to subdue us by force then we¡¯ll go down biting and kicking, taking as much with us as possible and making it a lose-lose for both sides.
¡°Very well.¡± Hector chuckles and stops a few paces from us. ¡°Help me take this city and I¡¯ll get you out, I¡¯ll even arrange for an audience with the Emperor of Valeria himself if that¡¯s what you wish for. You scratch my back and I scratch yours. But be warned, I have eyes everywhere so if you try something funny I won¡¯t be your biggest problem. The guard captain is a stoic man and a terrible negotiating partner¡¡±
A shitty deal but one we cannot refuse. The details are ambiguous and so is the time it¡¯ll take to fulfill our end of the bargain. He isn¡¯t just looking for one more goon to add to his rank of idiots to throw at a problem, and that means we have value beyond our levels.
¡°There are conditions.¡± I cross my arms. ¡°No killing, no restrictions, no unnecessary damage, and no innocents hurt.¡±
¡°Oh, do we have a little heroine over here? A paragon of virtue?¡± The men chuckle again yet I stay unfazed.
¡°You do you, but I still have principles and parents to look in the eye without making them feel like failures.¡± The atmosphere turns murderous at my declaration. ¡°The moment we topple your rival you help us leave the city and we never see each other again? Do we have a deal?¡±
¡°That pride of yours will take you to the grave one day princess, words can be just as dangerous as your fancy magic tricks.¡± Hector drops the sweet talks as he steps right into my face. ¡°Your value will be put to the test and if it doesn¡¯t exceed fifteen golds you won¡¯t be dealing with me¡¡± I keep his gaze despite the honest threat.¡± But for now, we can be friends.¡±
And the situation is defused just like that. Words, powerful tools in the hand of one so capable of wielding them.
¡°I¡¯ll reach out when your services are needed and don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll know where to find you.¡± The eccentric man turns to leave in style.
Obviously, he has no intentions of keeping his side of the bargain but neither do I. This is a race to who can backstab the other first but I also intend on taking advantage of every situation we face. He may have a foot on the tiger¡¯s tail for now, but once that¡¯s no longer the case¡
¡°Wait!¡± But there¡¯s one more thing I need. ¡°Can you do something about her?¡± I point at Valka shamelessly.
One glance from a guard and we¡¯re done for with her snow-white hair standing out as usual. I don¡¯t think our new employer wants to lose the cards in his hand right away which means some investment is necessary.
¡°Hmm, sure. Igor, do your thing and be gentle with the young lady!¡± Hector chuckles before disappearing into one of the alleys.
The rest of the men he brought with him also pull back like a shadow following their master except for one absolute unit of a man with a massive knife in his hand and murderous eyes. Scars run across his rough face and the brown blood marks on his clothes don¡¯t make his presence any more encouraging.
Out of nowhere he he walks into a house, returning seconds later with a chair and table cover in hand.
¡°Please take a seat.¡± His booming voice gently requests Valka¡¯s cooperation. ¡°Your reluctance is understandable but I fear you¡¯ll have to go bald.¡±
[The Class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 72.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 60.]
[The general Skill [Martial Instinct] has reached lvl 12.]
Chapter 85 - The Obscured One
¡°I will kill you for this.¡±
¡°Eye for an eye.¡± Valka sticks her tongue out childishly.
She had to go bald, otherwise it¡¯d only take minutes for the guards to catch the glaring similarity to her wanted poster. It was a tactical decision, even if an uncomfortable one.
But why did my hair have to go? Okay, I laughed a little as she pleaded for mercy and even helped the absolute unit of a barber restrain her but that didn¡¯t mean she had to be as petty as me. Who could¡¯ve guessed she¡¯d pounce on me once the deed was done and threaten the poor man¡¯s family just to deplume me all the same¡
At least my hair is no longer itchy and a greasy mess but I liked my golden locks I inherited from Dad. Val probably feels the same but I¡¯m not the one with a bounty on my head and it was only a small snicker, I wasn¡¯t even laughing that hard.
¡°What now?¡± She asks as if all is well and all grudges are settled.
¡°Now we gather information and find a place to stay.¡± As much as I¡¯d like to avoid getting scammed once again we have no other choice. ¡°I don¡¯t want to test this Hector¡¯s information network right away. He might look like a fool but sometimes those people are the most dangerous. But first¡¡±
I glance back at the trail of destruction we left in our wake. I¡¯m not one to selflessly help those in need but tidying up after myself is a question of basic decency.
Mom would definitely reprimand me if she saw this¡
***
It took us about half an hour to backtrack and plug the holes we made even if our pursuers were just as much at fault. The sight of families covering at our sight and their cold gazes was uncomfortable at best but we did our job anyway. I¡¯d say we even improved things but I expected no words of gratitude.
We¡¯re now back amongst the normal folk, still treading carefully to avoid the eyes of the law but moving with purpose to avoid suspicion. Finding a tavern is an easy task, finding a good one is a little harder but to sniff out which one is good should be considered a form of art.
¡°This one?¡± Valka asks sarcastically. ¡°We walked past like ten already and at least half of them looked much nicer.¡±
¡°Oh shut it, what do you even know about taverns?¡± Despite saying that this is also my first time sleeping anywhere that isn¡¯t home, Fort Karon, or somewhere outside. Or underground but those are the worst. ¡°Let¡¯s check the price first.¡±
And thus we enter the Duck¡¯s Nest, full of scrutiny and caution¡ Only for it all to turn into thin air once the mouthwatering scents reaching even the entrance begin to dance with our noses.
We haven¡¯t eaten in almost a day and Willpower simply falters at the promise of a feast.
¡°Welcome to the Duck¡¯s Nest how may I-¡±
¡°Food for two!¡± I interrupt the poor beastkin clerk. The rabbit girl, can¡¯t be older than us, but the fact someone of her species is working here only raises my expectations for the place.
She looks us up and down, her eyes showing no fear despite our considerable combat prowess and instead observing us with the gaze of a merchant.
¡°You need to pay upfront.¡± She finally declares and I can¡¯t fault her for the doubts about our finances.
Our looks and clothing put us only a step above beggars and trustworthiness seems to be a rare commodity in this city, more than any other place I visited. Without much thought, I slap four silver on the counter just to make sure it covers all our expenses before following my nose to the dining area.
Despite the inviting smell, the place is half-empty and the poor condition of the city is the most glaring issue to blame. Rampant corruption and crime mean fewer travelers and also fewer people to milk for their money.
We take our seats in a corner and within minutes our table is filled with meals so beautiful I have to fight back my tears. For weeks I had to eat whatever I could find and although the hypno fruits tasted heavenly the rest was incomparable to what I was used to.
¡°We deserve this.¡± I mutter as I watch Valka brutalizing the contents of her plate already.
***
After the meal we paid for a place to stay, obviously. There was no room for any arguments against picking this place, not after feeding us this well. Looking back now I admit it wasn¡¯t that hard to convince either of us with food, simply due to our previous diet. The prices seem reasonable and I have something more important to do than to count our coin.
¡°Can I trust you with this?¡± I ask Valka as I entrust her with my safety.
¡°After what you did for me, this is the bare minimum.¡± She nods, her gaze showing determination to complete her task without any hiccups.
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Elyssia
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Age: 12
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 4220/4220
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Free Points: 0
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+460/hour
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Might: 7
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Intelligence: 462
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Mana: 422
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Speed: 101
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Focus: 530(+78)
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Willpower: 460
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Endurance: 80
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Dexterity: 30
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Fortitude: 80
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 53
Identify lvl 67
Dodging lvl 60
Pain Tolerance lvl 30
Premonition lvl 65
Survival lvl 42
Maintained Magic lvl 45
Serne Spellcrafting lvl 56
Martial Instinct lvl 12
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I. Class: Mystical Daredevil - Arcane lvl 72
Arcane Mastery lvl 72
Armory of the Arcane lvl 72
Mana Perception lvl 72
Elemental Burst lvl 55
Arcane Focus lvl 72
Chaotic Touch lvl 47
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II. Class: *Locked*
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Those numbers won¡¯t look much better than this and I don¡¯t have the luxury nor the patience to max out every single Skill in my arsenal.
A Class advancement can take hours, and it is Valka¡¯s task to protect my vulnerable body until I open my eyes. Safe isn¡¯t exactly the word I¡¯d use for our current residence but I doubt we¡¯ll find anything better and I need power now more than ever.
¡°Then I¡¯ll see you in a few hours.¡± I lay down comfortably in the only bed we have in our little room.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
[Your class [Mystical Daredevil - Arcane] has reached lvl 72. Class advancement is now available, would you like to start the class up?]
[Y/N]
Do it!
***
To my regret, it isn¡¯t the beach that welcomes me when I open my eyes, nor the grandiose mess hall of Fort Karon. But the Sanctuary isn¡¯t that bad either. The only place I truly felt safe ever since nearly dying for the first time in the past weeks. I think I should be around eight by now.
Back then it was peaceful around the Fluffs and the biggest headache I had was finding dinner every day¡ Staying here for a while would be just what my weathered soul needs to heal.
But I can¡¯t keep Valka waiting forever.
Looking for colorful stuff is usually the way to figure out what shape the Class up objects take and I think even colorblind people wouldn¡¯t have any problem. This is inside one¡¯s soul after all.
Maybe to spite me, because that¡¯s just how I am and this is inside my head, the items turn out to be flowers floating on the magical rivulets dancing in the air and all around the clearing. Now this is all pretty and all that but chasing after every single one of them feels like an absolute chore.
¡°Just come here!¡± I growl and like tame pets the streams of water answer. ¡°Good, now show me, my glorious new Class!¡±
[Teacher¡¯s Favorite - Wind], [Guest of the Sanctuary - Life], [Explorer of Old and Forgotten - Arcane], [Field Cook - Fire], [Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane], [Flameclad Bane of Goblins - Fire], [Courted by Death - Dark], [Liberator of Spirits - Arcane], [Mother of the Northern Inferno - Fire], [Charismatic Negotiator- Life], [Molemaiden - Earth], [Close Combat Sorceress - Arcane], [Meatgrinder - Metal],
Quite the list¡ I mean I worked hard for every single one of these offerings and went through enough hardships to deserve them all. Stingy Guide really could¡¯ve given me at least a single purple one.
I already disregarded most of the flowers floating on the water because I have standards and little time. Despite having a clear picture of what I want from this soulscape visit I still go through the options presented to me. The chance of a hidden gem appearing is low but not completely negligible.
[Teacher¡¯s Favorite - Wind]
This one I felt here only to prove that I really was Martha¡¯s favorite and best student. The System never lies so it must be true.
[Guest of the Sanctuary - Life]
The first flower to actually catch my attention. Its petals and pistils are enveloped in a cradle of gentle thorns shielding it from the outside world.
Requirement: The Sanctuary provides shelter for those the forest finds worthy to call friends. Earning the Sentinel¡¯s favor. 420 Mana, 450 Focus
Not the longest list but considering how powerful Big Fluff is the task of helping him out is of an appropriate difficulty. Not that I did it out of the kindness of my heart.
Life is one of the elements I simply can not comprehend no matter how many times I watched a healer patch me up. The ability to heal myself, just like a certain brute who¡¯s currently guarding my sleep would be of insane value. But I¡¯d lose all the other cool stuff. Maybe as a second or third Class¡
[Explorer of Old and Forgotten - Arcane]
Requirement: Search the remnants of a bygone era, relying on only yourself, your magic, and your curiosity. Arcane Mastery lvl 72, Mana Perception lvl 72, 60 Endurance, 420 Mana, 360 Focus
Uh, okay, this must be like a benevolent grave robber Class. Let¡¯s see¡ discover traps, unveil the truth, comprehend stuff¡ Yup, it wouldn¡¯t help me win a fight whatsoever. Sure some minimal self-defense and a barrier are included but if I had this when we fought the goblins I¡¯m pretty sure we would¡¯ve lost.
[Field Cook - Fire]
A cute proposition, nothing else. Sure it¡¯d be nice to have our meals be a little tastier and make cooking a little less of a hassle but this is more of a joke than anything.
[Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane]
The flower is dancing. Like, it¡¯s literally twirling and hopping on the surface of the water like a performer in its translucent dress and rainbows on its tail.
Requirement: Dance elegantly dressed in the magic you wield on the battlefield as your stage. Arcane Mastery lvl 72, Armory of the Arcane lvl 60, Elemental Burst lvl 45, Arcane Focus lvl 60, 450 Intelligence, 600 Focus
Goodness, that¡¯s steep.
Dance to the hum of the mana, spin with the maelstrom of water, twirl with the passion of fire, spring with the grace of the wind, and stand with the firmness of earth. The waltz of nature is elegant, ever-changing, and deadly just like the music and tempo dedicated by you alone. Dance to your heart¡¯s content as you are the lead of the performance, make the world your stage.
So is this like a Wardancer but mage-style? Mobility and control are clearly in the focus but I just can¡¯t see myself doing a pirouette while Valka¡¯s pummeling something into the ground¡
[ +3 Free Points, +8 Speed, +4 Endurance, +15 Intelligence, +16 Focus, +2 Dexterity, +14 Mana, +16 Willpower, +2 Fortitude per level]
Damn, the numbers are spot on though, definitely a top candidate.
[Flameclad Bane of Goblins - Fire]
Good, they deserved it and I¡¯d do it again. I don¡¯t care what this one has to offer because goblins are just not worth my time. Next!
[Courted by Death - Dark]
The color is meh but the name did catch my interest, especially since the bloom is almost completely invisible, only its vague aura and the way it disturbs the water betraying its presence.
Requirement: Experience enough close-death situations to feel the breath of Malor on your neck when the end is nigh.
Okay, creepy but true.
Malor¡¯s gaze follows everyone everywhere, however you in particular seem to have gained his attention. There¡¯s no fighting it, no point in relying on a sharp sword or impenetrable shield but disappearing from sight might work. Cloak your existence and pray He forgets.
Lame. I¡¯m a bit too old for hide and seek now and there¡¯s no point playing if the ¡®it¡¯ is death himself.
The next floret is ethereal, just like the spirits floating above the water and humming quietly, singing the hymn of mana.
[Liberator of Spirits - Arcane]
Requirement: Long have the chains fallen off the benevolent elements yet some remained prisoners, until you came that is. Arcane Mastery lvl 72, Arcane Focus lvl 66, 450 Intelligence, 450 Focus, 420 Mana, 420 Willpower
Not often was it that the race forced into servitude was graced with kindness and gifted with their freedom. They grew distrustful, scared, and in the end secluded themselves never to suffer the same fate again. Spirits don¡¯t answer anymore but your pleas for help they might listen to. You are a glimmer of hope for the lost race too sacred to stare back into the dark.
[ +6 Free Points, +2 Speed, +4 Endurance, +14 Intelligence, +2 Focus, +2 Dexterity, +22 Mana, +16 Willpower, +4 Fortitude per level]
That¡¯s¡ wow. This is more than I¡¯ve ever heard about spirits be that fairytales or history books back in Granhall. ¡®They might listen¡¯ So can I call them to help, just like Kayla does with her animal friends, but there¡¯s a maybe in the equation? This is rough, I can¡¯t decide.
[Mother of the Northern Inferno - Fire]
The petals are literally on fire, burning with hungry flames and boiling the water around them. Sweet.
This is mostly just here because it¡¯s cool. Even without reading through the entire thing, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s the most destructive of them all without a doubt. Objectively speaking it¡¯s a great Class but fire is one of the elements I¡¯d never give up arcane for.
[Charismatic Negotiator- Life]
A flower as flowery as the words of one well-versed in the art of parley.
Even I don¡¯t think I deserve this Class. Especially since none of my negotiations really turned out the way I wanted and got resolved through force or intimidation. My silver tongue needs no Skills or Classes to get me out of trouble. If that fails I can always just rely on violence of course.
[Molemaiden - Earth]
¡ Next!
[Close Combat Sorceress - Arcane]
Finally, something powerful and straightforward.
Requirement: Defy the established order and bring the fight to the enemy wielding magic instead of crude weapons. Arcane Mastery lvl 72, Armory of the Arcane lvl 72, 90 Speed, 60 Endurance, 600 Focus, 450 Willpower,
Mages rain destruction from afar while Warriors swing their weapon in the thick of the enemy. It is an arrangement as natural as day follows the night. At the same time, there¡¯s nothing stopping a wielder of the great mana from employing their wondrous craft head-to-head. Being an embodiment of ruination right where combat is the most heated, that is what you are born for.
[ +2 Free Points, +8 Speed, +10 Endurance, +10 Intelligence, +14 Focus, +4 Dexterity, +10 Mana, +10 Willpower, +6 Fortitude per level]
Those attributes would round out my stats so nicely¡ The numbers and description, even the general feeling vibrating from the sturdy glassy flower telling, everything points to this being the true Battlemage Class.
A difficult assortment this one¡ But something has been bothering me for a while now, namely the purple flickering light hiding behind the small waterfall I don¡¯t remember seeing around the Sanctuary.
¡°Show yourself!¡± I command, as my words are rules inside my soul yet the anomaly does not even budge. ¡°Fine,¡± I huff, as curious as frustrated. ¡°Then we do it the hard way.¡±
Although my steps toward the water curtain are confident I¡¯m anything but. I¡¯ve never heard or read about anything like this happening during Class selection, although Librea herself was also quite weird but more importantly¡ I recognize that color. It¡¯s the same purple gleam that touched my forehead when the hand of whatever that being was repaid our kindness.
It¡¯s nerve-wracking.
Once I reach the water I take a deep breath and plunge my hand through the violent wall of water. Or at least I try to. The element pushes back, forcing my fingers away despite my commands, and keeps the secret hidden even after I struggle with all my might.
¡°Why won¡¯t you give it to me?!¡± I yell like a child throwing a tantrum in the end after the sixth failed attempt. ¡°I worked for it, I deserve it, why am I not allowed to know¡¡± Then reality, or more accurately a hunch points out something obvious. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what it is.¡±
I¡¯ve been given something, by someone, that does¡ Yeah, I don¡¯t understand anything about it. All I know is that it¡¯s purple and somehow related to magic but it¡¯s obviously so much more. What I received wasn¡¯t an answer to ¡°To quench your curiosity¡± but a clue¡
¡°This better be worth it.¡± I mutter before returning to the rest of my offerings.
I¡¯m not disappointed, or frustrated, or even angry. Okay, I¡¯m a bit pissed, but eager is the word to describe my state the best. This is a challenge, a puzzle only for me to solve. Something beyond the knowledge of Savant, gifted to me by the most powerful being I¡¯ve ever met.
Somehow I can¡¯t be as enthusiastic about my remaining flowers anymore¡
Chapter 86 - The Leap
I didn¡¯t accept being barred of my choice easily. I yelled at the waterfall, begged, and tried fabled words of magic to make it part and let me through. Hell, I even dropkicked the damn water curtain but it just refused to budge.
Then I thought about recalling that feeling, that burst of power I felt when the finger touched my forehead. It was power, mana, energizing, and vast¡ But I couldn¡¯t really put a finger on it.
So I was left with the normal offerings.
[Liberator of Spirits - Arcane], [Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane], [Close Combat Sorceress - Arcane]
These three are the only actual contenders. The rest are still great by the average person¡¯s measure but I¡¯m quite a bit above average.
Liberator focuses on mana mostly, likely to summon the spirits and feed them mana which then they can use to do my bidding.
Dancer is the most mage-like of the three if we look at the stats alone. It incorporates movements with magic and relies on mana to crush any danger while staying in motion to avoid danger.
Combat Sorceress is a well-rounded pick that boosts my poor physical attributes while making me a real menace and near untouchable up close. Like fire if fire could spit and run around and would be immune to water and most other things¡
None of them is bad per se. To start off, I can¡¯t dance, not one bit. Dodging some strikes and adding unnecessary moves while flinging spells is all I did and Martha would definitely tear my ear off if she saw any of that.
With that said the first to go has to be the spirit mage. I don¡¯t like the uncertainty factor and I don¡¯t like fighting alongside people I care about. They will get hurt and that¡¯s really something I¡¯d rather avoid. I will never understand how Kayla copes with it.
Combat Sorceress is solid, it does exactly what I need and diversifies my arsenal even further, makes me even more of a jack of all trades. That sounds good in theory, making sure I have no weaknesses and can stand my ground in every situation.
But it also sucks. I already lack firepower and my mana is only so-so compared to conventional mages. Being okay at everything means I¡¯m good at nothing.
That leaves dancing¡
¡°Honestly, I can¡¯t even care all that much after that purple thing¡¡±
***
When I open my eyes the messages are the least of my concerns. My arm feels like it¡¯s about to fall off, I barely have any space on the bed and I¡¯m starving. Oh and most importantly my body feels like it¡¯s about to explode with energy.
The culprit behind two of those issues is Valka, sleeping curled up next to me and taking up most of the bed. She was supposed to guard me¡
¡°You were supposed to guard me!¡± I yell and slap her shoulder a few times just for good measure.
I¡¯ve never seen someone wake up as fast as she does. Scrambling out of bed, getting jumbled in the blanket, and hitting the ground head first. Her furious groan makes me rethink my actions but it¡¯s already too late.
I watch her with growing fear as she gathers her thoughts and gets back on her feet.
¡°And you were supposed to take a quick nap not go into a fucking coma!¡± I raise my arms to protect my face as she pounces at me. A foolish mistake.
The tickling I receive definitely deserves a section in the great book of tortures. No amount of begging and zapping deters her and by the time she¡¯s satisfied, I feel like I¡¯m about to pass out.
¡°I waited until noon, noon for the love of Gods and you went to sleep early last night.¡± She rubs her eyes adorned with dark circles. ¡°You can¡¯t imagine how bored I was, and hungry, and anxious, and bored!¡±
Damn, she makes it sound like it¡¯s my fault. And she¡¯s really convincing.
But I know just the thing that will appease her.
¡°So¡ should we go down and-¡±
¡°Yes!¡± She reads my mind. ¡°And you¡¯re not off the hook yet!¡±
***
I did feel guilty during dinner, yes dinner, but that wasn¡¯t the only reason I kept my mouth shut. I needed the check on the goodies.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve changed your Class to [Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane] lvl 73 -> 87, +3 Free Points, +8 Speed, +4 Endurance, +15 Intelligence, +16 Focus, +2 Dexterity, +14 Mana, +16 Willpower, +2 Fortitude.]
And that felt incredible. It was no surprise I was energized to a stupid degree, like any support Skill that ever affected me taking bunched together and multiplied by three. I never understood why druggies need anything when the rush of an attribute bomb tops everything.
It slowly faded minute by minute of course and I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m addicted now but most importantly¡ I¡¯m now stronger than Val on paper.
[Your Class Skill [Chaotic Touch lvl 47] has been forfeited during Class advancement.]
It was a useful Skill but not an irreplaceable one. Definitely would¡¯ve been the first on the chopping block if something brilliant presented itself.
[Your Class Skill [Armory of the Arcane lvl 72], has evolved into the Class Skill [Action for Reaction lvl 72].]
Action for Reaction: Let the mana flow through you and be its guide in the dance. Revel in the complete harmony of the performance as it entrances the crowd and the surroundings alike. Be the guide to mana as direction, force or purpose are all yours to decide. Movements and intent accentuate mana output.
-54 mana/hour (-1 mana/level)
Now that almost made me tear down the entire tavern the moment it popped up. I worked hard for the armory, and it was one of my core Skills but this advancement simply took it without permission.
The replacement was good though, really fucking good actually, so no property damage occurred.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Focus of Attention lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
A Skill to literally make enemies more likely to attack me¡ Something along the lines of a subtle mental suggestion. Might as well be gravity magic for danger.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Soothing Water lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Seething Fire lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Graceful Wind lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Stalwart Earth lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
This was an interesting quartet. All four of them ¡®attached¡¯ an element to me and boosted their effects like a third hand or a gentle push and all of them were passive Skills.
If Martha saw them she¡¯d be drooling over the possibilities of a merge at the next Class-up. She wouldn¡¯t recommend it because I¡¯d have to dump almost all my other Skills and achieve nothing remarkable while slowly and painfully raising my level until the milestone of 144. It¡¯d be beyond stupid.
Thankfully there was more.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Ethereal Stage lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Harness the entire stage during your performance without any restrictions. Mana will stand at your beck and call, serving at its absolute best under the spotlight.
-24 mana/hour (-2 mana/level)
I instantly took this one. Putting one¡¯s mana control zone aside, when forming spells or just generally playing around with mana, the closer it is the more obedient it behaves. This simple Skill changes that whole dynamic. It¡¯s brilliant, best passive ever.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
I knew this one and Action for Reaction would most definitely be a huge drain on my mana regen but I¡¯d take the combat potential over mana regen any day. Almost every passive has a drawback, be that mana expenditure or in the Action for Reaction the necessity of movements to accentuate my magic.
They¡¯re worth it though.
I¡¯ve also heard about some harsh ones taking your sense of smell or requiring words to empower spells but I think those are a little too much.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Rhythmic Strides lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Let mana enhance your every step, pulsing to your footfalls and creating an alluring rhythm. Gentle or destructive, quiet or earth-shattering, it does not matter. The performance must go on and the dancer will pave the road to the finale for the audience to follow.
Now this one was questionable. From what I understand it¡¯s an adjustable Skill. Do I want to run faster, quieter, obscure my presence, or cause explosions around me with every step? I must admit my excitement over the previous jackpot got the better of me and I instantly discarded Elemental Burst in favor of this newcomer.
The moment the old Skill left my Status I almost threw up as the vile headache struck me but I pushed through. It was all just too worth it.
That was a lot, and I mean a lot of Skills. Some of them were likely unlocked by the Class advancement, while one or two the results of leveling up thirteen fucking times! Nice.
Oh, and I also received this thing.
[Congratulations, you have acquired a new Class [Hopeful Wanderer - Wind lvl 1] +1 Free Points.]
Needless to say, I was antsy to go for a test run, to demolish things, and maybe even go out for a short slaughter. But normal people don¡¯t do that in a city, maniacs and mass murderers do however I have not fallen that deep yet.
¡°Is it even necessary?¡± It¡¯s clear Valka¡¯d rather stay back in the room for a short nap but I don¡¯t like the idea of splitting up.
I can also read her well enough to know she¡¯s not all too happy now that I¡¯m stronger than her, on paper. My Class quality is superb, my Skills outstanding, and my stats likely just a tad bit higher, meaning I should be able to take her to the ground or win any tickling match.
¡°I still have nothing to identify myself with. Either this or the church and I don¡¯t feel like lying in the house of the Gods.¡± We finally arrive at the local hunter¡¯s guild where I¡¯ll try to lie myself through screening and maybe secure the first step toward leaving this shithole.
From the outside, the place looks poorly maintained, mostly wooden and only a single story tall. I know Granhall shouldn¡¯t be considered a standard since it¡¯s a fairly large city but this is still pathetic.
And the inside isn¡¯t much better.
¡°How can I help you?¡± The bored and lifeless welcome by the clerk doesn¡¯t come as much of a surprise either.
Traffic seems to be minimal, despite our relatively short distance to the forest we escaped from and the conditions inside are not much better than the outer facade.
¡°I was attacked and lost my belongings. Can we please-¡±
A long sigh breaks my carefully planned explanation. ¡°Another one.¡± Without any other words, the man pulls out a piece of paper, and a pen and starts scribbling something faster than I can cast spells. ¡°Do you have any form of identification on you?¡± I shake my head. ¡°Parents?¡± That would be nice. ¡°Employer or other relative?¡±
¡°We just stopped here to restock and visit a healer.¡± Again, not a word I said was a lie.
¡°I hate this job so much.¡± The man mutters just barely loud enough for me to hear. ¡°We¡¯ll need you to answer a few of our questions and then pay a small fee. Is that agreeable?¡±
¡°Sure.¡± I confidently declare.
I¡¯m not confident.
¡°Wait here a few minutes, I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡± And with that, he leaves us standing there.
¡°Can I go back now?¡± Valka really is doing her best to get on my nerves.
¡°Sure, a lone young girl who¡¯s clearly a slave, and again alone, wandering the streets and looking like shit. Yeah, go ahead.¡±
Gods I hate that I sound like my parents or Martha when dealing with me. I¡¯m not even this unreasonable.
A few minutes really turns out to be just a few minutes, after which the same guy returns and leads us to a small backroom with another robed figure already waiting for us. It looks bad and all but Identify scatters all my worries.
[Priest lvl ???]
A woman, not exactly old but not definitely not young either.
¡°I¡¯ll ask you some simple questions and I need you to answer truthfully.¡± The employee sits down at the table in the middle of the room, indicating for me to do the same.
The white, blue, and silver colors of the priest¡¯s robe reveal which God she follows instantly and shine some light on the reason she¡¯s present for this little questioning.
Alethea, Goddess of Justice and Truth.
¡°To start off, is she yours?¡± The man nods toward Valka.
And so it begins, my desperate struggle to tell the truth without digging the hole we¡¯re in any deeper.
¡°I don¡¯t like thinking of her as my property but her contract is mine, yes.¡± I answer and catch a glimpse of the woman¡¯s lips curling up as I answer. ¡°I didn¡¯t want us to split up and thus brought her with me.¡±
¡°That¡¯s fine. Name, age, and occupation.¡±
¡°Elyssia, twelve and I don¡¯t really have a job. I¡¯m a Mage on my way home from my travels.¡± I answer, already dreading the question about to come.
¡°Is that so?¡± The man checks on the woman who only nods, confirming my answers. ¡°Why visit us and not the authorities?¡±
¡°My father is a hunter or was one for decades. He told me all I need to join is a clear history and the ability to take down the prey.¡± This is an answer I¡¯m confident about.
¡°Well see about that in a moment.¡± The man chuckles. ¡°Any criminal record?¡±
¡°Never killed anyone, never robbed¡¡± Then I stop myself. ¡°Okay, back when I was young," Which was about two years ago. "we did beat up a few thugs who tried to mug us and took everything they had but didn¡¯t get in trouble for that. I¡¯m really not looking for trouble.¡±
Everything else I have on my I looted from the dead. That¡¯s not stealing in my book, I think. Except maybe grave robbery¡
The woman this time looks a little uncertain, almost as if sensing the truth but feeling like something¡¯s missing. In the end, she still nods but her eyes now look a little more interested.
¡°Did you ever hurt anybody on purpose?¡± Comes the next question and it almost makes me laugh.
¡°Sir, I¡¯m a combatant and pretty strong for my age if I do say so myself. It is my profession to get into trouble and solve it through violence, so yes, if anyone tries to mess with me I¡¯m defending myself and leaving them hurting for weeks.¡± I declare confidently.
Self-defense is not a crime, although attacking that officer when I nabbed Valka definitely was.
¡°How reassuring. And you still got robbed?¡± The questions seem to be coming to an end.
¡°They were stronger, more numerous, and caught us by surprise.¡± I¡¯m talking about the ambush on our way to Sereban of course. ¡°My servant got badly injured so we stopped by to get her healed and the only healer¡¡± I leave the story open.
¡°Oh goodness, you visited that thief.¡± The man massages his temples. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to experience the worst of this place. Marie, anything else?¡± He turns to the priestess.
After a few moments, the woman finally speaks up, leaning forward and looking deep into my eyes. ¡°Her stories weren¡¯t made up and she truly has no ill intentions. However, I can feel she¡¯s trying to keep secrets, avoiding the bigger picture.¡±
I¡¯ve been trying to keep calm until now, my throat tightening whenever the woman''s face showed even the slightest change but I¡¯m reaching my limit. This is nerve-wracking.
¡°Then let¡¯s be straight.¡± The man sighs. ¡°Are you here to hurt anyone or commit any crimes in the city?¡±
¡°No.¡±
¡°Are you a wanted criminal?¡± He asks straightforwardly this time.
¡°No.¡± Because they had never seen my face when I stabbed that officer.
¡°Do you have anything illegal on you?¡± This question makes me think for a few seconds to take a stock of my belongings.
¡°I don¡¯t.¡± I answer in the end because I don¡¯t consider Valka to be mine.
¡°Are we done?¡± The man takes one last glance at the priestess who reluctantly nods before before standing up and leaving the room. ¡°Then follow me.¡±
I¡¯d rather fight Big Fluff than go through this again.
***
It took them about half an hour and a drop of my blood, quite literally to complete my brand-new hunter¡¯s badge. The pretty thing cost me ten silver and needs to be renewed every year but it¡¯ll still serve its purpose for now.
¡°Hey Val?¡± I ask on our way back as Solaire begins to disappear behind the horizon.
¡°Hm?¡±
¡°How long have those three been following us?¡± I only noticed them when we exited the guild.
¡°Oh, they¡¯ve been watching us since last night. It was really hard to fall asleep, feeling their gazes on the back of my neck and everything.¡± She glances behind us, looking exactly where one of them is hiding on a rooftop. ¡°They¡¯re with Hector I think.¡±
There¡¯s no doubt about that. The moment we try making an escape they¡¯d act and get us exposed. But something doesn¡¯t add up.
Even I could do a better job when it comes to trailing someone which means they are letting us know about their presence. They want something.
¡°To the left.¡± I whisper nodding toward a narrow alley. ¡°Let¡¯s see what they want.¡±
We walk around a little venturing into the parts of the city no sane person would visit until one of them finally meets us.
¡°Visiting the hunter¡¯s guild are we? Don¡¯t plan your escape just yet princesses, we have a task for you.¡± He snickers.
Intimidation would probably work against most people but not this time.
[Warrior lvl 112]
And not with his level. I doubt any of these thugs have ever seen a blue, much less a cyan option during their Class advancements. Quantity matters but so does quality.
¡°A test, huh?¡± Valka huffs, leaning against the wall and showing no signs of worry.
¡°Sharp.¡± The man nods.
¡°No killing, maiming or robbing.¡± I declare before he can get down to business.
¡°Stealing from criminals isn¡¯t a crime.¡± Says the criminal but I can¡¯t really argue with that one. ¡°Some people owe us some money but they took some of our guys we sent there hostage.¡± Oh, I can already guess where this is going. ¡°Your faces are new and nobody would suspect us to send brats to do the dirty work.¡± Because it¡¯s a scummy thing to do. ¡°I¡¯ll brief you on the way, follow me.¡±
I hate being told what to do. With that said this could end up beneficial¡ The enemy of my enemy is my friend after all.
Chapter 87 - The Easiest Gig
¡°That¡¯s your target.¡± The random thug points at a three-story building with its windows barricaded across the street.
¡°So all we need is to get in, teach them a lesson, and leave with your dudes and what they owe?¡± I make sure to clarify.
But honestly, what a lame first task this is¡ I¡¯ll obviously pocket some of the booty we find there, negotiate first, and make a quick exit if things look too dangerous. I get the part where sending muscle our age is a quirky move and will make them lower their guard but it¡¯s still scummy so I¡¯ll be equally underhanded.
¡°Did you not hear me the first time?¡± Our guide grumbles, showing the disparity in professionalism between street dwellers and the Fist.
¡°Would it hurt to ensure we do what you lowlives are asking?¡± I quip back and leave him seething.
Valka plays along, walking confidently by my side as we approach the abandoned-looking building without much caution. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡± She asks in the end.
¡°We¡¯ll break in.¡± I don¡¯t go into details.
¡°That¡¯s it?¡± She hisses, making me enjoy this even more.
¡°From there we¡¯ll improvise.¡±
This takes us not to the main entrance but around to the back, into a dark alley where only more barricaded doors and windows await.
¡°Okay, just break that thing down.¡± I point at the door without properly explaining things.
I want to see if she trusts me enough to go along blindly or not. Yes, I¡¯m that petty.
To my great relief, Valka simply sighs and puts her fist through the poor wooden planks before tearing the rest of it down, magically without making a noise. Creating a sound-isolating bubble without seeing the other side is a little trickier but I¡¯m stronger than I was yesterday. Quite a bit stronger.
This new entrance leads us to what looks like a storage room, tastefully decorated with clutter and spiderwebs. The door right across isn¡¯t barred or even properly closed, hanging just barely on its last hinge but showing no signs of life through its cracks.
¡°Are we even at the right place?¡± Valka asks a very valid question, however, I don¡¯t really care.
If the intel was wrong that¡¯s not our problem, we literally have no interest in actually beating up anyone. We also won¡¯t complete our objective but I highly doubt there¡¯d be any retaliation for that. Hector isn¡¯t a complete idiot which is why he picked us over fifteen gold even though he knew we¡¯d most definitely go behind his back.
¡°Do we really need to do this?¡± She whispers again instead of shutting her mouth. Not talking is quieter than keeping your voice down.
¡°Look, I want to bolster our funds and maybe buy some actual clothes. Think of this as hunting but we¡¯re not after a deer this time.¡±
That¡¯s right, we¡¯re hunting for money.
Without further ado, I take the lead and push the next door open, with sounds canceling of course, because there¡¯s no way the thing isn¡¯t creaking.
This leads us to a kitchen, or what remains, and a small corridor with wooden floorboards broken in places. Already I can tell we¡¯re at the right place as the muted conversation coming down from the stairs on the other end and the poorly concealed tripwire just four steps ahead also a telltale sign.
This went a lot smoother than I expected. Being discovered upon entry or finding a lookout on the ground floor was part of my plan but a single stupid trap is a little¡
Just to make sure I activate Mana Perception. Paranoia has been a good friend of mine lately and incompetence isn¡¯t exactly the same as stupidity. And man I love being proven right.
That piece of wire was just too obvious as if someone made no effort to hide it but as it turns out that really was the case all along. Because it¡¯s an illusion. The real trap with the real wire is just a step behind it concealed by a hint of light magic and attached to a metallic cube.
¡°Clever.¡± I whisper, giving credit where it¡¯s due. A part of me is curious to see what¡¯d happen if I triggered the trap but maybe a bit later. ¡°Long step here.¡± I warn Valka before proceeding to the steps.
But witty mind play is all for naught in the end as the floorboard my foot lands on creaks loud enough to alert half the city.
¡°They¡¯re here.¡± My snap prayers to remain undiscovered stay unanswered, as usual.
Now I just need to sharpen my silver tongue and talk my way through this. We¡¯re not their enemies, and there¡¯s definitely a peaceful solution-
Then a man who I vaguely recognize rushes down the stairs.
¡°It¡¯s those rats, the ones who attacked the greedy bastard!¡± He yells, unsheathing his curved sword.
Greedy bastard¡ greedy bastard? Ah, one of the guards I walked past after making the healer piss himself. Yeah, words won¡¯t work here, time to move to plan B.
¡°I guess the talks have collapsed before they even began?¡± I can see Valka¡¯s mocking grin even without looking.
¡°Yeah, time for aggressive negotiation. Can I play a little?¡± I flutter my lashes, acting all cutesy.
¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid.¡± She answers, sounding just like Dad.
[Warrior lvl 131]
More than one and a half times my level, twice my size, and reinforcements are about to arrive any second now. I¡¯d say it¡¯s a fair matchup.
As the man approaches, clearly cocky as the numbers presented by Identify paint him as the favorite, I just swat him away. One powerful step, a swipe of my arm, plenty of wind mana, and the effects make even my jaw hit the floor.
He doesn¡¯t just hit the wall but smashes through it, damaging the poor dilapidated building even further, but at least clearing my path. Emboldened and equally excited I rush forward to look for more test sub- to meet my enemies.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
I catch them rushing down the stairs and decide to give them a hand, twirling once before another swipe urges the winds to give them a violent nudge. Once piled up at the bottom in a heap of thugs I reach for a new element to test, giggling silently with satisfaction.
Lighting is a different beast and requires its own tempo, a distinct dance. My arms snake like the crackling lines of energy striking from the sky, each step snappy and crisp just like the element itself. When the sparks dancing between my hands begin to hum I thrust an arm forward, discharging a bolt with a deafening thunder.
At that moment a cold shiver runs down my back as a guy, a boy rather about our age, catches my eyes in the dogpile and I try to tear my own spell into pieces as it leaves my fingertip. He might not survive what I¡¯m about to unleash.
I¡¯m not here to kill anyone, least of all a kid, I just got swept away by the excitement of my new power.
Sparks fly everywhere, striking the walls and ceiling, as the magic scatters but the brunt of it still strikes my intended target.
They cry out in chorus as the lightning strikes, some of them staying on the ground while others try to regain control of their body.
Even reduced to a fraction of its strength the attack was still devastating but more importantly¡ no notifications.
¡°Can you take care of them for me?¡± I whisper and Valka understands her task.
That was close. The first time I was forced to hurt somebody, and it¡¯s not just a friendly brawl I¡¯m thinking of, was easy because I was scared but the aftermath was hard to digest. I had to defend myself and I did what I had to. Killing a beast be it aggressive or unsuspecting¡ I was fine with that, that¡¯s what Dad used to do for a living, it¡¯s part of nature.
But killing someone¡ I have played with the idea before, many times actually, and Mom shared her words of wisdom on the topic before we departed for Sereban but I don¡¯t think I can bring myself to it. It¡¯s not the act of extinguishing a life itself but the possibility of facing a friend or even a relative of that person, looking at me with endless hatred and pain¡
It¡¯s scary. And it¡¯s almost unavoidable.
Sooner or later the time will come when I either lose something dear to me or fight with everything I have without any restraints and pulling my punches.
While I wage war against my darker thoughts usually kept behind a locked door in the back of my mind, Valka does short work on the wobbly thugs barely able to stand. They might be older and higher level but I doubt any of them have ever come across a light blue Class during advancement, much less a cyan one. Numbers matter but so does quality.
¡°Stay behind me, you clearly can¡¯t control your magic yet.¡± She takes the lead and this time I really don¡¯t feel like arguing with her.
It¡¯s not my fault we¡¯re in a city without anything in need of demolishing. In my opinion, a third of the city is a crime-ridden slum, so I¡¯d do a favor by turning it all into dust but not everyone living in poverty is there due to their own actions.
The upper floor is well-lit and much more open than below so it doesn¡¯t take much looking to spot the remaining seven people on the opposite end of the floor.
¡°D- don¡¯t come any closer!¡± His voice just cracked, that¡¯s embarrassing. ¡°If you do your friends will have- we will- Don¡¯t come any closer!¡±
Two men and a woman, beaten and barely conscious, tied up and held at knifepoint. The hostages.
By the Gods, I¡¯m happy we skipped any form of negotiations with these amateurs.
¡°Fine, we only came for the money.¡± Valka shrugs, ignoring anything else and making her way to a few sacks and a pot of stew.
And it¡¯s not a bluff. She hates humans and loves eating, and I did say we¡¯re mostly here for whatever valuables they have. And plays the role I had in mind even better than anything I can come up with right now, so I just follow her lead.
¡°We¡¯re not the guards dumbass, just kill them or wait until we leave I don¡¯t care either way.¡± I know my spiel sounds clich¨¦ as fuck and nobody in their right mind would fall for it. But these guys seem pretty scared to me.
We just took out six of their friends in mere seconds so there¡¯s not much they can realistically do to stop us from digging through every bag and even help ourselves to their early dinner. The only drawback of mental warfare is a lack of Skill levels and the human factor. Or in our case, greed.
Two of them lunge straight at us the moment we turn our backs, exercising our right to plunder. Valka blocks the knife with her forearm and I simply command the metal to halt midair without even turning my back.
¡°Drop your weapons,¡± I command in a calm and even tone and seconds later two metallic clicks can be heard followed shortly by the rest. ¡°Now go down the stairs, grab your buddies, and scoot.¡±
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the general Skill [Intimidate lvl 1]. Would you like to replace one of your Skills?]
I don¡¯t think I need a Skill to help with that.
Everything goes according to plan, even better honestly.
¡°You didn¡¯t get to test your Skills.¡± Valka remarks handing me two pouches.
¡°It is what it is,¡± I won¡¯t start beating people up just to sate my curiosity. ¡°We got what we came for, proved our usefulness, and learned a valuable lesson.¡±
¡°Which is?¡±
¡°We¡¯re not the underdogs here.¡± I start counting our booty. ¡°Sure, they could still drown us with numbers or throw us up to the guards but nobody would get away unscathed. We might not be the apex predators around but we¡¯re definitely not prey.¡±
Unlike most Mages, my style is perfect for urban combat and Valka is probably even more suited for tight, close combat encounters.
Makes us lose and we¡¯ll take everything you have down with us.
¡°That won''t help us escape though.¡± She points out the obvious.
The problem is that any faction we might approach could exploit our vulnerability and all our actions are monitored by more people than we can take down at once. They¡¯ve got us on a leash for now, but once they step off the tiger¡¯s tail¡
¡°Two gold and sixty silver.¡± And I don¡¯t even want to think of where this money might¡¯ve come from. ¡°You hungry?¡±
In the following minutes, we causally chat about nothing in particular, mostly clothes and my life back in Granhall, enjoying the free meal and playing with our observers¡¯ nerves simply for entertainment. I even dance around a little, giving my magic a go at the minimum output and trying to get a hang of what quantity mana translates to how much devastation.
When finally satisfied we drag the hostages outside where it doesn¡¯t take long for our overseer to appear.
¡°You let them escape.¡± He states the obvious, reaching out a hand to claim what they¡¯re owed.
¡°We taught them a lesson, I thought we clarified.¡± I throw a pouch at him, missing the greedy hand intentionally. ¡°Two gold all yours, can we go now?¡±
¡°No!¡± An ungrateful ex-hostage finally opens his mouth. ¡°Sixty silver.¡±
All eyes land on me, none of them judgmental. It¡¯s just business after all. After handing over the rest of it a nod confirms our work done, just as Solaire is returning to rest.
¡°That was stupid of you,¡± Valka speaks up as we return to one of the main streets. ¡°They overheard everything.¡±
Oh, this naive little friend of mine¡ Victor taught me well.
¡°And that¡¯s why I lied.¡± I fish out another pouch from my trusty bag. ¡°Two gold and sixty silver, the contents of the first bag.¡±
Two more gold coins, enough to actually pay for a healer, not that they¡¯d welcome us there, but more than what a good shopping spree requires. Clothes, soap, boots, snacks¡ maybe even freedom.
Money is a versatile tool if you know where to look and have enough of it. Sure, Hector probably wouldn¡¯t let us walk away for the laughable price for Valka but there are other channels, other people looking for a little extra.
Sure we didn¡¯t grow much today, didn¡¯t make any new friends or learn anything to make us any wiser but money is still good. Quite the opposite of the usual fairytale adventure.
¡°Wanna have fun tonight?¡± I ask, feeling a bit more liberated after today¡¯s task. it¡¯s time to give the money back to the innocent people of Salermo. By spending it.
Sure they can boss us around a little but it¡¯s not that bad. Much safer than outside and way way way more comfortable.
And if someone were to try their luck against two poor young girls in the middle of the night, well¡ I only hope they have money on them to fatten our pouch.
Chapter 88 - Costly Alternative
19695 The 1st Autumn
¡°I¡¯m telling you, we should¡¯ve turned right by the bakery.¡± My patience is running thin first thing in the morning.
¡°Shush! You promised I could lead the way remember?¡± Valka takes another random turn as we keep wandering the streets. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re in a rush or anything and you don¡¯t know where it is either.¡±
And I only agreed to something like this because it was late last night and I didn¡¯t feel like arguing. Forget about visiting every second food stand, we went to like three different shops and bought enough clothes that we had to return back to our tavern twice just to deposit them. We watched street performers, listened to music, and made bets with each other on whether or not a street rat we spotted would succeed in stealing or not¡ We had some simple innocent fun.
Sure on our way home after even the nightlife died down we got almost robbed but that one was just sad. The kids were about our age if not younger, too weak to go after anyone older and so skinny I didn¡¯t even dare knock them out in fear of killing them. So I threw them a few coins and they left.
Daily good deed I guess.
There was only one stop last night we postponed visiting because it didn¡¯t belong in the entertainment category and it was a little too late for that type of shop to stay open. I just wanted to be in bed and even now I¡¯d rather be cooped up under the blanket, even with Valka taking up most of the bed, rather than up before the lights are even out.
¡°See, I told you I¡¯d find it.¡± I bump into Valka¡¯s back as she comes to an abrupt halt.
I¡¯ve been following her mindlessly for the past half an hour now, with little to no hope of ever reaching our destination. A promise is a promise and I had my smug face prepared for when she admits defeat.
But she actually did it, sort of.
Our goal was to find a blacksmith, one well-versed in the art of inscriptions and a bit more¡ open-minded. To be fair I¡¯m not entirely convinced we¡¯re at the right place.
A building slightly better maintained than the rest tucked away in a back alley without any signs, display window, heat gushing out the open door, or the sound of hammering¡ Although that¡¯s just how I¡¯d imagine it. And this is definitely not the street that shop clerk directed us toward yesterday.
¡°This doesn¡¯t look like-¡±
¡°I can smell it.¡± Valka declares proudly, marching inside without a hint of doubt in her eyes.
Is this what walking your pet feels like?
As we push the slightly ajar door open and invite ourselves inside I finally feel the whiff Valka mentioned, the smell of ash and metal, however, the unimpressive sight still leaves me doubting.
Anvil, check, workbench, check, tools, check and¡ that¡¯s about it. And of course a snoring beastkin. Scrawny, scruffy, and definitely not someone I¡¯d entrust with my money to do something important. Something like removing Valka¡¯s collar.
And that¡¯s what makes him perfect.
Words aren¡¯t my forte so I just grab a a pair of tongs and unceremoniously drop it to the ground. And oh it does its thing so wonderfully, making the man with rust-colored squirrel-like features fall out of his chair in a comical display of agility. Or rather the lack thereof.
[Artisan ???]
¡°T-thieves!¡± He shrieks the moment his eyes land on us.
¡°Customers!¡± I correct him, slightly enjoying the clear panic on his face.
¡°Who told you you can come in?¡± Isn¡¯t he a little too quick to believe me?
¡°The door was open, it¡¯s already past breakfast time and you didn¡¯t seem too busy.¡± I¡¯m having fun.
He takes a long glance outside but before we continue I make sure to kick the door shut, for privacy¡¯s sake.
¡°So, can we get down to business?¡± I ask, cutesy and demure as it is proper.
The subtle threat and my aggressive approach seem to somehow wake the craftsman from his drowsy state but his attitude takes a turn I never expected.
¡°Out! I don¡¯t take commissions.¡± He leans on his previous napping chair, pushing himself to his full height and grabbing his hammer from the anvil. ¡°There¡¯s only one thing hooligans like you can find in my shop.¡±
Hooli- Okay, we started off on the wrong foot, and I¡¯m mostly to blame for that. Living in a city with a crime rate this sky-high likely didn¡¯t help either and¡ Do I even need to bother with this guy? I mean, he might not even have the skills for the job and there¡¯s no way he¡¯s the only blacksmith around.
¡°Have it your way, we merely hoped for some privacy to discuss business.¡± I nod to my bloodhound who led us here, signaling that it¡¯s time we leave. ¡°Sorry for disturbing your nap.¡±
I open the door to de-escalate however Valka doesn¡¯t seem as keen on leaving her find just like this. Sure we could try going full psycho and threaten his life but there are two major differences between healers and blacksmiths. Their temperament and how heavy they can swing.
In the end, she relents after a lengthy standoff and we exit the shabby workshop none the much wiser but at least without making a new enemy.
¡°What¡¯s his problem?¡± She clearly doesn¡¯t know how people of the crafts work. Especially their pride.
¡°Maybe he has a constipation or something, I don¡¯t know.¡± I shrug, ready to look for someone else willing. ¡°Let¡¯s check that other shop, the one we were originally looking for, we might have more success.¡±
***
We didn¡¯t have more success, as a matter of fact, our subsequent visit probably went even worse than with the squirrel.
Two straight-up threatened to call the guards the moment I went into details about our request, another two were simply incapable of working with inscriptions and the last one¡ Let¡¯s just say the muscle making sure the business runs smooth quickly recognized us and not in a good way.
It¡¯s zero out of six and now, upon Valka¡¯s request or rather pestering we¡¯re back where we started.
¡°And why would it go any differently this time?¡± I¡¯m pretty sceptical but it¡¯s only fair we give her ideas a chance as well. We¡¯re partners, not master and servant.
¡°He¡¯s the only one who didn¡¯t say no,¡± Was driving us off wasn¡¯t a firm enough refusal to her? ¡°And this time we arrived with bribes.¡±
It¡¯s food. A lot of food.
I¡¯ve never heard of squirrels eating meat so went for variety above all else but Dad told me they devour eggs at any given chance. Eggs are basically just failed baby chick juice so I¡¯m pretty curious to find out.
Unlike the first time we came to visit this humble abode I wouldn¡¯t even call a proper workshop the door is now firmly closed. And unlike me, Valka actually knocks instead of barging in. An interesting approach.
For quite a while nobody answers but instead of moving on or trying again we just wait, and wait and quite a few seconds later the handle actually turns. The door slides open through a crack and closes just as quickly as the eye on the other side realizes it¡¯s us.
Stolen novel; please report.
¡°C¡¯mon, don¡¯t be like that.¡± Valka knocks again, as if the man didn¡¯t already know we¡¯re here. ¡°Can we at least talk? We¡¯re not in any gang and you¡¯re the only one who hasn¡¯t said no yet.¡±
¡°No!¡± Comes the firm shout from inside the building.
I guess that settles it.
¡°You can¡¯t say no when you hear what-¡±
¡°NO!¡± The reply remains the same.
¡°Can we break in now?¡± I whisper, somewhat salty about his attitude but not in a criminal way.
It¡¯s not like we don¡¯t have any other choice but if forcefully squeezing our money into his hands is what it needs to remove Valka¡¯s stigma then so be it.
The girl in question sighs in defeat before finally giving me a nod of approval. ¡°Be gentle.¡±
¡°Finally.¡±
Smashing the door obviously doesn¡¯t count as gentle and to my surprise the lock mechanism is reinforced with mana, as one would expect from a proper blacksmith. The hinges however just ruin everything.
With a simple thought and a twirl of my finger, the metal unclips the door from the wall and slides the entrance to the side allowing for an epic entrance. Before our friend, who hasn¡¯t realized his role yet, can react or Gods forbid call for help I put the door back where it belongs, repairing all the damage and unlocking it with the key left in its hole.
¡°You will hear us out!¡± Valka finally turns serious and I start munching on the food we brought, enjoying the show. ¡°We¡¯re not with any gang, not with the hag who runs the other shop by the market nor with that bastard Hector. We just simply want to pay you and be on our way.¡±
¡°What can¡¯t you understand about ¡®No¡¯?¡± He raises his voice right away, rightfully so.
¡°Because I¡¯m desperate, okay?¡± She tries a different approach, something I¡¯ve never considered. The truth. ¡°Because I¡¯m tired of people looking at me like a freak. Do you know how many times I tried tearing this chuck of cursed metal off my neck while it shocked me till I passed out?¡± She takes a few steps towards the man, her face a mask of anger yet her voice quiet like a mouse. ¡°Take it off me, please.¡±
For the first time the squirrel smith doesn¡¯t immediately retort. His ears twitch from side to side and his posture is still very much hostile but his eyes are somewhere else.
On me, or rather the small feast I¡¯m cradling in my arms.
At least we¡¯re getting somewhere.
¡°I¡¯m not a criminal and I won¡¯t do anything if you refuse but I¡¯ll come back and try again and keep coming back until you agree to free me.¡± Valka threatens him with something that sounds just as bad as straight-up violence.
¡°I¡¯m not helping criminals.¡± He finally tears his eyes away from me, still standing his ground but visibly weakening.
¡°I¡¯m not a criminal.¡±
¡°That¡¯s what all the criminals say!¡±
Right? This is the normal reaction. I¡¯m not the weird one for not trusting Valka right away.
To be honest I¡¯m still not one hundred percent sure she is innocent even now. If she¡¯s faking it and managed to earn my trust only to betray me in the end then I can accept that because she¡¯s very fucking convincing.
¡°She really isn¡¯t.¡± I chime in. ¡°Closer to a vigilante really.¡± Because that¡¯s what I consider ourselves after the first mission. Bad guys down and¡ profit.
To prove my point I hold out a skewer with an assortment of good stuff, still slightly warm and really damn tasty. I already ate one while they were talking.
The moment the squirrel smith takes it, I know we already have him on the hook, but we¡¯re still not quite there yet.
¡°I still can¡¯t do it.¡± He admits, after taking the bribe.
¡°Why not?¡± Valka gives me a thumbs-up behind her back.
¡°Do you have a void glass? Governmental approval? And at least five gold?¡± He lists those things like a grocery list.
¡°What if we don¡¯t?¡± I ask carefully.
¡°Then I can¡¯t help you. I need the first to start working on a collar, the second to not break the law and the third because I¡¯m one of two people who can do what you ask in the entire city.¡± It really is a grocery list.
We don¡¯t have any of those. Sure we can secure the money, although we spent pretty generously yesterday, and maybe even that material he mentioned but not the paper.
¡°What would it cost us to let¡¯s say¡ skip one of those requirements?¡± I ask not so subtly.
¡°Twenty.¡± He huffs without any time to think.
¡°Are you out of your damn mind?¡± It¡¯s Val who¡¯s outraged by the price named even though she still barely understands the cost of things.
Twenty is too much. I don¡¯t think there even are twenty gold coins circulating in the underworld per week. Our request is outrageous but so is the price.
¡°Fifteen.¡± I try to bargain. You never know until you try.
¡°Twenty.¡± He repeats himself. ¡°You¡¯re asking for freedom and so do I. That¡¯s the cost to start a life somewhere else and the price you need to pay.¡±
¡°But we can¡¯t-¡±
¡°That¡¯s not my problem. Pretend this conversation didn¡¯t happen. Leave the food and see yourselves out!¡± He crosses his arms as negotiations crumble.
I do as he said to keep the door that is this man open before making my way to the door.
¡°Do you have no heart?¡± My question breaks the silence just before Val can open the door.
For a few moments I feel like I¡¯ve messed up and offended him beyond repair but in the end, I get my answer. ¡°I used to. That¡¯s how I ended up like this.¡±
It¡¯s a shallow victory, or rather an alternative hardly better than the deal we made with Hector. Embracing the criminal world might get us the money in a few weeks or maybe months but I¡¯m not selfish enough to do that.
Hector¡¯s timetable is uncertain but at least free while this offer is a road long and arduous. Two shitty options both with their own merit and risks. The longer we stay here and the more active we become, completing tasks and pocketing some extra here and there, the higher the risk of getting exposed.
¡°I guess we¡¯re not getting a bigger room.¡± Valka mutters dejectedly as we make our way home.
¡°Yeah, but I refuse to cut back on meals.¡± We might need the money but I won¡¯t give up on comfort while wasting my time here.
It did go through my mind as the price was named to just leave Valka here and maybe come back with help. Or to not come back at all¡ I could just walk away, wake up in the middle of the night while she¡¯s sleeping and walk right through the gate without an issue. Heck, I even have her contract with me in my bag¡
I quickly murdered those ideas though. Even if it was a simple agreement between strangers that¡¯s keeping me here I¡¯d still stay. A little discomfort is not enough to give up who I am, which is definitely not a fucking traitor.
¡°Hey, you kids. I recognize you.¡± Someone calls out to us from the side of the street as we¡¯re walking down a busy road without bothering anyone.
I prepare to run or fight, a reaction as basic as breathing at this point but to my surprise, the next words prove my intuition wrong.
¡°Good job yesterday. I heard you even patched up the houses.¡± Instead of threatening, the six burly men sitting outside a restaurant lift their mugs toward us with wide smiles. ¡°Come, join us.¡±
I don¡¯t want to. I can feel the smell surrounding that table just by looking at them.
¡°No thank you, we¡¯re in a hurry.¡± I politely decline because from the corner of my eye I can already see Val inching towards the feast they have for only the six of them.
¡°No need to be shy, the boss told us to treat you well since now-¡± Then their eyes turn towards something down the street in unison. ¡°Come here quick, you need to hide!¡±
¡°What? I¡¯m not gonna-¡±
¡°A patrol is coming!¡± One of them finally clarifies.
A few moments later my eyes confirm their words, turning the comfortable walk home into something much more troublesome. We could try blending into the crowd or making a run for one of the sidestreets but that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯d keep an eye out for if I were a guard.
Without a better idea, we rush over to the six grown, unsightly men urging young girls to come closer while looking slightly tipsy even though Solaire is still up. Yup, it feels just as bad as it sounds.
They shuffle over slightly and their idea of a hiding spot almost makes me want to risk instead of¡ hiding under the table. Val has no such reservation so I swallow my pride and disgust and dive down there.
The men let their cloaks touch the ground, covering us like curtains as the tension grows. Seconds tick by and soon the sound of armored boots striking the ground grows louder. Commotion follows in their wake and from the murmurs, it¡¯s clear criminals are not the only thing they¡¯re looking for. This a show of force, a small parade to intimidate the people.
Our stinking helpers respectfully greet the brave protectors of the law but otherwise tone down their merry chatter as trouble passes by. Even without observing, I can see people looking away, holding their tongues, and just generally hoping to avoid the tyrannical gazes.
This makes it three. Hector, the hag she stood up against and the guards. These three are the forces slowly strangling this city and everyone living in it.
But fixing it is not our responsibility.
¡°You can come out now.¡± I emerge the moment we receive the signal.
¡°Thanks.¡± My parents raised me well and thus I know when to show my gratitude.
¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± They drink like someone¡¯s holding a knife to their throat. ¡°So, care to join us at the table now?¡±
¡®No, still not really.¡¯ is what I¡¯d like to say. Valka¡¯s eyes and our thin coin purse on the other hand would like to differ.
¡°Ah, fuck it, why not.¡± I give in and sit down among our benefactors who I¡¯ll likely have to fight in the not-so-distant future.
What a fucked up place this is¡
Chapter 89 - Final Showdown
19695 The 2nd Winter
¡°Let¡¯s go through this one more time.¡± I whisper as we observe the grandiose store across the street under the cover of the night. ¡°What¡¯s the first step?¡±
¡°We approach while the varlets create a commotion on the square nearby.¡± Val accurately describes phase one, calling the thugs something more ladylike compared to vermin or trash. It¡¯s an improvement.
¡°Good,¡± A little praise always helps. ¡°Since security is tight and everything was built carefully, twice reinforced with mana, I¡¯ll need some time to cut through the window and get us in.¡±
¡°And while you do that I stand guard and tear the whole thing down once you give the signal.¡± She nods, clearly antsy as this gig is nothing compared to anything we¡¯ve done until now.
Hector didn¡¯t need to use any underhanded negotiation tactics this time to get us on board because that place has something we really need to borrow. For four months we pocketed a little here and there whenever the task we were sent on involved money.
Sure we sold the Hadron crystal, albeit for a ridiculously low price since it was too large for the local market, but our refusal to pass a certain moral threshold didn¡¯t help either. Lately the fights have been getting more fierce, directing us to new territories as the local gang conflict is entering a new stage.
It¡¯s a shame. We made new friends and realized just recently that most people here are good men born in the wrong place with a golden heart¡ Heh, as if. They¡¯re willing to sell drugs to anyone be that young or old, and would tear the food out of a child¡¯s hand if their parents owed them any money. I hope they burn this place to the ground as the two sides tear each other to pieces.
Bloodcrows vs. Duskrunners, the final showdown. Do miss it or you¡¯ll regret it.
That leads us to the last item on our grocery list, the void glass. It¡¯s a highly regulated material, but what¡¯s more worrying is that Hector has probably realized our little plan already. This jewelry store, which has a black market storehouse in its basement, almost certainly has that rare piece of onyx crystal in stock but the fucker needs us just as much as we need them to pull this off.
This is a race to see who can betray the other first.
The pressure is immense and the odds are basically life and death because I¡¯d rather fight till they have to put me down instead of choosing captivity. Once we have what we came for I plan on blowing the entire place up, luring all the guards here and slipping away into the night.
According to Squirrel Man the work itself only takes minutes but once it¡¯s done there¡¯ll be nothing standing between us and freedom outside this wretched place. It¡¯s a shitty plan and I¡¯m fully aware of it but beggars can¡¯t be choosers.
¡°Four o¡¯clock, two more minutes.¡± I whisper.
My breathing is all over the place and I can feel my hands shake slightly but there¡¯s nothing I can do about it. If we mess this up¡
¡°It hasn¡¯t been that bad.¡± Valka hums out of nowhere. ¡°I ate well, slept well, fought people who deserve it, and didn¡¯t have to fear for my life every waking minute.¡±
I can¡¯t believe this girl. ¡°Now is not the time-¡±
¡°But it is.¡± She giggles. ¡°You can¡¯t imagine how much better these last months have been compared to my days before I met you.¡± She flashes me a brilliant smile. ¡°Thanks Eli.¡±
BOOM
That¡¯s our signal.
¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± Val simply leaps off the rooftop before I can start an interrogation into her wiseass words.
It takes me a second to bottle up my sass and put it on a shelf temporarily before jumping after her, cushioning my descent with some wind magic. The dark alley we find ourselves in gives us a perfect view of the store, the guards repositioning themselves slightly, and our designated entry point right across the busy main road we somehow have to cross.
Our quirky solution? Act like normal people fleeing the commotion and walk straight to the other side. There¡¯s really no need to overcomplicate things.
I¡¯ve gotten way better at sneaking around, in part thanks to my second Class, Shadow Rat, which is focused on stealth. And yes I hate that name. My original goal was to earn an artisan Class that dabbled in inscriptions and maybe do the job myself but I clearly haven¡¯t earned one yet. I had an abundance of choices all focused on even more fighting and killing but I felt like this environment required a different approach.
And I¡¯ll just reset it later on anyway.
The sentries stationed on that side do keep their eyes on us as we approach but before entering their danger zone we steer clear and move to a side street. Or at least that¡¯s what we make it seem like. Now that we closed the distance they¡¯re generously inside my mana control zone meaning Valka can go ham without making a sound.
By the time I emerge, she already has one in her grip by the throat while holding the other¡¯s sword in her grip presenting me with an easy target. With a simple flick of my wrist, a pebble strikes him in the head, a fist-sized pebble, taking care of the disturbance so I can get to work.
¡°Hide the sleepyheads, this might take a minute or two.¡± I whisper, already hard at work carving through the stone.
Compared to the underground dungeon we marched across with all its magical wonders and security measures this building is like a shack. Sure there¡¯s mana in every material and the builders were quirky enough to install some sort of alarm inscription on the windows and the bars protecting them¡ but not around the frame.
Chaotic Touch would really come in handy now.
I picked a relatively quiet method but in exchange pretty time-consuming using a phenomenon quite common but rarely noticed. Water is the key.
Using tiny but powerful jets I cut deep into the stone, making as many holes as I can with the time available. Every surface deteriorates slowly under the merciless hand of time and all I¡¯m doing is speeding up that process a little¡ before winter arrives.
Water is a curious thing, expanding both when it cools or gets boiled till nothing remains. Poured into the cracks and holes I made, then frozen in mere seconds water shows similar results, if only a bit more destructive.
The stone gives in, splintering in places and breaking here and there as the structure fails. But ice by itself is not enough.
¡°Val.¡± I whisper for her to deliver the finishing touch.
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We agreed with Hector on a silent operation, just a quick in and out. But let¡¯s not kid ourselves, I¡¯m sure he has goons stationed all around us, waiting for us to emerge and drown us with numbers. Or at least that¡¯s what I¡¯d do.
So why not give them friends to play with?
¡°HRAAGH!¡± Her fist rushes past my face, crashing into stone and shattering it even though it should be the other way around.
Even though we weren¡¯t all that active these last months we did earn a few levels here and there.
[Warrior lvl 95]
I still think she hits much harder than a normal sub-one-hundred Warrior should be able to.
As expected an alarm similar to a warhorn begins to blare, making us both wince and likely waking half the city. All part of the plan, sort of, and now we just need to hope for things to turn chaotic enough when we emerge.
Now or never.
We slip through the gaping hole in the previously pristine stone wall and ignore all the gold, gems, and other valuables lying on the floor, heading straight for the door in the back. All it hides is a simple storage room with cleaning supplies and other necessities, or at least that¡¯s what it¡¯s supposed to be.
¡°You do it.¡± I¡¯m definitely not opening the secret entrance.
¡°No way, my nose is much better. And you can just magic it away in the first place.¡± Valka hisses, just as reluctant as I am.
¡°But it¡¯s only an illusion.¡± Or that¡¯s what the information said.
¡°Rock paper scissors!¡±
Ah, so we leave it for the Gods to decide¡
She¡¯s gonna pick rock. We just bashed through a stone wall and I¡¯d be willing to bet this brute was born with her fists clenched.
¡°Go!¡± She hisses and the Gods guide our hands.
My paper against her¡ scissors? Why?
¡°Yes yes yes.¡± Her happy tip-tap victory dance doesn¡¯t make it any easier to swallow the outcome but I¡¯m a woman of my word-
I already knew the lavatory bucket, a filled one mind you, is the work of a clever illusion with its revolting smell and everything but I wanted to see her face as she shoves her hand into what looks like a bucket of shit.
I reach into it with a flat face, finding a lever at its bottom and opening the bath to the basement with a firm pull. The floor retracts using some clever mechanical machinations instead of magic revealing a narrow staircase and a dimly lit room at the bottom.
We revert back to serious now that we¡¯re stepping into unknown territory. Goofing is fine and helps to cope with whatever hardships we face but now is not the time for that. Valka takes the lead, moving as a living shield while I step close in her wake to support her at a moment''s notice.
With the tensions sky-high we descend step after step, arriving in the secret basement only to find¡ Two trembling clerks, one guard with his weapon dropped to the ground and a veritable warehouse down there.
With a thrust of my hand, I send a crackling trail of lightning to take care of the guard before addressing the local employees.
¡°Gems!¡± Nice and short.
¡°The Night Fiends.¡± One of them whispers.
Yeah, a sweet alias we¡¯ve earned during our stay, much better than the Rainbow Mage the kids dubbed me back in the Fort.
¡°Yeah, yeah show me where you keep your crystal and gems or you¡¯ll end up like him.¡± I point to the man, and I¡¯ve been very gentle with him. ¡°Chop-chop!¡±
Two kids threatening two full-grown adults¡ what a joke.
They don¡¯t need to be told a third time. The two scurry past shelf after shelf, all stacked with exotic furs, shells, ingots, armor, poison, paintings, and anything you could imagine. Even living beasts.
We walk with well-masked awe in their wake until they point at an assortment of boxes, one more intricate than the other. Most of them are open so the small piles of rubies, Solaire¡¯s tears, diamonds, verdant shards, and so on are on full display, along with a matte black piece of glass that seems to be eating whatever light falls on it.
That is what we came for.
I reach to grab the void glass but Valka grabs my arm. ¡°Let me. It will prevent you from using mana.¡±
¡°But you won''t be able to heal either.¡± Just showing it into my bag is not an option, this thing is so potent it has an aura of its own and will bend all magic nearby.
¡°I can still punch.¡± She winks and grabs the cursed material we came for. ¡°Let¡¯s-
¡°Wait!¡± Of course I¡¯m not gonna let this opportunity go to waste.
A fistful of this, some of that, some sort of big pretty gem with mana swirling inside it like the waves of the Aure Shore, a few diamonds and of course¡ the biggest piece of Hardon crystal they have in stock.
We¡¯ll need some funds for our travels on the way home.
¡°How is it?¡± I¡¯ve never been in direct contact with anything void-related but I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s anything but pleasant.
¡°Cold, almost as if it¡¯s trying to suck all the warmth out of my body.¡± I follow in Val¡¯s wake as she quickens her steps. ¡°But it¡¯s much better than the collar.¡±
That I can imagine.
I expected to run into some sort of big boss down in the warehouse, a power gang leader or something like that, guarding the treasure but it seems like getting in wasn¡¯t the most problematic part.
We don¡¯t even need to reach the top of the stairs to hear the sounds of carnage coming from outside. Both gangs have been on the edge for weeks now, armed and lined up to contest this one building, likely the key to ruling the city¡¯s underworld.
That battle is going to be decided tonight and we are firmly in the center of it.
I stop Val before she can get halfway up because the top of the stairs feels like the perfect spot for an ambush. To test that I conjure some water and send it out first, making it spin and spit out icicles as it emerges.
A few pained yelps confirm my suspicion and serve as signals to launch our own assault. I use the remaining liquid to slam a masked assailant into the wall, locking him there as the water freezes, before stepping past a knife flying at me and moving to my next target. Like flies I swat the knives away with gusts of wind, coming within arm¡¯s reach of the woman at which point she charges at me and the moment our arms touch lightning finishes the job.
Despite her restriction, Valka also took care of her own share of thugs, after all, she¡¯s better suited for this type of combat but that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re out. Far from it.
Without leaving a moment to catch our breath a new pair of fighters crashes through the door into the backroom, except these two are busy fighting each other. Not our problem, Valka still kicks them out of the doorway but other than that we wash our hands and slide through the entrance we made, back into the darkness of the night.
Fighting on the streets, the rooftops, the alleys, and even inside some buildings suffering the destruction brought by greed. This is a full-blown war and no longer the subtle operations aimed at hurting the other side. And unlike before beating the enemies unconscious isn¡¯t where it ends.
No words are needed to make us act. We¡¯ve gone through our plan before, came up with contingencies for most scenarios, and prepared everything. Even the route we¡¯ll take to the eastern gate to get the hell out of here. We can do this.
Our formation is unusual in that I¡¯m the spearhead and Valka has my back as she can no longer shrug off everything coming her way. Well¡ almost everything.
The first dude getting eyes on us is one of Hector¡¯s special henchmen, recognizable by the black shawl around his neck. They¡¯re powerful and ruthless and¡ squishy as it turns out.
Unlike the basic thug, he doesn¡¯t rush at us carelessly, instead readying his blade to stand in our way and doing what any soldier would. Calling on reinforcements. One quickly turns into three, swelling into six by the time we leave the sidestreet but I¡¯m not here to defeat them.
I lift with my arms, relying on heavy steps, stomping even to satisfy Action for Reaction, and tear the cobblestone road up under their feet. Disorganizing them is only the first step but the danger is still present now that we¡¯re in melee range. Twirling between the men in a flurry of wind blades and flying stones I crush bones and leave some of them bleeding on the ground but not without retaliation.
Faint lines cloud my vision as Premonition tries to outline every incoming attack and dodging all of them is simply impossible. A dagger nicks my shoulder but I crush the arm with a brick. A sword comes stabbing toward my chest and bodychecking is the best I can do to sidestep it. Valka does smash the man¡¯s face but now we¡¯re stuck.
¡°Two gold for anyone who kills the Fiends!¡± Their leader roars.
And all eyes turn towards us.
I toss my back to Valka in this moment of lull before the storm. ¡°You know what you have to do.¡±
Chapter 90 - The Last Laugh
¡°You know what you have to do.¡± I take off my mental gloves and throw all restraints to the wind.
Valka catches the bag along with the meaning of my words. ¡°This wasn¡¯t part of the plan. I can¡¯t leav-¡±
¡°But you will!¡± I raise my arm and unleash a deafening explosion to scare back the dogs surrounding us. ¡°You don¡¯t need me there but these fools would definitely get in the way.¡± I¡¯m feeling invincible today. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯ll meet you at the gates¡±
I¡¯ve tried to conceal my Blessing, relying on less flashy elements like wind or earth to finish the jobs and remain as humane as possible¡ I guess it¡¯s time to lift the veil and show Hector whose tail he had stepped on.
I lift my hands, drawing lines of fire into the air, making them meet at the top like an arch and turning blue as I curtsy before my audience. They¡¯re in for a spectacle and I¡¯ll make sure to keep everyone entertained until Valka gets rid of her binding.
¡°Now go!¡± My voice cuts above the silence surrounding us.
The flame arch overhead shivers, turning into a blue serpent that dives across the violence-filled streets, thrashing everyone in its way and opening up a path. Valka is still unwilling, I can see it in her eyes, so I award her with a windy kick in the butt to get her moving.
That dumbass thinks I¡¯m about to do a heroic self-sacrifice in the name of friendship¡ If she¡¯s not around I can freely level everything around me without being concerned, that¡¯s all. The most I can give her is a headstart, after that, she¡¯ll need to shake off her pursuers and get that cursed thing off her neck on her own. Well, with the help of that damn smith but without me around.
As she finally enters the alley I move the pieces of the deconstructed road and barricade the street, creating a sort of arena where I¡¯m without a doubt the top prize. Sure the two sides hate each other but for the Bloodcrows I¡¯m somewhat of an enemy number one, and the rest are in it for the money.
As the awe of my spectacular display abates the floodgates open and the killing continues.
I¡¯m among the first to move as a knife slashes for my throat, dodging only by a hair¡¯s berth thanks to my quick reaction and a wall of wind pushing against the attack. Before the weapon can follow me like a poisonous snake I dismantle the road again and use the bricks for an indiscriminate barrage.
Sadly my opponent, the Black Scarf, remains unharmed yet just as determined to take my head. And he¡¯s not alone.
Valka excels in close quarters with limited space but arenas like this one without any obstacles and enemies all around¡ I couldn¡¯t ask for a better playground.
And so I spread my arms, letting lightning strike, jump and scatter everywhere, striking anyone in its path and preparing the stage for destruction. Bricks float around me as I begin a chaotic dance in a circle of rocks touching them gently one after another. Each flick erupts in a small explosion sending the projectiles flying indiscriminately and with enough force to shatter bones.
In quick succession and without bothering to aim, I deplete my stockpile while dodging whatever they send my way to stop the onslaught. But I can¡¯t stop moving just because ten of them can¡¯t get up anymore.
Inspired by my fight against Albert years ago I call on all metal in my zone of control. The discarded weapons answer turning into a tide of sharp blades and mowing through the crowd before gathering around me in a cocoon as I bring the element of the storm to life once more.
Lighting plays down my arms, between my legs, and up my back for a second until it grows large enough and coils around its owner while I spin in its embrace.
Much like the bricks before everything metal around me is sent flying slamming into combatants no matter their affiliation or in the worst case digging deep into their flesh. For a moment yet again a moment of silence descends on the completely decimated streets.
Even now I can see more armed fighters arriving on both sides of the struggle along with the first detachment of guards advancing in formation. Knives tear flesh, clubs smash skulls, and people beg for help as Malor reaches out for their souls.
I stomp and the ground erupts with spikes impaling those approaching from my back. A sweep of my arm sends waves of fire washing over those aiming to encircle me. My nails tearing through the air send blades of wind leaving deep gashes in the walls of houses and severing arms raised to strike me down.
Even when one of the rare few mages wasting their lives in these gangs decides to drown me in flames his magic doesn¡¯t even get near me. Ethereal Stage allows me to cut the fire to pieces using wind blades and smother the remains into a warm breeze.
My blood is boiling in the heat of combat as I calculate every step meticulously and without daring even to blink. My muscles scream as I push my body to keep on dancing, taking step after step, bringing destruction and evading death clawing at me from every side.
But this can¡¯t go on. I¡¯ve been wreaking havoc for about a minute now if not two and small injuries on my body are mounting up. Two cuts minimum on all my limbs, a deep gash on my side not to mention my lungs are about to explode. I can¡¯t go all out much longer.
The scale of this battle is just too big, reaching across probably much of the nearby streets as both gangs numbering in the hundreds throw everything they have at each other. It was meant to be a quick in-and-out operation but the Bloodcrows stationed more guards around the store than expected and Hector had forces around to take the two of us out. This is just pure chaos at this point.
As the number of local forces armed and wearing Turan¡¯s coat of arms swells something obvious I¡¯ve overlooked during the planning phase comes to mind. There¡¯s no way the gates will open to anyone trying to escape. At the same time, the guards will need to divert much of their forces to this area¡
Hesitation never solved any of my problems yet there¡¯s one thing holding me back from starting a wild goose chase across the city. We¡¯re currently in the commercial districts meaning only a handful of people live around this area, but if the fighting were to spread¡ Those deaths would stain my hands, and no excuse could wash them clean.
But if I could shake them off somewhere inconsequential before disappearing in the maze of streets¡
Any other Mage about my strength could¡¯ve likely caused destruction on a much bigger scale, killing half the people here or at least making everyone think twice before raising their weapons. They¡¯d also be dead by now, at least five times.
I leverage that advantage of mine once more and cut through the crowd, coating myself with fire as I rush towards not the gates, or the slums but the center square. I know the city well enough now and most streets converge there. The buildings are either inhabited by the super-wealthy or reserved for business purposes meaning minimal collateral casualties.
Even without taking a glance behind my back, I can tell a few dozen eyes are drawn to my retreating figure for one reason or another. I¡¯ve made enough enemies to warrant the hate.
Premonition can¡¯t warn me about things that I can¡¯t see but moving erratically and causing enough damage in my wake turns out to be more than enough to make up for that. My steps burst with gusts of wind, pushing me onward, erupting with violent explosions to obscure my wake, hell Rhythmic Strides even allows me to run on walls for a few steps.
Soon we reach the grand square with its fountain and glorious statue of the governor, sword in hand and everything despite having never fought himself. My allure did manage to drag quite many pursuers along, their numbers in the high tens if not breaching one hundred, but more worryingly they don¡¯t seem to hate one another as much as the frail young maiden they¡¯re after.
United against a common enemy as they say¡
Now that they¡¯re obediently in my wake and I have so many avenues of escape in front of me a few seconds is all I need to gain an unrecoverable headstart. Just past the last row of houses to the square grind to a halt and point both my arms towards my disgruntled pursuers. Flames, first orange then slowly brightening as white as the fresh winter snow, flicker to life.
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The reaction among humans mirrors that of beasts when faced with fire, stepping back as the primordial instinct warns them of a cruel end. The incandescent ball slowly swells along with the smile on my face now that I have them caught even if only for a few seconds.
¡°Spread out!¡±
The correct answer to their predicament yet before anyone can carry out the maneuver I part my arms, splitting the attack and aiming at not the living but the building to my sides. The impact of the charges carrying about four hundred mana¡¯s worth of explosive goodness is deafening as the erupting flames reach above even the rooftops.
But those two are some solid fucking houses.
Walls crumble and windows shatter but both buildings remain standing defiantly, almost as if standing with natives of the city over me. The explosions, along with the ensuing shockwave, leave me with just enough time to unleash a second load of the three-story shop to my left but by that point, it turns out to be a futile effort.
Some have made their way to the roofs while others take the sidestreets as the building finally falls. My short window of escape is already gone.
Slightly panicking I begin to run once more while recharging on the stolen stone of mana, away from danger and right towards the heart of the city.
My escape plans didn¡¯t include running in this direction, nor numbers on this scale, or becoming the main target despite having little to do with this gang war. My hopes were to slip away, using obstructions I prepared in thight alleys and guard checkpoints to discourage any pursuers. Yet somehow I turned into the main course.
I didn¡¯t just run here aimlessly though as the main square is where the commotion first started and home to the governmental building. And as expected the men and women responsible for upholding the law are already present in force.
They¡¯ve been advancing on us from the moment I appeared in the square and have only redoubled their efforts following my firework. Thus I now find myself sandwiched between a rock and a hard place.
Until I take a sharp turn right and scurry out of the way for the two sides to duke it out between themselves. The guards don¡¯t know me as a criminal, after all, I always did my tasks as discreetly as possible.
¡°Don¡¯t let the Night Fiend escape!¡± Is the last thing I hear as the two sides clash and I disappear down a sidestreet.
For the first time since I threw myself into action about five minutes ago, I can finally relax just a tiny bit, no longer on full alert with a blade constantly at my neck. Even though I¡¯m not too familiar with these parts I¡¯ve come to understand how the city was built and can navigate my way through-
I catch a flash from the corner of my eye and Premonition instantly paints a bleak picture. An ambush, right around the next corner.
I¡¯ve had my fair share of tight situations to not freeze in the face of danger so I let my legs buckle and slide under the sword on my knees, leaving a flaming trail to thwart any follow-up attacks.
But the man clad in pristine armor, wearing the colors of Turan is a different beast than the thugs I¡¯ve been combating until now.
¡°So this is a Fight Fiend?¡± He steps out of the shadows, twirling his blade and measuring me up and down. ¡°A name all of Solermo knows and fears. The culprit behind dozens of attacks and with a list of charges long enough to sentence even your grandkids to a lifetime of repentance.¡± The brown eyes never leave me for a second as the pre-fight babbling goes on.
This old man is different, his gait, stance, gaze¡ I¡¯ve been around enough powerful people to recognize the difference and I don¡¯t like my odds against an opponent like him.
¡°Am I really the one you should be wasting your time on?¡± I try to talk my way out of trouble.
¡°How considerate.¡± He chuckles, finally taking up a high stance to answer anything I might throw at him. ¡°But Hector asked me to apprehend the two of you specifically.¡±
Oh, fuck.
He lunges at me with breakneck speed, the steel of his blade vibrating in his hand while an aura of harsh red flames surrounds his entire being. I slap the wall to my sides, causing explosions to repel me backward and obstruct the view if only for a second. The air of fire around the guard captain paints a clear image even through the dust and falling debris so I see exactly as he swings his sword horizontally carrying an absurd amount of mana.
Up is the only path I can escape, gaining a foothold as I activate Rhythmic Strides only to watch the ground below me be consumed by fire and walls fall down crumbling as the arc of destruction travels down the alley. There¡¯s no way I could¡¯ve blocked that, not even in a year.
The next such strike aims squarely at me once again as the dust settles but I have no intention of staying on the defensive. Before the next swing, I tear the side of a house out with earth magic, taking shelter inside and preparing my counterattack while watching the curtain of fire glide past.
Once the coast is clear I emerge surrounded by lances of ice and my hair dancing and glimmering with electricity. The projectiles fire off with a flick of my arm but mostly melt before reaching their target, just as I intended. The man is a little more cautious about the follow-up, dodging right as I thrust my arm forth releasing a thundering bolt of lightning.
I miss. The man that is, not the small puddle at his feet. The shock travels through his body bringing him to his knees and giving me the opening I needed to get the hell away from him. I sprint with all the air magic I can govern, rounding corners with ease and speeding down alleys faster than a thought.
The loud blaring of a horn echoes in the distance, coming from the direction of the store we robbed along with the intensified sounds of constant destruction.
¡°It is just as he expected.¡± The yell of the very same guard captain follows me as I desperately flee. ¡°You are Blessed, the Battle Queen will be pleased.¡±
¡°Fuck off already!¡±
His rude reply to my rude reply is another sea of flames, this time in the form of the ground bursting apart, erupting in a pillar of fire. This cuts off my option to the right, followed by another one preventing me from turning left. This only leaves me with¡ The square.
There the fighting is still going strong but many are either already detained or lying on the ground in their own pools of blood. I hesitate for a second, contemplating turning back and maybe forcing my way through one of the flame barricades or even demolishing a house to create a new path but the persistent old man hot on my trail doesn¡¯t leave me much choice.
This moment of uncertainty however comes to bite me back right as I¡¯m about to leave the narrow lanes behind. The old fucker caught up and his fist is already airborne coming at me from the corner of my vision promising enough pain to take me out in one hit.
Pain Tolerance has kept me going despite my minor injuries, the results of small mistakes against manageable opponents, but this particular foe is simply too powerful for me to recover once that punch lands. I try stopping that from happening with a small spark, the best I can slap together in such a short time but he powers through it effortlessly.
¡°Hraaagh!¡±
The fist that finally lands however isn¡¯t one targeting me. The old man''s reaction speed is commendable as he¡¯s able to raise an arm just in time to protect his face from a strike I¡¯m way too familiar with.
¡°What are you doing here?¡± I¡¯m equally angry and relieved to have Valka by my side, but mostly angry because the collar is anything but gone.
¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± She huffs, catching a knife flying at us out of the air. ¡°I thought you were in a pickle after seeing that explosion even across the city and I was right.¡±
She hands me our precious bag back, holding literally our everything, and throws something else at the man already up in flames. The captain has the armor dented on his right arm, and his fury palpable on the heat oozing off his body but the simple black crystal landing on his chest makes it all disappear in a blink.
We don¡¯t stop running to celebrate our reunion. The thugs are fast to notice us and the guards, seeing their captain get slapped to the ground, are just as eager to join.
¡°This way.¡± Valka drags me toward the governmental building of all places where the fighting is the least intense.
¡°You could¡¯ve removed your collar, regained your freedom, and left to free your people. Isn¡¯t that what you wanted all along?¡± I¡¯m still angry at her and my voice clearly reflects that.
I take my displeasure out on a poor mage, one of the rare few around, coming at us with a rain of stones likely inspired by my earlier performance. I don¡¯t even spare him a glance as the ground by my side springs up in response to my stomp, blocking all incoming attacks but Valka simply hurls a piece of rock at him before I can strike back.
She grabs me by the arm, halts our escapade with her indomitable strength, and pulls me closer to look straight into my eyes.
¡°I do want to save my people and I will, but not by leaving one of them behind, you fool.¡± She growls with her grip strengthening almost to the point where it hurts. ¡°I¡¯d die to free them and I won¡¯t leave your side until I know you¡¯re safe, understood?¡±
This isn¡¯t fair, now I can¡¯t be angry with her. Not while staring into those eyes, being saved and scolded like a child¡
¡°Looks like we have both of them.¡±
¡°Indeed, don¡¯t let any of them escape this time.¡±
Looks like our duo has found a worthy pair to a battle for the ages. The Black Scarf and the corrupt lapdog of the law. What a persistent old man¡
¡°We won¡¯t be able to escape while these two are around.¡± I warn Val, preparing to fight not from behind her but side by side.
¡°I guessed as much.¡± She trains her eyes on them.
The guard captain bursts into flames once more, shadows creep up from the Black Scarf¡¯s feet, Valka begins to emit steam again and I mirror the old man, coating my hands with ever-brightening fire.
This will be the last showdown.
I raise my hands to blast them away with an explosion and the two react with their own attacks surging to strike us down. In the last moment, however, a hand grabs my arms in a tyrannical grip that almost makes my legs buckle in fear, pulling them up and diverting my attack.
¡°That will be enough, Elyssia.¡± A calm and even voice I have not heard in more than three years rings clear over every other noise on the square.
The two men advancing on us fall to their knees, clearly involuntarily, almost as if an invisible force was pressing them into the ground. With my heart in my throat, I allow my eyes to run down the arm holding me gently, seeing familiar colors and finally meeting a friendly smile on a bald elderly face.
¡°Commander Ehrhardt.¡± I mutter, overwhelmed by a colorful mix of emotions.
What is the Fist doing here?
Chapter 91 - Loneliness
Only now in the elderly monster¡¯s grip do I notice a change in the atmosphere around the square due to the arrival of a new group. Every main road and rooftop is filled with fighters armed to the teeth carrying familiar banners depicting a devastating fist.
¡°Sir, what are you doing here?¡± I ask, not baffled enough to forget my manners but my priorities might not be straight.
With such overwhelming force now present both the guard and thugs back down, shrinking back in fear in the circle of the army without a state.
¡°Turan is a little stretched thin this time of the year with so many of its troops on leave. Some just go home to their families for some peace but many are angry and desperate to provide for their families while they¡¯re around. The country had some trouble south, mostly crime and a minor rebellion.¡± He explains, lets go of me, and turns to observe the situation with his hand behind his back. ¡°Then there was a reported goblin village we failed to locate and an uptick in crime rate. Solermo is one of our stops on our snaking journey north, reportedly having some fiend issue.¡± His amused gaze turns to me before quickly checking on Val. ¡°A friend?¡±
¡°Yes sir, we- what now?¡± I remember my training and focus on our predicament at hand.
¡°Brief me!¡± A clear and simple order, demanding a short and precise explanation. ¡°And someone get me a healer!¡±
¡°A typical gang war sir, if a little bigger than usual due to the crime rate in the city.¡± Now is the time to start pointing fingers. ¡°Corruption is rampant and when we stopped by in an emergency to heal, a local gang boss gained some leverage on us a few months ago.¡±
The commander''s expression darkens but after a few seconds, he nods for me to continue. ¡°We were tasked with a few smaller operations and prepared our escape for tonight but things got out of hand. They discovered my¡ nature, and hers.¡± I incline my head towards Val, knowing full well the man can see it even with his back turned to me.
¡°Release me!¡± The guard captain, the embodiment of the local law and order, demands as my and more importantly Ehrhardt¡¯s attention turns to him and his pal. ¡°You were hired to assist us, not chat with the Fiend!¡±
That much is true but the interpretation of a contract is always up to the Fist as long as they don¡¯t overstep their boundaries too bad. Corruption after all is part of the cleanup they came to execute.
Objectively speaking I am part of the problem the mercenaries were hired to erradicate but I¡¯m not the slightest bit worried about being on their wrong side. I¡¯m far too valuable and I¡¯m not the only one aware of that fact.
¡°These two?¡± The man with all the power in his grip ignores the barking dog and asks me instead.
¡°A second in command of sorts and the other is the local guard captain in cahoots with the same gang.¡± I answer, flashing a mocking grin at the two men in question.
¡°Is that so?¡± Ehrhardt humms waving for two of his aides to approach. Adies as in highly deadly fighters capable of wiping out everyone in the encirclement in less than a minute. ¡°Where might we find the sources of the problem?¡±
¡°One in the southeast end of the pleasure district in a place called the Spiced Tongue, the other near the stables or an underground casino on the outskirts of the slums by the wall.¡± I snitch like never before.
As a kid I always avoided telling on anyone to Mom and Dad, instead dealing with my problems myself but I gotta say¡ this indirect power does feel nice.
¡°Alfred, visit those places and be fast.¡± The mage on standby nods and starts organizing the raid groups. ¡°Helena!¡± The commander barks and the woman carrying a rapier steps forth. ¡°Escort these two criminals into detention, I¡¯ll deal with them later.¡±
I follow the wizened gray eyes to meet a man, chubby and trembling in fear marching out of the governmental building with two honor guards in tow. The man of the people, the hero arriving late as usual¡ I don¡¯t envy the commander. Dealing with people in high positions is known to be a pain in the ass.
¡°One more thing lassie,¡± Ehrhardt¡¯s voice stops us just as the pretty lady is about to guide Val and me away. His eyes don¡¯t meet mine but the silence tells me this question won¡¯t be a casual one. ¡°Did you kill anyone?¡±
I instinctively reach for Valka¡¯s hand and grab it as tightly as my Might allows it.
This was a question I hoped never to find out the answer to. I never stopped to check on anyone. I didn¡¯t have the time or concern to care about them while fighting ten others¡
There¡¯s no way for me to know¡
But deep down I already have the answer.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Alley Raider - Dark lvl 113] - [Dutifull Debt Collector - Metal lvl 57].]
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Silent Mist Hunter - Water lvl 122] - [Novice Carpenter - Nature lvl 57].]
[You have triumphed over the-
ENOUGH! Please.
I just took one glance and the list and the list was far too long. Some people I might¡¯ve just scratched and received a bit of contribution upon their death but¡ Nobody had to die, it was so meaningless. And the number of Classes I saw that had nothing to do with fighting or any of this gangster business¡
My silence turns out to be all the answers the seasoned commander needs as he sighs. ¡°I¡¯m sorry kid, this will complicate things but I¡¯ll take care of everything. That¡¯s the least I can do after we failed you.¡±
I really, really want to go home now.
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Elyssia
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Age: 12
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 3241/8410
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Free Points: 42
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+990/hour (-291)
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Might: 7
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Intelligence: 914
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Mana: 481
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Speed: 341
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Focus: 1002(+237)
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Willpower: 990
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Endurance: 210
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Dexterity: 90
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Fortitude: 140
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 79
Identify lvl 88
Dodging lvl 92
Pain Tolerance lvl 46
Premonition lvl 95
Survival lvl 64
Maintained Magic lvl 78
Serne Spellcrafting lvl 81
Martial Instinct lvl 66
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I. Class: Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane 108
Arcane Mastery lvl 93
Action for Reaction lvl 87
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Mana Perception lvl 91
Arcane Focus lvl 82
Ethereal Stage lvl 63
Rhythmic Strides lvl 57
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II. Class: Shadow Rat - Dark lvl 16
Sneaky Sneaky lvl 16
In Shadows¡¯ Embrace lvl 12
Inconspicuous lvl 16
Whiskerblade lvl 4
Blacktail lvl 7
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III. Class: *Locked*
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[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Death¡¯s Dance lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
¡°Be gone!¡± I whisper with my lips trembling.
Twelve levels¡ Just tonight alone I gained twelve levels but somehow I just can¡¯t find any fucks to give.
Did I kill anyone? No, I fucking massacred them. I¡¯m a murderer and not the accidental, innocent type. I knew full well, all along that my action might very well end in Malor reaping some soul and I was able to accept that.
Or at least that¡¯s what I thought.
I¡¯d fucking do it again if I had to but right now¡ I don¡¯t know. First, something to eat. And a big hug.
I can¡¯t even explain why I feel the way I do. Or what this stinging pain is, wreaking havoc in my chest. I shouldn¡¯t feel guilty, that just doesn¡¯t make sense, and everything should be okay going forward.
¡°Let¡¯s just go home.¡± I mutter, weakly trailing after Valka.
¡°The journey back to Granhall should take about a week or two but you can just lie back and let us take care of it.¡± The captain, judging by her uniform, swiftly leads us down the streets avoiding any of the remaining hotspots. ¡°I¡¯m glad to have you back kiddo. When the news of the ambush reached back home the place was up in arms ready to topple the whole damn country, hehehe. We don¡¯t like anyone messing with our cubs.¡±
The mood swings Helena displays from sentence to sentence, going from happy to threatening, to merry again only to turn murderous¡ it¡¯s entertaining enough. I can¡¯t really value it all too much at the moment but she must be fun to be around.
¡°You see, the Academy came begging-¡± She draws her weapon out of the blue and thrusts it towards an unassuming alley.
From the tip of the weapon a jet of flame so condensed that it¡¯s closer to a light beam shoots out, through the corner of the building, boxes, and lastly a person. The bow in the woman¡¯s hand falls to the ground as she falls to her knees before combusting and burning to ashes in seconds.
¡°Damn rat. As I was saying the Academy¡¡± But I don¡¯t hear a word she says.
Her eyes were on me. That arrow was meant for me¡ I could tell. Even at the last second as her body was being incinerated¡
She tried to take revenge.
Did I kill her husband or maybe her child? I can¡¯t even tell, there were too many, I- I can¡¯t even remember their face. Nobody was forced to fight me, if anything I was ready to just walk away without as much as touching any of them. Her hate and anger¡ it¡¯s not my fault.
Suddenly I feel my stomach churn and bile gather in my mouth as I picture everyone I striped of their loved ones staring at me. The guilt I know shouldn¡¯t be there is just overwhelming.
¡°Oh shit.¡± The lady in red and gray is much quicker than Valka in catching me the moment I start to feel like vomiting my guts out. ¡°It¡¯s okay, it happens to all of us.¡± She gently pats my back.
No, I really doubt going through what I did in the past hour is all that common.
¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Valka¡¯s quick to join but more hands are not what I need right now.
¡°Guilt.¡± Helena gives a short and precise answer. ¡°Drink this!¡± She shoves a small waterskin into my hand.
¡°I don¡¯t want to-¡±
¡°Just do it, I¡¯m older than I look.¡± All the convincing I need to hear really. I¡¯d take anything right now.
Uncorking the container I take a whiff and quickly identify the liquid inside.
¡°It¡¯s wine.¡± I hand it back because alcohol tastes like shit.
¡°Look, healing the soul is one of the most difficult things and this can lessen the pain if only temporarily. It¡¯s stupid, and not the solution,¡± Well, clearly. ¡°but right now you need rest and some peace. Just close your eyes and chug, it¡¯s a great vintage.¡±
I don¡¯t even feel like being stubborn anymore. So I down the thing. Okay, not all of it but I keep drinking until it feels like the stuff is boiling in my stomach.
What a stupid plan this is anyway, intoxicating a kid to make her forget about her problems temporarily and maybe even develop an addiction¡ If only I didn¡¯t hate its taste this much it might even work.
I really hope this woman doesn¡¯t have any kids.
¡°You¡¯ll feel better soon but in my experience talking about it and crying, a lot, helps the most.¡± She nods as I start to feel lightheaded yet somewhat better. ¡°My first kill wasn¡¯t all that bad, the bitch tried to kill my dog when I lived on the streets¡ I always hated her smug face.¡±
Not helping, not even a tiny bit.
In the following minutes, we continued our leisurely walk through the streets, right towards the gate we¡¯d arrived through without any more disturbances. My mood improves, somewhat, and dumb ideas appear one after another out of nowhere, one more embarrassing than the other. Even walking turns into a chore but it really is much better than turning into a ball of self-pity and sadness.
¡°Uhm can we stop by somewhere?¡± Valka¡¯s timid display leaves me a little baffled but considering who or rather what she¡¯s dealing with it¡¯s understandable.
I didn¡¯t hold back when traveling with the old fart though¡ Ah, the good days.
¡°Sure, speak. We have plenty of time and I doubt anyone around could make me regret this decision. Bar the geezer one and two.¡± Helena adds the last part with a frown.
I know how she feels, I do. Both Bennett and Martha deserve plenty of ass-handing for all the tricks and jokes they played on me but that won¡¯t come any time soon.
Instead of blurting out her answer straight away Valka grabs my hand and pulls me to a halt. ¡°Eli, you¡¯re safe now, I think. I¡¯m pretty sure I couldn¡¯t do much if these people attempted to hurt you.¡± I see a small nod from a certain childish adult waiting for us. ¡°I¡¯d like to visit an Artisan nearby to remove my collar, I think it¡¯s time to-¡±
¡°NO!¡± I knew the moment the first words left her mouth where this was going.
¡°Don¡¯t act like a child.¡± She gently puts a hand on my shoulder. ¡°Although you were always this selfish.¡±
¡°And you were always stupid, an idiot I have to save over and over because-¡±
¡°Eli! I have a promise to keep and so do you!¡±
That¡¯s right¡ I promised I¡¯d set her free once I got to safety and now it¡¯s time to hold myself to my word.
¡°But you can¡¯t do it.¡± I mutter, unwilling but ready to do what I must.
¡°What?¡±
¡°Was our stop here not proof enough?¡± I ask, chuckling almost at how ridiculous her thinking is. ¡°You want to do what exactly, huh? Steal your people back? Murder their owners? Maybe buy them back?¡± I stare into her eyes. ¡°Then what? No, what a stupid question that is, you won¡¯t ever reach that stage alive, so why even think about it in the-¡±
A gentle slap interrupts my rambling. I still feel like my face is about to fall off but that¡¯s gentle by Valka standards.
¡°So what?¡± She pushes me away.
Helena finally feels uncomfortable enough to chime in. ¡°I think I¡¯ll just wait-¡±
¡°Leave!¡± I snap. ¡°So what¡¯s the big idea, huh? Are you just gonna run out there and bash faces as you always do? You don¡¯t even know where they are right now.¡± My words come out a little slurred but the meaning gets through if Valka¡¯s ever angrier expression means something.
¡°But I can¡¯t just sit here!¡± Her raised voice echoes between the buildings. ¡°And you can¡¯t make me stay.¡±
¡°You think so?¡± I slowly reach into my trusty bag and pull out something I haven¡¯t touched in a while.
Valka¡¯s contract.
She immediately lunges at me, grabs me by the throat, and lifts me off the ground. ¡°This is not funny. I knew you were a selfish elf, just like the rest but this has to stop. I know you wouldn¡¯t do it.¡±
¡°You think I wouldn¡¯t break my word to save your sorry ass?¡± I croak. Her grip is gentle enough not to choke me but there¡¯s enough power in those fingers to kill me in seconds. ¡°Save you from your own idiocy?¡±
¡°Then what am I supposed to do?¡± She hisses, tears already gathering in the corners of her eyes. ¡°They are suffering, maybe even dying out there waiting for me to come for them. I must go-¡±
I return the slap with full force. Strong enough to make my palm sting.
¡°Have some faith in your people.¡± I say after a short silence. ¡°You survived. How arrogant do you have to be to think you are the only one capable enough?¡±
I grab her arm holding me up and pull myself closer, looking straight into her eyes.
¡°You cannot do it. Not right now as you are.¡± I voice the cruel truth. ¡°I will not let you die a moronic death. I¡¯d rather have you hate me but be alive than let you walk into your own grave.¡±
Valka finally collapses on her knees and starts wailing like a child.
¡°I have nothing else. I am alone, so alone. How- what should I do?¡± Even with the alcohol, seeing her like this breaks my heart a little.
I had my idea of how much pain she carries. How much suffering and loneliness are hidden behind the shell of an indomitable warrior, behind the mask of toughness and confidence...
I only scratched the surface.
It also feels right to see her break down like this. A heart can hold only so much pain before turning inside out. Let her cry, let her speak, let her be weak for a moment.
¡°You are not alone.¡± I sit down and give her a hug both of us need desperately. ¡° I¡¯m a selfish elf you know, I want everything for myself.¡± I speak tenderly and feel her heartbeat slow a little. ¡°If you stay, Valka, if you accompany me until we¡¯re ready I will¡ no, I swear I¡¯ll help you keep your word.¡± I say this in a much firmer albeit slightly crying tone.
Not that my word is worth as much after somewhat breaking it just now.
She keeps promises in high regard. Well, so do I but there are more important things than my pride. Valka is like a sister to me. A sister in dire need of help and a sister I will not let go of. She should¡¯ve just asked me and I would¡¯ve done anything in my power to help. I¡¯m selfish and now I¡¯m emotional, giving stupid promises¡
¡°No, I can¡¯t ask for more¡¡± Valka mutters. ¡°Please, just let me-¡±
¡°It was not an offer. I propose a deal.¡± I pull away and hold her shoulders. ¡°Are you willing to come with me?¡± I ask in the most official way a nasal tone and puffy-eyed person can manage. ¡°In exchange when the time is right, we, together, will search Eborden far and wide. How does that sound?¡±
She stares at me for a few seconds, her jaw clenching and unclenching and tears falling without an end in sight. ¡°It sounds stupid.¡± She hugs me again.
We stay like that for a while in the middle of the street. Wounded, shaken, and with more problems on our shoulders than one heart can carry.
¡°I really hate you sometimes you know?¡± She finally whispers into my hair.
¡°The feeling is mutual.¡± I giggle.
Chapter 92 - Doing Well
In the end, Valka agreed to my proposal and we made a new promise to each other, as equals. Deep down she knew her quest to fulfill her grandiose promise would end in failure but desperation can push people further than I ever imagined.
After calming ourselves a little we did try our luck with the squirrel-smith to get rid of that unsightly collar but it turned out to be a futile trip. The man vanished, along with everything in his shop. He most likely took the chance to escape this place as chaos consumed the city and I can¡¯t fault him whatsoever.
This left us with no other reason to stay in the crumbling crime nest that is Salermo but since we were exhausted departing right away had to wait. We¡¯re young, we need lots of sleep, and it never came easier than last night.
¡°They are so cute in their sleep.¡± A whisper wakes me up from my slumber. ¡°Look at those peaceful faces. Should we bring breakfast?¡±
I¡¯m not alarmed, I met the owner of the voice last night, even if just briefly. A couple, Aaron and Fleur, tasked by Helena with keeping their eyes on us and accompanying us back to Granhall.
The woman is an elf, just like Dad, except her build is closer to that of Valka, like a sturdy wardrobe, while Aaron is as basic of a human as one could find anywhere on the street. The two thought their cute little relationship was a secret but one would¡¯ve had to be blind not to notice the glances they threw at each other.
¡°Are you thinking about having children already?¡± Fleur asks aghast albeit quietly. ¡°And no, they can get breakfast on their own. We¡¯re here to make sure they get back safe and not to act as servants.¡±
I would appreciate you two both shutting the fuck up and getting us breakfast. We finally have some free time and nothing else to do, let us sleep.
That all just plays out in my head because I¡¯m too lazy to open either my eyes or mouth to convey the message. If I pretend I¡¯m asleep they might go away.
¡°It¡¯s adorable, the way they sleep curled up. Like puppies.¡± Whispers Aaron, again.
What is up with that weirdo, watching young girls in their sleep? Yuck. If I didn¡¯t know any better he would be designated as a major creep.
¡°Yeah, but why not use separate beds?¡± Comes a question that catches even me by surprise.
I crack one eye open and see nothing but a white curtain. Hair. A cascade of what can only be Valka¡¯s mane covers my face. Now that I¡¯m conscious about it my nose begins to itch and I have to blow my cover of sleep to scratch it.
¡°Heh, poor acting skills.¡± Chuckles Fleur, leaning against the wall next to the door.
¡°You knew she was awake?¡± Aaron asks and sits down on a stool near my bed.
¡°It was obvious.¡± The woman says, like it''s as simple as breathing. ¡°Her breathing.¡± Okay, I take it back.
The bed I was snoozing on is pushed against the wall in a corner of the room and straight across is another empty one. So two beds and one of them is empty. I peek behind me, where the white hair originated from to see Valka sleeping sprawled out.
Whatever, I still don¡¯t feel like going out. Every pair of eyes that fell on me yesterday felt like the person knew what I did, what a despicable murderer I am, and I doubt any of that will change today. Hating myself should be the norm for the upcoming days.
I¡¯m about to lean back down and just accept things as they are when my stomach objects.
What do you mean?! I stuffed myself to death last night. Hang the traitor.
¡°See? She¡¯ll get breakfast when she needs breakfast.¡± Fleur is in full swing practicing mother talk. ¡°However the faster you eat, the faster we¡¯ll be on our way home. We already sorted out everything else.¡±
That does the job. I groan like a granny twenty times my age and sit back up again. My mouth is parched and I need to pee, but more importantly.
I smack Valka on the shoulder. ¡°Why the heck are you in my bed?¡± I shout as she¡¯s startled awake. ¡°You have an entire bed for yourself. We¡¯re no longer in that tiny room because we needed to save money.¡±
She blinks a few times as her brain warms up for the task at hand. Then fury descends. She pounces on me with fingers primed to tickle and so begins the torture.
¡°Your bed my ass. I¡¯m closer to the wall, do you think I flew over you to sleep here?¡± She growls and shows no mercy.
I fight back the best I can and resort to biting. ¡°You just crawled over-¡±
¡°Enough!¡± Aaron raises his voice which startles us a little. She was so kind and mellow last night, maybe he¡¯s the short-tempered type. ¡°Do you not remember who picked which bed?¡± A question we should¡¯ve asked ourselves from the start. Except¡
We both shake our heads. It was late when we went to sleep and food coma is a vile adversary so we just¡ slept.
¡°Whatever.¡± The man sighs while Fleur is trying her best to hold back her laughter. ¡°Just get dressed so we can get going and buy you some normal clothes.¡±
¡°What¡¯s wrong with our clothes?¡± Val asks a question I myself would like to know the answer to.
¡°Besides the blood, dirt, tears, and the fact that they¡¯re the wrong size?¡± Fleur picks up my jacket I simply discarded on a chair. ¡°C¡¯mon, clothes aren''t going to change the world, the women who wear them will.¡±
Aaron sighs and shakes his head like we¡¯re a lost cause. ¡°I give up. Just¡ go eat so we can get going.¡± His voice sounds tired already despite the early morning.
It¡¯s noon.
Valka and I untangle ourselves and climb out of bed. There¡¯s no need to change or any other morning procedures, we¡¯re low maintenance. We make our way out of the room and down to the tavern area to devour a whole family¡¯s worth of food in one sitting. Praise be to whoever cooks.
***
A small bell signals our entry into the shop after a short walk from last night¡¯s lodging. There¡¯s still tension on the streets and the usual liveliness of the place is nowhere to be seen after last night¡¯s events. People died, large parts of Solermo got demolished and many people fled the violence leaving everything in shambles.
¡°Ah, dear customers welcome¡¡± An elderly voice, soon followed by the grandpa-like owner himself who quickly backtracks after catching a glimpse of us four. Suspense is clear on his face but the widening eyes tell me there¡¯s something else at play here. ¡°Fiends!¡±
Ah, there it is. While I do appreciate the acknowledgement it''s not the type I¡¯m too fond of or would like to keep in the future. I don¡¯t want to be the woman of the people but this is almost as bad.
¡°Khm.¡± Aaron makes sure to make their presence known. ¡°We¡¯d like some clothes for the ladies.¡± He cuts right to the chase.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
¡°But- but¡ fiends.¡± The old man¡¯s vocabulary seems to have gone on a pilgrimage.
¡°We¡¯ll make sure they behave.¡± Fleur taps the emblem of the Fist on her chest. ¡°And we are to take them away once they¡¯re properly dressed.¡±
Not the most sound reasoning but I won''t complain as long as it works.
¡°What do you two want?¡± Fleur turns to us before receiving a reply.
I like that she¡¯s asking for our input instead of picking whatever is within arm¡¯s reach.
¡°It¡¯s on the Fist?¡± I ask with a sly grin, just to make sure.
¡°Damn right it is.¡± She mirrors my expression.
My bag might contain more money than an average person can earn in a decade but it¡¯s not exactly money money. I don¡¯t want to pay with diamonds for a few skirts.
I generally like skirts but would never wear one for traveling. Also, it''s still pretty cold and might even snow in the afternoon. I learned my lesson with sandals so proper boots for me. Pair that with a shirt and jacket and I¡¯m good to go.
I quickly list off my demands while Valka just listens and seems confused.
¡°What about you?¡± I ask her and she just shrugs.
¡°I mean, a shirt and pants, maybe some new boots.¡± She lifts her food to show her current pair desperately clinging on for their lives. ¡°Actually do you have them short-sleeved, or no sleeves at all? Same for the pants because I¡¯d just ruin-¡±
¡°Nope.¡± I stop her right then and there. ¡°Nope nope nope, it¡¯s winter, it¡¯s snowing outside every other day, and you won¡¯t walk around in as little clothing as a prostitute even if it means buying a new set after each and every fight."
I¡¯d have to be deaf not to hear the two adults giggling behind my back.
¡°But it¡¯s not even that cold and what¡¯s wrong with not covering my arms and legs? isn¡¯t that what dresses are all about?¡±
She does have a point but it¡¯s not the same. I can¡¯t really explain why but she¡¯d look stupid among people walking around, shivering in massive fur coats.
¡°Listen, we¡¯ve been through this before the last time we bought clothes.¡± I sigh, tired of going through this argument. ¡°Can we try them on?¡± I ask the shop owner who only timidly nods from his cover behind the counter.
***
I gave Valka a quick rundown about the social norms, again, when it comes to clothing and something called modesty. Her view on garments is a bit different than that of a normal person. A lot different.
As long as it covers everything important, lets you move easily, and isn''t too cold than the less the better¡ She always argued that the fabric would only get ruined in a fight and that modesty can¡¯t kill things.
Now, she isn¡¯t a total outlier with her style. I saw many members of the Fist, representing both genders, wear clothes that are thin like a second skin, and or leave far too little to the imagination. They don¡¯t mind the nonexistent defensive value and feel comfortable in it, not bothered by eyes glued to their body.
Sadly I don¡¯t care about Valka¡¯s preference. I am not walking around with an exhibitionist, not now and not in the future.
First I forced a spring dress onto her, even though it¡¯s winter, which she hated with all her being. So I brought a few more with different styles and colors just to make sure¡ of something. Although a little less grumpy, she ruled out skirts all the same and accepted only pants. Frilly blouses almost got torn apart and anything too loose was a firm no.
In the end, we settled on an outfit similar to mine. Shirt, jacket, and pants. Although she was still miffed with my interference when it came to her getup.
I had my fun and came to a grim conclusion. With a good figure, everything looks good on a woman. Curse you Valka and cure my slow growth.
That left us only with the journey itself. No words of farewell from the commander or even Helena, both of them likely too occupied with rooting out the corruption while not stepping on any political toes. These are the worst types of jobs where rearranging a map can¡¯t entirely solve things.
Traveling on foot would make us waste around a month just to walk the distance to the Valerian border. Time wasted on traveling is still time wasted in my eyes.
All that talk about how the journey is just as important as the goal sounds like a scam to me. It''s all about the goal. You start doing something to finish it. You don''t eat because the texture of the fork is nice and you like lifting it. So¡ walking. Yeah, we don''t do that.
Turns out merchant caravans are more than happy to let renowned, elite mercenaries tag along even with two deadweights, Aka Valka and me. Which is stupid since we could kill like half the merchants here with no problem along with every noncombatant. Not that I feel like fighting any time soon. Especially not people¡
That conversation went along the lines of, ¡®Can we ride along?¡¯ ¡®Sure.¡¯ And just like that the travel time got halved and we could spend our time more productively than putting one foot in front of the other. Like teaching Valka some more basic math and stuff, or in our escorts¡¯ case eating each other''s mouth constantly.
Of course, I know they are kissing and it''s gross. It''s like letting someone spit in your mouth while enjoying it.
¡°Say Val, can I ask you one thing?¡± I side-track our arithmetic lesson to let the brains take a breather.
¡°You just did.¡± My friend replies without looking away from my scribbles in the dirt, sitting cross-legged beside me.
We''re currently stopped while lunch is being made so there''s plenty of dirt to write in. A few times a day the massive bulky bison with additional pairs of legs pulling the caravan we¡¯ve decided to accompany need a quick rest, understandably so. The carts are truly massive and packed with things I didn¡¯t bother to check. We can stretch our legs in the back and some acceptable meals are provided and that¡¯s all that matters.
¡°Okay smart-ass, then two more questions.¡± I declare instead of asking just to avoid further nitpicking before surprising her with a lightning math question. ¡° Six times seven?¡±
Always be prepared, math can ly in ambush around every corner.
After a second or two of contemplation, the answer is decided upon. ¡°Forty-two¡±
A quick headcount of my own confirms the number and so I ask my real question. ¡°Excellent. Lastly¡ I know I kind of forced you to come along and acted all selfish and didn¡¯t respect your-¡± I keep on listing how shitty of a person I am.
¡°Yeah, yeah, I know, I got used to¡ you being you.¡± She says, with an amused look. ¡°You¡¯re still walking on thin ice because of that but I won¡¯t bite your head off. You did what you deemed best for my sake.¡± She awkwardly scratches the back of her head. ¡°So just get to the point.¡±
Okay, this isn¡¯t exactly fair. I was selfish but in the end, it was a deal, a mutual agreement, a win-win. And I was drunk, sort of. I know it¡¯s a bad excuse for my behavior but¡ yeah.
I sigh, breathing all the discomfort and hesitation out. ¡°Despite the fact that I dragged you along, despite having no plan whatsoever about how you¡¯ll get strong enough to free your people¡ I want your input on our future.¡± I turn to her to show my sincerity. ¡°I¡¯ve been chased and robbed of many things because of my Blessing and the same likely awaits you as well. I¡¯ll be sure to grow strong enough to earn my freedom from the eyes seeing me as merely a tool.¡± This included the Fist and also those ordering the shadows hunting me. ¡°But a goal alone is not enough.¡±
She has a strong desire in mind and the resolve to walk the path. The problem is that the journey is not only ragged but also covered in mist, changing constantly and lined with people constantly trying to kick our legs out. Winging it won¡¯t be enough.
I¡¯ll be there for her and hold her hand to make sure she doesn¡¯t get lost, that¡¯s the least I can do. But I know for a fact that being by her side forever is a delusional idea and my parents have prepared me for the same. It¡¯s better to tackle issues like this sooner rather than later.
A few seconds pass and I¡¯m thankful for the pause. It means Val is thinking, like, properly instead of relying on her headstrong approach like most of the time.
And when she finally glances up I see an excited glimmer in her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not that complicated in my eyes.¡± She nods with a satisfied smile. ¡°You know this world, the land of humans better than me. For now, I¡¯ll be satisfied with following you and making sure you don¡¯t kill yourself by doing something stupid.¡± It¡¯s like I¡¯m listening to Dad. ¡°And we took on a city just fine, I don¡¯t think we¡¯re doing that badly.¡±
And that¡¯s where she¡¯s wrong.
¡°You mean a town, barely larger than a village filled with self-proclaimed crimelords and people who only ever fought each other with sticks or struggled against stray dogs for a meal?¡± I make sure to deliver the message. ¡°Just think about every city you passed through after stepping off the ship. Was this one noteworthy?¡± It¡¯s a rhetorical question because Solermo was a small backwater shithole of a town at best.
¡°So we won¡¯t take over a city in about a year?¡± She asks, now a lot less confident than before and rightfully so.
¡°Not even close.¡± I chuckle. ¡°Okay, maybe a small one. But we¡¯re doing well and just you wait until I introduce you to the gang.¡±
Because there¡¯s no way I¡¯m giving up on going to the Academy for a few relaxing years after the past few months. I deserve a long vacation. Now that I think about it, the entrance requirement to the greatest school in Valeria is only level 60¡
¡°I think we¡¯re doing pretty damn well.¡± I repeat before both of our heads snap in the same direction.
The meal is ready.
Chapter 93 - Weird Shadows
¡°What do you mean by negative numbers?¡± Valka looks at me bewildered. ¡°How can something be less than nothing? Is it like void magic?¡±
I take a deep breath and release all the frustration with a sigh. This explanation will be a long and painful one¡
¡°If you¡ for example spend all your money but still owe someone, you are even worse than broke. Like, even if you earn a few coins, it will just get taken away since you¡¯re in debt.¡± I try my luck with an example and hope her mind comprehends.
Deep focus and a myriad of expressions play on her face, with confusion being the main one. She¡¯s trying, which I value and is the only reason I keep trying, although the knowledge is still far out of reach.
Then something seems to click. ¡°Why would I let anyone take my money?¡±
I facepalm and think of another example. Poor Martha, had this talk a thousand times already. Right, Martha, how did she¡
¡°Stand up!¡± I order her and looking at my patience running thin she does so promptly. ¡°Right where you¡¯re standing is zero steps. If you go forward a step that¡¯s one, another is two. You follow?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not an idiot!¡± Valka protests. ¡°This is just stupid.¡±
¡°Sure, sure.¡± I wave her off. ¡°If you take a step back, that is¡¡±
¡°Minus one?¡± She answers with a sprinkle of hesitation.
The answer is correct, however, I feel like she only said it because I¡¯m pushing the whole thing. I hate that she¡¯s not dumb, far from it, but both back where she lived and¡ well, everything that happened after required very little education.
Damn muscle heads.
¡°Also what is this about multiplying two negative stuff and a positive comes out?¡± She throws her hands in the air, but at least I finally managed to hammer this into her.
¡°Turn around, turn around again. Wow, you¡¯re facing the same direction.¡± Aaron sitting nearby explains with sarcasm oozing from his voice.
¡°Yeah? Then what about positive numbers? Why don¡¯t they become negative?¡± Val crosses her arms like she won the argument already.
¡°Don¡¯t turn around, don''t turn around again. Wow, you¡¯re facing the same direction.¡± He says with a dead serious face.
Fleur and I are not considerate enough to hold back the laughter and just burst out into Valka¡¯s reddening face. She curses and huffs as we have a great time at her expense. Let¡¯s hope embarrassment is a better teacher than I am.
¡°Stop laughing already you jerks!¡± Valka growls, at me in particular, and tries changing topics. ¡°Why are we even stranded here?¡±
That¡¯s something we all would love to know. We¡¯ve been just sitting around and waiting for the detachment of riders to sort things out with the merchants. They claimed it was some routine checks and that things would blow over in no time¡ That was three hours ago. The soldiers seem official enough with insignias, horses, banners, weapons and the whole shebang, that¡¯s not what worries me.
How deep is corruption running in this country? I get they¡¯re fighting an eternal war up north but that¡¯s not a good enough excuse to let everything else rot at home.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, in the worst case we have to continue on foot.¡± Fleur shrugs and takes the stick from Valka. ¡°See, you get negative numbers when you subtract a bigger one from a smaller¡¡±
I hope she can digest all the stuff I¡¯m trying to teach her before we reach Granhall. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they just sent me to the Academy with the next batch and don¡¯t want to leave Val behind. She is¡ very far from being a member of the academic society. Wisdom is chasing her but she¡¯s faster.
¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Aaron pokes my cheek, bugging me to alleviate his boredom.
¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure what the future holds, what we¡¯ll do in the next months and how everyone will react.¡± I tell him the redacted truth because I don¡¯t feel like explaining all my thoughts. ¡°Can¡¯t you just cut off her collar or something?¡±
Because I know I would.
¡°It¡¯s not that simple.¡± Duh. "here¡¯s enough mana stored inside that junk to blow her head off the moment the outer circuits break. Could I tear it to shreds fast enough? Maybe, unlikely.¡± Then he ponders for a few seconds. ¡°Void magic is always the answer but even then it¡¯s risky. Better leave it to professionals.¡±
¡°Hm.¡± I agree but it was still worth a shot. ¡°What magic do you use? I¡¯m just curious as a fellow Mage.¡±
It¡¯s been a while since I last had the time and opportunity to just play around with my mana and do something that isn¡¯t meant to be destructive or hurt someone.
¡°Oh, I know what you¡¯re playing at. I heard the stories about a little devil stealing techniques.¡± He chuckles.
It seems my reputation preceded me once again. Nice but also not nice.
¡°Is that a no?¡± I¡¯m shameless and curious enough to ask.
Instead of answering he just huffs and swipes towards a few nearby trees with his hand. The mighty plants, twice as thick as me, decide to stand tall for a couple more seconds before leaning to the side and hitting the ground with a loud thud.
Every head snaps in their direction, before throwing a few accusatory glances our way but I ignore them completely.
¡°How did you do that?¡± I mutter, already examining the marks left by the cut.
It¡¯s not smooth like a blade, neither charred nor ragged. The blemishes on the surface are almost undiscernible by the eye but when I touch it¡
¡°I hope this keeps you occupied while we wait.¡± He snickers but I literally couldn¡¯t care less about his words right now. Except of course more details this¡ is this even a wind blade anymore?
The basic wind blade is supposed to cut like a sword, like a blade, but the surface doesn¡¯t match. Nor did the amount of mana when compared to the outcome.
¡°It¡¯s like it tore through the wood but instead of a pushing force but also tore through it¡¡± I murmur under my nose examining what I was given.
Then seconds turn to minutes, and those minutes multiply fast.
I don¡¯t get it. It shouldn¡¯t work. A sawing motion would just tear. Butchers chop, and lumberjacks¡ also chop, but they also saw. Different materials, different techniques. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
¡°How does it do both?¡± I ask for a small clue, a little snippet because admitting you don¡¯t understand is okay.
¡°You¡¯re close.¡± Aaron chuckles. ¡°And that¡¯s scary. It took me years to arrive there.¡±
I don¡¯t take this as a compliment. ¡°You showed me something and I just need to see. There¡¯s nothing praiseworthy about that.¡± And I mean it.
It¡¯s frustrating only because I¡¯m close. Since it clearly works and he implied it''s not the attributes, which I¡¯ll believe for now, means my logic is skewed. Just chopping is fine against anything soft. On the other hand Endurance and armor both work wonders against a simple cut. The marks on the tree are nothing like a handsaw would leave, they¡¯re too smooth.
I look at Aaron for any more clues and he just shakes his head.
Again the journey matters little when only the end result can make my wind magic slash better. This useless jerk could just blurt out the method and he would lose nothing.
Maybe a bit of ego.
A merchant meekly approaches our little group messing around in the dirt. ¡°Uhm¡ I-We might have a small problem.¡± He stutters and us looking at him helps little. ¡°The company was¡ uhm¡ found guilty of fraud and tax evasion so our assets are being seized. So¡¡±
¡°No more carts, no more food, no nothing.¡± Fleur groans and rolls her eyes. ¡°We wasted hours here for nothing. Great.¡± She pushes herself up and walks towards the carts for our stuff.
¡°Some of us will be arrested for later interrogation while the others, such as myself, are left stranded here.¡± He gulps loud enough for everyone to hear. ¡°I was wondering if we could purchase your services to accompany us till the nearest settlement.¡± He grins and rubs his hands. ¡°Our previous escorts fled after the soldiers arrived so the pay will be-¡±
¡°Not another word.¡± Aaron frowns in the face of the man. ¡°We didn¡¯t stick around for either money or the company. Ask the dear servants of the law if anything.¡± His frown turns into a devilish grin. ¡°Let¡¯s see how that money of yours will save you now. The power of wealth as you merchants call it.¡±
Fleur digs through all the contents of the cart we stayed in and liberates our supplies in no time. The soldiers seem hesitant to stop her, even though the cart and everything on it is about to be confiscated.
That woman is every bit as intimidating as she should be and at least the soldiers know who not to mess with. The usual flash of the Fist¡¯s badge helps tremendously. It¡¯s a signal to piss off and don¡¯t stick your nose here.
¡°Pack up, we¡¯re leaving.¡± She barks, clearly grumpy, and throws everyone their respective bags.
¡°On foot?¡± I ask just to be clear.
¡°Yeah.¡±
¡°How far?¡± I ask the question that, in hindsight, I don¡¯t wanna know.
¡°A week.¡±
Bollocks, as Bennett would put it. I hate walking.
¡°Val, carry me?¡± I show my best puppy eyes and cute voice.
¡°Fat chance.¡± She chuckles and walks past me.
Stupid merchants, stupid soldiers, stupid kleptomaniac business, stupid Valka ¡
***
By the time the last rays of Solaire withdrew their light from the land, we reached another city and I thanked the Gods for not having to sleep on the ground again. It¡¯s better than the spider lair was, or the streets when a task took a little longer than expected¡
I know my standards basically hit rock bottom so, yeah time to change that. A bed for me, please.
The bed had to wait, however. Considering we were now around the heartlands of Turan the cities were getting bigger and more populated. More residents equals more traffic which means a longer line to get past the gates. The usual. The collar on Valka, even though somewhat hidden, did draw some nasty looks but in the end, we got in no problem.
The streets are lit, bustling with humans, mostly, although there are a lot more gnomes and beastkin here than even in Granhall. This place, Serkin, is a major trade hub only about a week away from the Valerian border and more importantly, home.
There is life in the night with the difference of a quiet mutual grim determination. The walls surrounding the city look ancient and the buildings are quite tall according to my standards. If there is no more space horizontally they have to build vertically, and preferably upwards. Everything is made out of stone, looks sturdy, and has probably been rebuilt a few times already.
In true Turani fashion, most buildings are plain, simple, and sturdy-looking well above what most might consider necessary. Stone dominates most surfaces, especially the ancient outer walls about three hundred years old and clearly repaired a few times. Since the wall hadn¡¯t been extended yet the population kept growing building vertically was the only option turning most houses into towers with bridges running between the higher floors.
Serkin certainly has a unique look but the people calling it home are no different from any other citizen of Turan. Grim, hardy yet full of life.
Turan has been waging an eternal war for more than a millennium and going to sleep only to find a call-to-arms notice on your door the next morning isn¡¯t unheard of. They live more passionately yet also stricter. Everyone is expected to at least be able to protect themselves, they are fighters and survivors. Heck, even their ruler is called the Battle Queen.
¡°No luck?¡± Fleur asks as Aaron stomps out of yet another tavern. The Red Antler, the fourth one we visited just tonight, and judging by his expression this one was booked as well.
Just build more people and get rich, it is not that difficult. I think we¡¯re ready to offer quadrupled pay by now. It¡¯s on the Fist anyway.
¡°They told me another place a few streets from here should still have rooms. It¡¯s a bit tucked away.¡± Aaron huffs and walks on right after passing the news.
That¡¯s what they said the last two times¡ I¡¯m actually down to breaking in at this point, I have the experience and I doubt anyone would hold it against us even if we were discovered.
***
Aaron wasn¡¯t exaggerating when he said the place was out of sight, and clearly did when he said a few streets. A few means below seven in my book and we¡¯re way past that.
¡°Are you sure-¡± Fleaur opens her mouth to complain.
¡°Yes¡ I think. I don¡¯t fucking know.¡± Aaron grumbles and throws his hands up.
¡°Shouldn¡¯t we go back-¡± I try to reason.
¡°Tsk, shut it. We can¡¯t.¡± Aaron interrupts. Because it¡¯d be embarrassing, I can respect that.
We¡¯re lost. Some streets, dark and crooked, left supposedly veteran mercenaries in the dirt. Kinda pathetic not gonna lie.
¡°I¡¯ll fly up for a sec.¡± Aaron whispers as if anyone around here would care and raises a hand. ¡°Before any of you remind me that it''s likely forbidden¡ I know, just a quick peek over the buildings.¡±
With that wind swirls around him and his body lifts like someone is pulling him on a rope upwards. I pop Mana Vision and attempt to burn the way his magic moves into my memory.
I really want to fly too.
He sticks to the buildings and peeks his head over the rooftop.
¡°Can¡¯t we just literally buy some horses and ride home?¡± I ask Fleur.
¡°Nah, that would be a bit too pricey and neither of you can ride.¡± She swiftly ends the conversation.
¡°Can we at least get something that isn¡¯t stale bread to eat? You know, like actual food since we¡¯re in a city¡¡± I can¡¯t help the sass, tiredness and hunger are foul adversaries.
¡°We might not be able to get both so what do you want, food or a bed?¡± And Fleur is in no better mood, let¡¯s avoid having conversations.
I just pout, walk over to the next corner, sit down on a box, and get to cleaning myself in case we do find lodgings. Going to bed all sweaty, itchy, and dusty¡ no thanks.
My day doesn¡¯t need any more turns for the worse, I hate it already. I knew the start of the trip went too smoothly, the first few days of leisure and peace in the back of the cart¡ it¡¯s always an alarming sign.
I still keep an eye on Aaron, more precisely his magic, and come to a conclusion. It¡¯s a Skill. The way wind gathers beneath his feet and armpits, closely coating him like a third skin¡ it¡¯s simply too well made. The flow and density of magic are too consistent, only Skills given by the Journey Guide can achieve something like that. Or mages with ridiculous control but I haven''t seen anyone like that though. Probably not even Martha.
As I ponder about what can and cannot be achieved by magic a hand reaches out from the shadows and clamps down on my mouth. Frozen by surprise and panic, I only manage a muffled scream before another arm envelops me and starts hauling me away with breakneck speed.
But I¡¯m not a complete amateur.
It¡¯s shadows again most likely but I¡¯m kinda used to them at this point.
A masked figure, likely a man with his face obstructed and grip far too strong for me to wrestle myself free. Our speed also tells me that lightning or wind would do precious little to make him let go.
Fleur reacts in an instant to my cry but before she can bolt after us a wall of glistening ice erupts in our wake, blocking her path. It only takes seconds for the half-elf woman to break through it like an enraged bull and I can see Valka bolting right after her. The other attacker, who raised the wall, however, seems determined to not let them pass.
Clearly a woman, judging by the long silvery hair floating behind her, wielding a spear and throwing massive javelins of ice at my friend and escorts. The wench glances back at me as I¡¯m dragged into the night and a pair of purple eyes meet mine.
Purple¡ Wait, they aren¡¯t shadows!
Chapter 94 - Much Needed Hugs
Purple eyes, silvery hair, and a spear¡
I wiggle around in my kidnapper¡¯s arm and slap a hand on his face to pat it down. Nose, eyes, ears¡ a goatee? No way¡
Then I start slapping him, properly, while also trying to drag the hand away from my mouth.
The man finally lets go of my mouth, only to speak before I can. ¡°Eli, it''s okay, it''s me-¡±
¡°Shut up Dad, and stop Mom.¡± I yell right away and we come to a sudden halt. I keep slapping him to vent some frustration and show some love which seems to have some sort of stunning effect. ¡°They¡¯re with me, with the Fist. Put. Me. Down!¡± I tell him in the commanding tone the true owner of our household so often employed.
It doesn¡¯t even take a moment for me to get released and pull that stupid maks obscuring my father¡¯s face along with me. A face I yearned to see since day one of falling off that stupid cliff.
I give him a quick hug and murmur into his chest. ¡°I missed you, Dad.¡± Then let go and bolt back towards the others. I need more of those hugs but they can wait a little.
Rhythmic Strides makes my steps burst with enough wind to create small dust clouds wherever my feet leave the ground. My magic carries me with swiftness like never before and just a few seconds later I slam into the woman carrying the spear, about to clash with Fleur.
¡°Stop it, Mom!¡± I shout and try holding onto her arms.
It¡¯s not my strength that prevents the attack, that''s for sure. Even though Mom is mostly a Mage her second Class is that of a Warrior and her level is more than three times mine. So to obscure her tunnel vision, focused only on smiting those who kidnapped her daughter I raise a wall of my own. My earthen barricade is a joke compared to my mother''s solid ice barrier and anyone here could punch right through with no effort whatsoever. That¡¯s not the point though.
¡°They¡¯re with the Fist Mom, here to accompany me home. They¡¯re okay people.¡± I say as quickly as my mouth can before any further fighting or property damage occurs.
Right this moment Aaron swoops down, crushes my flimsy wall, and levitates above our heads menacingly. Like the hero arriving a little too late. Even without Mana Perception, I can see a cavalcade of murderous wind blades dancing in his palm but Mom doesn¡¯t care.
She just throws down her mask and collapses onto me with a big, crushing hug. No tears this time, just a big goofy smile. ¡°Hey there Eli.¡±
¡°What are you even doing here?¡± I croak with the little air left in my lungs, still a bit on the edge after the sudden kidnapping.
¡°Looking for you, my idiot of a daughter.¡± She giggles in my ears, her breath tickling my neck... but I don¡¯t mind.
¡°Wha- how?¡± I stutter.
¡°We met the elk in the forest.¡± It¡¯s not Mom who answers but I¡¯m just as elated to hear this other voice.
That''s it? The word of a beast about two weeks travel from here? And among the thousands of people, hundreds of cities we happen to walk the same streets?
Luck... I guess I do deserve some good by now.
I glance up and see Dad looking for a good spot to contribute to the hug so I stand up. Now that the re-reunion is complete a serene moment passes before a caught interrupts.
¡°We should get outta here.¡± Aaron points out the obvious. ¡°The guards won''t appreciate the ruckus.¡±
¡°Shut up, you were slow.¡± Fleur shoots him down. ¡°Are they good?¡± She aims the question at me and towards my parents.
¡°The best.¡± I giggle, all too happy to care about food or a place to stay anymore.
And shocked, and tired, but also really antsy. There are too many emotions swirling inside me and it feels like my skin is itching to do everything at once. But I go for some more huggies before anything, I needed that.
This is the best day, recently. The first half was pretty shit. But now my mood is through the roof, although some nearby faces clearly don¡¯t share my sentiment.
Reluctantly we break the family embrace and make a run for it as previously suggested although with some tension still up in the air. The lovebirds are still wary and clearly a bit miffed, while Val is¡ awkward. Me on the other hand, I¡¯m giggling like a child as we bolt down the dark streets in the middle of the night.
¡°Have you found a good place to stay?¡± I lean over and whisper into Dad¡¯s as we round the eighth corner already.
¡°No, we heard there is one not far from where-¡± His mouth is left open for a second without any voice leaving it.
¡°You kidnapped me?¡± I ask with a furious laugh.
We steer towards the major streets with more activity to blend into the crowds however I doubt that level of caution is warranted at this point. We¡¯re far, and it¡¯s late, and there are only three things I need in this world right now. Food, a bed and all the time to tell them our crazy adventures.
¡°Hey, we thought they held you hostage.¡± Mom interjects. ¡°The irritated tone, short temper, and just the general vicinity.¡± Her eyes fail to meet mine but I still cough pointedly because she¡¯s clearly forgetting something. ¡°Yeah, sorry for attacking you.¡±
¡°No worries, we¡¯re more than used to it.¡± Aaron chuckles, but I can see from his eyes that he¡¯s still not entirely on board.
¡°Yeah, so¡ long story.¡± I sigh. ¡°But I¡¯m still here and stronger than ever and with a lot of stories and¡ maybe with a hefty bounty on our heads in Turan.¡± I add the last part as quietly as humanly possible. The Night Fiends did make quite the name for themselves.
¡°And she¡¯s your little friend I presume?¡± Mom signals I¡¯m off the hook for now but it¡¯d be surprising if she didn¡¯t notice Val sticking close to me the whole time. That and her collar and anxious glances and how she was about to attack a woman a few times stronger than herself to defend me.
¡°Little?¡± Dad asks. ¡°She¡¯s about the same size as you, dear.¡±
¡°Men¡¡± Mom and Fleur huff as one, the spirit of ¡®women¡¯ guiding them.
Then why didn¡¯t I react? I had the same reaction as Dad¡ Am I wrong too?
***
It didn¡¯t take much effort to completely make our pursuers, if there were any in the first place, lose our tail, and from there on take a leisurely walk to the central districts. The expensive parts with fancy homes and glamorous restaurants and the Golden Rooster.
Looking for a place like this, meant mostly for nobility to stay for the night was sort of a last resort because explaining such outrageous expenses to the administrators back in Fort Karon sounded like a nightmare. But I was in a good mood, and my bag was heavy and I am very much rich.
They had two rooms empty for the night, which is not unusual since Turan is the busiest in the winter when beasts sleep and humans celebrate. They enjoy the Respite and spend this quarter of the year making up for the lost time on the frontlines and making memories they can bring with them when Malor comes to reap.
Two rooms, ninety silver and almost one and a half gold respectively¡ Or one smaller piece of diamond. I have a few handfuls, and I¡¯m drunk on bliss and I also wanted to show off a little.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
One room for the lovely dovely duo and the other for the family, which leaves Val¡ The dumbass who¡¯s been looking like a lost puppy ever since my parents popped out of nowhere and¡
I don¡¯t like that.
¡°So a room for the family and the other one for the rest. Sound right?¡± Aaron asks and hands over the key to Dad.
¡°Nope.¡± I declare right away. ¡°Val comes with me.¡±
¡°There are only two beds in a room though, plus maybe the sofa.¡± Aaron looks at me with a raised eyebrow.
Fleur just laughs and slaps him on the back. ¡°Stop nitpicking! Obviously one is for the parents while the kids sleep curled up like kittens. As always.¡± She grabs their key and basically drags the man away by his collar. ¡°Be grateful we got a room just for us. I¡¯m full of frustration that needs to be vented.¡± She throws me a thankful wink and walks on.
Well, they might be fine with eating each other for dinner but not me.
¡°Dinner?¡± I ask the rest of our group and they just nod unanimously, all too baffled to speak. Except for Mom, she seems to be deep in thought.
The other notable thing is how fiddly the otherwise dominant, sassy, and quite blockheaded brute acts by my side. But I can understand. Her parents are like ninety percent dead, then there¡¯s the whole loneliness thing, her worries about a nonexistent timelimit, and most importantly the contrasting familiar warmth we¡¯re oozing¡ Yeah, I¡¯ll do my best to include her.
I¡¯m done dealing with sad stuff, I deserve to have it easy now.
The dinery is hard to miss and everything is way too fancy for my taste. Way too many plates, types of cutlery glasses, golden candlesticks¡ At least they don¡¯t make us sit around for long and serve us¡ something extraordinary.
The food is delightful. Meals are included in the price of the stay and let me say it is worth every silver. Six courses of pure culinary miracle. I can''t even name what is being served one after another and I know my food. Either way, names can¡¯t play on my tongue the way our six-course dinner had.
I like being rich. I don¡¯t exactly like where my money came from but I¡¯m pretty sure every piece of coin was involved in a shady deal be that years or only days ago. Better spend it all and return it to the people.
As always we eat in silence, a tradition in my family still holding strong, although I feel like Valka just keeps quiet because she doesn¡¯t know what to say. The portions leave much to be desired but at least the servers are dutiful and bring us a new delicacy the moment one of our plates goes empty.
Servants are also pretty handy¡ Is money already corrupting me even though I haven¡¯t gotten to spend it properly yet?
When the food disappears and we are all groaning and holding our stomachs the little group retires to our room. There I realize Aaron didn¡¯t lie, there really are only two beds. Two huge, absolutely massive double beds.
Paintings on the wall, a nice view from the balcony, and flowers on the table. We even had a private bathroom with a bathtub and some sort of water system controlled with inscriptions. Perfect temperature in the room and probably many more features I¡¯m not gonna explore.
Maybe tomorrow.
¡°So what was this sleeping in one bed thing Fleur mentioned?¡± Dad sits down at the table, and links his fingers, looking at us like an interrogator.
¡°That¡¯s not so simple.¡± I hold my hands up defensively. ¡°We were poor so that was all we could afford and the winter up here is pretty cold. Right, Val?¡±
I try to drag her into the flow of the conversation while also appeasing the two adults now sitting side by side on their bed.
¡°Yeah, telling the whole story might be in order though.¡± She nods meekly.
***
And the whole story it was. After all, lying, or at least trying to keep quiet about a few elements, in front of the two people fortunate enough to raise me was a futile effort. Not when telling them the tale of me burning down a patch of the forest, or my meeting with the Fluffs, or when I burned down a much larger patch of the forest. Meeting here of all places was an accident though. They just started searching randomly after exiting the woods, or what I left of them, and came here to hire some help.
After all, these were the tracks they followed after hearing the news of my untimely demise. They had a good giggle when the news got delivered of me falling off the cliff and being declared lost even after the Fist returned with a search party.
Lost does not mean dead and they had enough faith in me to know I wouldn¡¯t kick the bucket that easy. Or at least that¡¯s what they told me. I¡¯m pretty sure they were desperate, maybe even a little delusional¡ but I really did live up to their expectations.
¡°You ate one?¡± Dad springs to his feet when I casually mention my experience with the lightning fruits. ¡°By the Abyss, was it really a Stormcast Fruit? What did it taste like?¡±
¡°Lucious!¡± Mom reprimands him and I also can¡¯t understand his enthusiasm.
¡°Sweet?¡± I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s expecting. ¡°I mean it tasted the best and I felt wonderful until the dream took me and¡¡±
¡°Hm.¡± Mom just nods as if she understands everything. ¡°What did you dream about?¡± Her words come out extra gentle and I somehow feel the words just stuck in my throat.
¡°Normal.¡± I whisper in the end. ¡°Peaceful and happy. Sure maybe a little mundane but it was good. I didn¡¯t have to- at least there I didn¡¯t¡¡±
I just can¡¯t bring myself to say it. I¡¯m ashamed. I did bad things and even if I can justify them and even if I tell myself that I had to, it doesn¡¯t change anything.
So Val takes over and tells the story where I left off. ¡°When we first met I was a slave owned by the Turan army on my way to the Elder Line.¡± Distaste is instantly obvious on my parents¡¯ faces.
¡°She¡¯s not a criminal.¡± My voice is weak but I do my best to clear up any possible misunderstandings. ¡°Just got dragged here from Koleth. I stabbed a knife through a man¡¯s throat.¡± It slips out. Then comes the flood. ¡°I killed people, many of them. They all wanted us and if I hesitated- if I didn¡¯t fight back-¡±
¡°Sssh.¡± Mom basically jumps up and yanks me into her embrace before settling back on the bed. ¡°It¡¯s okay sweetie. I know it must¡¯ve been hard.¡± At her words, the walls holding it all in burst.
Dad is quick to join, whispering his own words of wisdom meant to soothe me while I¡¯m drowning in my own snot and tears. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Eli you had to lose a piece of your youth this early. Now let it all out.¡± He strokes my back but I feel him shift slightly. ¡°You too, come here.¡±
It takes a few seconds for me to understand his words as a fourth warm body joins and I do as my father said. The guilt I can¡¯t explain, the pain of everything I had to endure, the worries, the fear, the injuries and¡ everything.
The warm embrace of people I treasure above everything else, far more than the fortune sitting in my bag, or my Classes or my Blessing¡ it melts everything dark I bundled up in the back of my mind and washes it out through my tears.
I thought I was ready to face the world. To beat everything I come across and outsmart even dragons if I have to but this adventure has been a painful wakeup call. I might be a little special and my efforts are clearly way above those of the average folk but the world is simply too big.
Seconds turn into minutes and I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if those minutes creep close to an hour by the time my tears dry up. ¡°I¡¯m thirsty.¡±
Dad chivalrously satisfies my need, at which point I finally break away because the tear and snot-covered clothes are a bit gross and I feel embarrassed. I¡¯ll be back for more hugs though, I¡¯m still in a huge deficit.
¡°I¡¯m proud you endured and proud you came out victorious.¡± He says and ruffles my hair. ¡°I¡¯m also eternally thankful, Valka, for being a good friend to my daughter and getting her back to us alive. I¡¯m sure your parents would be just as proud.¡± He smiles unknowingly.
Val flashes an empty smile and turns away. That was a terrible miss. Of course, Dad has no way of knowing her circumstances so I won''t beat him, but he won''t get away unscathed either.
I throw an arm around Valka¡¯s shoulder and whisper into her ear. ¡°Sorry, he doesn¡¯t know.¡±
¡°I know.¡± She sighs. ¡°You have wonderful parents.¡±
¡°They¡¯re showing their public side, the better one. They can be unbearable.¡± I complain and we both break out in giggles.
¡°I don¡¯t know about you kids but I¡¯m drowsy and can hear everything.¡± Mom¡¯s gaze on us turns dangerous. ¡°I need to get something first though.¡± She walks up to us. ¡°Valka, would you be so kind as to give me a hand?¡± She smiles and drags my friend away without her consent.
A second after they leave Dad whistles. ¡°Divide and conquer. What a scary woman¡¡±
¡°And you love every second of it.¡± Comes the comment from the other side of the door.
Place not soundproof, got it.
Mom clearly took Val for some private talk and the excuse was so blatant that she might as well haven¡¯t tried. Now that both are gone I jog over to Dad and whack him with my full might. He acts hurt to give me satisfaction, although most of the damage should be emotional.
¡°Why?¡± He whimpers.
¡°Her parents are like ninety percent dead, you idiot!¡± I whisper-yell at my own birth father.
He drops the act and cringes at his own previous words. ¡°I didn¡¯t-¡±
¡°Of course you didn¡¯t know.¡± I slap again. ¡°That won''t revert things though, will it?¡±
He just smiles and hugs me again. ¡°Did you find yourself someone important?¡± He asks gently and strokes my hair.
Anger leaves me like a smooth fart and I lean onto his chest. ¡°Top three.¡± I smile. ¡°She¡¯s like a sister to me.¡± I push away and turn dead serious. ¡°Don¡¯t tell her that, it¡¯s embarrassing.¡±
My father laughs and pats my head gently. ¡°Only if she doesn¡¯t yet know.¡±
¡°Sorry for disappearing again. I¡¯m not doing it on purpose, I promise.¡± I jest at my own misfortune with some sincerity.
¡°Was it all bad?¡± Dad asks with the patience only a parent can muster.
I just grin like an idiot and stay quiet.
Who knows¡
¡°What do you think Mom is up to?¡± I ask, concerned for my friend.
¡°She¡¯s a woman of many talents and intent shrouded in mystery.¡± Is the only reasonable answer my nine decades old father can muster.
Coward.
Chapter 95 - Nostalgia
¡°So, do you still need to escort us home?¡± I ask Fleur and Aaron right after breakfast.
It¡¯s only reasonable since with Mom and Dad here their role became rather redundant. I¡¯m not saying my parents would protect us better, just that four combatants for two children is becoming rather conspicuous.
¡°Well, we¡¯ve got our orders.¡± Fleur drags out her words and I already know where this is going. ¡°We have to get you to Granhall and that didn''t change.¡±
¡°I still think that in a worst-case scenario, we would fare better. No offense.¡± Aaron adds carefully.
¡°Some taken.¡± Mom frowns.
To be real, two professional fighters sound more reliable than a retired adventurer and former hunter. I can put my bias aside and look at it from a ¡®who would I rather protect me¡¯ perspective, not that I¡¯d ever pick those two over my parents.
¡°Let¡¯s not forget that with us here every expense is covered by the Fist¡¡± Fleur hints at the most important detail.
That¡¯s right, we¡¯re basically traveling for free and can sneak some luxuries into the budget as long as we don''t overshoot. I might be rich but I¡¯m still stingy.
What they¡¯re saying is that if they get to have a small paid vacation we all can enjoy some expensive stuff. A sprinkle of corruption is always on the table but after being exposed to an abundance of it I¡¯m not sure how to feel about it.
¡°What did Mom want yesterday?¡± I slide over to Valka and whisper into her ear.
I see panic in her eyes for a second only for her to quickly gulp it down. ¡°Uhm¡ she asked how bad really the captivity was, and how bad¡ you know, goblins, extortion, all that.¡±
¡°Ah, why not just ask me? She can sense when I¡¯m lying anyway.¡± I¡¯m a bad liar but her response was just pathetic. It¡¯s not her fault though, I know my mother and I know she¡¯s the one behind this.
I¡¯ll get to the end of this, later. It¡¯s a shame though that we had to vacate the rooms by noon. I could¡¯ve slept the whole day in that fluffy bed and an afternoon nap sounds just as pleasant after raiding their diner once more.
¡°Why not just talk ourselves into another caravan?¡± I ask, as we¡¯re approaching the gate on foot and no attempt was made to change that.
The biggest city I¡¯ve seen in this country is as good of a place as any to catch a ride. Heck, I¡¯d be fine with paying someone, a carriage driver, or whoever works in this industry to take us to Granhall. I¡¯m rich after all.
¡°The four of us barely made it worth it for the merchants. And, again no offense, the abilities of your parents are questionable. We could wait around and look for a group without any hired muscle but I doubt any of us plans to spend more time here than necessary.¡± Aaron whips out a totally reasonable explanation. I¡¯d be fine if it meant staying in that same bed, lazing around, and eating all day.
That doesn¡¯t mean I like his words though. It means walking, and I despise that. I wanna fly so bad¡ Aaron can fly.
¡°Can you show me how you fly?¡± I raise an eyebrow at him as his eye lingers on me.
¡°Maybe after you¡¯re done with the previous assignment¡¡± He smirks, reminding me of an irksome subject.
That damn wind blade that doesn¡¯t push, doesn''t tear, and still cuts everything¡ It¡¯s time to cheat. Aaron is not the only wind user among us.
¡°So, Dad, how do you cut with wind magic?¡± I direct a cheeky side eye at Aaron while questioning my father with the do-as-I-said face.
The poor man was right, I may look like him on the outside but could never deny being my mother''s daughter with this personality. He¡¯s helpless against Mom.
And so am I.
¡°Only a hint.¡± And the matriarch in question chimes in. ¡°Things earned serve you a lot better.¡± She nods at her own wisdom and nudges her husband to act.
¡°Right sweety, what is it you don¡¯t understand?¡± He leans closer to me with a goofy little smile.
He seems happy to help and get my attention. Elf or not everyone likes to be valued. Actually, Dad seems to be very far from the elf behavior standards I know considering even I am more elf-like despite being only half. Mom¡¯s influence maybe, or he¡¯s just a black sheep or something.
I tell him about my deductions and my dilemma about why things shouldn¡¯t work despite having witnessed them in action. Dad¡¯s expression promises little good as my words flow and by the end, I find it hard to find my voice under his conflicted gaze.
¡°Am I that wrong?¡± My mouth drops at his reaction.
¡°No, no no no.¡± He shakes his head furiously. ¡°I was just stunned by how bright and dense you can be at the same time.¡±
That¡¯s not the encouragement I was looking for.
¡°The thing is, you are so close to the answer that it might be difficult to hint at it without dropping the solution in your lap.¡± He scratches his growing goatee.
It doesn¡¯t suit him. He¡¯s got that sleek elven face. It would be a crime to cover his sharp features with a messy beard.
¡°And the hint?¡± I ask impatiently after the weak compliment.
¡°Just think of the aspect of wind we use the most, besides cutting. Remember how light it is and¡ just imagine a gnome with really short hands sawing really fast. Many gnomes actually.¡± Even he scratches the back of his head by the end.
It¡¯s incredible how easily this image is able to sully all the pleasant memories of him giving me witty lessons and advice of a lifetime. I like this embarrassed and clumsy Dad too, although his true wisdom would be a bit more appreciated right now.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
A sawing gnome¡ that much I can imagine but what is he using, a saw-sword? And why not just a single one, why many¡ tiny, fast¡ blades!
My grumpy face disappears and I throw my arms around Dad¡¯s neck. ¡°You¡¯re right, thanks.¡± And give him a peck on the cheek. He begged me to do it when I was little and always melted when his princess gave him a small kiss. Might just be an outburst on my part but let him have his treat for questionable yet still useful advice.
I run off a bit off to the side of a road and stop for a quick mental imaging.
Make the wind blade have small wind blades. Then vibrate that bitch, like a bunch of tiny teeth grinding on something.
With the image acceptable I whip my arm out and an ugly yet blood-chilling cutter materializes. It blurs towards a tree I aimed at and¡ shatters upon impact.
Aaron laughs merrily at my failure and Dad too just shakes his head with a poorly hidden smirk..
¡°Fuck me, she¡¯s scary. I would¡¯ve kissed a goblin¡¯s ass if she nailed it on the first try.¡± Aaron mutters as he catches his breath.
I don¡¯t find it funny. I know trial and error is the way of things and can accept that. The error part still bugs me though.
¡°Eli dear,¡± Mom chimes in. ¡°Why did you move your arm when launching the spell? As a matter of fact, would you care to tell us about what¡¯s new on your Status? We might not be as ancient as Martha, all the best for her, nonetheless we might have a few insights.¡± Thank the Gods she isn¡¯t around to hear that.
True but¡ Somehow I don¡¯t feel like sharing my Status now, not even with my parents, much less our escorts. These few months in Salermo did change my perspective.
Maybe the old me will slowly return with time as the ice I built to harden myself melts away. Maybe¡
***
I¡¯ve lived in Granhall for many years yet the city has never once looked this beautiful in my eyes. The towering walls and everything else, including the Fort, peaking up from behind it¡ Even that damn snaking line of people waiting at the main gate. This place might as well be called my home by now and memories make it all seem prettier.
My constant whining when I got here about how terrible my fortune is and how much I hate this place¡ I wanna strangle the me of the past. I could¡¯ve ended up somewhere like the Line or worse, enslaved and being just a tool. I got lucky.
Dad wipes the tear from my cheek that avoided my attention and ran loose. ¡°It¡¯s not that incredible of a sight, wait till you see Sereban.¡± He winks obliviously, just the way I like him.
As receptive as he can be about my emotions, sometimes I¡¯m worried about his eyesight. Valka¡¯s face is much easier to read and I¡¯m most definitely not alone in this. Gaping mouth, unblinking eyes¡ telltale signs of amazement.
I nudge her with my elbow. ¡°Close your mouth before you eat a bug. It¡¯s just as cool on the inside.¡± I giggle and trudge towards the dreadful queuing ahead of us.
Ah, all the grumbling, whining, and boredom I hated so much in the past. How nostalgic.
¡°If we pray we might get inside by lunch.¡± Aaron jokes with a face ready for war.
He understands me well and knows only the Gods can help us through here or a large enough threat to the city. Pushing, cutting in line and any form of aggression really won¡¯t end well, especially after watching nobility and Valeiran troops marching past the common folk through the priority gate.
¡°I can¡¯t wait to see the face-¡± I begin to share the devious unveiling of my return when lightning strikes.
As in a thick purple bolt of electricity slamming into the ground just a few steps in front of me and forming a smoldering crater. Out of the smoke reaches a hand and before any of us can react it pulls me¡ into a hug.
¡°Praise be Pessus and Tena and whichever God might¡¯ve had a hand in bringing you back alive.¡± A grandmotherly voice I dearly missed whispers into my ear. Although I can barely hear it after that entrance. ¡°You came back, you¡¯re well, and truly here little devil.¡± She brushes my hair gently.
Fear and tension evaporate in an instant however before I can complain or return the care a cough interrupts. ¡°Good to see you too captain, as subtle as ever.¡± Aaron yells while his wind blows the dust away, his hearing likely as intact as mine.
All my escorts, parents included, have their weapons raised and ready for combat. Except for Val. She¡¯s a third of their levels and still on the ground albeit with fist raised and eyes sharp. Even in this situation, Martha takes her sweet time to snuggle me a little longer before releasing me from the comfy prison of her embrace.
I got my share of hugs but that still patched a hole I didn¡¯t know existed. Damn, I missed her. Just like my parents when she¡¯s around I feel safe, and it¡¯s almost like I¡¯m a little relieved of an invisible weight I¡¯m eternally holding.
Just then do I return to my senses and return the hug. ¡°Missed you too, Marhta.¡± Then pull back and help Valka up from the ground. ¡°Remember Val, she¡¯s the teacher I talked about. The one who crammed all the stuff in my head you learned on the way. Or at least tried to. I know you said she must be a demon, but I promise it¡¯s not that bad. Good luck with theory.¡±
Yes, I just threw her under the carriage on purpose. I know the old hag will be breathing down my neck to relearn all that boring stuff before I try my shot at making it to the Academy again. I don¡¯t wanna be the only one to suffer and hope to drag Valka along, both to the classroom and to Sereban.
Martha¡¯s eyes turn dangerous as they narrow on my friend. ¡°What can she do?¡± She asks the question likely aimed at me.
¡°Tough as steel with a Blessing.¡± I start and Martha''s mouth instantly curves into a wide smile, her eyes staying cold. ¡°She also hits like an oxbear and can heal herself adaquately.¡±
The old woman reaches down and hoists Valka up with one arm gripping her shoulder. Very unmage-like but it¡¯s a perfect reminder of what sort of a monster she is.
The smile never leaves Martha¡¯s face. ¡°A demon, huh? Is that what you think?¡± She talks slowly to Valka who only dares to weakly shake her head. ¡°Bennett and I are gonna have so much fun with you. And the collar?¡±
¡°Long story short she was a slave and we went through this and that before Ehrhardt picked us up.¡± I explain with the least number of words possible. ¡°Got the contract.¡±
¡°Good and don¡¯t think you can get away that easily.¡± Her head turns towards me, letting go of Valka. ¡°Just what did you tell your little friend here about me, huh?¡±
I glance towards my first Dad and then Mom for help but they both shake their heads. This will be ugly.
¡°Follow!¡± Martha barks and starts marching towards the gate. Her wide smile betrays the grumpy act but it¡¯s all good because I missed these moments as well. Not so much the punishment, but oh well, I¡¯m used to it.
We walk past carts, carriages, and countless people all throwing nasty glances our way, many raising their voices against our actions. That is until a typical guard stands our way, but not for the reason I got used to back in Solermo.
¡°Please stand in line or present your documents for priority entrance!¡± He lifts his hand in front of Martha.
¡°Vallace, drag your ass out here!¡± The elderly woman shouts and in less than a minute a man, the guard captain without a doubt, comes running. ¡°Emergency!¡± Martha states and moves on, evading the eager guardsman and refusing to elaborate.
A resigned look and exhaustion on the officer¡¯s face tells me all I need to know as he orders his men. ¡°Let them through!¡±
The poor man probably knows Martha well.
The guards stand aside, although they need a second or two to process their captain folding like a card house in the face of a loud granny. Martha is basically oozing energy right now and I sometimes even catch electric sparks jumping between her finger and hair. Not that her eyes or lips aren¡¯t proof enough of her mood.
We swiftly file through and arrive on the familiar streets of Granhall. A city just like Solermo but completely different at the same time. I¡¯m not saying it¡¯s perfect because crime is still present and merchants will try to scam you on every corner but it¡¯s a fine place and it feels good to be back.
Little has changed ever since I departed to learn. Not that I learned much besides street tactics and some ancient locations I can barely remember. The streets are the same, the people seem the same, the vibe and smells are all the same¡ I changed though, quite a bit and I¡¯m not sure if it was all for the better.
Let¡¯s just pray the mess hall is the way I left it.
Chapter 96 - Restless
I jog up to Martha. ¡°Did you bribe that guard?¡± I whisper, curious to learn her methods.
¡°What? No.¡± She chuckles. ¡°The kid arrived here like every other orphan knocking on the Fort¡¯s gate looking for power. He was smart but lazy so he dropped out and joined the guard instead.¡±
Personal connection... probably more useful than money when you know the right people. Being affiliated with the Fist, or rather knowing Ehrhardt personally was likely key to our escape from Turan and I¡¯m sure there¡¯ll be many similar instances in the future. Maybe I should at least give socializing a try when I¡¯m in Sereban.
Which might prove difficult since I have little patience for people.
¡°And how did you know we were nearby?¡± I genuinely have no clue how she found us.
¡°How to put this¡¡± Martha creates a small pulsing spark of electricity on her palm. ¡°Every living being¡¯s heart makes a tiny lightning with every beat.¡± That might be true, Savant kinda agrees with it. ¡°And that energy manifests as a weak but distinct sphere around every person. I was around the market when you entered my range.¡±
That¡ I¡¯m not entirely sure how it works but all the way from the market? I can barely see thirty meters away with Mana Perception and her range is like half the city. Scary old woman.
¡°How is the city?¡± I ask Val, whose eyes keep taking in all that¡¯s new.
¡°Too many humans.¡± She answers instantly and I kinda expected that. ¡°Also, what is that?¡± She points at a lizardman.
¡°They are just like most Beastkin, two-thirds human and one-third animal of the reptile kind. With Beastmen the ratio is reversed, you¡¯ll recognize them.¡± I answer and pull her hand down. ¡°Don¡¯t point at people, it''s rude.¡±
¡°Sorry.¡± She doesn¡¯t mean it. ¡°There are so many smells. It¡¯s similar to the bigger city where we found your parents, or they found us, just more¡¡±
¡°Alive? Vibrant? Chaotic? Majestic?¡± Martha¡¯s eager to learn about her, soon-to-be, newest student.
¡°Yeah.¡± Valka answers absentmindedly, her head turned towards one of my favorite bakeries ever.
That¡¯s where the good stuff is, the goodest stuff.
I slow my pace to let my parents catch up and wave over Dad specifically. ¡°Muffins, strawberry.¡± I whisper, nodding with my head in Valka¡¯s direction.
This is his chance to redeem himself, not for his nature as an elf but for the comment about Val¡¯s parents. To his credit, my old man catches on pretty fast and disappears down the streets after a wink.
Despite being back in a familiar environment, surrounded by familiar people, sounds and smells my body just refuses to relax. It was different back in Solermo where every three out of nine people would stare after us with malicious gazes just by walking past them. Danger was an ever-present sword looming over our heads so we had to adapt. Sure, actions seldom followed the glares but this new paranoid urge remains.
And I don¡¯t think I want to change that.
A bunch more walking later we finally arrive at the square lucky enough to house Fort Karon. The entrance where I was told to piss off years ago, the somewhat park somewhat prison where I ran, read, trained, and slept for hundreds of nights. A second home, although Mom and Dad did sell our house back in Meliorport to come with me to Sereban so the first place is kinda vacant right now¡
Still not a promotion to first place, that¡¯s wherever my family is.
Led by Martha we enter without any fuss, passing guards standing just as motionless and bored as the day I arrived. The reception area is still a bustling mess, the corridors however are a little less congested, which isn¡¯t a surprise considering the deployment to Turan.
¡°What do you think?¡± Martha asks as if she¡¯s showing off her home. Because that is pretty much what she¡¯s doing.
¡°It¡¯s¡ nice?¡± Val answers with quite a load of uncertainty.
It¡¯s easy to forget Valka is from another continent, another world almost, and while she did manage to pick up the language and some minor social rules, which is all pretty impressive honestly, she¡¯s like a smart three-year-old. Clothing, cuisine, history, laws, and of course architecture are sadly not among her strong points.
¡°You¡¯ll learn to like it.¡± Martha encourages.
¡°Wait till you see the mess hall and the baths.¡± I add in a hushed voice. The true hearts of Fort Karon, and the only reason I didn¡¯t try to escape during my three years here.
Although I noticed we¡¯re not en route to either of the two. The four of us, Mom was allowed inside as an outsider, while Fleur and Aaron simply peeled off along the way, are headed for the courtyard. I can still navigate in here with ease and for whatever reason Martha is racing that way I won''t ask, for now.
As we finally approach the archway leading to the open space she finally speaks. ¡°That day you were attacked changed many things. Three died, or two as it turned out, one of them a senior member at that. The orders to kill on sight anyone who could, even at the slightest of chance, be working with the attackers was issued. We went on a hunt and with the Inquisition descending upon the Valerian elite after their blatant violation of the Conventions many noble lineages were eradicated.¡± We step out into the light and I see another afternoon practice secession in full swing. ¡°Your friends were devastated, poor Hugo even gave up on everything here and disappeared. We all mourned in our own ways¡¡± We turn towards the warriors¡¯ sparring field and Martha whistles.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
There are both new and old faces in the courtyard and I hear whispering as some recognize me. The kids wielding swords, shields, spears and other weird melee weapons are instructed by a burly old man I know and hate through and through. He kidnapped me, threw me to beasts a few times and I will damn sure take revenge for that when the time comes. The man in question simply glances our way for a moment upon hearing the sharp noise before returning to his task.
Then his hands freeze and his eyes snap back here again with a pale face like he saw the dead walking. Despite gaining a bunch of levels since the last time I saw him fight, his movement still only registers as a blur to my eye.
Two strong hands grab my shoulder and a gust of wind blasts into my face. ¡°How?¡± Bennett asks, voice aghast.
¡°I¡¯m stubborn as hell, you should know by now.¡± I answer with a confident grin. ¡°No hugs.¡± I add. That¡¯s reserved for the selected few.
The old man¡¯s eyes tremble as a cavalcade of emotions wash through them. Guilt, joy, sadness¡ pride.
¡°There must¡¯ve been some close calls.¡± He says and touches the exact spots of some of my nastiest scars. With only my own regeneration to heal most minor injuries, I suffered it was inevitable to keep them as reminders of my mistakes. They¡¯re a bit nasty but pretty cool. ¡°You have become quite a bit stronger, did anything interesting?¡±
¡°Fought some beasts, burned down a nice patch of forest, met a Lord of the Forest, stumbled into some ancient tomb or something, and fought some criminals.¡± I list off my accomplishments without revealing too much about what we found underground. ¡°The usual.¡±
He rolls his eyes. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re Elyssia no doubt.¡± The one and only.
Although I can¡¯t really say how much I¡¯ve changed in these past few months. I did my best to adapt in order to survive, heck even thrive on some occasions, without giving up who I am and the values I grew up with.
They were difficult times and I¡¯m not sure I could¡¯ve survived it all alone. With that said, without Val I probably, maybe, could¡¯ve been back a long time ago and skipped all the gangster business. Not that I wouldn¡¯t go through it again just to keep her but man it would¡¯ve been easier without all the problems she brought on our necks.
Bennett sighs, lets go of me, and lowers himself to one knee. ¡°I failed you as a guardian and a teacher. You were lost, thrown into Malor¡¯s embrace, and climbed through it all on your own, all because of my inadequacy. Thank you for coming back and please forgive me.¡± He lowers his head and speaks every word with sincerity.
I¡¯m caught off guard to say the least. Never thoughtout the almost half a year I spent crawling through the forest and scouring Solermo did try to put the blame on him. The old man is a jerk and still deserves a good beating which will have to wait, but I know he did everything in his power to fight for us.
¡°You are forgiven, for a favor.¡± I say after pulling my act together.
He glances up with a half smile. ¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°A big one.¡± I add.
He winces and looks at me pleadingly. ¡°Medium?¡±
I glance towards Valka. ¡°Two mediums.¡± And haggle for benefits.
Bennett nods reluctantly and follows my eyes. ¡°And your friend?¡±
¡°Let¡¯s just say I didn¡¯t do the despair climbing part alone. I got some help with¡ like one-third of it.¡±
¡°More like four thirds.¡± Valka corrects, her math knowledge is still in the works.
Judging by the giggles and gossipping behind my back Mom and Martha are thoroughly enjoying the show. Well, so do I.
¡°In short, she¡¯s Valka, an orc in human skin.¡± I describe my friend.
¡°Hey!¡± She snaps. ¡°I¡¯m better in every aspect! And I can introduce myself thank you.¡±
She clearly seems hesitant to speak, surrounded by random people in a place far away from home¡ The only reason she¡¯s here in the first place is because I asked her not to leave me alone and I value that. Highly.
A firm hand on her shoulder and a reassuring nod is all I can offer to convey she can trust these people. I haven¡¯t regretted that decision yet and it could be insanely beneficial to her.
Valka¡¯s tongue soon loosens and as she tells the elderly about herself, her skills, her way of fighting, and even her Blessing I catch Bennett¡¯s eyes sparkling. Nothing unexpected there. The old goat works with the warrior wannabes, and Valka is the perfect candidate to shape into an unstoppable force. She¡¯s stronger than average, thanks to her being a Nephilim, tougher than average, thanks to her Blessing, and can even heal herself.
¡°Are you thinking what I¡¯m thinking?¡± Martha sinks an elbow into Bennett''s side, grinning like crazy.
The man nods, ignoring her shenanigans. ¡°It was time for the sparring sessions anyway. Wanna make a bet?¡±
Martha huffs. ¡°Are you that confident after just words? Found a new favorite perhaps?¡± She wiggles her eyebrow at the old man. ¡°Sure, a week¡¯s pay as usual.¡±
Bennett claps his hand and a thunderous echo stops all activity in the courtyard. ¡°Gather up at the dueling ground. Today we have a delicacy, younglings, firsthand experience right from the wilds and dueling style forged on the streets where only the winner matters.¡±
Who? Us?
¡°Your Grace, the ships have departed.¡± Words seemingly without a source broke the study room¡¯s silence once again.
¡°The agents?¡± his master asked without lifting his calculating gray eyes from the paper in his hand.
¡°Well entrenched and in key positions. However, his Highness changed his mind and entrusted Duke Bormond to lead the expedition just two days ago.¡±
This information did finally manage to earn the man¡¯s attention along with a sigh. ¡°To send a diplomat instead of a general to the Korellia¡ Yet another foolish mistake, father.¡± Yet his irate demeanor didn¡¯t linger long. ¡°This might work out even better. The Duke is a conservative coward, appointed only to negotiate with White Pearl and Agrait. His grip on the army is weak¡¡±
His plans to reshape Valeria, Eborned, and the history of humanity as a whole have been in motion for a while now, taking small steps in the dark to build their power. Korellia has never been part of the original plans. Everyone deemed the lost continent and the journey across Balton Ocaen simply too dangerous for any efforts to be made.
However, the greed of the eastern merchants was powerful enough to venture out and prove everyone wrong. Lands unclaimed, and riches ripe for the taking. Mana has always favored those forests sometimes too hostile for even the elves to tame and the largest mountains, home, and birthplace of the dwarves. The true treasure trove of the world.
Now that the new wave of exploration was inevitable and more powers joined the race by the day seizing it all has turned into a necessity as well as an enormous opportunity.
¡°We still have time.¡± The man adjusted his plans in mere seconds. ¡°Don¡¯t make our operations obvious, let everyone settle down and claim a foothold for themselves. Let our dear duke cozy up to White Pearl, secure the sea lanes, and create a facade¡ Yes, the Hillar must be ours.¡±
Wealth is and always will be one of the key components of power and what other place to visit if not the Hillar mountains, the peak of the world, and the lost empire of the dwarves. Many escaped and took whatever they could with them but what remained could fill any nation''s treasury.
The grand reward for those willing to do whatever it takes to tame Korellia.
Chapter 97 - To Test I.
¡°Wait wait wait!¡± I never agreed to any duel. Besides, fight is¡ ¡°Can we not? I don¡¯t feel like hurting anyone any time soon.¡±
¡°It¡¯s just a simple demonstration.¡± Martha insists. ¡°And you loved duels back when you were their age.¡± She nods towards the greenhorns waiting for the spectacle, some of them not even a year younger than I. ¡°Believe me, a simple friendly bout will do you-¡±
¡°No!¡± I raise my voice. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, I¡¯m sick of hurting people. Beasts weren¡¯t the only things I had to kill. I just- I can¡¯t.¡± A few surprised gasps and quiet murmurs welcome my outburst but the faces of the adults remain unfazed.
¡°I know, I can tell.¡± My mentor steps up to me and gently strokes my hair. ¡°The way you twitch at every loud noise, avert your eyes at the sight of weapons, and clench your fists every time you try to downplay what happened¡ Trust me I¡¯m fully aware of it all.¡±
Then why is she forcing me to tear open that wound? I just need some time to digest it all. Even the thought of doing my part in the Academy, beating up pompous brats, is filling me with dread. What if I can¡¯t hold back and accidentally cripple or even kill someone? I¡¯m dangerous and I don¡¯t know if I can trust myself to-
¡°But you¡¯re wrong if you think running from the issue will solve anything.¡± A small spark of electricity comes to life at the tip of her finger and goes berserk right away. ¡°If there¡¯s a monster you¡¯re scared of then waiting till it calms or disappears isn¡¯t how you¡¯d deal with it, is it?¡± The raging magic slowly calms, taking on the shape of a perfect square.
I need to reign it in to regain control¡ Or kill it to prevent any further damage. But I like my magic, even the dangerous aspects of it so that only leaves me with practicing until I can confidently wield my power without any risks.
¡°Lassie, you¡¯re overestimating yourself. The world isn¡¯t too fragile to handle you.¡± Bennett chimes in, to my great disappointment. ¡°Holding back when you can¡¯t afford it will kill you and we¡¯d like to avoid that.¡° I throw Mom a pitiful glance begging for help, only for her to nod at Bennett¡¯s words. ¡°Thankfully you brought the perfect partner to help you fight your fear.¡± All eyes wander onto Valka. ¡°Good luck accidentally killing her.¡±
¡°That¡¯s insane, why would I hurt my friend? Why not one of you?¡± I protest vehemently against the idea of using her as a test dummy.
Instead of answering however the veterans turn toward Val instead. ¡°What about you?¡± Bennett asks her opinion which is very much unlike him.
¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± She shrugs. ¡°I also killed one or two of them but they were bad guys so-¡±
¡°No, not that.¡± The old man chuckles. ¡°What¡¯s your opinion on our idea?¡±
¡°Hmm.¡± Val taps her chin for a few seconds, glancing between me and the adults before nodding to herself. ¡°I¡¯d win.¡± She finally blurts out. This earns another round of excited gasps from the onlookers, still waiting for the fight to start. ¡°She sure is cocky and I agree, waiting won¡¯t solve anything. A good beating is what she needs.¡±
Do they really- why can¡¯t they just- Argh, fine, I¡¯ll give it to them. I tried to be considerate here and just heal normally but now I¡¯m done.
¡°Sure, let¡¯s have a fight. are you happy?¡± I cross my arms, still reluctant but a little too miffed to care. Especially since Val literally asked for it. ¡°But why can¡¯t we take care of her collar first?¡±
Somehow my answer comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me even a little. When push comes to shove I rarely back down and truth be told if it were anything but Val I¡¯d most likely refuse just because I know how laughably tough she is.
¡°Because I don¡¯t want to wait an entire day to find the smith and reset your Classes and all that.¡± Martha huffs, not like she has much else to do. ¡°So, are you waiting for me to clap? Take your place in the circle!¡± she edges us on to show what we have become.
¡°Hold up!¡± I raise my voice before she gets overly excited, despite her age. ¡°We need to get changed and the ring is too small. Val is like a cockroach already, you don''t need to give her the range advantage as well.¡± I ramble on about how senseless the so-called professional gets.
The adults are almost as surprised as the orphans at me daring to talk back to the gods of the training field. I will be disciplined one way or the other for acting up so I might as well make the most of it. Everyone is too excited and ever since Martha came down like a literal bolt of lightning things have been moving a bit too fast for my taste.
Before anyone can start lecturing me about manners I grab Valka and start marching towards the changing room for some sparring clothes. ¡°Come on, we don¡¯t wanna destroy your new wear in a little spar, there should be¡¡± I came to a sudden stop. ¡°Do we have anything in her size?¡± I turn to Martha specifically.
She seemingly lets my earlier rudeness fly and thinks deeply with a sneezing face. ¡°Not that I know of, she¡¯s anything but kid-sized and we don¡¯t have any Beastmen big enough in their ranks this year.¡± We glance at Valka with judging eyes. ¡°Wait here, the clothes back from my hay days should be an okay fit.¡±
Bennett slides closer now that Martha left. ¡°She wants what¡¯s best for-¡±
¡°I know.¡± I answer, fully aware of what he means.
¡°And I¡¯m here in case-¡±
¡°I know.¡±
He stays quiet for a moment before changing the topic. ¡°The scars on you¡ they will be difficult to get rid of.¡±
And I mutter the same two words for the third time, just a lot weaker. ¡°I know.¡±
Visiting that same healer I almost killed wasn¡¯t an option and I¡¯m not a kid to whine about every minor injury. I lived, in some cases only barely but that¡¯s all in the past and turned out well. Right?
¡°She is a weird mage.¡± Val slaps my back gently. ¡°I mean, who rushes straight at the enemy without any Endurance or Fortitude? The wounds were never serious and those she went up against always ended up worse, but she truly is a messed up one.¡±
Look who¡¯s talking.
In a few minutes, Martha reappears in her usual fashion, teleporting behind us. I expected it and Bennett knows the woman through and through. Valka though¡ she jumps high like a startled cat.
¡°Put these on,¡± The hag hurls her a bundle of old-smelling clothes. ¡°and get moving. We don¡¯t have all day.¡±
I guide Valka to the rooms designated near the courtyard just for the purpose. Injuries and ruined clothes are a constant here. There are separate tiny rooms in case we want some privacy and also because despite our tender age boys will be boys and girls will be girls.
In seconds I change into the good old white shirt and brown leather pants with a pair of comfy boots on my feet. These clothes have been around in heaps purchased en masse by the Fist just to be destroyed during duels like this in no time. They are expendable. I wait outside for a few minutes before Val comes out wearing the same stuff just in a much older edition and a tiny bit oversized.
Martha must¡¯ve been a looker in her prime.
All the bystanders have found a good spot on the upper corridors, safely away from any harm. Mom, Martha, and Bennett are standing beside each other and looking down on us with expectant eyes. This means the entire courtyard is ours to play.
¡°Take up position in opposite corners and wait for my mark.¡± Bennett orders.
This time Valka speaks up emboldened by my foolish example. ¡°Some rules first.¡± She gets the nasty eyes. ¡°What? I don¡¯t want to be torched. I would be fine as long as it¡¯s none of that nasty blue stuff but it would hurt like hell.¡±
¡°What level is your Pain Tolerance?¡± Bennett asks, again interest shoving in his eyes.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
¡°87.¡± Valka answers which gets a sharp whistle from the crowd.
If only some of them knew what it takes to get it that high.
When Bennett turns to me I share my humble yet still respectable number. ¡°46.¡±
¡°So fight until surrender, you both can take a few hits and not break down into tears.¡± No reactions this time, the two of us know exactly how bad a hit needs to be to take us down. Although, I do feel like the old fart is mostly just mucking the rest of the kids. ¡°Fire is forbidden, don''t attack her with that, and try not to kill each other.¡±
Having one of my most potent weapons sealed isn¡¯t ideal but I can agree to that. This is just a friendly duel without any protective gear. Although it¡¯d be fun to see Val completely bald again.
Despite my calm facade, I have little confidence in winning this one. My firepower might be just enough to bring her down but keeping her down there¡ That¡¯s gonna be an issue. During our months together I went over a scenario where I had to face off against her three hundred times if not more and it¡¯s pretty even. When I¡¯m pulling my punches though¡
Keeping my distance will be key although I have no delusion she will get in my face sooner or later. Tough and fast like many lumbering beasts, just with a little more brain to make use of her strengths. Earth and water will be my best tools for the job.
Val told stories about how back in her village children grew up beating each other up on a regular basis to become better hunters and do other wild stuff so this shouldn¡¯t be anything new to her.
¡°Are you ready?¡± Bennett asks and lifts his hand.
I nod and soon see Valka follow suit. Then the arm goes down and I start weaving my magic while backpedaling like crazy. Valka rushes at me with the subtlety of a mammoth bull, a crooked smile on her face that I don¡¯t want to observe from any closer.
We¡¯ve fought long enough side by side to know every weakness and specialty the other can bring to the table. Cutting her is a pipedream with that broken Blessing of hers and as agreed fire is a no-go.
I get into a low fighting stance and start throwing punches into the air just like I was taught years ago. Every time my fist hits only thin air a piece of earth twice its size shoots out from the ground right at my foe. In my grip, I compress the soil into something bordering on stone to have some actual impact and it surprisingly works.
I mainly aim at the legs to slow Val down in her relentless rush at me and a good hit to the knee makes her fall over to my great joy. A follow-up rapid barrage forces her on the defense, raising her arms to protect her chest and face.
I know I said reluctant to hurt her but at the same time, I know she¡¯d take it as a great offense if I held back. Her people supposedly take great pride in duels and improving themselves and holding back would be equal to looking down on her.
Since she didn¡¯t get close enough to implement the second step of my plan it¡¯s up to me to inch towards her without giving any breathing room. I¡¯m almost in range when something changes. Valka drops her guard and snags two rocks I throw at her out of the air while letting the rest crash into her, receiving the hits only with a small grunt.
A wicked smile spreads across her face as she pulls her arm back and returns my attacks with twice the force behind them. Understandably I don¡¯t need Premonition to warn me about the impending danger. The moment the muscles in her arm twitch, unleashing devastating power, I¡¯m already hurling myself to the side. I do dodge the first boulder with no problem, especially with my magic hard at work to slow the flying rock of death, but the second one she crushes in her grip and launches as a scattershot. Some of the pebbles I block, others miss entirely¡ those that do land however sting like a motherfucker.
Now with no more projectiles coming her way, Valka advances once again, and in my moment of fright, I launch a few more bundles of earth at her. Needless to say, things repeat themselves.
I won¡¯t try that one again. She can take the hit and I can¡¯t.
Despite the first one and a half steps going down the drain I¡¯m still not done. She¡¯s in range now.
Valka Pov:
Oh, I will so tear her to shreds.
She went right after my second biggest weakness since I specifically asked for the first to be banned for this fight. Fire is the worst but getting hit by a hammer or a bolt of lightning as thick as her arm isn¡¯t much better. It seriously hurts and I really have no other way of blocking things than just eating the hit.
Just let me get my hand on her¡
I waited to learn the pattern and timing of her attacks. Then she quickly caught on to only throw what you¡¯re willing to receive, only harder. I can¡¯t hold the smile back from my face as Eli tries to pitifully flee. Using earth and wind magic to propel herself backward, away from the predator.
I¡¯m faster and I¡¯m coming for you little mage.
When there are only steps for Eli to backpedal with a wall to her back she abruptly changes her approach and charges at me. Which is so very much like her.
Water gathers around her torso and arms like a snake coiling around its soon-to-be meal, twisting and twirling like a whirlpool. I still approach all the same albeit a little more carefully yet not any slower. Momentum is a great asset to hit hard.
Instead of going for a heavy smash, however, I try to grapple. A punch might accidentally kill her but more importantly, I feel like she wants me to attack the usual way.
Eli leans right and prepares a right hook a futile attempt with her strength and I know she¡¯s not dumb enough to actually punch me. Just as I predicted, a pillar of earth shoots up into my side sliding just below my defenses.
The impact isn¡¯t even enough to knock the air out of me but it does manage to mess up my balance before crumbling against my side. Eli grasps the opportunity and tries dashing past me while I¡¯m open and I of course grab her arm abandoning defense entirely.
The previously dormant water finally comes to life on her body, snaking down the limb I¡¯m after and freezing into an icy layer.
¡°You slippery weasel!¡± I yell after her as my fingers slide off the otherwise useless layer of protection.
She giggles fiendishly and flees again. The distance between us widens considerably before I can turn and ice recedes from her arm, flowing back into the snake. We¡¯re back to square one.
She launches a few smaller rocks at me, betting on my lapse in focus, but they just bounce off me, falling harmlessly like the waste of mana they are, not even worthy of healing. Cat and mouse it is. The gloves have come off, I won¡¯t underestimate her again and play nice.
Instead of chasing right after her I grab a nearby weapon rack and throw the entire thing, shields, swords, maces, and everything after her.
¡°Hey, that¡¯s not fair.¡± Eli cries, scrambling away from the rain of steel.
My aim is shit, thankfully there is plenty of stuff to throw and more than enough force behind everything flying her way. Now that the slippery mage is preoccupied with dodging and blocking I close the distance rapidly, abusing Power Burst to power my every step.
Courtesy of all the levels I earned after meeting this rat my body can handle the strain a lot better. The stone tiles crack under my feet and the soft soil caves with barely any resistance as I power forward. The chase¡ it¡¯s exhilarating.
Eli notices me basically flying at her a moment too late, her eyes widening as I cock my fist back to end this little game. She tries to run and pulls earth, water, and wind, everything she can move, between us to protect herself. When my fist connects the hastily made shield holds for a second before slowly crumbling under the force, proving too little too late. My momentum carries me through and just now I start fearing for my friend and the damage I could cause.
As I move through the shattered fragments I expect a pained or frightened cry but¡ nothing. As the clutter clears from my face I¡¯m met with my fist colliding with thin air. Then a finger touches my chest.
In these fragments of a second, my eyes shift downwards and catch a hole, within it a mage, on its face a victorious grin. Lightning travels up her arm and enters my chest through the finger with such intensity that even the collar¡¯s punishment pales in comparison.
The energy slamming into me acts like a powerful punch slamming into my chest and hurls me away mercilessly. My mind goes blank for a second and my muscles refuse to respond but using my healing has become second nature and it¡¯s already working hard to get me back into the fight.
She landed a nasty hit before I could catch her and it¡¯s mostly my fault. I got distracted and feared for nothing. My vision returns and I¡¯m just about to move again when I notice the smashed barrier coming to life once again.
My body is sadly too slow to react and the muddy earth envelops me, piling up and growing heavier before it all turns cold and heavy.
¡°Frozen and compressed mud, hopefully resilient enough to keep you down for good. If not I¡¯ll just make your new cosy prison bigger and heavier. How do you like it?¡± Elyssia steps in front of me with a boastful smile, leaning right into my face. ¡°I can¡¯t take you down, huh? I don¡¯t think you can go any lower than this and I didn¡¯t even need to really hurt you.¡±
Her words hit just the right spot, making me furious and hurting my pride enough to make me stop caring about other things besides this fight. Besides the enemy in front of me here and now.
I heave and thrash against the tight hold of the ground, loosening it slightly only for Eli to quickly back off and redouble her effort in keeping me down. But more importantly¡ her confident facade is no more.
¡°Don¡¯t make this any harder, I got you.¡± She warns but I call her bluff.
¡°Not over while I¡¯m still concious.¡± I growl and start using those damn muscles I worked so hard for again.
I am grunting, roaring, and pushing only to be forced back by the magic repairing the small mound that¡¯s holding me back¡ I bear my teeth at Eli and start relying on Power Burst again, just to see her confidence crumble.
¡°Last warning!¡± She says in a serious tone.
I¡¯m not here to lose on my first debut against a damn knife-eared, soft-skinned Mage with a handicap, so I don¡¯t relent. She sighs and thrusts her hand forward in a familiar motion. Lightning bursts forth, lightning connects, and lightning tears through me once more.
And I get even more pissed. The attack only feeds The Body¡¯s Grudge, allowing the Skill to store power for one decisive retaliatory strike, and I only need to be patient a little longer before I can crush her along with this pathetic prison.
That little bitch just shocked me again¡ Now I¡¯ll definitely give her a proper beating.
Chapter 98 - To Test II.
¡°She will lose.¡± The murmur of Bennett disturbs the sound of battle down below. Even now he¡¯s standing beside his colleague, the past love of his life, ex-wife, the woman he planned children with, and the one who made his hair turn gray and thin.
¡°It¡¯s fine, a mage¡¯s biggest weapon is their creativity. And she¡¯s still holding back, not desperate enough. And clearly not her old self.¡± Answers Martha as if they were sitting in the park slurping tea. ¡°That¡¯s why I decided to take fire from her. It¡¯s not her Skills that interest me. Her style changed and her mentality even more so.¡± She observes.
Bennett just grunts and continues watching as the half-elf pelts the warrior with lightning bolt after lightning bolt. The prison holds for now but it''s only a matter of seconds.
¡°What did I miss?¡± A man arrives with bags that smell distinctly sweet.
Bennett raises an eyebrow at the old woman next to her. Its implication being ¡®How did he get inside the Fort?¡¯
¡°Told them at the reception to let him through and guide him here. I sure as hell would be curious to see my child in action.¡± Martha grumbles, mood souring as always when it comes to the lack of her own descendants.
¡°Eli is doing fine for now. Although, I reckon we should look for a healer. She¡¯ll need it.¡± Answers the only mother around.
They continue watching and just as expected Valka breaks free, huffing and snarling in anger but not worse for wear. This results in another game of tag where the Mage tries to get a good hit in while the Warrior, or rather berserker at this point, just marches through it.
¡°You like her.¡± Giggles Martha, capitalizing on the old man¡¯s lapse of attention.
¡°She fights like a rabid beast.¡± Bennett tries to deny the accusation. ¡°No technique, no discipline, just-¡±
¡°And that¡¯s why you like her.¡± The woman hums mockingly. ¡°The drive, the determination. And the unique mindset. Yes¡ she does not fear pain the same way any sane person should but that¡¯s not all. She dreads something more than any injury. A new favorite maybe?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t have favorites, unlike some.¡± Bennett keeps the hat of delusion on. ¡°She will win because everything plays in her favor.¡±
¡°Despite the lies, I take it you won¡¯t reject a free servant for a few days? In case her slave Class requires some work before it can be discarded.¡± Martha asks with that good old wicked grin on her face.
Before Bennett can answer however a flame is lit on the courtyard. Elyssia is now standing with eyes narrowed in deep concentration facing off her opponent knee-deep in the mud. In one hand a bright yellow marble of fire, in the other a ball of water.
¡°She isn''t allowed to use fire to-¡± Bennett tries to complain about the imminent breach of the rules when a hand smacks his lips.
¡°Shush, observe!¡± Martha whispers and focuses intently on what is about to come.
I need something more impactful but at the same time not all that deadly. The first two plans have already failed and those were all the plans I had. Valka is now in full swing, marching on like a complete berserker just like when we fought the goblins, and clearly out to punish me for messing with her.
My first idea was to rely on explosions if only the use of fire wasn¡¯t restricted. In the end, an explosion is just fire, and energy released really fast¡
Or is it? If we over-inflate a balloon it explodes. A different kind, mechanical explosions. The same goes for how the carriage went boom after the space magic got destabilized. Something that still delivers a hefty punch without the burn¡
Valka dives at me again while I¡¯m trying to cook something up, snarling like an angered beast. I rely on the water around my body once again to slow her movements and slip away but she¡¯s getting faster and the same trick can only work so many times. Electricity runs through the water connconnecting ection of our bodies but she seems to be getting used to it, barely even twitches even though I¡¯m pretty sure that output could kill a normal person.
I can''t keep doing this. Sooner or later she will get a good grasp on me and my mana supplies are painfully finite. Maybe if I used a mass of iron large enough instead of water to hit hard enough¡ Wait, that¡¯s it. Water!
Just like air, water can also go boom violently. Something called flashing the liquid makes it expand rapidly and the overpressure can cause some serious damage. I once got too eager when heating my bath and let¡¯s just say it didn¡¯t end well. I only learned the reason behind that incident later but man Savant can be such a Blessing, quite literally.
A steam explosion will hurt, burn, and accomplish that all through eighty percent water magic. Not hitting her with fire as per our agreement.
I¡¯ll need a few seconds to create something with enough kick but the freedom to do that¡ it¡¯s something Valka will most definitely try to prevent. She has seen what happens when I have time to prepare a spell.
I throw a few weaker strikes of lightning at my friend, who by now is coming at me probably seeing red. As weird as it is to say¡ she¡¯s getting scarier the longer this goes on. It¡¯s almost like she¡¯s taking less and less damage and I know that none of her Skills has an effect even remotely close to this, not even her Blessing.
It might just be sheer grit honestly. She¡¯s also pissed because every time I shoot and scoot it¡¯s her pride that truly suffers the damage. The way I¡¯m playing with her and giggling to make it really sting¡
She buckles and stumbles for a second after each hit before pushing through and reaching me again. We¡¯ve been here about eight times already, just within arm''s reach yet so far. To my great fortune, the red mist clouding her mind stops her from seeing through my tricks. She has all the experience I do and then some, but her reasonable self just doesn¡¯t seem to be there. On the other hand mind games are my greatest joy and advantage in a fight.
She gave up on grabbing a while ago and now just goes right for, honestly quite spine-chilling, punches. She¡¯s faster but I can vaguely see where the attacks are headed, both because of Premonition and because her eyes betray her every move. Yet again she closes in, stomping hard enough to shatter the layer of ice coating the ground, bashing through every obstacle I make and powering on despite the veritable blizzard raining into her face.
Then I create a raging inferno in my palm and throw it her way which finally manages to halt her advance. Of course, I dissipate the flames before they can even reach her, playing the rules fabulously and taking this chance to escape again. I command the remaining water on my body to tie her arms up and swallow her face but the flames have clearly changed something.
From the corner of my vision, I see a new trick, very much unlike Val. Her right leg sails through the air in a deadly arc which guarantees her losing her balance but catches me off guard nonetheless. She doesn¡¯t like using her legs, saying they were made to move, and has her fists for hitting stuff. Supposedly something idiotic her mother preached when she was little.
With only a blink to react, I place my palms in the leg¡¯s way and create an air cushion to dampen the impact. My arms buckle and my wrists feel like breaking but I manage to turn the attack into upward momentum and get a foothold on Valka¡¯s shoulders. A perfect jumpboard for a quick escape.
Just for fun, I make the water go up into her nose and freeze before launching myself off her back. Maybe tearing it out will drag her nose-hair with it. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Glancing backward just in case I see Val spin after me, slam a fist against her forehead, instantly shattering the ice, and reach after me with bloodshot eyes. The crumbling ice melts instantly and flows back onto my shin, solidifying in a second to slip away once more, however¡
I¡¯m not the only one learning and improving.
Valka uses both hands to smack the ice from two angles, shattering the thin layer and grabbing hold of me for good. No more slippery armor and in her grasp¡ the grin from my face quickly migrates over to Valka, too quickly.
She grabs onto my leg, which feels like the bone is about to shatter under her fingers, and whips me around a few times before preparing to straight up slam me into the ground. Looks like she forgot about the whole friendly match and holding back agreement.
Arguably my fault for messing with her that much if we¡¯re honest.
Just as I¡¯m sailing through the air at the highest point I discharge as much lightning magic into the berserk warrior as my Intelligence allows. The closer the better is a golden rule for using magic and it''s pretty close right now. Her muscles tense and her body stiffens, while I create another concentrated air cushion under her palm. My heart rate slows a little when I finally slip from her hold and turn the slam into a throw. I was really starting to fear for my life.
After a quick fly I correct my fall as much as possible with wind magic, still slamming hard into the ground and grinding to a painful halt on my side. Despite the bruises and aching side, I grin wickedly.
Thanks for giving me the distance.
Now with that done, I turn my undivided focus to the task at hand. I need to create pressure very quickly, instantly. In one hand a ball of fire lights up, while the water on me converges in a similar ball above my other palm. Even though my eyes are looking forward I can barely see anything as there is no brain power left to spare. My fingers slowly close around the two elements, compressing the flames and creating a thin icy layer around the ball of water.
Doing the two completely opposite tasks all at once is difficult almost beyond my capabilities and it''s a surprise even for me how well it turns out. Time is of the essence, and I¡¯ve never done this before, and maybe against an enraged Valka it isn¡¯t the smartest of moves to experiment¡ But what¡¯s done is done.
Said bull, a female variant, is already rushing at me shouting her usual battlecry with now a bit of worry sprinkled to the rage in her eyes.
Gods, please let this do the job.
I curve the icy ball of water into Valka¡¯s path and aim down the tiny but blazing hot marble of fire along my index finger. I have to be careful, if the fire hits Valka that¡¯s a rule break and I lose, besides causing her quite a lot of pain which sounds even worse.
Just when the water is an arm¡¯s length away from the intended target the fire marble flies off in a blur and sinks into the ice with a small pop. Since the magic mix is still within my reach I help the heat spread and water evaporate as bubbles swarm in the hundreds and the ice cracks¡ then an explosion far beyond what I¡¯ve been expecting goes off, blowing up dust and sending Valka flying.
I gawk like a stranded fish, while the now calmed and greatly hurt berserker groans loudly on the ground, clutching her side with a pained face. Blood is flowing down the side of her lips and that ribcage really isn¡¯t supposed to dent like that.
Did I overdo it? I¡¯ve been trying to restrain myself because this is just a friendly spar in the end but¡
While I¡¯m chewing on my conscience for causing this much damage and start walking towards her to help, she goes silent. Deep ragged breaths fill her chest before she decides to push herself back up even though she¡¯s in clearly no condition to stand.
I halt my step and create another set of water and fire just to discourage her from doing anything stupid. ¡°Stay down Val, I¡¯m warning you!¡±
She looks at me with eyes reflecting tranquility despite her and the courtyard¡¯s condition before spitting some blood and chuckling quietly. ¡°Do you know me like that?¡± She asks and grunts as the ribs crack back to their place. ¡°We¡¯re not done.¡± She states and continues towards me, picking up pace.
I¡¯m conflicted for only a second. In the end my respect for her wins out over the worry that I will hurt her.
It takes but a moment to finish the preparation steps but this time I add a little more curve to the flying ball of water. Valka is of course cautious to a fault this time, moving much slower and changing course the moment my magic leaves my side. Except¡
It¡¯s my magic, my control, my trajectory, and my stage. I adjust the water¡¯s path and make it chase after her before ducking under her raised arms guarding her head. With everything in place the pea of fire marble with pinpoint accuracy¡
The explosion is just as violent the second time. Again Valka crashes down on the ground with her blood now flowing freely from her ears and mouth and I¡¯m almost silently begging to the Gods for her to stay down. I might kill her¡ just like I killed those people back in Solermo.
And yet even before her wounds start to heal she¡¯s already moving. One arm after another, pained and wobbly attempts at trying to stand upright, and a crazed yet confident grin that sends chills down my back.
I focus on my hands once more and try my best at hastily remaking my steam bomb, however¡
When I look up again to aim it''s just as I feared. Valka is there, standing close enough that I can feel her labored breaths. Her hand reaches out and she grabs the flame I made, grimacing as it sizzles and extinguishes.
Damn idiot, you made your point already, you¡¯re too tough to lose. This is just unnecessary masochism.
¡°Hope I got some good Skill levels from this spar. After all, it¡¯s just as you said, I''m too weak as I am now.¡± She whispers, looking down at me due to the slight height advantage. ¡°Helped me a lot with getting stronger today, didn¡¯t you?¡±
She looks intimidating, not because of her stature, but because of those eyes of hers and the indomitable aura surrounding her. The confidence that no matter what I¡¯ve done she can just stand back up and march on. Her clothes are hanging on her in tatters, nothing new there, and still not a single wound is visible on her skin.
I¡¯m also a bit relieved I didn¡¯t get to send that bomb for the third time. I like a clever fight, not hurting my friend, bordering on torture. I¡¯m also down to around twenty percent mana so it would¡¯ve been only a question of seconds how long I can last.
I smile at her innocently and tilt my head. ¡°I surrender?¡±
Her eyes narrow, and her voice is cold and tinged with amusement. ¡°No, you don¡¯t. You¡¯re going nowhere!¡±
Knowing very well what she means I zap her again and start fleeing like my life depends on it.
¡°Come back here!¡± She giggles menacingly. ¡°I¡¯ll help you with Pain Tolerance.¡±
¡°No~o!¡± I scream and run faster than ever. ¡°DAD!¡± It¡¯s no shame to cry for help when in a desperate situation.
What it is however is a futile waste of breath.
¡°You deserve it, sweety.¡± Mom shouts back, not helping at all.
¡°Please don¡¯t be too cruel, Valka.¡± Dad adds, basically telling me that I¡¯m on my own.
***
Half an hour later the other kids are back in the courtyard, doing their routine stuff. Some small-scale duels and no squad battles since we mostly demolished the entire place.
I¡¯m aching everywhere, wet and grumpy. The grievances were repaid. I was half drowned, slapped, spanked, and tickled without a morsel of mercy. Despite losing, which is one of my least favorite activities, I''m not too dejected. We both fought well and I know victory was only seconds away.
Besides Valka¡¯s retribution, it was quite fun actually. I always wanted to see how I¡¯d fare against her.
The four adults just smile as they discuss our little demonstrations in hushed voices. Dad has the goodies so he gets a pass but I will hold a grudge against the rest for their betrayal.
¡°But she used fire.¡± Bennett whispers a little too loud.
¡°And did we forbid your newest little favorite to use her fist, hm? No? Then shut your trap.¡± Martha replies with her usual attitude before all eyes turn to us.
¡°I won¡¯t lie, that was impressive.¡± Bennett compliments, only for Martha¡¯s elbow to dig into his side. ¡°One of the greatest displays I¡¯ve ever seen from anyone your age.¡±
He must really be in a good mood. If I had to guess he won a fat bet and found a new toy, all in a day without any effort. His eyes have been locked onto Valka the entire time which comes as no surprise since he¡¯s the one responsible for training all the warriors. Working on the rough gem that she is will be the old fart¡¯s job.
¡°So, can she join?¡± I ask just to be sure.
¡°I mean, only a fool would say no.¡± Martha shrugs. ¡°We¡¯ll still have to inform command but consider it a sure bet.¡±
¡°Nice.¡± I fist-pump, not hiding my feelings the slightest bit.
With that done there¡¯s only one thing left to do for today¡ I quickly dash over to my parents and snatch the sweets from Dad. He¡¯s not the only one eyeing them as Mom knows what the baggage hides and by the looks of it Valka¡¯s nose unveiled the secret as well.
¡°Then see you at dinner.¡± I wave, grab Valka, and scamper off,
¡°Where-¡± She tries to ask as I pull her along.
¡°To take a bath.¡± I grin ear to ear. ¡°Dad got us some goodies as an apology. Trust me, just relax and have the best few hours of your life.¡±
The face of my parents when I stole the loot¡ They¡¯re traitors anyway, throwing their daughter to the dogs.
Hehe, it¡¯s nice to be back¡ to be home.
Chapter 99 - To Shatter
A bonk on my head wakes me up and my eyes being covered by a curtain of white doesn¡¯t even surprise me anymore. This bed, the one I¡¯ve slept in all alone for three years, was not made for two people, that¡¯s exactly why there are multiple ones in the damn room. And this time I have no doubts, this, this is my bed.
I¡¯m grumpy first thing in the morning yet some not-so-distant memories from last night wash it all away. We almost fell asleep in the bath as our poor mortal shells decompressed and our mind was overtaken by sweet fruity happiness.
Then in the mess hall, we made a race about who could stuff more food down their throat, to my parent¡¯s horror. A contest I utterly lost. It wasn¡¯t fair in the first place.
After being basically ordered to go to bed, even though we aren''t children anymore, we just slumped over and stared at the ceiling with satisfied sighs.
This is life. Good life.
The last half a year showed me why the mercenaries value food and peace so much. Why they spend every moment in and around the Fort to their fullest... It¡¯s a privilege, something you only learn to value once you¡¯re stripped of it.
So a lesson learned? Not really, just be rich enough and luxury follows wherever you go.
Speaking of yesterday¡ with all the fun stuff that happened the boons of our little spar totally went over my head.
[Your Class [Dancer of the Elements] has reached lvl 109, +4 Free Points, +3 Free Points, +8 Speed, +4 Endurance, +15 Intelligence, +16 Focus, +2 Dexterity, +14 Mana, +16 Willpower, +2 Fortitude.]
[Your class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 94.]
[Your class Skill [Action for Reaction] has reached lvl 88.]
[Your class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 83.]
[Your class Skill [Rythmic Strides] has reached lvl 58.]
In all honesty, I deserve every single one of those levels. Valka had all the intent the Journey Guide needs to deem a fight serious. I also fought someone about as strong as myself and was just seconds away from winning it.
Okay, maybe I had a shot at winning, a strong shot.
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 80.]
Yep, used it, and used it well, and the results follow. Knowledge is power. Although normal explosions are quite a bit more potent and less cumbersome. The only advantage of a steam explosion is the blistering hot air itself.
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 93.]
[The general Skill [Pain Tolerance] has reached lvl 47 ->48.]
Val made sure I got at least plus one level in on this one. I value the care and will return it, with pleasure.
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 96.]
[The general Skill [Maintained Magic] has reached lvl 79.]
Considering it was just meant to be a light spar and took only like ten minutes¡ It¡¯s a big win.
Since I¡¯m already up, why not get to work and get a new second Class and also rid Val of her not-so-pretty accessory around her neck? There¡¯s really no need to postpone it any longer and I damn sure hope they found the Fist¡¯s resident blacksmith or whoever to get rid of it.
But first, I have to free myself from my own bed. Not that getting up itself is difficult, but doing so without waking Val up is the real challenge. Not that she deserves any more sleep if I can¡¯t get any.
With that, I unceremoniously pry her hand off me and sit up to stretch. ¡°Hey, get up, we can lay all day in bed tomorrow but today-¡± Then she grabs me with the force of a bear and pushes my face back down into the pillow.
¡°Stop wiggling around and shut up.¡± Valka mutters and keeps holding me down.
¡°I need to pee and you¡¯re in my bed again.¡± I try prying her fingers off, only seconds away from using magic.
¡°Me too but it''s fine, I''m too comfy.¡± She drifts back to sleep.
¡°Hey, don''t wet my bed!¡± I turn aggressive and start slapping. ¡°Move to the other one and do it there or else-¡±
¡°Or what, you wanna go another round? End up like yesterday?¡± Her eyes open menacingly.
There¡¯s no winning here by force so intrigue will have to do. ¡°Or else we''ll be late for breakfast.¡± I lie.
Judging by Solaire shining through the window we have hours left to get to the mess hall and eat to our heart¡¯s desire. Not that she needs to know that.
At the mention of food, the troll blocking me groans and shifts, rolling out of bed. A heavy thump on the wooden floor and a long groan are followed by her sleepy face and bird nest-style popping up before she finally stands up like a drunkard.
She starts slumbering towards the door, still half asleep, before I stop her. ¡°You should change first.¡±
She¡¯s wearing a loose nightgown like myself, although hers is also mine and not really the correct size. Still a lot better to wear in bed than a blouse and leather pants.
It¡¯s gonna be a long day¡
***
After my emotional return to the mess hall, today didn¡¯t hit as hard. Was still nice, don''t get me wrong, but more like ¡®I got back from a trip and my bed is still the best of all the ones out there¡¯ kind of nice. Wolfing down everything within reach is a bad habit from the Line that won¡¯t go away easily and makes eating good food a lot less enjoyable. To my surprise, the mercenaries around us didn¡¯t frown or joke about our etiquette, they just nodded with knowing grins.
Mom and Dad were politely told to piss off yesterday and look for a place to stay in the city, so meeting them will have to wait quite a bit. Two other adults, however, aren''t so considerate when it comes to our free time and how we intend to spend it.
¡°Good, you¡¯re finished. Valka you¡¯re coming with me, we¡¯ll get rid of that nasty collar.¡± Bennett appears behind our backs. Although I¡¯m used to their shenanigans, mostly Martha¡¯s, I still twitch and ready myself for combat alongside Val, only to lower my guard with an embarrassed blush a second later.
However, nobody laughs.
¡°Hm, a proper reaction, it might save your lives one day.¡± The old man nods, smiling in satisfaction. ¡°Now up and let¡¯s go.¡±
¡°Little devil,¡± Oh how I missed that name. ¡°I think you need a Class to decide on, not to mention I¡¯m dying to see what new delicacies you picked up now that you''re past level 100.¡± Martha is just as eager to have her favorite, aka me, under her wing once more.
But I have different plans.
¡°Nope, I wanna see how they do it.¡± I obviously mean the collar removal because who knows, I might meet someone in the future in a similar predicament. And I¡¯m plenty curious.
The two adults do their usual telepathy where they have an entire discussion with a single glance. Or maybe it¡¯s some sort of coded light magic through their eyes. ¡°It¡¯s really not that interesting but suit yourself.¡± Bennett nods and leads the way.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
We nab half a cake before leaving our seats and quickly catch up to the two captains. Life is still good. Maybe Martha was right, life can¡¯t forever throw troubles and misfortune your way, and sometimes good things are meant to happen. I was unlucky sure but desperately struggling till the end made things work out and I¡¯d dare say almost everything is better now than before.
Walking, finishing up our snack, eavesdropping here and there, chatting about stupidly meaningless things like goblin noises and beast menacing lines¡ They¡¯re such simple pleasures.
To my surprise, we don¡¯t actually leave the Fort as I expected, we end up in the armory. I know I should¡¯ve expected but I¡¯ve never seen any blacksmith-looking guy during my years here so I just thought he was some bigshot living in Granhall and helping out now and then.
Never before was I allowed inside the Fist¡¯s treasury of anything war-related but once the doors opened I was anything but impressed. Lots of swords and stuff, armors of any material and design one can imagine¡ It¡¯s nice but pretty basic.
That is until you walk to the back of the room, open the secret door by arranging the swords by the wall, and go down a level. Yeah, that¡¯s where the good stuff is along with their maker.
And it¡¯s not a he. Yeah, the woman¡¯s age is clearly in the three digits, and having the arms of a man definitely doesn¡¯t help with her looks but I¡¯d say as a wolf person or whatever she does have a certain charm. Although that fur must be awfully hot that close to the fire.
¡°Zarah, we¡¯ve brought them.¡± Bennett gives a shot at making his voice heard over the roaring flames and vigorous hammering. Without much success. ¡°Zarah!¡±
And instead of answering or even lifting her gaze from the axeblade she¡¯s working on the she-wolf simply returns to the furnace and starts working the bellows. Hella disrespectful and clearly wasting our time, not that we¡¯re in a hurry.
So I do something cheeky. Just when she blows more air into the furnace once more, eagerly raising the temperature, I add my own flair. By feeding the flames with enough mana for them to lash out their burning bed and finally make their owner¡¯s head snap toward us.
¡°Do it again!¡± She yells and returns to the task at hand.
To be honest I don¡¯t really want to but the looks from both Martha and Bennett tell me it¡¯ll be easier this way. So I grasp the fire once more, only now noticing how much more blistering and wild it is than whatever I came across before and do my magic.
¡°Yes, that¡¯s it, hotter!¡±
Stop ordering me woman, we came here for your help not the other way around!
This ordeal goes on for almost a minute, after which she tells me to stop and gets back to hammering. I keep myself, and Val sticking close to me, cool as the rhythmic hammer drags on for much longer than I planned spending here until the work is finally done. Once the metal takes its desired shape Zarah simply slaps her hand on the metal and it begins to¡growl.
¡°There, done.¡± She lets go and reveals a super menacing-looking light blue axehead with a blade longer than my forearm. ¡°Huh, when did you get here?¡±
Did she seriously forget about us?
¡°Zarah, we need her collar removed.¡± Martha sighs and gets to the point without touching on the woman¡¯s rudeness.
¡°That¡¯s all? Wait a second.¡± She leaves her latest work of art on the anvil, grabs a pair of tongs, and riffles through a few chests before revealing what we fought so hard to secure. A piece of voidglass. ¡°Now, you, come here.¡±
Valka of course complies albeit somewhat reluctantly because leaving my side means being subject to the ridiculous heat of this underground smithy. And I follow her, not because of the kindness of my heart, but rather to better see the trick behind unlocking the secretive collar.
The wolf holds a simple pen in one hand while she taps the voidglass held with her tongs against the collar. As it is in the pitch black crystal¡¯s nature it immediately begins to suck away all magic it comes in contact with, which in turn makes the collar react. Only for the electricity to get sucked away all the same in a nasty cycle.
While the magic does its confusing dance Zarah gets to work, lighting the pen on a vibrant purple fire and adding lines to the inscriptions already on the collar. Her tool leaves glowing lines on the metal, perfectly complementing the existing ones, turning shapes more pronounced, and adding runes even to where I wouldn¡¯t expect them to fit.
From start to finish she makes sure the voidglass is always on the opposite end of the collar she¡¯s working on, only pulling it away once the fire is snuffed out from her pen. Then without as much as a word she simply flicks the cursed thing around Valka¡¯s neck and it unceremoniously falls to the ground.
It¡¯s off, she¡¯s finally truly free. After all we went through because of that damned piece of metal a few minutes was all it took for this¡ master of her craft to set my friend free.
¡°Thank you.¡± I bow my head slightly because it feels right.
Valka quickly follows my lead, bowing much deeper and frantically wiping the tears from her eyes. The ear-to-ear grin on her face however is not so easy to get rid of.
¡°It was nothing.¡± The wolf woman waves off our gratitude. ¡°Now out!¡±
¡°Wait,¡± Without much thinking, I open my mouth. ¡°Can you show me more, how you do that with the pen?¡± I can accomplish almost anything with my magic but not what she did.
¡°Do you have an inscriptionist Class?¡± She turns her head, looking at me with unimpressed eyes.
¡°Well I don¡¯t but-¡±
¡°Then out! Talk to me again once you do, I don¡¯t have time for this.¡± She turns her back on us, signaling the conversation is over.
Even though I have my fair share to say our elders make sure we don¡¯t overstay our welcome and basically drag the two of us back up into the armory. I¡¯m a little angry for not getting what I wanted because observing the whole removal process didn¡¯t make me any wiser. I¡¯ve helped heat the furnace so the least she could¡¯ve done was give me a few minutes of her life in exchange¡
¡°Gods I hate it down there.¡± Bennett grumbled as sweat invaded even his forehead.
¡°Well, I¡¯m sure most would say the same thing about your home. Anyway, go and do what you must kids, be sure to finish before lunch. I have some ruffians to teach.¡± Martha simply stretches while leaving us behind. ¡°A little more moisture and it¡¯d be a pretty solid sauna down there.¡±
¡°What a hag.¡± Bennett sighed, clearly used to his colleague''s antics by now. ¡°Come, you can sit down in the courtyard, it should be empty around this time. I¡¯ll guard you but don¡¯t take too long.¡±
And since we really don¡¯t have much planned until our next meal that¡¯s exactly what do. It¡¯s a little cold, even with all the layers of clothing we have on but it¡¯s nice, I like it much more than melting under Solaire gaze.
¡°You know what you have to do?¡± Bennett checks on us once more as we sit down on a bench. We both nod as the process of forfeiting a Class has already been explained to us. ¡°Good, see you soon then.¡±
[Your class [Shadow Rat - Dark] has reached lvl 16. Class advancement is now available, would you like to start the class up?]
Give it to me.
***
Entering the world of my soul again is an experience I¡¯m quite fond of. I always leave stronger than before visiting. Not this time though.
I¡¯m back in the mess hall except this time it¡¯s not the same as I remember. My favorite spot in Karon Fort and the reflection of my soul¡
It¡¯s not the same. I¡¯m not the same. The layout didn¡¯t change and neither did the plates describing my options.
Fuck you all the same Journey Guide for implying I¡¯m a glutton, I just like my food.
The atmosphere however is completely different. The place looks deserted, cold, and in absolute shambles. Decaying walls are covered with torn carpets, winds blow through the broken giant windows and every piece of furniture is gnawed on by time.
No sound of laughter, clicking tableware, or friendly chit-chat¡ It¡¯s abandoned, empty and broken.
It¡¯s me.
¡°There¡¯s no point in drawing out my stay.¡± I mumble and head for the first plate. Mopping won¡¯t solve anything and I¡¯ve already begun curing this wound. It won¡¯t be fast or easy, or something I¡¯m looking forward to because it can be embarrassing but such is life.
[Dusk Cat - Dark], [Night Fiend - Dark], [Merciless Mugger - Metal], [Rat in the-
I don¡¯t bother to read any more of the ridiculing Classes and start smashing. The uglier the plate, the more insulting the name, and the fouler my mood the harder I slam them into the ground.
After going through like ten plates all smashed to pieces by my feet I¡¯m starting to enjoy it. These plates are more than just offerings for me to grow, they represent my past, that few months we¡¯ve spent in Solermo. I¡¯m demolishing everything that bound me there, all the difficulties we struggled through and
¡°One for the shity food we had to hunt.¡± Smash. ¡°One for the stupid jobs!¡± Smash. ¡°One for all the damn intrigue!¡± Smash. And the list goes on.
There clearly aren¡¯t enough plates to repent for all my grievances as the list is long and I¡¯m also making a few things up now and then. Nevertheless, each shattering noise gives me a little sense of closure, and by the time I grab the last one I almost wish I could keep it as a souvenir. To remind me of what I can push through.
[Captive of Fate]
A blue-colored Class is considered rare for the level 36 class-up and should be plenty powerful. There¡¯s only one small mistake.
¡°You could be even pink for all I care.¡± I lift the plate with disdain. ¡°I am not a slave of no destiny or God, nor will I ever be.¡±
As the Class choice hits the ground and cracks, so does the whole room. The walls tremble and dust falls as if the effects of an earthquake. Then all of a sudden everything comes to a halt and all sound disappears before with the sound of exploding glass the world shatters.
***
I nearly fall off the bench as my eyes snap open, covered in sweat and with quickened breaths, like after a bad nightmare. As I look around perplexed a notification, a slightly unfortunate one I still like nonetheless, welcomes me and my breathing slows.
[Class forfeited. Skills forfeited. Attributes forfeited.]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve changed your Class to [Free as a Bird - Wind].]
[Your Class [Free as a Bird ] has reached lvl 2, +2 Free Points]
Chapter 100 - To Improve
¡°You two have grown a little too reliant on each other.¡± Martha points out now that Bennett basically kidnapped Valka and I¡¯m left with my old mentor. During lunch break... ¡°It¡¯s a good thing to have a really close friend you can always count on but overreliance can and will backfire. You both need to learn how to fend for yourselves, especially Valka.¡±
She¡¯s basically saying we¡¯re too good friends¡ and I agree. I have my own life and won''t be able to always hold her hand and vice versa. It¡¯s also very irritating to wake up with half my bed taken every morning.
¡°She¡¯s not from here is she?¡± The old hag asks the obvious, not that I noticed it sooner after meeting the brute in question. ¡°She¡¯s awkward most of the time and is just copying you to not stand out. It doesn¡¯t fit her.¡± She adds before I can ask how.
¡°Yeah, got dragged here from Korellia as a slave.¡± I tell her only as much as she needs to know, it''s not my life to share after all.
¡°That¡¯s¡ far.¡± Martha sighs.
That¡¯s one way to put it but the distance shouldn¡¯t matter anymore, Val has nothing resembling a home to return to. Just her promise, a buttload of determination, and me.
¡°What are your plans with her?¡± She switches to a much more difficult question to answer.
¡°More levels, more money, more freedom.¡± I shrug, detailing nothing and answering in broad strokes. ¡°I want to help her and more importantly I will make sure she lives. I did promise to assist her in saving all the deadweight she calls her
people but they mean nothing to me.¡±
Contrary to what I¡¯ve hoped for, maybe a little scolding or another lecture, Martha¡¯s face turns unreadable. It¡¯s one of those instances where the topic and thus the answer are beyond simple wisdom.
¡°You know Eli, we thought the same of your parents back then.¡± She purses her lips. ¡°They were of no use to us but reached out a hand because you had value in our eyes¡¡± I know. Even at the age of nine, I realized that. ¡°Don¡¯t you think what you described to me is the same?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not because¡¡± I can¡¯t find any solid reason. Yeah, I gave my word so it should be different, but is it? ¡°I want Val to be happy and to achieve that we¡¯ll help her fellow brutes.¡±
¡°And how is that any different?¡±
I¡ I don¡¯t know.
¡°So what?¡± I mutter, thinking this is stupid and that she¡¯s making things unnecessarily complicated. ¡°Her parents are no more and her friends, if she has any left, are none of my concern. We rescue those who remain and that¡¯s that, they can be on their way.¡±
¡°You¡¯re right, the only question is whether that¡¯s with or without Valka, isn¡¯t it?¡± Martha flicks my forehead. ¡°If you put a wedge between all of them and you, who do you think your little friend will choose when the time comes? That is what you should prepare for, the weight of holding everything together alone, relying on no one but yourself. I know we prepare you to work as organized squads but fending for yourself is just as important, especially for someone with your abilities. Now, I saw you in action but I¡¯d love to hear a quick rundown of your Skills if you¡¯d be so kind.¡±
Her words might sound like a request but that¡¯s pretty far from the truth. The little brute and big brute called dibs on the courtyard so all that¡¯s left for us is a simple balcony with quite over Granhall. More than enough space for some visual demonstration.
Martial Instinct is the first new acquisition that comes to mind and earns enthusiastic nods from Martha without any need for further details. ¡°A solid Skill, although it can be quite risky when you¡¯re on the edge. It helps you stay alive, which is the top priority, but can sometimes make you overshoot and do more damage than intended.¡±
No wonder it thrived on that fateful night in Solermo¡ But I won¡¯t blame just a simple Skill alone for what happened, nor will I throw it away. What Martha said is right, I lived and that takes precedence.
Next up I reveal
Rhythmic Strides, the most mediocre of my new Class Skills to which the reaction is as lukewarm as I expected. It¡¯s a solid Skill but nothing earth-shattering.
Ethereal Stage, however¡
¡°Show me!¡± Of course, Martha doesn¡¯t believe my words right away.
A simple trick of making five fireballs, all of them of equal size and power, each once pace away from the other in a line¡ simple, quick, and a little cool. Not like I can do much more without hurling something off right onto the streets.
¡°Drawbacks?¡± Martha teleports over to my burning mana to examine them. That¡¯s right, she was too lazy to take three steps and instead used fucking spatial magic.
¡°Mana drain but not much else. Its range also isn¡¯t all that impressive.¡±
¡°This is huge. Does it work across a wall?¡± She enters enthusiastic child mode, just like when she first learned about my Blessing.
¡°Depends on the wall.¡± I simply shrug. Material, thickness, magic infused, distance¡ It¡¯s never simply a yes or no. ¡°But there¡¯s more.¡± I grin fiendishly.
Maybe the name Night Fiend wasn¡¯t just a coincidence.
But once I show her how much more powerful
Action for Reaction can make my magic¡ Martha only whistles with a satisfied face.
¡°That¡¯s not bad, the previous one was better though.¡±
¡°No, it¡¯s not!¡± I disagree vehemently.
¡°Yes, it is.¡± She chuckles. ¡°Movements kill the element of surprise. It makes your attacks predictable, and an experienced fighter could recognize your pattern after a few clashes. It¡¯s good, don¡¯t get me wrong but you¡¯re most definitely sacrificing a tactical advantage for raw power.¡±
Damn¡ she¡¯s right.
¡°But I could also trick someone by mixing in spells without any movement.¡±
¡°Sharp.¡± Martha ruffles my hair. ¡°You¡¯re gonna do some serious ass-kicking once autumn is here.¡±
¡°Am I still gonna go to the Academy?¡± I inquire about one of my biggest concerns.
¡°With your level? Guaranteed. The minimum requirement for entry is the age of twelve and level 60.¡± Martha chuckles. ¡°We want you to demolish everyone and promote the Fist. You right now are almost perfect for the task, young and well past your peers. A year difference might complicate things a little but you¡¯re strong enough to make it all irrelevant.¡±
I appreciate her confidence in me. Believing that I¡¯ll just beat every prodigy on the east side Eborden is a tall praise. I don''t doubt my skills, just the plausibility of the task.
¡°What to expect?¡± The first rule, know your enemy.
¡°Nobles mostly.¡± Martha shrugs. ¡°Only something like every twentieth student is a commoner out of the tens of thousands. They¡¯ll arrive with top-notch education, the guidance of renowned teachers in their pockets, and maybe some secret Skills or Classes passed down within the family. Oh, and the best equipment money can buy.¡± Just wonderful. ¡°Don¡¯t pout, not all their parents are dukes or kings.¡±
Do I feel better now that not
all are money-fueled cheaters? Nope, some still are they were my biggest concerns, to begin with. The renowned teacher and education part means little. A lot. I¡¯ve only met a handful of people stronger than Martha or Bennett and all of them were either in the command room or leading a small army to assist the Line. I got that covered.
¡°The Fist will cover the equipment costs.¡± Martha says as if, again, reading my mind. ¡°It would reflect poorly on us if you stood out there in garbage even a footsoldier wouldn¡¯t wear.¡±
I hope I can keep the stuff they give.
Speaking of the Academy and winning some fight¡
¡°How are the others doing?¡± I ask, the question obviously pointed at my squad.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
¡°Well, teamwork as a whole was never the strong point of your squad, and with three replacement members¡ it became even less stellar. They had to compete in different events ¡± Martha massages her temple. ¡°August redeemed himself in the free-for-all with Victor coming in not too far.¡± Good shit guys. ¡°Kayla found a difficult opponent in the duel despite being allowed to take four little friends with her. The guy flew up and poured down some acid, a nasty combination. She didn¡¯t even reach the quarterfinals.¡±
That¡¯s¡ not too stellar a performance indeed. Either the enemies are stronger than we imagined or they just got really unlucky matchups. Because power alone can¡¯t win every fight, specialty and tactics matter just as much.
¡°Don¡¯t you worry, those problems won''t apply to you but if you fail the entrance exam¡¡± She doesn¡¯t finish the sentence and I don¡¯t even dare imagine the punishment that would follow. Then her mood makes a complete U-turn. ¡°So, wanna learn how to actually dance?¡±
Valka POV:
I gulp and turn my sight forward, meeting a pair of cold gray eyes glued on me as if looking into my soul. The man steps after step, circling me around like a predator stalking its prey. His gaze runs up and down my body, eyes narrowing and lips thinning from time to time.
I¡¯ve been inspected like this before being sold, or just simply presented to a potential buyer¡ These eyes are different, the intent behind them is different.
After the third round, he finally stops in front of me and pokes my shoulder. ¡°You are not human, are you? Even if we disregard your age, humans your level can¡¯t have a physique like yours.¡± He scratches his beard. ¡°No tusk either so orcish ancestry is out of the question.¡±
¡°What?¡± I ask, both trying to process the question and make sure I heard him right.
¡°Your species. You¡¯re not human so could you enlighten me? Or are you quarter orc?¡± He leans closer, staring at my face.
I look to the side subconsciously to avoid his uncomfortable gaze, taking a step back to distance myself from both him and the question. This is very much unlike me but the pressure and power oozing from his body¡ How can Eli be so cocky around him?
¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry. You don¡¯t have to say anything, of course, it¡¯s but an old man¡¯s curiosity.¡± He scratches his beard awkwardly. ¡°Let¡¯s move to the courtyard, there¡¯s much you need to learn.¡±
In minutes we arrive back at the open area where I whooped Eli¡¯s ass yesterday and showed her who¡¯s boss. Few words were spoken on our way here and none of them were mine which was a little awkward¡
¡°We have about an hour before the kids flood this place for afternoon training.¡± He stops on one edge of the field and waves me closer. ¡°You could of course join them but that¡¯d be a comical waste of your time. Although a group training against an overwhelming opponent¡ never mind.¡±
Well, I¡¯m not jumping in excitement to run around with kids anyway. Not to mention I¡¯d rather be with Eli than this weird and scary old man.
¡°Don¡¯t give me that look, I¡¯m just a little¡ curious. I¡¯ll get to the point.¡± He nods as if sensing my unease. ¡°I watched your fight yesterday and let me tell you the only reason you won was simply due to Elyssia¡¯s reluctance to hurt you and because she couldn¡¯t use fire. That and the location favored you, by a lot.¡± He drops the hammer mercilessly.
My hands curl into a ball at my side in frustration and I chew on my lips as I mutter. ¡°I know.¡±
I know my victory was a hollow one. If Eli was seconds faster or my Speed and Endurance were lower even by a small margin she would¡¯ve been the one left standing.
¡°I¡¯d say your fighting style is a mess, however, in your case, there is no style to speak of in the first place.¡± Bennett¡¯s words keep raining harsh criticism without any hint of easing. ¡°I¡¯ll say this plain and simple just for you. Elyssia is brilliant, resourceful, and frighteningly adaptive. If you don¡¯t improve and do so fast, then I can¡¯t see you beating her the next time.¡±
¡°This is how people in my tribe fight.¡± I snap at him for belittling what is mine. ¡°This is our way.¡±
¡°Then your way is wrong!¡± He declares sternly. ¡°Combat isn¡¯t a kind of art where you can look at everything in a positive way and claim beauty in everything. There are good and bad, strong and weak ways of fighting.¡± He walks past me and after a few steps turns back and raises his arms. ¡°Show me how you¡¯d break through my defenses!¡±
His arms are held relatively close to his body, protecting the head and chest, while the legs are slightly bent and ready to shift the weight at a moment''s notice. His eyes look at me expectantly and I just¡ can¡¯t believe what he said.
That¡¯s pretty straightforward but I don''t think I can hurt him at all so let''s just roll with it.
I step up to be in reach and search for holes in his defense and well¡ it¡¯s like one of those holey cheese. Holes everywhere and that¡¯s quite the opposite of what one would expect from a warrior this powerful.
In the end, since there¡¯s nothing to lose I whip a fist at his left ribs, aimed just so he wouldn¡¯t be able to pull his arm down in time. As I spring my fist he doesn¡¯t even try to protect himself with his arms, instead stepping forward and leaning to the right, even matching my speed to make it fair.
My punch of course only grazes the wizened warrior, leaving me just a little open but completely on the backfoot. He capitalizes on the opportunity and sends a hook left where I aimed at first.
His angle of approach is just perfect, the distance between us is way too little, and my right arm is nowhere close enough to block his fist. The only thing left is to grit my teeth and prepare to take the hit as usual. But the pain never comes.
The approaching fist halts a hair¡¯s berth from my side only for Bennett to step back right where he first picked up his stane.
Am I relieved? Surprised? Humbled?
NO. I¡¯m furious.
He¡¯s disrespecting me by pulling his punch, by looking down on me so much that even taking his lesson, this mock battle serious enough. Learning from failures is what I was taught since childhood. If someone hits you during a spar it was meant to hurt, to teach the body if not the lazy mind. To make you remember that feeling whenever you''re about to commit the same stupid mistake.
Yet he denies me even that¡
My blood boils at his uninterested face simply staring at me as I, who I am and what I¡¯ve worked for was all¡ irrelevant. Shaking uncontrollably I raise my fists again, whether it is to punish or to prove¡ something, for either him or myself.
A punch slapped away, another simply avoided by taking a step back, a wide swing stopped at the elbow and there comes the retaliatory strike for leaving myself open once again. Only for the fist to halt and retreat again.
Why? WHY?
¡°WHY?¡± I shout and continue my relentless assault.
Never do I manage to get even close to landing a hit, not even on his arms. His bulky body that¡¯s although smaller than dad, considerably wider and heavier than mine, evades my moves like a falling leaf in the autumn wind.
He counters every time I abandon my defenses and never so much touches me with his fist.
I¡¯d be dead by now if I ate all those hits. I¡ I don¡¯t stand a chance.
My arms drop and I just look at the man who trampled on my pride with teary eyes. ¡°Why?¡± I beg for an answer. ¡°Why do you always stop? Am I that weak?¡±
He stands back up and frowns. ¡°Yes.¡±
I feel something break inside me. Something that gave me the confidence and strength to face whatever came my way until now. ¡°I can take it. I can heal.¡± I whisper. ¡°I¡¯m tough, I¡¯m strong, you said it yourself.¡±
I tighten my fist and slam into into my face to do what he failed to. To make this laughable farce into more than my humiliation.
¡°I can take it!¡± I argue. ¡°Our people learn from the pain of failure so just-¡±
¡°What stings more, Valka,¡± Bennett steps closer and pulls my shaking fist down. ¡°that punch or being faced with your weakness? Clinging desperately to something that pulls you back can¡¯t and won''t make you stronger.¡± He asks with a calming voice.
His words overwhelm me with the truth and I break out crying like a child.
¡°There are two kinds of pain.¡± He whispers. ¡°The sort of pain that makes you strong, allows you to grow as a person¡ and useless pain. We warriors take it upon ourselves to put our bodies in harm¡¯s way so others may live but too much pain always, and I mean always, changes us for the worst. No one can endure forever and thus we need to avoid injuries whenever it is possible.¡±
It¡¯s frustrating, so frustrating. He didn¡¯t need to tell me that the style passed down by my parents was wrong, that it was faulty, and even prove it by humbling me. I knew, both against beasts and people, but it''s the only thing they left me, it¡¯s all I have. To simply walk away from it¡
I cry shamelessly as arms gently wrap around me. ¡°You¡¯re a prisoner of your past however moving on doesn¡¯t always mean losing something.¡± Bennett quietly whispers. ¡°You have a goal, you have people you care about, you have the drive to become so much more¡¡±
Please don¡¯t.
¡°You have to choose.¡± He says the words I feared.
I can¡¯t. If staying stubborn will make it all more difficult then so be it, I¡¯ll just endure and march on like I always have.
Bennett pulls back and grabs my shoulders firmly. ¡°Who showed you how to fight?¡± He asks.
¡°My father.¡± I answer between sobs.
¡°Would your father wish to see you chain yourself to his methods? Is he such a petty person to force his daughter to follow in his footsteps just because of his pride?¡±
Those simple questions make me freeze and change it all in my mind. The images in my mind of his proud smile, those tired eyes accompanying my selfish request for attention even after coming back from a hunt. The joy we shared whenever I won a brawl, the hugs, the pieces of advice he showered me with¡
Never. My father would¡¯ve never. We knew our ways were crude but still used what we could to survive. Yes, both Mom and Dad would¡¯ve pushed me forward, to see me soar.
¡°No.¡± I answer firmly.
Voices of children approaching echo on the corridor leading to the practice ground as I take some deep calming breaths.
¡°Then wipe your tears before anyone sees you like that.¡± Bennett smirks and covers me while the students arrive in the courtyard, hiding my unsightly face. ¡°You have much to learn.¡±
I sniff and rub, laughing softly both at him and my own stubbornness.
They¡¯d never want to see me dragged down by what they gave with so much love. Besides, I can¡¯t let Eli win the next time we face off.
¡°I¡¯m ready.¡± I declare after the sorrow and self-pity morph into resolve.
¡°I hope whatever fire is burning in you is still hot because you¡¯ll wish you never said those words at the end of the day.¡± He nods and guides me to a corner so we don¡¯t disturb whatever the other kids are here for. ¡°First, you fight like a man.¡±
I¡¯ve never heard that insult before. I fight like a warrior, with bare hands and iron will.
¡°My point is that men are top heavy, our upper body is more muscular by nature.¡± He explains and I nod. ¡°You throw your hands almost exclusively, just like a man. I¡¯m not telling you to stop using your fists, just don''t overly rely on them.¡± Demonstrates a kick that whistles through the air. ¡°Besides, your legs are longer than your arms and your body is more flexible than that of a man, they allow for greater reach and more combinations.¡±
I think I know what he¡¯s on about. Stats affect the body but in the end, it''s the base they are strengthening. He¡¯s saying that even if I had as much Might as Dad I would never be able to punch as hard.
¡°So what now?¡± I ask, hopeful that this man will help me achieve what Eli promised.
Strength.
¡°Everything. From your breathing to your stance, from your approach to your instincts.¡± He smiles. ¡°We¡¯ll rework everything.¡±
Chapter 101 - Too Peaceful
19696 The 2st Spring
These past months have been as close to a vacation as I¡¯ve ever gotten. No mandatory lessons, no training to prepare us for the Academy¡ just a relatively normal life, doing normal things.
But it¡¯s getting extremely boring.
With one Class still basically empty, a bunch of more levels under my belt, and plenty of rest I¡¯m ready to head out, to do some light adventuring. The emphasis on light. I really hope we don¡¯t plan on doing anything crazy. I had my fair share of that already and don¡¯t plan on disappearing or worse, dying before the Academy begins. Again. I¡¯m a little curious about that fabled place by now.
Dressed in the clothes
¡®borrowed¡¯ from the Fist, so we don¡¯t ruin our own, we roam the city once more except this time with a clear destination in mind.
¡°Where now?¡± Val asks as we¡¯re walking down the streets. Okay, at least a clear destination in my mind.
As always in the morning I found her in the courtyard, training under Bennett¡¯s watchful eyes as usual, perfecting her posture and repeating movements for the nine millionth time.
I don¡¯t know what the old man did but the wildfire burning inside Valka, her drive, has become more focused ever since he took her under his wing. I¡¯m not worried about her though, rather I envy that dedication. I have nothing to push me like that, no grand plans, or desires. I do have a promise to keep, even if I have little care for the survival of the Nephelims or what they might have to go through every day. My words bind me to my friend and my friend only.
¡°To have some fun and get everything we need before we depart.¡± I answer belatedly. A half-truth. ¡°Are you gonna miss Bennett?¡±
¡°He¡¯s not a bad person, you know?¡± She starts scolding me. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you are so hostile towards him. His personality might be a bit¡ difficult,¡± What a kind way to put it. ¡°but his intentions are what matters.¡±
Wrong, my dear friend. The outcome is what matters. Trying to kill something isn¡¯t gonna do the job and trying to eat won''t make you the money to pay for it. Intentions mean little without the actions to back them up.
We keep arguing about how shitty a person Bennett is for the whole duration of the walk and only stop when Valka¡¯s head shoots up and her nose drinks deep from the air. Her eyes turn starry and her tongue unintentionally licks her lips.
She found out.
¡°Do you have any money on you?¡± Her head snaps to me and she leans closer.
I do not. Not a single copper, nothing. However, it was no coincidence we ended up here.
¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go.¡± I answer with an equally as excited grin and we pick up the place towards our favorite bakery in the entirety of Granhall.
As we burst through the door I don¡¯t walk towards the display or the counter but instead I clamp onto Valka¡¯s arm and drag her towards a table. A table where Mom and Dad are already seated and where a small mound of sweet gifts from the Gods are waiting.
¡°Happy birthdays!¡±
Valka¡¯s hands shoot to her mouth and she barely manages to fight the tears down.
¡°How did you know?¡± She asks, looking at me.
I¡¯m sometimes seriously worried about her mental state. How can someone be quite intelligent and this dense¡
¡°Because it''s my birthday too.¡± I chuckle. ¡°It could only be one of three days realistically. Did I guess right?¡±
¡°Yesss!¡± She hugs me and then quickly pulls back before I can react. ¡°But¡ I forgot. I didn¡¯t get you anything. I-I¡¯m a¡ I don¡¯t-¡± Her previously radiant mood sours with every word.
I flick her forehead for a reset and narrow my eyes. ¡°I, personally, didn¡¯t get you anything either, Mom and Dad are covering the bill. We can come up with something for each other later on. As a matter of fact, I wasn¡¯t even sure your people celebrate birthdays.¡±
¡°Oh, we do. They are important steps in a warrior¡¯s life toward adulthood. Each year another trial awaits to test your maturity and strength.¡± She explains proudly.
¡°Can I get my hug now?¡± I grumble as she still holds me at arm¡¯s reach by my shoulders.
***
We held back. Compared to how we usually inhale food wherever we go this was different. Each bit was a unique experience of its own worthy of savoring even if our tongues constantly demanded more.
¡°How do they do it? How is it this good?¡± I ask, staring at the last piece of tart in my quivering hand. The last one¡
¡°Skills, mostly. They can accomplish almost anything we can comprehend and beyond. Also, Life magic if I had to guess. It brings out the most from the ingredients.¡± Dad explains, using a napkin instead of licking wherever his tongue can reach.
I¡¯m not
that much of an elf to put my pride before my tongue. No shame in enjoying what¡¯s good.
¡°I don''t know how to repay¡ all of this.¡± Valka speaks out of nowhere with her head hanging low. ¡°I receive too much and have nothing to give in return¡ I¡¯m sorry.¡± She whispers. ¡°If there¡¯s anything-¡±
¡°Dear, Eli, you take care of the tab alright?¡± Mom speaks up plopping a pouch onto the table with a generous metallic
clink. Then she points at Val then towards the door and winks.
Again?
There¡¯s no arguing here, it''s basic knowledge in our family. Even Val seems to be already accustomed to my mother¡¯s antics as she simply nods and follows her outside, leaving only me and Dad at the table.
¡°I don¡¯t like it. I don¡¯t like being the only one left out and I don¡¯t like Mom¡¯s little games.¡± I pout and try dragging some info out of my father who clearly has a soft spot for me.
¡°Have some faith, Eli. What are you so worried about in the first place?¡± Dad tries to joke.
¡°It¡¯s Mom.¡± I reply.
¡°It¡¯s not like she could make things worse or damage your friendship.¡± This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
¡°It¡¯s Mom.¡±
¡°Why can¡¯t you just-¡±
¡°It¡¯s Mom.¡± I repeat again.
Dad gives up and just pays everything we owe at the counter before we leave this piece of paradise on Aelion behind us.
¡°How much did that set us back?¡± I ask, knowing damn well this place is among the more expensive ones.
¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about-¡± He shakes the pouch as if checking its remaining content based on the sound of coins inside.
¡°Dad, please¡¡± Things can¡¯t keep going like this. ¡°I¡¯m thirteen now, I have money, sort of, not to mention I¡¯ve experienced things both good and bad beyond my age. Could you just please stop treating me like a naive child?¡± I plead, tired of always fighting for my right to every piece of information. Even if it concerns me in the first place.
¡°You¡¯re asking the impossible.¡± He smiles. ¡°You could be a hundred years old and I¡¯d still see you as my cute little princess. You might no longer be
that naive but the simple fact that you believe your experiences amount to anything just confirms that same naivety.¡± He speaks with the wisdom of an old man.
My father is extremely young in elven terms, comparable to an eighteen-year-old human despite approaching seventy. He can be so knowledgeable, stupid, wise, and goofy at the same time. It¡¯s weird how their personality clearly develops slower while the knowledge they acquire far outpaces their maturity¡
¡°Where to now?¡± I ask as I only planned this far.
¡°To spend some more. You can be quite a burden on one''s savings, you know?¡± He asks and chuckles at my indignant face. ¡°Just kidding, you¡¯re priceless, sweetie.¡±
I better be. And I probably brought back enough riches to pay for all my needs. I just don¡¯t exactly know what to do with all those gems. They can¡¯t really be exchanged for food without getting scammed.
¡°The other two?¡± I ask, looking for mostly Val because I fear for her.
¡°At our next stop, probably. You¡¯re not the only one who made plans for today.¡± He ruffles my hair, probably because he knows I hate it. ¡°Although I must applaud you, those sweets really hit the spot.¡±
Our next destination turns out to be a place I¡¯ve always hoped to visit when looking over the city¡¯s skyline but I didn¡¯t have any funds to make the trips worth it. Out of the four major buildings in Granhall, that Being the Mage Tower, the Fort, the Palace, and the Emporium I only visited two and hopefully the Palace will never be added to the list.
I gawk at the largely open building that¡¯s like six entire marketplaces stacked on top of each other all the while we¡¯re pushed around by swarms of people going about their days. I can barely hear my own thoughts because of the earbusting volume of bartering and bustling going on.
I don¡¯t like this place. Not the place itself really but the amount of living beings breathing around me. There¡¯s also one more problem we gotta solve¡
¡°And where exactly are they?¡± I shout into Dad¡¯s ears to make sure he hears it.
He recoils and flicks me on the cheek before leaning closer. ¡°You don¡¯t have to shout, I can hear you clearly.¡± He says and I
can¡¯t hear him clearly.
How did he¡
¡°Is it because of higher Endurance or something?¡± I try in a normal tone and he looks at me weirdly.
¡°No? Do you think our longer ears are just for show? We hear better, didn''t you notice?¡± He asks, looking baffled as if I just grew a new arm.
¡°No Dad, I¡¯m not entirely an elf and have never had any ears other than mine to compare.¡± I shout again right into his ear, just for his stupid head to start working.
Although on multiple occasions it was my hearing helping me out the most when it came to locating danger. Eh, who knows¡ But hearing won¡¯t help finding our targets here whatsoever. Not to mention I¡¯m not really the tallest around, meaning an infinite wall of backs is all I see.
¡°Crouch!¡± I order with a vein throbbing on my forehead.
¡°Wha?¡± He shouts back, maybe losing some of his
oh-so-super hearing for being dumb.
I hate repeating myself so I just climb onto his back, up his shoulder, and sit there as any self-respecting young child would. A good shoulder ride spares me the bother of being around people while giving me the high ground. There''s only one thing I¡¯m looking for.
White.
Besides old people there were only like four people I met with unnaturally white hair. Mom, Val, some white-furred hare beastman, and another dude with weird red eyes to his equally weird white hair.
Lo and behold it really is that easy. In just seconds I find them and guide my new stallion to the rest of our group.
¡°Care to explain?¡± Mom greets us as I climb down from my perch.
¡°We hear better.¡± I reply shortly, not explaining a single thing. ¡°So what are we here for?¡± I ask. ¡°Weapons? Or to get us some armor?¡±
My excitement has been steadily climbing upwards ever since we got here. The different displays do a wonderful job of making me want to throw my money away. Thankfully I don¡¯t have any at hand right now otherwise I¡¯m not sure I could contain myself any longer.
¡°Do either of you use weapons?¡± Mom asks with a flat look and hands on her hips.
¡°No?¡± I¡¯m not sure if the things I shape out of my mana count.
¡°Right, and both of you are expected to grow quite some more in the following years, so armor would be a waste of money. Quality armor, that is. The basic leather stuff is just to scam the newbies, torn to shreds like paper when fighting anything stronger than a housecat. Not to mention anything properly enchanted is rarely made in your size anyways.¡± She adds. ¡°What else could you need?¡±
A lot. Knife, backpack, cloak, a buttload of Hadron crystal, waterskin, proper boots, maybe a cloak and¡ Why is she even asking us that? Two people here have experience doing adventuring stuff and the two under interrogation don¡¯t.
¡°You tell me.¡± I answer and Mom grins widely.
¡°A wise answer.¡±
I still remember counting every copper while scraping together the twenty gold to free Valka from the collar. Many times I had to walk past shops displaying let¡¯s say an earring that caught my eyes with a heavy heart. I knew what I had to do but that didn¡¯t mean giving up on things I would¡¯ve liked any easier.
I could name plenty of items that I would need no problem, however, there¡¯s another aspect to consider. Besides price. Everything has to fit comfortably into a bag I can carry on my own, be that clothes, tools and¡ I don¡¯t know food. Food is always important.
¡°The most important supply is two spare sets of your favorite underwear!¡± Mom declares without restricting her voice or any embarrassment whatsoever.
***
It went just as I expected and my propositions to buy plates, firewood, or pillows were all met with lengthy explanations with a hint of mockery. The usual. They did go into detail as to why any of those would be nothing more than a scam for beginners, aka me,
after giggling to their heart''s content.
I often wonder what crimes I¡¯ve committed to deserve parents with this¡ unusual language of love. But then again the apple didn¡¯t fall far from the tree and I do enjoy pocking fun at each other from time to time. It works like a spice to the basic love and care and all the good stuff¡ Except when I¡¯m on the receiving end for too long.
¡°What does this blue dishwater do?¡± I ask, shaking a small vial of light liquid.
My parents were already satisfied with our haul from the previous shop but decided to take a peek at the stock of some famous Alchemist. It never hurts to look, as long as you don¡¯t open your wallet.
¡°An arcane potion¡ I think.¡± Dad leans closer and inspects the product. ¡°It restores mana.¡±
Heh? Why would I need a potion to do that? Hadron crystals work fine and fast.
¡°It is capable of much more than that I assure you.¡± A well-dressed gnome approaches us, with his nose held quite high despite his size. ¡°It assists the body in regenerating mana, while also sparing the mana vessel.¡±
¡°Why not just use a crystal instead? Is it faster?¡± I inquire, still not sold on his stuff.
¡°Due to your tender age, I doubt you have ever suffered the consequences of mana poisoning before.¡± He locks his fingers. And if I did? ¡°Although the potion works slower, its effects persist for hours and greatly decrease the burden on one¡¯s body to avoid any harm.¡±
I can see the advantage of that. Mana poisoning does suck. Big time.
After his sudden appearance, the shop owner introduces me to many different marvels of alchemy. Potions that boost stamina and other bodily functions, nigh universal cures, although I highly doubt that, and other less useful but still sought-after liquids.
Since all of them are special and difficult to procure we leave with our coin purse no less heavier as the prices leave us pale. We never intended to buy anything in the first place and our plans don¡¯t require anything too special. The gnome doesn¡¯t seem too pleased that we¡¯ve wasted his time, although it¡¯s difficult to tell when dealing with his race. They always look grumpy.
¡°How did you like it?¡± I lean into Val, slowly trudging after my parents.
¡°Way too many humans.¡± She answers, no surprise there. ¡°Also, way too many weird and interesting things. I liked the place, its charm almost offsets the-¡±
¡°Yeah, yeah I know too many humans, even some elves, I know.¡± I shut her up. ¡°Let¡¯s look at the bright side of things, you managed to keep the frown off your face and enjoyed yourself right?¡±
¡°...right.¡± She nods reluctantly.
¡°Are we done?¡± I ask, exhausted after hours of shopping.
¡°There¡¯s one more stop on the ground floor before we leave.¡± Mom answers.
As we descend the last flight of stairs and walk to a corner of the massive building a sign comes into sight. The people busying themselves in this part are a little off from the norm one would expect in a building distinctly made for merchants. Not customers either but rather¡
Enterprise of Adventuring Activity
Adventurers are¡ merchants?
Chapter 102 - Rocky Start
¡°So you are basically merchants?¡± I ask my parents at the sight of the ridiculous sign on the ground floor of the
Merchants'' Emporium.
Enterprise of Adventuring Activity
There are some awkward glances traded between my parents about how theyshould explain this to me.
¡°It¡¯s mostly located here to sell any materials or other request-related items much easier.¡± Dad answers, pointing out the obvious. ¡°Adventurers don''t really belong in any category. The plethora of jobs people are willing to take is just too wide to determine whether we are fighters or even grave robbers or sewer cleaners and so on.¡±
¡°You desecrate graves?¡± I look at both my parents, flabbergasted.
¡°No no no, not us and not like that.¡± They shake their heads and Mom explains. ¡°The vaults of some prominent figures throughout history can contain riches and secrets that are far more valuable to the living than their dead makers. Priceless artifacts of legendary artisans, riches of tyrannical rules, or tomes of long-vanished mages who dedicated the rest of their life to their craft.¡± She explains with growing excitement.
Still sounds like grave robbing to me. Well, you aren¡¯t basically
stealing from a person so it''s more like finding a coin on the streets. Okay, no it¡¯s still somewhat stealing¡
¡°And what are we here for?¡± I avoid further escalation of that conversation.
Despite Mom working as an adventurer for most of my life I never once visited¡ her workplace? The guild? What is this building really? A shop where you inquire what¡¯s in demand and provide exactly that¡ Eh, not that the definition matters.
¡°To look for areas with some extermination needed.¡± Mom grins. ¡°Somewhere mildly dangerous. You two can still easily become a meal to almost anything and even your father and I are no different.¡± She points at Dad and herself. ¡°The wilds are unpredictable and we have our limits to pulling you out of danger.¡±
Ouch. So even though this whole
vacation is about us learning a little more about how the outside world works and how to camp and travel properly we¡¯re still somewhat of a deadweight. I mean, we can defend ourselves, we¡¯ve survived out there for weeks and that has to amount to something.
¡°The pay will be miniscule but stuffing our pockets was never the goal to begin with.¡± Dad adds and ushers us inside.
The interior is nothing like I imagined. No rough-looking dudes or the smell of sweat mixed with blood and booze. The entire place looks more like a massive warehouse with counters separating the staff and people looking for some money to earn. The adventurers gather before the mammoth-sized bulletin boards plastered with notices, discussing the advantages and difficulties of certain offers.
All in all, everything is a lot less¡ wild and free than I imagined. This looks like a respectable business and not rowdy freelancers fighting for the best deal to make a living.
¡°Wipe the surprised look off your face,¡± Mom takes the lead. ¡°it makes you look like an unprofessional rookie.¡± Maybe because I am? Not to mention I¡¯m clearly the youngest in the entire building, bar Valka.
I try to put some swagger into my steps to mask my nervousness and rely on that certain aura of confidence we got used to while terrorizing the streets. Even without looking, I can feel a good number of eyes fall on us and linger a little longer than I¡¯d like but that only confirms what Mom said. Val and I are what they like to call
fresh meat.
We waddle through the crowd and approach the board to scout for a job suitable for our skills and by just reading a few I begin to understand why adventurers don¡¯t exactly belong in any category.
Myuron Bison Hide, Drug Testing, Ape Tooth Berries, Spider Infested Catacomb¡
¡°Look for anything that¡¯s about murdering hordes of critters or a few slightly dangerous beasts.¡± Dad narrows down our search.
¡°Bandits?¡± Valka suggests.
¡°No!¡± Mom shot her down instantly. I¡¯m also not too keen on hunting humans.
¡°But just humans-¡±
¡°I said no!¡± Mom holds her ground. ¡°You¡¯re not ready.¡±
I shake my head for Val to see. It¡¯s not an argument she could ever win so she better give up.
Goblin Raids. I¡¯d rather not. They are the embodiment of ¡®disgusting¡¯ and the noises they make when dying¡ Bleh.
Sewer Slimes. Val would be helpless against them or the stench down there.
Mutated Rabbits and Irregular Creatures.
Huh?
¡°Dad.¡± I nudge poke him in the side and point at the contract that caught my eye.
I don¡¯t have anything against rabbits. Quite the contrary, I like the little furry fuckers with the fluffy fur and cute twitching noses. I like cute noises and I like them both cooked and roasted.
Dad¡¯s eyes rest on the piece of paper for a second then he politely pushes his way through the crowd and snatches the pamphlet off the board.
¡°I don¡¯t like it.¡± Mom declares after reading through the offer.
The contents are in short: A caravan got attacked by rabbits with gangly bodies and erratic behavior. They caught sight of other unsightly creatures and heard disturbing howls echoing from a nearby forest. Quantity: substantial, Danger: minimal, Reward: minimal.
Okay, not the words written on the paper but that¡¯s how Dad summed it all up for us in short. It¡¯s a little pathetic but the main goal of our short adventuring career before autumn is to learn about this entire system with all its intricacies. The reward and difficulty are abysmal but I somewhat like it that way.
¡°The description is too vague.¡± Mom explains, and at the same time explains nothing.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
¡°At least it''s close.¡± I observe.
¡°All of them are. Anything more than six days¡¯ walk gets posted in a different city depending on the content. Tasks too difficult or on a different scale are of course exceptions.¡± Mom adds, clearly aimed at educating the younger generation.
¡°Dear, would you rather spend another ten minutes in this crowd to maybe find something slightly more appealing? We can also go after wild oxbears for all I care or even better, I saw an offer to hunt goliath bats. Fancy any of those?¡± Dad counters.
A healthy argument is always the best solution, or at least that¡¯s how it goes in my family. And even now, despite the mood I know damn well my parents love each other¡ It¡¯s reassuring.
***
They argued. A lot.
Mom remained adamant and refused to accept a job with a description that ambiguous. No clear details about the targets¡¯ level or species, their location and number¡ not to mention their description was also closer to how children explain what they¡¯ve seen under their bed.
Dad tried to stay calm and explained that if we were faced with anything twice my level we could just leave. There was literally nothing forcing us to see through the request to the end. Even better, the meadow described in the contract was only a day or two away by foot in the first place so even if it''s a bust we lose out on minimal time.
Things got heated really fast so Val and I just sided with Dad to end the debate. Partly because the argument drew way too much attention and also because we didn¡¯t want to listen to the whole thing every time a pamphlet caught someone¡¯s eye. We packed within the hour and left to avoid talking about the whole topic again, as responsible adults should.
It¡¯s been half a day since then and currently, we¡¯re on route dead east. Neither side of the married couple holds any grudges but there¡¯s still a spark of conflict in the air. It¡¯s so typical.
¡°Are you starting to regret following me?¡± I ask Val as it has been about three months since she got freed from slavery.
She peeks behind us, at the adults, and sighs. ¡°Could be worse. If not for Bennett then I would¡¯ve preferred the Elder Line back in Turan to help me grow stronger. The last few months would¡¯ve been a waste if not for him.¡± Then her eyes settle on me again with a judgmental gleam. ¡°Not like I had much of a choice with you clinging to me like that you know, I too have a heart.¡± She blushes while lying through her teeth but I¡¯d still love to hit her now. ¡°Anyway, just worry about yourself! Pick a second Class already and make our next duel less onesided.¡±
Oh, you can be sure of that. Ever since she beat me by a hair¡¯s breadth her bossy personality surfaced. The same argument is brought out every time she tries to prove a point. So yeah, I¡¯ll be sure to rack up some levels.
With that said I definitely should stop dilly-dallying and wasting an entire Class slot. That is if I knew what to do with it.
¡°So are we stopping in a town nearby or just gonna sleep under the open sky,¡± I ask, silently praying for option one,
It was a bit before noon when we last left a settlement behind and have been on the move for most of the day. Considering this job isn¡¯t just about taking a quick look and then walking back, we need to find a place for more than a single night.
¡°Well, the location is vague so we¡¯ll definitely have to set up camp.¡± Dad speaks up first, earning a huff from Mom.
¡°Yeah, sure. We have no idea what¡¯s lurking out there, besides some rabbits, and you want to sleep out in the wild?¡± She chuckles, her voice laced with sarcasm.
I feel another argument brewing and decide to intervene before things become too heated. ¡°If we find a village or something before sunset then we stay there, otherwise just keep looking and sleep wherever. Deal?¡± I propose to the surprise of everyone.
One nod, two, and reluctantly the third.
***
It was a dumb idea. I kinda forgot how empty the lands can be between even towns, not to mention proper cities, so¡ it''s gonna be another uncomfortable night in a bedroll.
It¡¯s not the worst, it really isn¡¯t but when the idea or rather the hopes of something better is floating this close to someone¡¯s mind the situation does feel a little grating. All of us have had our fair share of wilderness survival meaning this little trip should be a walk in the park however it feels anything but.
¡°Elyssia, light the fire!¡± Orders mom, using my full name to express her dissatisfaction.
¡°The idea might¡¯ve been mine but everyone agreed so stop putting all the blame on me.¡± I mutter but still obey all the same
Dinner is some kind of meat jerky with chewy bread and water¡ Yeah, this firmly reminds me why I decided against the calling of becoming an adventurer. Traveling and seeing the world is nice and all but I was born in the city and don¡¯t feel like leaving its comfort more than necessary.
I¡¯m just about to stuff myself into the warm embrace of my bed when Mom grabs my ear. ¡°Not so fast young lady, you take the first nightwatch with your father!¡± She pulls me back.
¡°Why me?¡± I protest and try to gain back control over my ear.
Damn long ears provide a perfect grip.
¡°Because the second shift is worse and the less Endurance one has, the harder it is to deal with exhaustion.¡± She finally unhands me. ¡°Both you and your father have the Endurance of a sheet of paper.¡±
That might be a bit of an exaggeration, I survived quite a few injuries in the past year. And her argument kinda defeats itself. We¡¯ve been active all day and I¡¯m already tired as hell. Expecting me to stay awake for a few more hours, boring ones to top it off¡
¡°Dad?¡± I look for a bailout.
¡°Just try staying awake Eli. It¡¯s part of your training and a lot more boring by myself.¡± He smirks at me and sits down on a rock near the edge of the dancing light of our little campfire.
Mom, still grumpy, just hauls her bedding closer to the gentle flames and lies down without even saying good night. Every time things don¡¯t go her way, every damn time¡ Valka smirks at me mockingly before nesting closer to the warmth of the fire herself.
¡°Fuck.¡± I mutter and sit down next to Dad. It was a lot better when it was just Val and me.
***
¡°Did you know we¡¯re part plants?¡± Dad asks out of nowhere after an untold time of sitting and chit-chatting.
¡°I don¡¯t feel like growing roots or something.¡± I reply, followed by an enormous yawn.
¡°I meant that all elves are children of the World Tree and her alone.¡± He leans onto my head, using it as a pillow. I need to use whatever strength my exhausted body might have in secret reserves to keep ourselves from falling over. ¡°My parents told me that once in a while, when Wyrel is in the mood, massive fruits grow on her branches. Fruits that upon ripening become elves. High elves to be precise.¡±
¡°What¡¯s the difference, if there¡¯s any?¡± I ask. An elf is an elf.
¡°Oh, they are very much like us, except for a few minor details.¡± Dad plays with my hair while basically telling me a bedtime story. ¡°For one, they are immortal living within the bounds of the Verdant Forest.¡± He says casually. They what? ¡°And also genderless.¡±
¡°Wait, wait, wait!¡± I push him off as my eyes pop open. ¡°What do you mean immortal?¡±
He chuckles and waves for me to get back to my spot so he can get my head back as a pillow. ¡°The mana there in the forest is so thick, so incredibly rich, that it keeps them alive forever. Like plants growing endlessly. Although I don¡¯t mean immortal like they can¡¯t be killed, they can with great difficulty, but what I mean is that they don¡¯t age.¡±
¡°So then where do basic elves come from?¡± I ask, thirsting for more stories.
¡°Don¡¯t call me basic.¡± Dad taps on my head. ¡°When a High Elf leaves Sarava, our homeland, and the Verdant Forest their bodies get deprived of the vitalizing mana and go through some changes. Some turn into men, others into women, depending on the fire-to-water mana ration in the air. Then there are the different subspecies, some living in the Sarahal Desert, others up north in Koleth, or even the dark crevices in the depths of the Elder Forest, we are very diverse.¡± He finishes puffing his chest proudly.
¡°And what type of ¡®
very diverse¡¯ are you?¡± I ask, looking for a specific answer.
¡°I am¡¡±
¡°Basic.¡± I answer with a fiendish grin.
¡°Then so, are, you!¡± And he attacks my poor birdnest of a hair again.
I¡¯m the furthest one can be from basic. For all I know I¡¯m one of a kind. The least basic.
¡°Wait.¡± I freeze. ¡°Does that mean that some super powerful tree is my really great grandmother?¡± My fingers unconsciously run across the surface of the bracelet I received on my ninth birthday.
Dad looks at me like the dumbest sentence just left my mouth before we start giggling, just quietly so as not to wake up the sleeping dragon. I tickle him a little to see how long he can hold it back when out of nowhere he shoots up and his body tenses.
He holds a finger to my lips and all the goofiness leaves the both of us in a matter of seconds. ¡°Wake the others up!¡± He whispers. ¡°We got company.¡±
Chapter 103 - Horrors of the Night
¡°Wake the others up!¡± He whispers. ¡°We¡¯ve got company.¡±
I spring into action, rushing over to Mom first as her input in battle is incomparable to Valka¡¯s or even mine. I shake her shoulder and hold a finger to my lips as her eyes snap open. A nod toward Dad is all she needs to understand the situation, freeing herself from the bedroll with speed I never thought possible.
With Valka, I take more drastic measures. One ice-cold hand on her neck and another clamping down on her mouth for when she jolts up with a squeal. She¡¯s a deep sleeper and I don¡¯t have the time to mess around.
¡°Shhh! Enemies.¡± I explain and her vengeful eyes narrow, putting this grudge on a shelf for later.
By now even I can hear the soft rustling of the bushes in the distance, different from the regular noises caused by the soft breeze. We gather up with our backs together, peering into the shadows of the night, illuminated only by our dying campfire and the rays of the triplet moons.
Mana Perception comes to life as I peer through the darkness to relieve more than the eye can see. Colors flood the darkness, as nature, water, earth, and wind mana paint a picture, covered in the thin veil of darkness. During the day, light mana is dominant and everything seems brighter even in the realm of mana but at night a gray haze covers everything.
Actually¡ what is dark mana? I¡¯ve sort of forgotten about that question for a while. Shadows are simply a surface with little to no light so there should be no such thing as dark mana, just the absence of light¡ Something to investigate in the Academy I guess.
The bright orangish yellow color of life mana catches my eyes, like a shimmering mist floating swiftly through the hazy grayish world. And it''s not alone.
¡°Three of them.¡± I share my findings.
¡°Four.¡± Dad corrects me.
I deactivate the Skill, just in time to see him slot an arrow and let it loose with a sharp whistle into the thick of the underbrush. It hits¡ something, which is shortly followed by an ear-piercing, hoarse scream. The screech, similar to that of a fork against a pan, signals the attack and three¡
things emerge.
I¡¯ve seen my fair share of bizarre creatures while wandering aimlessly in the forest and living among the beasts. Some with an incorrect number of limbs, others with comical proportions, and then some looking all weird and sometimes not even made of blood and flesh. These rabbit-like creatures embody all of that and somehow manage to make it all look even worse.
Their bodies are morbidly elongated, almost as if something tried to tear them in two and failed, with gnarly front legs similar to that of wolves, their back limbs that of a goat, and greenish-yellow puss oozing from countless wounds under their patchy fur. Those tiny bunny snouts, otherwise unbelievably cute, are open wide to an unnatural angle, filled with sharp fangs and a long dangling tongue. And those blood-curdling voices they make¡
They look almost way more bizarre than frightening.
Since only three of them emerged, Dad probably dispatched one. He lowers his bow and sighs. ¡°It¡¯s okay dear, let the kids take care of them. They¡¯re weak.¡± He steps back, leaving us up front against the horror bunnies.
[Rabbit lvl 112]
[Rabbit lvl 91]
[Rabbit lvl 105]
Weak my ass. And there¡¯s no way those abominations are related to rabbits in any way, I must be imagining things.
I attack first before any of them can lounge or before Val dives head-first toward those fangs. Well, attacking in this case means putting those moves Martha taught me to work.
I¡¯m talking about dancing, feeling the rhythm, and connecting my steps like someone actually engrossed in the moment and not just focused on killing. Low, monumental steps, minimal twirls, heavy and unwavering moves with my arms¡ The earth heeds my call, moving more smoothly and with much more purpose than before, crawling up the bodies of all¡ rabbits and crushing everything in its grasp.
¡°Nice.¡± Valka comments while running past me.
She sprints at the closest ugliness and instead of pulling her fist back as usual to pound until it no longer breathes, she lifts her leg. Above her head. The foot comes down with breakneck speed and her heel impacts the skull with a disturbing
crack, denting the whole head in.
The beast collapses and dies, then and there.
Praise to Bennett. Previously Val would¡¯ve literally just punched and grappled until killing the damn thing while healing whatever wound she suffered in the process. This¡ this is scarier.
The other two thrash around furiously after witnessing the death of their fellow nightmare bunny. Their hoofed back limbs do manage to slip out of earthen grip, something I didn''t account for. No feet, not much to hold down. Some more kicking earns them their freedom but I really think staying put and accepting their fate would¡¯ve been a little wiser.
Of course, neither Val nor I just stood still, twiddling our thumbs and making it all fair. Her leg with the impact of a hammer is already on course to crush the windpipe of one, while a blade of wind lashes out from my hand, cutting the other¡¯s stomach open and spilling its contents.
To my biggest surprise, neither of them goes down right away. Mine staggers and claws its way towards me. The other bites onto Valka¡¯s legs, snarling and clinging on to her even when half dead. We finish them off swiftly because the only thing more unsightly than the creatures is the same bunnies looking like moving corpses.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Agonized Rabbit of Many Bodies - Life lvl 105].]
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Agonized Rabbit of Many Bodies - Life lvl 91].]The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Agonized Rabbit of Many Bodies - Life lvl 112].]
[Your Class [Nature''s Partner in the Dance] has reached lvl 112, +4 Free Statpoints, +3 Free Points, +8 Speed, +4 Endurance, +15 Intelligence, +16 Focus, +2 Dexterity, +14 Mana, +16 Willpower, +2 Fortitude.]
[Your class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 98.]
[Your class Skill [Action for Reaction] has reached lvl 92.]
¡°That was¡¡±
¡°Easy?¡± Valka finishes it for me.
¡°That too, but they looked uncomfortable in their own bodies.¡± I walk closer to the corpses. ¡°As if they were barely functioning.¡±
Dad crouches down beside me and starts looking not just over but into the body without a hint of disgust on his face. As a hunter, he must¡¯ve done this a thousand times before.
¡°What are these?¡± Mom asks poking another body with her spear, an approach I can stand behind.
¡°Trouble.¡± Dad answers, brushing over the fur. ¡°We can¡¯t stay for the night.¡±
The area where he parted the fur reveals that not just the fur is different on the legs, the skin beneath is also separated by a line, like two different cloths sewn together.
Just as we¡¯re about to pack another shriek, similar to the one we silenced not even a minute ago reverberates through the woods. Judging by its volume it can''t be far.
¡°Girls, kill anything that moves!¡± Mom issues the orders without looking up.
¡°Why-¡± I try to object.
If we¡¯re in trouble, or more accurately these things mean trouble, shouldn¡¯t it be them fighting?
¡°Because you pack with the speed of a blind dwarf and we¡¯re here for you to murder things in the first place. Now up and at it!¡±
Valka and I take up position, her a little to the front and me right behind her, almost like second nature.
¡°So, you¡¯re kicking now?¡± I ask.
The wild, animal-like fighting she called style was refined almost beyond recognition. It¡¯s still rough but the guidance is there.
¡°Oh I still punch, don¡¯t worry. Just wanted to test what I¡¯ve learned.¡± She glances back with an excited grin.
Looks like a test that short wasn¡¯t enough for her.
Martha had little insight into what I should do differently, which is partly the reason why she advocated sending me to the Academy. Besides teaching me how to dance a little, the rest is up to me. Magic is about knowledge and imagination. I¡¯m unbeatable in one and let¡¯s be honest, there are no two people who imagine a snowflake the same, let alone something as complex as magic.
Maybe I¡¯m just too good already¡
With the soft sound of crackling fire and furious packing¡ we wait. Valka with the hearing and nose of a hound and me looking into the world of the arcane very few things could avoid being detected. Scratch that, very few things about as strong as us could avoid being detected. Thankuflly the uninvited guests are not part of that elusive group.
One, four, six, fourteen.
¡°Uhm, Dad?¡± I ask without explaining anything, he probably knows just by hearing them move.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, just do your thing. Also, try not to burn down the whole forest.¡± He encourages me, although I don¡¯t feel encouraged.
This isn''t my first dance against something stronger, or rather higher level, or greater in number for that matter. What I¡¯m concerned about however is the unknown. We killed them too fast, we have no clue what they¡¯re capable of.
A deep breath and a quick sigh later the worries are no more. because this time I can pull a card that was rarely if ever in my hand.
Call mom and dad. The ultimate rescue card in case of disaster.
Despite Dad¡¯s warning, my first move, even before anything reveals itself, is lighting the forest on fire. This time the reason is not my disdain towards nature or any hypno-fruits. No, I simply wish to funnel the enemy and let us see what we¡¯re fighting.
I have to say, it works like a charm. A rare instance where things go according to plan.
The same messed up rabbit abominations burst forth with just as much reason in their eyes as before. Rage, pain, and hate are the only things those tiny red beads radiate. The task is simple, kill as many as possible while staying alive and if possible letting the parents do their thing undisturbed. Not that they need much protection.
Again I grasp the right of first strike as it is my right as a ranged combatant. Something that I mostly fucked up in the past because of hesitation and overthinking. If only I created an advantageous field at the start instead of thinking about the best move¡ many things could¡¯ve ended differently.
Now that things are on fire and I have a few seconds and the trusty old meatshield before me, it''s time for some serious magic. Valka knows the drill, already a few steps up and muscles coiled ready to unleash punishment. One of the rabbits does try its luck, the strong back legs launching it forth with maw open wide to strike. Valka¡¯s leg whips out from behind her, drawing a wide arc and impacting the incoming threat. The body bends around the feet before flying off somewhere to suffer for maybe a minute before its mushed insides shut down.
I can¡¯t be outdone, not again.
I turn to fire as it has spread around us wildly, providing me with ample fuel. A slow and methodical dance unfolds, one of grace and focus. The flames gather around me in a vortex slowly enveloping my arms and turning into a crimson dress. Another thing I learned from Martha besides fancy steps is
breathing. A simple unconscious function of our body yet perhaps the most important one. Important for a dance, for movement, and crucial when handling
fire.
One last deep breath, then I form a claw with my hand and gather the inferno. When released the ray of fire bursts forth, melting everything in its path while causing a blast of wind and blowing my hair into my face. I keep feeding into the beam while sweating it across the line of enemies. Valka sensed the doom gathering behind her and dropped flat on the ground to avoid friendly fire.
In the end, the result of my attack speaks for itself. The fire doesn¡¯t necessarily finish all the rabbits off but sears the flesh and blackens the bones, basically crippling all who get caught in the beam.
While I gape and cool the suffocatingly hot air around me, Valka springs into action. She strikes the rabbits writhing on the ground, dispatching them swiftly. I soon join in on the massacre and with a few well-aimed shards of ice send three more to Malor¡¯s embrace.
The uninjured ones and those still driven by¡ whatever created these rabbits to be this broken, scampered away fearing for their lives, looking for a window of opportunity.
¡°Okay girls, let''s head out!¡± Mom calls out to us and not a second later a hail of ice shards pelts the rabbits, unaliving all of them in the blink of an eye.
That¡¯s so unfair, and kinda defeats the whole purpose. Not very motivational either.
A quick check on just how effective my move was reveals that the answer is so-so. Wherever the fire hit it caused tremendous damage and likely decided the outcome of the fight. On the other hand, as I swiped the beam horizontally almost a third of the entire output was wasted on the empty space between the rabbits. Conclusion? A good, albeit very situational attack.
¡°Don¡¯t sulk and get moving!¡± Mom speaks again before putting out the fire and mostly disappearing out of sight in the shadows.
The echo of yet another blood-chilling howl somewhere in the distance urges me to move and I oblige. I really, really don¡¯t want one of those ugly things to pop out near me in the darkness of the night, with only those crazed red eyes visible. Good material for the solid horror chronicles around a campfire.
We tread in the agreed-upon line of Mom, Val, me, and Dad. The squishiest, aka me, in the middle, floating a tiny ball of flame to be our guiding light. We proved to be able to detect the rabbits way before coming in contact with them but that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re lowering our guard. None of us are amateur enough to do that.
¡°Where now?¡± I ask, trying to repress a humongous yawn.
¡°As far away from here as we can, preferably somewhere inhabited.¡± Dad helps me before I trip over a stupidly grown root. ¡°Hang in there Eli.¡±
There¡¯s really not that much more hanging in me left. The second watch got a few hours of shut-eye and Dad probably operates with ten times my Endurance. It sucks. Like a sheep I just follow the back of the person in front of me, putting one leg in front of the other just to not fall face first.
¡°We might¡¯ve chosen the wrong gig, huh?¡± Asks Mom with both irritation and smugness in her tone.
She was right and we will be reminded of that for a whole week, at the very least.
Chapter 104 - Quick Break
It was almost daybreak when we discovered the first signs of civilized life, namely endless fields of wheat and corn. From there finding the town was basically child¡¯s play, not that I had much contribution to any of that.
Embarrassing or not, sleep claimed me not even halfway through the night and Dad had to carry his little princess for hours. When I woke up I was quite surprised nothing bothered us the entire way and I could just sleep for hours, except that wasn¡¯t really the case. As it turned out Mom simply turned anything that came remotely close into pincushions and I was so exhausted that not even their dying shrieks managed to wake me. The sleep deprivation was nowhere near as bad as my situation when I stumbled into Val but the circumstances were quite different and this time I wasn¡¯t fighting for survival.
Still not nice.
And so we spent almost half a day lazing around like we were on vacation and mostly sleeping right after arriving and getting us a room in some random, raggedy-ass-looking tavern. The beds were passable, just like the food, clearly leagues above sleeping out under the open sky. Despite all of us feeling rested and ready for murder the decision fell on staying until the next morning.
Why not leave right away?
Because we don¡¯t plan on ending up in the same situation in case the search and culling drags out. We only have so much daylight and half of it is already gone. So the adults came up with an afternoon activity I¡¯ve been avoiding like a plague ever since my ninth birthday. Traditional thinking says it¡¯s pretty much mandatory but enough yapping and tantrums and of course being locked up in Fort Karon kept me as far away from any churches as possible.
But I¡¯m no coward and some stupid voice from four years ago can¡¯t keep me away from¡ I don¡¯t actually want anything from the Gods.
Maybe that¡¯s why my few quick prayers always go unanswered¡ or draw the opposite effect.
¡°Who are you gonna pray to?¡± I ask Val as we trail after the adults.
¡°Hmmm, Alethea maybe, for justice to my tribesmen. Or Krieg to give me strength so I can bring justice myself.¡± She replies with the same flame in her eyes I envy so much. ¡°You?¡±
¡°No clue¡¡± I shrug. ¡°I heard Laplace can be dangerous, he or she or they¡ whatever, they can easily scam the poor soul of all their ideas instead of properly answering their prayers. Other than that I can¡¯t think of anything I could, with honesty, pray for. Maybe a bit more beauty from Callista?¡±
The topic of praying and Gods doesn¡¯t last long between the two of us. Relying on our own work and what we can achieve is what we believe in and that¡¯s exactly the next topic on our agenda.
Last night¡¯s incident, how well our new ideas worked, and what else to try. Valka¡¯s performance was outstanding, hitting harder than ever and wasting less mana by focusing on avoiding hits. Me on the other hand¡
I still fight like a mage
Mage, focusing on bigger instead of better. That beam of fire¡ yeah I shouldn¡¯t do that. Took too long to prepare and ate through almost a third of my mana in the few seconds I had it running. Less is sometimes more. Or is it more is not always more? More is sometimes yes? Eh, fuck this¡
Arriving at the church Mom and Dad handed over some money, which I doubt the Gods really need, before stepping into the presence of the statues. The usual nine major Gods are present as always, as are a few other significant ones the locals deemed necessary when building the church. Just like the town itself, this place of worship is nothing grand yet even so the greatest the people around here could afford.
Only the best for those in the highest seats.
I see some people get to their knees, begging with their hands clasped together and whispering prayers. Others, like my parents, just close their eyes and bow their heads slightly, showing just enough courtesy without that certain hint of desperation.
Me¡ I just stand there, still clueless about who to address and what to say. So I just say what comes to mind.
Hey there, any divine being who even gives a rat¡¯s ass about what we murmur down here!
I¡¯m not here to ask for anything, or begging for my problems to be solved. I¡¯ll do those myself. I do want Mom and Dad to worry less about me and for Val to find peace and happiness but I guess they pray harder for those themselves.
All I have to say, to whoever made these Blessings to be an eternal curse¡ Fuck you! I¡¯m not sure my life would¡¯ve been easier or happier without it but it was not any of your decision to make! Have fun from up there¡
This turned into more of a rant than prayer, even so, it felt good. Refreshing like a gulp of cold water in the summer heat. I know some of my misfortunes were entirely self-inflicted but it always feels so satisfying to blame someone, even if just temporarily.
¡°The pursuit for knowledge continues, insolent child.¡± A voice even I hadn¡¯t heard in years and even I myself started to doubt the existence of whispers in my ears. Although this whispering feels like having my skin peeled off, slowly and meticulously.
¡°Now bestowed with the spark of creati-¡±
¡°Nope!¡± I whisper and dance back where I came from. ¡°No creepy voices today. Gods don¡¯t respond to mortals, especially nonbelievers like me. I¡¯m not dealing with you, bye.¡±
I¡¯m not ready to owe up to my words. Who could¡¯ve guessed something would answer?
Unsurprisingly I am the first to finish my business here. There was little message or heart to convey and even less zest to hear a good earful. Or a curse in the worst case.
In just minutes the other three become content with their onesided communion with carved stone and we leave the house of Gods.
¡°What did you pray for?¡± Mom asks me in particular.
No one in our family is overly religious, and my parents rarely visit the church more than twice a week with me breaking records at twice every thirteen years. This occasion should¡¯ve been something special, maybe the start of a new, normal habit¡ but I can¡¯t see that happening. I don¡¯t want to make a fool of myself again, even if I¡¯m right.
¡°Just the usual, happiness and health.¡± I lie through my teeth instead of basically admitting to blasphemy.
¡°Great, I prayed to become filthy rich.¡± Mom knows no shame.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
¡°But we are.¡± I point out. ¡°The bag we brought back-¡±
¡°Is yours.¡± Dad interrupts. ¡°Our pride as parents won''t allow us to take our child¡¯s hard work, even if you basically stole it, and spend even a copper as our own. Gifts or a dinner is the end of what we¡¯re willing to accept and nothing will change that.¡± One of the rare instances where Dad¡¯s personality proves his race. ¡°So, who¡¯s hungry?¡±
A dumb question.
***
Rested, satisfied, and itching for action we departed the next day at the crack of dawn. The forenoon allocated to finding the revolting rabbits turned out to be a gross overestimate as retracing our tracks revealed more than enough to begin our hunt.
A horse torn to shreds, three carriages smashed beyond repair, and goods spilled and left behind. None of those screams
horror rabbits, but last night¡¯s experience and an educated guess are enough of a basis.
¡°We¡¯ll let you girls take the lead.¡± Mom stops us just before entering deeper into the forest. ¡°We¡¯ll be around but, that does not mean you can act rashly. Getting you a few quick levels before enrolling into the Academy wasn¡¯t the only goal of this trip, you need to learn how to respect and survive the wilds.¡±
¡°I think we did a solid job back when it was just the two of us.¡± I point out because I doubt there¡¯s much to learn.
¡°She¡¯s right, except for a few extra dangerous beasts we met little opposition. I think we¡¯re ready.¡± Valka seconds my opinion.
¡°Hm, maybe.¡± Dad flashes a cold smile. ¡°But I¡¯ll be the judge of that. And don¡¯t even think we¡¯ll let you laze around for the upcoming months even if there¡¯s nothing more to learn.¡±
Learn, huh? Considering I spent my first nine years sheltered like a newborn chick, then the next three as a voluntary prisoner, and lost another half to living as an escapee, jungle girl, thug, thief, and many other things¡ Yeah, maybe it¡¯s time to do something normal. Maybe actually earn some money the conventional way and¡ I don¡¯t know, normal stuff.
¡°Is the goal still the same?¡± Valka¡¯s voice breaks my inner monologue. ¡°Search and destroy?¡±
¡°Mostly.¡± Dad nods. ¡°As it is common when taking job posted by merchants the information was lacking..¡± Mom¡¯s indignant cough interrupts him for a second, a masked
I was right. ¡°Those rabbits are irregular and way too numerous, and I have a terrible idea of what we might be dealing with. At this point, it¡¯s about a little more than the gig. Nothing heroic, just something I¡¯m concerned about. Remember, safety is a higher priority than success. You cannot enjoy glory or wealth in the Realm of Malor.¡±
No money is worth dying for. Got it.
The adults step back and Valka takes the lead. They don¡¯t just disappear like Martha did whenever we went to have fun in the forest, just keep a comfortable distance. This is when we face our first minor obstacle. Neither of us are actually adept at finding things.
After some aimless wandering through the woods, we just end up lucky if I had to guess, stumbling into the remnants of our campfire from last night. No bodies though, only the bones and dried blood on the ground.
¡°So these pests are cannibalistic.¡± Mom comments kicking the clutter of bones. ¡°That answers what they kill and eat to be past the first hundreds as mere rabbits.¡±
Bleh. I was also surprised any rabbits outside the Elder Forest or any other special place could be that strong. Not so simple rabbits¡ They¡¯re like humans when it comes to war, bar eating each other. Infighting and stuff.
From that point on the tracks were plain to see. Dried blood, scattered bones, and the disturbed flora¡ Even the nine-year-old me would have no problem now.
¡°Should we make some noise?¡± I present my newest idea. ¡°That way they come to us and save us some time.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± ¡°Never!¡± Both my parents answer right away.
¡°If you can avoid getting swarmed then don''t push your luck! Again, your life is worth more than a few hours of tedious search.¡± Dad spews his unrequested wisdom.
Man, I know numbers suck. Believe me, I¡¯m a professional.
¡°They¡¯re weak though.¡± I point out. ¡°And even if we were to get overwhelmed by numbers you two could just wipe them out.¡±
¡°Were any of them above level 144?¡± Mom asks to which we only shake our heads. ¡°So you got lucky. Again, you¡¯re assuming that nothing stronger lurks around here, a dumb idea. Besides, we¡¯re not here to earn petty money but to help you learn and grow, you¡¯re on your own.¡±
A little wiser and all the more grumpy I follow Valka deeper into the grasp of danger. Her nose and our eyes combined make sure we¡¯re not thrown off track by any random lead. Although dad has to intervene once when we lose track around a small pond.
Not a minute later Valka signals for us to stop and I hear rustling a little to our right. Dad smirks, likely aware of the creature¡¯s presence way before us.
Val sniffs the air and nods. It¡¯s a rabbit ¡°The wind favors us, quiet takedown.¡± She whispers, having taken my parents¡¯ advice to heart.
I hate the quiet approach. Boulders crushing bones is loud, explosions are loud, wind howling as it races through the air is loud, and let''s not even mention lightning. The best of my tools when killing is the task.
Actually¡ weird my reluctance to hurt people didn¡¯t spread to beasts whatsoever. All my reservations and fears are just as valid for those with a species slot except¡ maybe death is more natural out here. Or is it simply my view that is skewed?
We decided to act fast so as not to let the creature release one of those nasty shrieks and alert the others. Valka circles around on the treetops to get a jump on the beast while try drawing it in while looking acting like easy prey.
Yes, me the
Mage, acting as the bait once again.
Strangling the damn abomination is the quietest way to earn the message of triumph from the Guide. I decide on water as my weapon and draw all I can grasp from the ground and plants in our surroundings.
Despite my catlike stealthiness, careful with my steps, and even breathing, the rustling of the underbrush becomes irregular while drawing ever closer. I duck behind a tree and hope that Val gets a jump on the rabbit before things escalate. Not because I lack confidence in trashing the creature but because of the scolding I¡¯ll get from Mom if we mess this up. It¡¯s a lot more nerve-wracking than a true life-or-death fight.
My stealthy approach pays off as the rabbit and I get a glimpse of each other about the same time. The only difference is I¡¯m aware I¡¯ve been spotted and judging by how it¡¯s trying to circle around me¡
But I allow it.
When the thing lowers its guard Val will have the perfect opportunity to-
Then the sound of a quick tussle and the muted crack of a bunch of branches breaking, which I guess are bones, thwarts my plans. Sadly the rabbit sitting in a bush to my right is still very much alive and fully aware of the same things I heard. Because of course, Valka had to jump in and kill things.
Since now my
hunter is distracted I make my move, without actually making any sudden moves. The water at my command crawls through the grass in seconds and springs up just as the rabbits notice it approaching, grabbing it by the head and slamming the dog-sized creature against a tree. There it simply freezes and presents me with a soft underbelly.
¡°That was easy.¡± I mutter because it really was a little too easy.
The beast keeps thrashing but I¡¯ve learned from our previous encounter, about their resilience, and meticulously push an earthen spike up its stomach, through its chest, and all the way through until the notification arrives.
I¡¯m not taking any chances this time.
That said, I¡¯m not alone this time and my partner might not be of the same mind. Relying on
Rythmic Strides to allow me to soundlessly jump between trees I chase after Val and in seconds find exactly what I expected.
Two rabbits, one with its head torn off and the other looking kind of flattened. Considering the damage she was somewhat stealthy, except this wasn¡¯t the plan.
¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait for me?¡± I hiss, poking her in the chest.
¡°Because they found me.¡± Her face seems troubled as she replies. ¡°I barely made any noise but once I got close enough-¡±
A vicious howl echoes over the trees. Once much deeper than that of the rabbits and frightening enough to remind me of my solo days after leaving the Sanctuary.
¡°Well, that plan just went out the window.¡± I mutter, not all too concerned but still worried enough. ¡°But what did we miss?¡±
¡°It¡¯s simple.¡± Dad¡¯s voice comes from behind, maybe trying to imitate Martha by popping up out of nowhere. A stupid idea when we¡¯re a little on the edge. ¡°Rabbits might have long ears but it¡¯s not their hearing keeping them alive in the wilds. They have a really, and I mean really good sense of smell.¡±
That cute wiggly nose of theirs? But then what¡¯s the role of those long ears?
¡°Is it still just the two of us?¡± I ask because that howl wasn¡¯t too encouraging.
¡°Indeed. I''ll know way ahead of you if something too powerful approaches anyway.¡± Dad nods, and jumps back up into the trees, disappearing in seconds.
He¡¯ll probably have his bow trained on anything that might threaten us but I can¡¯t rule out the possibility that he¡¯ll only act when our lives are truly in danger. He knows we can handle a few injuries.
¡°Same approach?¡± I raise an eyebrow at Val. Maybe this time it¡¯ll work.
Or not.
Chapter 105 - Puzzling Bodies
I ambush yet another rabbit drawn to the smell of blood. The small critters have been swarming our way ever since that one extra disturbing howl and adding more corpses to the pile probably doesn¡¯t help change that one bit.
Listening to the ruckus the rabbit makes rushing through the bushes I emerge from behind a tree and make the earth precisely clamp down on its frontal legs while it''s in full sprint. Needless to say, the bones don¡¯t do too well but the follow-up wind blade delivers swift mercy right as its head buries into the ground.
¡°Valka Gods damn it, where are you!¡± I speak a lot louder, preparing a good scolding.
After seconds she pops out where the rabbits came from with blood dripping from her arms.
¡°Quiet down! There was one more.¡± She hisses.
The ire doesn¡¯t disappear, it just gets stuck because I know that complaining now would be stupid. We move separately to avoid getting encircled but my position is a lot more vulnerable so I just can¡¯t help but worry.
At least we know we¡¯re on the right track.
We decide to keep the quiet approach, as much as possible after the previous confrontations, and continue onwards. Mom and Dad appear just when we¡¯re about to move, jumping down from a nearby tree. I tend to forget my parents are nearby.
¡°That was¡ something.¡± Dad comments, and I don¡¯t know if I want to agree. ¡°Do you girls even plan or communicate to reach your goals? You know, teamwork?¡±
¡°Exactly. I thought you fought together constantly and would rely on one another¡¯s strengths properly instead of just fighting separately together.¡± What does that even mean Mom?
Despite basically winning I look away in embarrassment and see Valka do the same.
¡°We never had to talk really. Things just flowed naturally.¡± I pull out a weak excuse. ¡°This is all¡¡±
¡°New.¡± Dad nods. ¡°Exactly why we¡¯re here. A quick advice, don¡¯t split up until you certainly know more about the enemy than they know about you. I understand you tried to focus on maneuverability but if one of you got bogged down by a few while they slowly overwhelmed the other¡¡±
There¡¯d be nothing we can do.
Truth be told the two of us aren¡¯t exactly the perfect duo. I hit really hard in many ways and Valka also hits hard while having the tenacity of a cockroach. We¡¯re strong in a head-to-head fight but that¡¯s it. I think we¡¯d fold in the face of overwhelming ranged fire, a stealthy opponent or even a speedy one¡ Things to consider for my second Class. It really feels like a waste just to let it sit like that.
Of course, experience is what we need the most but I¡¯m of the opinion that overwhelming strength can substitute for most lacking aspects pretty well. Not that I¡¯m averse to learning but I¡¯d like both if possible.
Just as we¡¯re about to decide on where exactly the ugly critters are coming from the sound of furious trot approaches our way. Heavy, powerful and following a different rhythm than¡ the combination of wolf paws and hooves.
¡°Doesn¡¯t sound like the rabbits to me.¡± Valka assesses and I have deep trust in her when it comes to instincts.
Just in case, we approach on an interception course because killing more stuff never hurts and we don¡¯t want whatever that is jumping us from behind in case it returns. Also after coming face to face with like twelve of the small abominations so far, we¡¯re sure that with their numbers everything in these woods has something to do with them.
In seconds a frightened deer zips past us and I almost tear it to shreds with the ice lances I prepared. It doesn¡¯t even glance our way as it disappears into the woods again but that only increases the tension. We don¡¯t even move a muscle, there is something else coming.
Then it bursts forth from the greenery.
[Rabbit lvl 165]
There¡¯s very little about this fiend resembling a rabbit. Not the two massive horse legs it walks on, nor the long-clawed front pawns and let¡¯s not even count the two snake tails growing out of its long crooked spine like some scaly tentacles. Only the beady red eyes on its long-snouted head, the only thing rabbit. This one¡¯s fur isn¡¯t patchy but sickly gray, adorned by bones sticking through its skin and of course blood.
Parents are nowhere in sight so either they¡¯re already dead or want to see us deal with the big abomibunny. We glance at each other with Val and nod in agreement.
This thing goes down.
Careful of its speed I keep my ice weapons around to protect me if things go south and instead turn to lightning. I let it run down my arms, feeling it dance all around me as I move to its rhythm and hearing a soft buzzing sound growing around me. Then I push it all out, directing the burst of energy between the trees and right into the sizable monster.
Its muscles lock mid-leap, still chasing after its prey, and so it crushes right into a tree. Stunned, for now. Valka sprints out from her cover to capitalize on the opportunity while I prepare my next move. We have to time the attacks well, give the thing no breathing room, and keep pushing until something breaks.
My brute leaps up to deliver the same crushing heel kick I saw yesterday when the monster twitches and the tails swing into action. Valka wisely abandons the strike on the neck halfway through as the oozing venom fangs fly at her, and instead settles on crushing a leg. The tails still ruthlessly smack her but that much she can weather.
I don¡¯t worry about her, I don¡¯t have time to and if she dies this easy then I¡¯ll kill her myself. While the abomination is pained and still down I grab my two icicle spears and hurl them at it, not missing an easy shot.
Just as the freezing air departs my side the monster blurs backward, moving almost too fast for my eyes to follow. Almost fast enough to call my parents. My projectiles naturally miss, flying through a few trees before finally coming to a halt however the beast seems just as graceful in its movement. The loss of a leg didn¡¯t impact the rabbit¡¯s speed too much, the maneuverability on the other hand¡
Standing on the two hind legs with one arm limp and the tails whipping around behind it its maw opens wide. The lower and upper jaws stretch like that of a snake and instead of the high-pitched shriek its lesser kin tend to make, this thing roars deep and throaty with little clicks in it.
I only let my mind wander for so long. Two blades of wind fly out from my arms before the sound is even cut from its throat, mainly to test the waters. It turns out that it is actually the fire I¡¯m testing. The working arm swats the blades away accompanied by small explosions, as magic touches its skin and the beast steps forward, ready to leap.
Val is gonna have a tough time with that¡
And she does appear on cue, roaring at the monster to draw its attention. To both of our surprise, her cutesy act gets ignored and the beast instead dashes at me with mouth wide open, dripping with saliva.
I know I can¡¯t outrun it so I stall, stomping and raising a pillar to meet its midsection before the claw reaches me. Which is still too close for comfort. I duck to the side and as expected a small explosion blasts forth from the long bone blades where my face was not a second ago.
Fire is out of the picture so another bolt of lightning strikes just in time for Val to arrive. She kicks one of its knees sidewards, bringing the damn thing to the ground before bashing its face with a well-aimed hook. The one working arm is about to retaliate so I butt in, raising a spike and showing it in the monster¡¯s armpit.
¡°Don¡¯t let it get up!¡± I yell.
Valka links her fingers and is about to slam down on the already skewered shoulder when the tails interfere again, this time hitting her with an explosion. I¡¯ve backed off enough to only feel some heat but Val¡ She goes flying again.
Left to do the work alone again I encase the shin brought to the ground with rocks to win a little more time and slam a bolt of lightning into its chest again. It¡¯s resilient, fast, and hits quite hard. My chances up close are pretty dim. What¡¯s also apparent is that this one isn¡¯t as dumb, the eyes are observing us with a glint of intelligence betray as much. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
I raise a few more spikes of earth, trying to both pierce its hide and make sure that the monster doesn¡¯t move anywhere. Sadly the tails get to work once again, blasting every piece of its prison to tiny bits one after the other until the abomination is free once again. My tricks and efforts are simply demolished.
But the rabbit does not jump at me right away and that is concerning news. To brighten up our day the shrieks of regular abomibunnies reach our ears, coming from far closer than I¡¯d like. Oh and that broken knee and shoulder I injured? Yeah, they¡¯re already regenerating. I don¡¯t know if we can win this.
¡°The spine where the tails join.¡± Valka says in the end confidently. ¡°I¡¯ll make a window so aim there.¡±
And in which ocean did you gather these pearls of wisdom, huh? Did that ugliness whisper into your ear? Or was it the way it screamed? I mean, I know it¡¯s most likely a hunch but I fucking hate
maybes, especially in situations like this.
Valka''s clothes are already mostly in tatters yet her wounds are mostly healed, meaning she¡¯s at full strength at least. I trust she can take a few more of those blows so I nod and cook up something devastating.
No, not blue fire again. Val is nearby and will likely get even closer to the rabbit, not to mention I still need my mana in case anything else shows up to answer the initial roar. It¡¯s a proper tool for ending a fight but bringing this one down won¡¯t be the end of it.
What I need is something that has the power of an explosion but way way way more concentrated. Steam does not have the kick, maybe those new wind blades with the tiny gnomes¡ Or the cone-shaped charges. But I need to get close for those to work.
Sadly my brute has no idea about my inner dilemma and decides to tackle the rabbit, or so
Identify says. All I can do before they get tangled up is grab the pair of hunting knives I have on me and load them to the brim with positive charges before sending them into the creature. The blades sink deep but are treated as nothing more than a nuisance as the two sides clash.
Despite running at it head first I know Valka has a plan. She might not be as sharp as me but when it comes to combat she just has this natural understanding of the
flow. A claw swipes at her approaching form and instead of blocking it or taking the hit since she can heal anyways, she dodges.
Nice job Bennett. I don¡¯t know what methods you used but she finally understands.
She slides under the claws, grabbing the wrist to yank the opponent closer and replying with a hook the monster dodges just as swiftly. The thing raises its other, still mostly dysfunctional hand but Val is quick enough to punch the elbow, making it bend the wrong way before kicking out a leg once again. The rabbit goes down with a cry and Val starts punching, going for the face and sides, hitting down only to then kick upward.
The thing tries to bite in hopes of breaking the deadlock and Val wisely backs down as an explosion bursts forth from its mouth not a second later. The rabbit capitalizes on its moment which is exactly when I interject.
I swing a bolt of lighting I¡¯ve been cradling for a few seconds now their way and hit exactly what I was aiming for. Well¡ not entirely. There¡¯s no aiming necessary, as the arc of electricity finds its target all by itself, thanks to being of the opposite charge. Opposites attract I guess.
My assistance is golden and stuns the monster for a second which in an intense fight might as well be a minute. Val takes the opportunity, and some teeth, reclaiming the momentum and driving the creature back down to the ground.
Honestly, if she were ten or twenty levels stronger I think she could win all by herself. But she¡¯s not and we¡¯re on a time-crunch. The only problem is she can¡¯t hit hard enough and I can¡¯t get close enough. If I tried killing it from a distance Val would have to back away, in which case nothing would prevent the bunny from charging at me¡ Fuck this is irritating, like fighting against a crazed and much deadlier Val.
Fire is the obvious pick for destruction but if only it had the precision of lighting. It¡¯s speed and malleability¡ I mean, what exactly is holding me back from combining the two? Not the best time to experiment I know, except I forgot once again that Mom and Dad are nearby.
Since I already have some lighting dancing around me in case Val finds herself on the backfoot once more igniting the air is the next step. Then mix and stir and¡ I get fire with lighting. Like cooking stone soup.
Obviously not the way to go about it.
¡°A little help!¡± Val¡¯s voice brings me back to reality as a series of explosive smacks send her crashing through a tree. Another bolt of lighting brings the rabbit to the ground, and then a handful of ice needles appear right before its eyes, claiming one before an explosion washes it all away. ¡°Anything?¡± My partner inquires.
¡°A moment!¡±
But even asking for a day wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration.
It¡¯s clear I can¡¯t just smash the two together and call it a day so how about combining their certain aspects? Fire is mostly about heat and lightning is guided charges. Maybe I could use fire magic to create lightning and then control it¡ somehow.
Valka¡¯s once again going ham, shedding blood and weathering hits like a living shield. Now or never. First I create heat, pumping the air so full of energy that it begins to shimmer and take on a slight orange hue before moving on to step two. Creating an imbalance of charges, just like whenever I zap.
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 81.]
It turns into something scary. Frothing energy, white, blue, and purple, haphazardly thrashing about in arcs melting the ground wherever they touch. I panic for a second, reach first for fire mana to reign it in, only to fail miserably but find a little more success with lightning. Or more accurately magnetism.
This new abomination I created sucks up my mana like there¡¯s no tomorrow and glows so bright I almost question whether I just created light mana or not.
¡°Val!¡± I yell, not confident on my hold, or ability to replicate this feat.
Reigning in the electric-blue tendril lashing out all over the place gets a little easier as I discover its habits but the heat is becoming unbearable. The air around me is basically boiling.
To top it off that certain headache is already dawning on me as the fearsome fourth fundamental state of matter forces its way into my head. Plasma.
Val goes reckless, charging headfirst and basically allowing the claws the rake across her side, carving deep lines through her flesh. This opening allows her to sink her thumbs into the rabbit''s eyes, blinding it momentarily. Now that she has a solid hold she drags the ugly snout down and properly shatters it with her knee.
Brutal yet efficient, especially compared to her previous
bash it till it stops breathes style.
Lastly, she locks her arms around the wailing creature¡¯s neck, probably breaking its windpipe for good measure, and pulling up, presenting me with a glaringly open target. Her eyes meet mine, resolute and ready for what¡¯s to come.
But she¡¯s still too close. This thing I made¡ it¡¯s a little more obedient than blue flames but I don¡¯t know what to expect once it lands. Besides the impact most likely reaching Val. Once again I have to hurt someone¡ Not because I want to but because it¡¯s the best decision.
Sure, I could beg my parents to spare me this burden but what if the next time I¡¯m faced with the same dilemma without them holding my hand¡ What if the hesitation costs me more than I¡¯m prepared to lose¡
I know what I should do and I know that Val is tough as a nail. She proved that during our spar. Yeah, she sure did¡ because the world is not too fragile to handle me.
Fuck it, I¡¯ll give her the trust she deserves.
The cloud of plasma whips out from my embrace with a low rumble, charring the forest as it travels on an arc, hitting that spine with pinpoint accuracy. I do my best to limit its rampage, to confine the heat and unbelievable energy ravaging anything it touches until it¡¯s all too much and goes up in a fabulous explosion.
Without concern for my safety, I run through the smoke. My head feels like its about to rip in half and I can barely see through the tears however there are more pressing matters at hand now. With my remaining mana I try to eliminate the dust while dissipating the heat, looking for two things in particular.
¡°Val, if you¡¯re dead can I get your share of the Solermo loot?¡± I shout as the dust settles. I might be joking but I¡¯m truly concerned.
Instead of an answer, the shivering howl of the rabbit replies to my voice. Nowhere as vigorous or confident as at the start when it first came at us, rather¡ pained.
¡°Only if you use it to buy back my people!¡± Grumbles the voice I wanted to hear. ¡°And how is that shit still alive?¡±
I stumble to her and check her up and down. One forearm is clearly broken, some blood dripping from her ear, her skin a bit reddish, and hair¡ there isn¡¯t much left. She¡¯ll be fine. Also, we really need to find a solution for her self-destructive fighting style, the clothes have suffered once again. Most of the time she protects her chest so nothing revolting shows but I just can¡¯t let her walk away looking like this every damn time.
Another weaker roar draws our attention again. The rabbit is flat on the ground crawling forward with its one remaining arm. The rest of the rabbit, from the chest down, is thankfully left somewhere else.
We were on a time limit and the gamble paid off. The initial roar was sure to draw the attention of many smaller critters and dealing with them together with this bigger ugliness would¡¯ve been a little tight. If Val suffered any serious damage or got knocked out then protecting her and fighting the smaller rabbits seems even worse.
Except my parents are here¡
¡°You wanna do the honors?¡± I ask Val and gesture toward the now hunter-turned-prey.
¡°Nah,¡± She waves. ¡°you need the levels more than I do.¡± Which is objectively false. Just because she won our duel doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m the one falling behind.
¡°You did more though.¡± I point out, since I am higher level, even if that¡¯s thanks to the events in Salermo.
Finishing it off would indeed earn me a bit larger contribution but taking someone else¡¯s hard work just doesn¡¯t sit well with me.
¡°Rock, paper, scissors?¡± She suggests with a cheeky smile and I¡¯d be a boring fool if I didn''t agree.
The thing about the simple game of luck is that at our level it is no longer just about luck. Merely by the first twitch of the hand, the way muscles tense under the skin, one can already gauge the outcome. Or at least I¡¯m able to and I have no doubt Val can do the same.
So I resort to petty tricks.
I move my three fingers necessary to show scissors on ¡®Go!¡¯ and fake sneeze not a second later, opening my palm entirely as the noise surprises my opponent. As expected Val shows rock to counter my supposed scissors and I grin madly showing paper to seal the deal.
Mind games¡ my favorite. Even when I double vision and the next fight is on our neck. I think we did enough for Mom and Dad to pick up some slack already.
¡°You cheated!¡± She hisses. ¡°Can¡¯t change what you show.¡±
¡°Nuh-uh. You assuming I was going to show scissors doesn''t mean I actually did.¡± I counter and we descend into a small argument.
I quickly forget my earlier generosity as my competitive spirit takes control. It¡¯s not about taking others¡¯ achievements anymore, it''s about winning and I won.
¡°I think we have more pressing matters at hand girls!¡± Shouts Dad¡¯s voice from the woods. ¡°More is coming!¡±
Chapter 106 - Unnatural
More was a little exaggerated. Eight critters came to investigate, all of them weak, slow, and clumsy compared to the big abominabunny. We made short work of them. In the end, I got the finishing blow on the nightmare bunny and felt the little tingles as my Class jumped another level.
We also brought extra clothes for Val because I know her by now through and through. Some adventurer¡¯s outfits from Mom¡¯s wardrobe. It was almost a given she¡¯d ruin at least one set which makes me think¡ just what kind of armor would be suitable for Val once it¡¯s time to set out.
But more importantly, If Mom¡¯s clothes fit her perfectly or Gods forbid are snug on her, I¡¯ll strangle my friend without hesitation. I''ll put her down for the greater good. I just
barely started to grow the right curves so if a mother¡¯s clothes are close to her size, I¡¯ll see red. Blood will spill.
¡°Eli, what was that thing you made?¡± Dad inquiries now that the coast is relatively clear.
¡°You know damn well I can¡¯t explain it.¡± I give him
the look for asking something stupid.
¡°Right.¡± He scratches the back of his head. ¡°It was pretty. And pretty scorching. Like some sort of fire-lighting.¡±
¡°Close.¡± I nod, without giving any actual hints. ¡°But now is not the time to test my newest toy.¡± Although, now is the perfect time actually,
But we¡¯re not yet done here.
Val promptly gets herself clothed, which turns out to be a loose fit to her fortune, and we venture deeper, no longer trying to move cautiously. The numbers are culled and the big one is defeated. In case another of those nasty monsters shows up we already know how to deal with it but let¡¯s pray it doesn¡¯t come to that. We didn¡¯t bring that many clothes.
The trails of ravaged nature and bloody bits lead us to a hole dug in the side of a small hill. I hate all and every forest and just by one glance am gonna hate moving underground into a burrow even more. Although I doubt we¡¯ll find any traps here so there¡¯s at least that.
We debate a little if Mom should go first in case we meet something too strong or if Valka should take the lead. Parents against the kids. Valka is adamant about being the shield and I take her side. This is our adventure. The parents counter with hard facts and sound reasoning¡ so we just dash in there first. Childish? Yeah, so what?
Some grumbling and empty threats are not enough to dissuade us so the adults can only graciously accept the line-up. Although everyone knows there¡¯ll be consequences. We crawl deeper and deeper with a gentle slope until all of Solaire¡¯s light from outside is cut off and I take its place with a gentle kindle. Less than a minute of dirtying our clothes later, cries echo from ahead of us. High-pitched cries in the dozens.
¡°Get ready to move fast.¡± Dad whispers as we approach. ¡°We found them.¡±
I dim the light as we crawl closer to what feels like the last curve, just when an anguished shriek assaults our ears. Our cue to move.
As we burst out into the spacious cavern I blast radiance at full power for two specific reasons. One so we can see and two because anyone living in almost complete darkness will get their eyes roasted instantly.
What welcomes us inside is very different from the hordes of enemies I expected. My strike of brightness gets retaliated by a revolting smell and a deeper nightmarish scream. There are many of them, yes, but¡
[Rabbit lvl 32]
[Rabbit lvl 8]
Rabbit lvl 23]
¡
Their numbers are in the tens if not hundreds, crawling on the ground with their disfigured bodies. It¡¯s hard to describe¡ the higher up the ladder of advancement they are, the less messed up they look. That¡¯s the only way to put it into words.
In the deepest corner of darkness, however, is another creature.
[Rab-olf-hor-snake lvl 162]
¡°Just as I feared.¡± Dad mutters. ¡°A man-made chimera.¡±
One body of many creatures. As if a child took different animals and kneaded them together. The belly and back legs of a horse with snake heads connected to where the horse¡¯s tail should be. The upper part of a wolf is glued to the horse with the head of a rabbit whaling from the rib like a loud tumor. All held together by stitches and bloated blistering flesh.
An abomination. A living blasphemy towards nature.
¡°Girls,¡± Dad whispers. ¡°destroy everything that moves!¡±
¡°What is-¡± I mumble with disgust in my voice yet still unable to avert my eyes.
¡°Just-¡± He raises his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll explain after. This is still your mission but things are a little more serious now. Luna, keep an eye on them and be very careful. I need to check something, maybe whoever made that is still around.¡±
Fire lights in my palm before I start incinerating all the tiny babies. They scream and squeal and flee but the flames find them all one after the other. Judging by how their adult counterparts acted I¡¯m almost sure even existing is painful for them¡ I¡¯m not saying this is mercy but I definitely won''t have nightmares haunting me for this massacre.
Valka doesn¡¯t bother too much with those insignificant threats and strides straight at the big one. After just a peek at its body, something became very clear. It¡¯s mostly immobile. The entire purpose of its existence is to mass-produce these¡ things for reasons I don¡¯t want to explore.
Amidst the carnage, as Val approaches the abomination flails with its many legs before the mouth of the rabbit opens and some vile liquid spills out. As it touches the ground the stone dissolves with a putrid smell. A defensive mechanism fitting for such a creature.
Valka backs away and keeps a respectable distance because although she can take hits, melting is a whole other thing.
The smoke rising from the ground however warns me of an even greater danger than that living lump of mixed flesh. Air.
Savant rightfully points out that either the fire breathes or we do. I¡¯m not big on sharing, especially when it comes to my oxygen so the fire has to go. Except for a little spark I keep, which grows and shrinks a few times, before I hurl it into the same mouth the vomit came out of.
The abomination howls as the flames lick its throat before a muted explosion blows the head off.
No notification.
¡°It¡¯s still alive!¡± I yell for Valka to move.
I know there are three heads on the body, snake, wolf, and rabbit, a bit too many like everything else, but it¡¯s really stupid that we need to kill all three.
As if sensing their mother''s anguish the surviving little shits step up and snap their sharp little teeth at my leg legs. They fail to even bite through my boots but earn a few earth spikes nonetheless. I can¡¯t afford distractions or underestimating my enemy no matter how small.
The wolf head obviously takes offense to me blowing off part of its¡ their body and begins to spit flames. Because of course it had to be fire deep underground with the stench of twenty burning corpses already filling the air.
¡°I¡¯ll take the tail.¡± Valka swirls and leaves the fire to me.
I get that magic is basically her weakness, with fire, in particular, being a huge pain in the ass, but she can¡¯t avoid it forever. Maybe she really should wear armor. Then again if she avoids damage altogether her healing abilities become redundant¡
Shelving that thought for later I gather the moisture from the walls of the cavern and whip the wolf head¡¯s jaw shut before more fire can pour out. Literally pour, as in the saliva dripping from between its teeth keeps on burning on the floor.
Not that I complain about my opponent, quite the opposite. The target can hardly move and uses fire of all things. Time to implement something
Savant taught me about fire and its three main ingredients.
I leisurely walk a little closer to the wolf head, keeping eye contact all the way, daring it to attack and suffer the same fate as the rabbit. Once comfortably in my control range, I grasp the air around it and pull, pull it all away until the flames are extinguished. The creature, or at least this part of it, lashes out, biting at the air around it with little success.
That''s right everything has to breathe, even flames and even this abomination. So I continue the taxing process of suffocation via magic and wait.
And wait¡
Why the fuck is it still moving when the body can''t get any¡ don''t tell me it''s the snake part supplying the entire hulking body with oxygen.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
¡°Any progress Val?¡± I glance her way for the first time since this little tussle began.
It ain''t looking stellar. The snake keeps slipping from her grasp while the horse legs deliver nasty kicks at any opportune moment.
¡°Working on it.¡± She grunts as a hoof meets her ribs again causing a muted crack.
I can see anger steadily rising in her eyes. The situation is similar to when I played with her back in Fort Karon, except this thing is way below her intelligence. Getting hit without a chance to retaliate must suck.
Since this means I need to deal with my own salivating problem I stop shifting the air, sending instead a sharp spike of earth right at the wolf¡¯s throat. The damn thing is surprisingly fast, biting down on the spike and melting it with its fiery saliva in seconds.
With my concentration focused back on keeping the air away, there''s little room left for a proper move. On the other hand, if I don''t keep the fires down they¡¯ll end up on Valka.
So I pull the forbidden card. ¡°Do something Val! Stop being so useless. Or do you enjoy the beating?¡± I mock her without pulling my punches.
¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± She growls and throws herself forward again. ¡°This piece of¡ARGH!¡±
Oh, there it is. She¡¯s beyond any caution now.
¡°Don''t let it bite you!¡± I want her just in case the poison was more potent than her healing.
¡°It''s not poisonous.¡± I hear Dad''s voice from behind. ¡°It has no large poison fangs, it''s safe.¡±
Safe my ass! And what¡¯s stopping you from giving a hand, huh? Just a moment ago killing everything here was so important, now you¡¯re smiling like back when I played with the old gang in the park. I¡¯m convinced my parents fall into the bad parent category, but at the same time, I can¡¯t imagine myself treating my future children any differently.
Valka goes ham and starts bashing the backside of the gorse instead of going for the
head of the snake. Her fists meet flesh and bone with enraged fury while the kicks in return keep raining on her, only elicit grunts and roars. No more backing off. The primitive combat style called me
stronger, me tougher¡¯ goes on until Val turns the legs into paste and finally grabs the slithering serpent and with a mighty pull rips it off the body entirely.
With only one nose left to breathe and even that one deprived of air, the body slowly stops flailing. On its own at least. The berserker is still at it, breaking every intact bone she can get her hands on. When the wolf head finally goes limp I turn once again to earth magic and make sure to turn the brain into mush.
Thank the Gods, I was starting to run dangerously low on mana.
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [The Mosaic Beast - Fire lvl 165] - [Relentless Beast of Hunger - Earth lvl 12].]
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Grafted Rabbit of Madness - Life lvl 165] - [Excruciated Wrath - Fire lvl 77.]
¡
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Juvenile Abomination- Life lvl 31].]
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Juvenile Abomination - Life lvl 14].]
¡
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Menagerie Monstrosity - Fire lvl 162] - [Cursed Brood - Life lvl 31].]
Damn, we¡¯ve outdone ourselves. A little adventure killing some weak monsters en masse¡ Yeah, that was the plan. Plans are just an illusion.
[Your Class [Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance] has reached lvl 113-> 115, +4 Free Points, +8 Speed, +4 Endurance, +15 Intelligence, +16 Focus, +2 Dexterity, +14 Mana, +16 Willpower, +2 Fortitude.]
[Your class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 94-> 97.]
[Your class Skill [Action for Reaction] has reached lvl 88-> 92.]
[Your class Skill [Mana Perception ] has reached lvl 92.]
[Your class Skill [Arcane Focus] has reached lvl 83-> 88.]
[Your class Skill [Ethereal Stage ] has reached lvl 64-> 67.]
[Your class Skill [Rythmic Strides] has reached lvl 58-> 59.]
Most definitely not the results of a light adventure. And I prefer it this way.
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 82-> 84.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 94-> 95.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 96-> 97.]
[The general Skill [Maintained Magic] has reached lvl 80.]
[The general Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has reached lvl 81-> 83.]
[The general Skill [Martial Instinct] has reached lvl 67-> 69.]
Honestly, this almost feels like more than I deserve. Especially with this one as the cherry on top¡
[The Skill [Serene Spellcrafting] has fulfilled all prerequisites to evolve. Would you like to merge [Serene Spellcrafting] with [Arcane Focus]?
[Y/N]
Relatively overlapping Skills, quite useful ones that almost always level up together¡ I wonder if there¡¯ll ever come an evolution I¡¯d deny.
Yes!
[Your Skills [Serene Spellcraftinglvl 83] and [Arcane Focus lvl 88] have merged into the Class Skill [Focal Mana Trance lvl 85].]
Oh, no choice this time? I mean it¡¯s not the same as back then but I still like to have multiple options. Let¡¯s see¡
Focal Mana Trance: Your mind is already one with mana, seething with magic and forged through hardships. In that bastion of focus, you brew your spells and weave the arcane faster and more accurately, shielded from nuisances. But when the walls are in danger it is necessary to take up arms and ride out in unprecedented force. It is a temporary outburst, an exhausting one, sacrificing precision for power but a necessary one, so that you may have a bastion to retreat to and rest. (-1 mana/level)
Ouch, another mana drain. But the focus is still there, I now have an empty Skill slot and that
ride-out part¡ Let¡¯s give it a shot.
As the Skill activates I feel my mind catch on fire, similar to getting zapped coupled with something cold running through my body. I dip my toe into fire magic and exhale. The air shimmers and travels until it meats a long-dead baby bunny, basically melting its skin in an instant.
Then the Skill deactives.
The headache is bad, I almost fall over because I wasn¡¯t expecting anything like this but I can only grin as the pain slowly lessens.
That¡¯s¡ damn¡ damn I could¡¯ve wiped the floor with Val if I had this back then. Add to that a little practice with plasma and I¡¯m good to go. Give me any noble brat from the Academy and I¡¯ll bash their heads in. Rhetorically, I don¡¯t want to kill anyone, especially when there might be political ramifications.
¡°Done!¡± I declare triumphantly before turning to Dad. ¡°So, care to explain now? What was that-¡±
¡°RAGH!¡±
Bam, bam, bam. ¡°DIE!¡±
¡°Valka it''s already fucking dead. Chill out!¡± I yell at her because there¡¯s no other way to get through once the reason has been pushed to the background.
As useful as it is when she throws all concerns and survival instincts to the wind it''s just as, if not more, cumbersome. She turns dumb and animal-like, eating hit after hit even after her mana supply is bone dry. And this isn¡¯t even a Skill¡
Bennett sure does have his work cut out for him and while progress is apparent there¡¯s still too much¡ whatever that self-destructive fighting style is left in my friend. That and pride but there¡¯s no way the old man can fix that.
¡°Who¡¯s useless now, huh?¡± She grins at me wickedly with her ragged breathing slowly returning to normal.
At least it does wonders for her Skills.
¡°I took down two heads so you better not bring up who¡¯s stronger again.¡± I stop her before
that topic comes up again. ¡°Mom, could you give her another change of clothes? And Dad, explanation, now!¡± My confidence and attitude are both sky-high after the glorious victory.
Okay, to be fair this one was too easy. Immobile and dangerous when you get close, just like a hedgehog. The ugliest hedgehog ever. I could¡¯ve probably killed it by just slinging rocks until they crushed the last breath out of that botched puzzle of bodies.
Dad looks around the cavern once more and I provide light so he can check that indeed everything has perished. ¡°That creature¡ it wasn¡¯t born like that. A
Fleshgrafter created that abomination by merging multiple creatures.¡± He explains.
That part was kinda obvious. I mean who in their right mind would think Aelion made something that abhorrent? There was a clear line where the horse began and the wolf ended.
Dad continues. ¡°This is forbidden.¡± Well, no shit. ¡°There are rules in place, strict rules. The Epros Conventions has an entire paragraph dedicated to the art of fleshcraft. Creating a chimera is among the most serious crimes stated in it. And now we stepped into royal shit. The best we can do is damage control¡± He turns to Mom now. ¡°Can you take care of them alone? I¡¯ll run back and report. That way we might avoid the grasp of the Lawbringers.¡±
Oh, c¡¯mon. This was supposed to be a simple quick mission slaughtering bunnies and now this? ¡°Why not go together? Besides, that was one lackluster explanation. We should stick-¡±
¡°Go,¡± Mom shoos her man away. ¡°I¡¯ll just hand them their asses if they don¡¯t behave.¡± Her eyes narrow on us, challenging us to try her. ¡°If they act tough, benefitting a seasoned fighter, then they should be prepared to be treated as one.¡±
I, for one, certainly won''t give that a try.
¡°Be good and kill any rabbits you find, okay girls?¡± Dad flashes an amused smile and disappears down the tunnel we arrived through.
That leaves us three girls¡in a cavern far from Solarie¡¯s light, with smoldering corpses, pools of blood, and the smell of roasted rabbit. Not my idea of a girl¡¯s trip.
Since there¡¯s nothing useful or charming left down here, quite the opposite really, we make a quick exit.
Once out I take a deep breath, venting all the putrid smell from my body. ¡°Well, that was something.¡± I stretch, still attentive to our surroundings. ¡°Is this how adventures usually go, Mom?¡±
¡°Unexpected things happen every now and then.¡± She says, quite aloof compared to Dad¡¯s previous attitude. ¡°Sometimes things go way smoother than expected, others¡this falls into the mildly bad category. Nobody died, even without our help, and the task is finished. We might lose our next few days though.¡±
¡°Things turned to shit, as usual.¡± I complain. Not that surprising when you add two Blessing backlashes together.
¡°Oh shush.¡± Mom flicks my ear. ¡°If it were too easy then you¡¯d be complaining all the same.¡±
¡°Yeah yeah, can we go home now? I don¡¯t want to sleep outside.¡±
¡°And I¡¯d love to wash¡ everything.¡± Val adds, trying to get all the liquified rabbit out of her hair.
¡°I guess. Even if we leave any of the little monsters behind, the people coming to investigate will just burn the whole forest down together with them.¡± Mom leans her spear leisurely on her shoulder. ¡°We¡¯re done here.¡±
***
Despite our early departure around noon, we didn¡¯t make our way to the nearest settlement, to stay overnight. We set off straight towards Granhall.
Mom argued that the whole camping and nightwatch thing didn¡¯t really work out the last time meaning we needed some more practice. She also relieved herself from the task with the pretext of ¡®
so you learn to rely on yourselves¡¯ and ¡®
it¡¯s for your own good¡¯. A heap of crap that was.
Without Dad to keep me company or anything to try its luck eating us the night was suffering. I couldn¡¯t even play with some magic, to not wake anyone up by making too much sound or noise. With nothing but time on my hand my thoughts settled on the topic of second class and what might come in handy for my schooldays.
A scribe or some sort of learning Class is definitely up there to help me soak up as much knowledge as possible. Or maybe just a few general Skills to cram all the stuff into my head¡
Except all of that sounded like such a waste. Besides, picking up a
Warrior Class like Mom is still not entirely out of the picture yet, something I could clearly push during my years there¡ Another
Mage Class also had its appeal.
Kicking Valka out of her bedroll without waking Mom was a chore on its own. She was grumpy and uncooperative until I deceivingly offered to do her part as well. I knew she¡¯d knock me out cold before allowing herself to become deadweight.
The roles got reversed and she had to strongarm me into going to sleep. I took her bedroll because it was already warm and closed my eyes without a hint of guilt.
The next day a little after noon we arrive at the dreadful gates of Granhall. The passage of eternal gossip and queuing. To our surprise, we don¡¯t have to stand in line at all.
¡°You must be Luna. And these two fought the creature.¡± An armored woman addresses us in a stoic, commanding tone with four others standing to her back.
Her gear looks nothing like that of the guards, Valerian soldiers, or adventurers. It screams
magic with marvelous craftsmanship in gray and gold colors.
¡°I must ask you to follow me. We have questions.¡± She says and rests her hand on the pommel of the sword at her waist.
At least we can skip the line I guess.
Chapter 107 - Inconvenient Interrogation
¡°I must ask you to follow me. We have questions.¡± She says and rests her hand on the pommel of the sword at her waist.
Her features are gentle, almost regal, nowhere near as rough as the mercenaries of the Fist yet she still gives off that same confident, predatory aura. Strong and refined. Her hair is blonde and long just like ours, which is wrong by the way, with blue eyes as cold as the clearest ice. Not once since she addressed us did her facial expression change and neither do we know what her fellow knights think because of the pointy helmets they wear.
¡°Lead the way.¡± Mom answers nonchalantly, nevertheless I can still feel some hostile tension in her voice.
The situation might seem calm for now but my mind is anything but.
[Warrior lvl ???]
[The general Skill [Identify] has reached lvl 80-> 82.]
Not a good sign.
I feel my heart beating a little heavier, a little faster. I¡¯ve had my fair share when it comes to encountering powerful people but one such monster walks up to you out of the blue, makes demands and you know damn well there¡¯s not much you can do¡
Concerning.
Now that I think about it Dad rushed ahead to exactly to prevent something like this from happening¡ He¡¯s not here and some random powerful people are. Please Gods let him be okay and be the one to rescue us if we do something stupid and not the other way around. He¡¯s always been the reasonable one.
Like, who even are these people? And why aren¡¯t the guard stepping up to do their duty?
Urgh. I hate questions. Every answer just results in more questions¡
¡°Mom who are-¡± I still ask. Curiosity might kill the cat and that still won''t ever stop me.
¡°Later dear.¡± She puts a finger to my lips so fast it even makes a little smacking noise. ¡°I heard our escorts are the jumpy type.¡±
Her comment goes unanswered as we simply walk through the emergency entrance. The soldiers, always eager and proactive now stand aside without a word and avert their gazes as we walk past. Not even in Martha¡¯s presence did they act like this.
The uniform footsteps and clanging of metal armor accompany us down the streets not to the barracks, the Fort, or any fancy residence¡ We march straight towards the government palace. Both people and carriages pull aside go give way as we proceed, however unlike the guards, there is no recognition or fear in those people¡¯s eyes. This is merely the work of flashy armor and survival instincts.
Do I feel in danger? A little, but that might just be the paranoia speaking. If they meant harm then walking through half the city seems kinda meaningless to me.
Approaching the place of power in this major city, the honor guards still act like meek kittens around our escorts, although I pay little mind to them, the building is a lot more interesting.
Most of it is the same as in any other city I¡¯ve visited thus far. Three plus stories, a lot of glass, some gold, and fancy carvings on the facade. What makes this one stand out is the massive balcony on its top floor along with the dome sitting there like a crown.
They have griffons in there.
Might and fluffiness combined into one majestic body. Made by sticking a lion onto an eagle''s butt¡ Huh? Does that make a griffon a chimera like the rabbits?
Independent from my musing, two more of the fancy people join us, this time without any armor. These dudes are so stoic they don''t even greet their fellow¡ whoever they are. If not for the same gray-gold color scheme they would look like servants in those robes.
Unsurprisingly we get inside the palace just as smoothly as the rest of our little walk. At this point I¡¯m a little antsy, curious to know who or what we¡¯re dealing with, and only mildly fearful about the consequences. We didn¡¯t do anything wrong after all. I think.
A hallway here isn¡¯t that much different from what I got used to in the Fort. Just a lot taller, more luminous, and full of clutter. A plant that probably dies every two weeks because nobody cares about it, a few paintings depicting an event or dudes nobody has heard about before, or sculptures of gorgeous people of otherworldly beauty wearing too little clothing. Not that I don¡¯t value art and fineness just put functionality a few steps above.
Corner after corner, double door after stair we walk in complete silence. Bar of course the incredible amount of noise made by the armor and metal boots hitting the marble floor. Around halfway Valka¡¯s stomach added its own voice to the choir. I sent a quick
thank you to the Gods that it was hers and not mine. It was priceless to see her try and mask the embarrassment when I¡¯m probably no less famished.
Finally, we stop at a door, a lot sturdier and a lot less fancier door. Two of the armored men, although I guess one is a woman because her chest plate is vaguely boob shaped¡ they need the room I know, still a weird design. They flank the door while the rest of us file in. The inside is a lot more welcoming than I expected with zero windows, zero luxuries, and only a single plant in the corner besides the table and chairs.
This room is so far my favorite in the entire multistory marvelous monstrosity for one simple reason¡ It has Dad in it.
¡°Just what part of the ¡®
ill-described mission¡¯, ¡®
weird little monsters¡¯ and ¡®
chimera found in a cavern¡¯ could you tell them so incorrectly to make us end up here?¡± Mom smacks her poor husband, her language of love. She was just as worried for him as me.
¡°Good to see you too.¡± He chuckles while rubbing the back of his head.
¡°So you messed up Mr. Lucious?¡± Asks Valka while cautiously observing the room.
Mr. Lucious? Hahaha. Hearing my goofy father being called a Mister¡ The man who gets bullied by his wife and fooled by his daughter every waking moment, a Mister? Valka just can¡¯t get used to addressing my parents casually for some reason and acts all rigid.
Cute.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°Just Luke or Luc is fine Valka,¡± He shakes his head in defeat. ¡°And no, these¡± His eyes flicker over the fancy people present. ¡°esteemed investigators are here to make sure no important detail is left out. They made the journey here as fast as they could and are probably tearing through the forest as we speak.¡±
Is he telling me that he got back a little less than a day before us to report and by the time we arrived these people were already here
and at the site of the chimeras? Just what sort of magic did they use?
The door opens again, signaling the arrival of another robed figure, albeit a little different in appearance. The young man has a tall cylindrical hat on his head and a scroll with golden letters strapped to his chest. His garment is even fancier than the rest, yet the most striking features are the slight smile on his face and the deceivingly kind eyes. A farce. As I quickly skim through the contents of the scroll my eyes get caught on the large letters on the bottom.
Lord Inquisitor Damien
[Rogue lvl ???]
[The general Skill [Identify] has reached lvl 83-> 84.]
Even worse than the woman. Holy fuck people, those rabbits weren¡¯t even level 200 there¡¯s no need for the heavyweights.
¡°Please accept my sincere apology for the sudden interruption to your daily business and gratitude for the seamless cooperation.¡± He bows his head to accompany his toad-eater words. ¡°I see your eyes have already found the answer to my identity, however, allow me to introduce myself.¡± He steps next to the woman who escorted/kidnapped us. ¡°My humble name is Damien, an Inquisitor from Epros and keeper of the Arcane Prohibition. This lady beside me is-¡±
¡°I¡¯m
Judge Katherine Silani and you¡¯ll be under observation until we conduct our investigation.¡± So she¡¯s the bad guard and the dude is the good one, got it. ¡°We¡¯ve already heard the details of the story once but will question every one of you to find every last detail. You might find our proceedings rude and unfair, however, your inconvenience is a small price to pay for avoiding a greater loss of life.¡± Her conduct is strict, straightforward, and ruthless.
I would choose Katherine over Damien every day of the week. She cuts straight to the point without wasting time and energy on pleasantries.
¡°Forgive my partner¡¯s outspokenness.¡± Damian chuckles and pulls out a chair. ¡°Take a seat, please.¡±
His attempts at making us feel comfortable hit a hard wall of reality, or three, just by being where we are. Barren and probably locked room with warriors armed to the teeth and here to squeeze any and all information out of us in the name of their greater good.
This feels more bothersome than anything.
Despite never getting that explanation Mom postponed, I know enough about the Magisterium to understand what we¡¯re dealing with. Deep shit. Just on the edge of it, suffering the consequences of someone else¡¯s mess.
¡°Let¡¯s start with a few simple questions.¡± Damian locks his fingers with an easygoing smile. ¡°Can you tell me your names?¡±
***
The tedious back and forth went on for hours, ranging from simple questions like why we ended up finding the chimeras, to impossible ones asking what they looked like.
How the hell are we supposed to describe creatures that look like too much and too little at the same time?
The woman often interrupted, demanding more details than we were able to recall. Her questions aimed at why exactly we, the kids, engaged in combat instead of the adults and why we didn¡¯t report back sooner. Just basic nitpicking. Mom and Dad have taken it upon themselves to answer most of the questions, sparing us from the pushy comments.
After the umpteenth stomach growls and dissatisfied comments, the man finally relents. ¡°I see that we¡¯re causing great inconvenience. You may leave now, however, I must ask you to stay within the city until further notice.¡±
We stand up with a relieved sigh while stretching our limbs. I personally, besides planning on eating till I burst, have to pee like crazy.
¡°Although,¡± Damien speaks again as we approach the door and the knight/soldiers stand aside. ¡°I¡¯d like a few more words with the children. It will take only a minute.¡± From the corner of his eyes, I see his gaze narrow on us.
We all silently groan. Just when the promise of freedom was weaved right in front of our noses¡ Mom aggressively pulls out her chair and flops down unceremoniously.
¡°I¡¯m afraid my questions are
only for the children to answer.¡± The man shakes his head apologetically. ¡°Would it be possible for you, dear parents, to patiently wait outside for just a short while?¡±
Shit. Shit, shit, shit. What does he want? It can''t be he thinks we did it.
¡°No fuckin-¡± Mom is about to lose her shit in record time when Dad grabs her arm.
¡°This is outrageous.¡± He speaks with calmness on the surface. ¡°There¡¯s no evidence pointing towards them having a hand in this. We have cooperated in good faith for as long as we could to aid trouble but this seems a bit excessive don¡¯t you think?¡± He argues with aggressive politeness.
¡°There¡¯s no need for concer-¡±
¡°It wasn¡¯t a request!¡± Katherine barks and steps closer, her eyes flashing challengingly. ¡°Your role ends in answering when asked. Resist and we¡¯ll have a serious problem for interfering with a Magisterium-sanctioned investigation. Now, outside!¡±
Mom frowns and keeps the stare-down going for a few seconds before stepping back.
She turns to us with a strained smile. ¡°Just behave and answer the rude lady¡¯s questions, kids. We¡¯ll be waiting outside. And take care of this¡¡± Then I see her mouth,
Fist.
I gulp and nod. I know I¡¯m not in danger, or at least that feeling of an ethereal dagger dancing on the back of my neck is missing, yet the pressure on me sure does make my heart heavy. As if someone has me in their grip and slowly squeezes ever harder.
Like a plaything.
Dad drags his still-fuming wife out the doorway and throws me a quick reassuring glance before the room gets locked again with a heavy
thud.
¡°I understand that no amount of flowery words will soothe your mind so I¡¯ll get straight to the point, I-¡± He continues before the breath gets caught up in his throat. ¡°What is it?¡±
I have my hand raised, the least rude way I know of to signal my intention to speak. ¡°I... this might sound very bad but I really have to go to the toilet.¡± I speak with the volume of a mouse.
It''s embarrassing. I feel like a child who can¡¯t hold it back during Marhta¡¯s lesson. Not to mention the heavy atmosphere making my request even more ridiculous.
¡°Katherine, would you be so dear to accompany young Elyssia? We seem to have caused great discomfort despite their willingness to help.¡± Damian asks without a hint of mockery and with a voice so genuine I almost believe it myself.
There is no one as polite and caring toward a stranger as he shows himself to be. All his attempts at painting a well-meaning and helpful person are creeping me off. Not the kind of predator that lays in wait for the prey but one that lures them in.
The
Judge, as she introduced herself, grunts and leads me out of the room throwing her grace out of the window. I can accept this reaction much easier. Upset because of a slight hiccup, too prideful for a task as lowly as guiding a escorting a young girl to pee and just honest enough to show her displeasure.
A quick and unforgettable walk later business is done and I¡¯m guided back without a single word. At least Mom and Dad are well and waiting for us outside.
When the door opens again¡
¡°... yeah and we took down the small ones easily. Oh, that more evolved rabbit was a lot tougher. We had months of experience working together and even then it was a little wild.¡± Valka looks over to me with a wide smile and pops some small brown bricks into her mouth. ¡°You¡¯re back.¡±
A plethora of reactions run through my head. ¡®
Why are you being hail-fellow-well-met with that snake of a man?¡¯ ¡®Don¡¯t accept food from random people!¡¯ And most prominent of all, ¡®
What are you eating?¡¯
¡°Nice to see you relieved of your burden Elyssia. We were just chatting about your little confrontations when you arrived, quite the delightful battle I must say.¡± The snake of a man opens his mouth again.
Actually, would this be considered an insult toward snake beastmen? Poor fellas are associated with treachery just because they are similar to an animal with poison.
As freeing as it felt to be outside of the room I much prefer being here, with Val. Not much we can do even as a team however her presence combined with Damian is still better than that cold husk of a woman.
¡°I requested you stay back because of a few irregularities we noticed about the two of you.¡± His ever-present smile disappears and a calculative look replaces it. ¡°Both of you are too strong for your age. That in itself could be an acceptable irregularity¡ if only your species weren¡¯t a mystery to us as well. I also noticed some interesting snippets of information Valka shared with me. Could you please enlighten me Elyssia¡ what element exactly do you use?¡±
Shit, this idiot¡
Chapter 108 - I Know
¡°Could you please enlighten me Elyssia¡ what type of magic do you use?¡± Asks the
Inquisitor of Epros.
I stare daggers at Valka who, by her posture, knows damn well she fucked up. I was only gone for a minute or two and she spilled info Mom and Dad managed to withhold for hours. I hope she has a rock-solid excuse or I¡¯ll make her starve for a day.
I would love to act as pissed as I feel, I really would¡
My eyes land on whatever Val is even now snaking on. ¡°If you answer, you get some.¡± Damian says and another bowl appears on the table out of the blue, containing the same small brown bricks.
My first guess is that I¡¯m dealing with a space-attuned mage just like Martha, yet when my eyes land on his hand¡ A spatial ring, it has to be.
I sigh and start speaking since the cat is already out of the bag. ¡°I can use-¡±
Then commotion outside disrupts me just at the right moment.
¡°You
will let me in!¡± I hear a voice through the door that might get me out of trouble. Or get me into even more trouble.
Katherine along with another knight stationed inside the room draw their swords and approach the door. When they tear the poor wooden thing open we find the back of two other unfortunate guards in the middle of getting an earful from Martha.
The moment her eyes land on us she teleports inside, past all the warriors and right behind my chair. Of course, the four swords follow and point at the old mage¡¯s throat menacingly, further increasing the tension.
¡°I would like to have my cadets back.¡± She states with utter calmness.
¡°You¡¯re infringing on an official Magisterium investigation!¡± The
Judge states as her sword starts crackling with lightning. ¡°Leave or else-¡±
¡°Calm your nerves girl, before you get hurt!¡± Martha looks at her with her signature purple lightning gathering in her eyes. The energy lashes out and slaps the sword away without Martha moving even a muscle. ¡°I¡¯d love for you to try.¡± She holds Katherine¡¯s gaze for a good few seconds before huffing and ignoring her completely.¡± The girls are special, as you might¡¯ve already guessed
Inquisitor.¡±
The deadly standoff persists until Damian opens his mouth. ¡°I was in the belief that you retired.¡±
¡°I did.¡± Martha answers. ¡°Yet some people still feel the need to disturb the sheathed sword. The girls are both Blessed and in our care, now if you would be so kind as to let them return with me¡¡±
Damian chuckles and shakes his head. ¡°Unfortunately I must insist they exhibit their capabilities. I can forgo learning about what our dear younglings exactly are, however, Blessings are different. The potential of such powers is near limitless and a specific one could very well have caused our current predicament.¡±
So that¡¯s why we¡¯re still here¡ Although the reasoning feels a little off to me. I doubt he¡¯s truly suspecting us but whatever, I¡¯m done dealing with this.
¡°Knife, anyone?¡± I ask and hold my hand out.
After a moment of befuddlement, Damian pulls a sharp blade out from his ring and hands it over. I quickly check on the tool with
Mana Vision just to see the small weapon essentially blazing with mana. The thing is probably made by a craftsman of incredible skill and enchanted to a ridiculous extent. It might actually be able to cut Val.
Good, she deserves it.
I grab her forearm, pull the sleeve back, and drag the blade across her skin. She yanks her arm away giving me the
¡®the fuck was that for¡¯ look. All it creates is a tiny line and a trickle of blood, both of which disappear a second later.
Then I snap my fingers, ignite a small spark, conjure some water since there¡¯s not much moisture inside this room, send the air dancing through my hair, and make a spark of lightning play hopscotch between my fingers.
¡°Satisfied?¡± Martha asks, giving the two investigators a flat look following my demonstration.
¡°Far from it.¡± Damian sighs. ¡°I find it curious that two of the special children of our time coincidentally ended up in your respectable organization¡¯s care. Not to mention the three others I¡¯ve heard of, enjoying fame in the Academy.¡± Damian leans back in his chair. ¡°It must¡¯ve been fate I imagine¡ You joined by your own free will, right kids? Nobody forced your hands?¡± He turns to us with malicious eyes.
This is bad, and not just for me.
I feel cold sweat running down my back as my mind is about to explode trying to come up with suitable half-truths and whatnot. It¡¯s not guaranteed this snake of man can detect lies but I¡¯d certainly bet on it and from what I¡¯ve heard admitting to kidnapping Blessed kids is frowned upon so to speak.
Then I realize¡ do I even need to lie?
¡°Not originally.¡± I admit and hear Martha almost choke on her breath.
A dangerous gleam flickers through Damian¡¯s eyes. ¡°Just as I thought, they¡¯re forcing you to be part of-¡±
¡°But I didn¡¯t have much other choice back then because you¡¯re incompetent at your jobs.¡± I interrupt and it feels so fucking good saying this right to their faces.
¡°Excuse me?¡± The man blinks and dangerous clouds gather over Katarina¡¯s eyes.
¡°You heard me.¡± I shrug. ¡°Back when I turned nine dozens of assassins came after me for weeks. They went after my parents and even kidnapped me from my own room. Heck, they tried again a few months ago. It¡¯s supposed to be your job to prevent something like this from happening, but you didn¡¯t.¡± I keep speaking the truth no matter the looks I receive. ¡°You failed at you-¡±
¡°Watch your tongue!¡± Katherine finally snaps. ¡°Insolent brat, what do you know?¡±
¡°I know that if not for them with their unfair offer and stupid rules I wish I¡¯d be dead by now.¡± I reply in kind, standing to my full height and letting the chair hit the ground behind me. ¡°I know that they died protecting me and you didn¡¯t. I saw kids, innocent and so young, blessed with this curse die while you were nowhere to be seen.¡± I¡¯m angry at them, I¡¯m angry and disappointed. ¡°And now that I don¡¯t need you, now that I¡¯ve fought and killed for myself¡ now you show up only to be a pain in the ass. I think I know more than enough.¡±
Damian¡¯s sunny visage has long crumbled and no rebuke comes from the woman either. What could they even say? They didn¡¯t know? It wasn¡¯t their fault? I don¡¯t care because it still felt good.
¡°So while they aren¡¯t exactly good people and I really hated everything even the same color as their stupid corps my mind has changed.¡± I finish my monologue. ¡°Today I¡¯m here because I want to and I¡¯m happy with what I have.¡±
This time the stupid knight of a bitch doesn¡¯t yap flap her mouth pointlessly. Speaking like that when she¡¯s the one who knows so little¡ another name on the ¡®beat to near death¡¯ list.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Probably feeling a little awkward sitting in complete silence for seconds, finally, someone speaks up. ¡°Oh no, totally free will. Their food is absolutely amazing and they know their stuff when it comes to fighting. No regrets.¡± Val answers and eats another bite of that brown stuff.
That¡¯s right, she really did join on her own accord. No Bennett showing up one day, no assassins on her heel, just the drive to grow stronger. Okay, I did kinda force her, just a bit, but realistically it was a deal and she agreed to it¡ I¡¯m not a bad person, okay?
The knife zips out from my hand as if guided by invisible strings, right back into Damian¡¯s grip. No more venomous smile, no curious eyes, none of that crap.
¡°The same request I made to your parents also stands for the two of you.¡± He waves for everyone to lower their weapons. ¡°You may leave. We¡¯ll find you if we have any further questions.¡±
With the path cleared to freedom I repress the urge to spit and move towards the door but not before grabbing the entire bowl of brown bricks. I answered as promised and he never specified how many I could take. Valka copies me with a cheeky chuckle and er leave the fancy bastards behind.
¡°Impecable timing, Martha.¡± I sigh in relief before trying the snack that got Valka talking.
A feat even torture would have difficulty achieving yet this small bite loosened her tongue like nothing else. And after it melts in my mouth I can totally understand why. It¡¯s sweet, smooth, velvety, with a little bitter aroma¡ It¡¯s so fucking
good.
¡°Martha,¡± I speak, still influenced by the bliss in my mouth. ¡°what is this called? This gift from the Gods¡¡±
She chortles before plucking a piece from my hand.¡± It¡¯s called chocolate.¡± She sighs in satisfaction after the bite. ¡°It¡¯s imported from Ah¡¯raban and rivals diamonds in price.¡±
¡°Never heard of a place like that.¡± I tilt my head. The age-old indication of further elaboration needed. ¡°Never seen that name on the Green Sea map either.¡± Or the one in the goblin village we turned to rubble.
¡°Of course you haven¡¯t,¡± Martha huffs. ¡°It¡¯s a whole ocean away to the southeast.¡±
Another place added to the
must-visit list.
¡°Mom, Dad, we secured some loot!¡±
¡°What are your thoughts?¡± Katherine asks the man she finds difficult to understand even after decades of working alongside him. ¡°Should we widen the search area?¡±
There are only two of them in the interrogation room now after the family left.
¡°I don¡¯t care about the case right now. This¡ this is far more intriguing.¡± Damian answers, deep in thought. ¡°Do you understand what we¡¯ve seen? That knife should¡¯ve severed the girl''s arm, even in the hand of a
Mage.¡±
¡°I know, I didn¡¯t sense any Skills at work from either of them. We might need to eliminate her before she grows.¡± The woman looks at her own arm and drags a finger over the armor as if cutting it. ¡°And the other¡¡±
¡°Yes, she commanded four elements below even the level 144 milestone. Either way, it¡¯s impossible. Or so we thought until now.¡± He chuckles.
A notebook appears in his hand, seemingly pulling itself out of a ring on his hand. He starts scribbling furiously while nodding and gesturing as if talking to someone.
¡°Should we eliminate them?¡± The woman asks.
¡°No, killing any of them would be a waste and quite the opposite of our oaths even if they pose a threat. You and I both know what elements like them would mean in securing stability. They could help us take down the Banners, or humble Medici.¡± The quill snaps in his hand as the name of the nation he despises with all his heart leaves his mouth. ¡°The creator of the chimera should have disappeared by now from what they¡¯ve shared. Those rabbits were nothing more than a failed attempt.¡± He discards all his tools and locks his fingers. ¡°Keep up the facade of investigation and try learning more about our little birds!¡±
¡°The Fist won¡¯t make that easy.¡± Katherine frowns. ¡°Especially not here, in the seat of their power.¡±
¡°Power or not¡ the law is on our side.¡± Despite a conclusion being reached Katherine doesn¡¯t react, rebuke, or even leave him as she usually does due to their personalities being polar opposites. ¡°Is something troubling you?¡±
¡°It was the truth. Every word she said.¡± Katherine slumps down in a chair. ¡°We failed them.¡±
¡°We are not to blame. Not entirely at least.¡± Damian sighs, raking his fingers through his hair. ¡°Sure we were unprepared for a hunt and didn¡¯t mobilize to protect those kids but whoever went after them was good. They covered all their operations and left almost no evidence.¡±
¡°But why didn¡¯t anyone just inform us?¡±
¡°Same reason as the Fist if I had to guess.¡± Damian said matter of factly. ¡°To profit and save their own skin. It¡¯s impossible to even prosecute them without admitting to our incompetence and the higher-ups would never agree to that. But we did however catch quite a few of them, remember?¡±
¡°Yeah, half a year ago.¡± Katherine slapped the table, breaking it with ease. ¡°It should¡¯ve been four. This is not the job I signed up for.¡±
¡°And yet it always has been.¡±
I always wanted to visit this building whenever I walked the streets of Granhall. It looked fancy and fancy things are rarely boring while always a wonder to the eye. All my dreams and urges to explore this place through the years aren¡¯t even comparable to the relief I feel when finally outside its walls.
A den of snakes is what it is.
Drinking deep from the fresh air the smell of street food assaults my nose. That chocolate thing might¡¯ve been a drop of godly miracle but clearly not enough to feed my body. Unsurprisingly I¡¯m not the only one relying on my sense of smell to guide my steps and Val turns to the right just after coming down the steps leading to the hall of governance.
There I see my parents, the bestest parents, with skewers of sizzling meat and a huge bag of roasted potatoes in their arms.
¡°When we saw Martha storm in through the front door we knew that things would most likely be fine. Or in the worst-case scenario, we¡¯d have to flee the country. ¡° Dad¡¯s comment is met with an indignant grunt from said old woman. ¡°So we made and educated guess on what your first demand would be after we¡¯re done here. Wasn¡¯t too difficult to predict, let¡¯s be honest.¡±
No words of appreciation or rebuttal to the false accusation. We race towards the food and snatch it out of generous arms, gobbling down every bite after hardly any chewing. It¡¯s been more than half a day since we last ate.
I change my mind, meat is still the best.
***
¡°That¡¯s concerning.¡± Martha concludes after hearing about our first-ever adventure.
I must say that either we¡¯re damn unlucky, have terrible taste when picking a mission, or the Blessing just played its part and nudged us toward the nearest pile of crap in case we missed having problems in our lives. Maybe a mix of them all. I will never stop hearing Mom brag about her
¡®adventurer instincts¡¯ and how she called it¡
We¡¯re back in Karon Fort. Relaxing after the monumental feat of a second lunch and assessing the type of shit that we fell into this time.
¡°What exactly does the Magisterium do?¡± I ask. ¡°How come those fancy dudes acted like they owned the place?¡±
I know they uphold laws and act like some sort of guardians without boundaries but there¡¯s surely more.
¡°Their authority is only below that of the imperial family in Valeria.¡± Martha makes a simple wooden chair appear underneath her bum as she plops down, an age-old trick of hers and a herald of a long story. ¡°Their enforcers are powerful, although not to a point where enough guards or an imperial detachment couldn¡¯t force them back. We¡¯d also have no problem handing them their asses if it wasn¡¯t for the consequences. They are the guarantors of Hadron trade across Eborden, supervising every step from the mining to the market rates. Denying their authority also draws significant international backlash and usually brings any group to its knees economically.¡±
That¡¯s like denying air to the people. Who was the moron who gave a random, independent, pretty righteous, and quite powerful group that authority? Why would any nation ever hand over their rights in the first place?
¡°All in all, a small island in the middle of the Azure Shores was given too much authority.¡± Martha sighs. ¡°Their original purpose, to uphold the laws regarding magic, still accounts for most of their activity, however, political meddling has started to pop its head up in recent decades.¡±
Wonderful. Just brilliant. Just when the prince¡¯s hounds are off my neck and I can mostly roam free living my life, another force sets its eyes on me¡
¡°Any other great news?¡± I ask.
¡°Well, to satisfy your sarcastic side¡ you might be stuck here for a week or two before they wrap things up and
¡®conclude¡¯ that you had no hand in the creation of those abominations.¡± Wha? ¡°Before you ask, yes, they can do that.¡±
¡°That sounds so shit¡¡± I throw my arms in the air and whine. ¡°Will there never be a time when I can just go wherever I want? What are we gonna do here for weeks? I¡¯m already bored. What are we gonna fight now?¡±
¡°Each other?¡± Val shrugs with a slight grin. ¡°And maybe you can finally decide on a second Class. It¡¯s about time you stop stalling and just make up your mind.¡±
Tag was the king of games for me when I was little. It was fun, and tactical, and winning it always felt sweetest. For Valka, that game was full-contact brawling, or so she told me. Beating up each other is what she grew up doing and it looks like she still hasn¡¯t shed her love for the ¡®game¡¯.
Brute.
At least the second part of what she said wasn¡¯t complete nonsense. We can¡¯t let that second slot sit wasted forever. Just the good old choose what you feel like might work and if it doesn¡¯t¡ well I already know what it takes to reset a Class.
¡°If actual good news is what you expected¡¡± Martha speaks again. ¡°In a month you¡¯ll probably have the whole gang to romp around. The last three months before the entrance exam are summer break for all students and I¡¯ve already sent word to Sereban. Sorry to spoil your surprise return if you planned any.¡±
Chapter 109 - Interlude - The Letter
The Academy of Sereban. An institution no orphan or child of the slums could even approach much less dare dream of attending. Nothing more than a pipedream, a place reserved for those standing on the highest step of society.
And yet of all the people who prayed and dreamt of this place, Victor, a skeptical one of all people, walks down the marble floors. Even with his Blessing guiding most of his decisions and the grueling effort he put into reaching higher in life, never did he dare imagine himself here.
It¡¯s a step, a big one, towards the life he desires. A life so different from the poverty of the slums and the back alleys he called home after his mother passed away, leaving him with only his abusive father¡ He knows he doesn¡¯t belong here and is often reminded about the fact by the difference in wealth, treatment, and attitude of his fellow students.
Empty barking. Even with the worst hand, it is possible to win the largest pot. You just have to choose the right table.
Opinion without power is worth nothing more than a fart. Nearly everyone attending the Academy is a child of either someone wealthy or with significant authority. The power they command at the moment is negligible, so their stance towards him matters little. But with time that¡¯ll change. There are also a few talented commoners around who clawed their way here by sheer grit, hard labor, and or pure genius.
They carry the least significance.
Victor himself has been trying to keep a low profile. In the first third year or trimester, as they call it here, he learned that aiming to sit at the top draws jealousy and jealousy invites trouble. People find it difficult to accept that someone else is better than them, even more so if that someone is a commoner. The retaliation ranged from simple words and heckling after classes to accidentally forgetting to pull their punches during practice.
The Academy made sure for cheating to be nigh impossible during tests. Bracelets that strip your control over mana, teachers flying overhead, and benches that detect any object containing mana. It was all talent and effort¡ Except Blessings don¡¯t necessarily require mana. The only thing that stopped Victor from earning a perfect score every time was the importance of the test influencing the accuracy of his Blessing. Still, with some studying and the odds shown by the Skill, he could deduce the correct answer most of the time.
That is until it came to bite him back.
¡°Not that my grades matter.¡± He whispers as he arrives at the lecture room for his next subject.
Masterful Conduct of Combat. Despite its idiotic name, the retired general of a professor shares wisdom beyond anything he could ever ask for. The man preaches about insight and preparedness, the importance of information above any military strength.
Victor is not attending this lecture alone, although it doesn¡¯t feel like it most of the time. When he enters the hall August is already sitting in the back, the same hard-to-approach aura oozing from the boy as every day. His personality has always been cold and distant, however, ever since the attack on them last year¡
The only person he went out of his way to speak to had always been Elyssia. Not because they were best friends or anything, Gods forbid no. They were rivals, competitive and prideful the both of them. Now that the girl is gone, with her big mouth and sparkling eyes August seems¡ alone.
Victor still finds a seat near his comrade, even if striking up a conversation is probably both impossible and impractical. The wisdom spoken is worth much more than simple chit-chat even if it''s a rarity. Another boy sits down next to them, and they greet each other with a simple nod. Hagen, a dwarf, and replacement sent after their original squad of six was reduced to only three people at the start of the first semester. Milara died, Eli died, and Hugo¡ Hugo just collapsed. He was too kind for this line of work.
Hagen is the new vanguard of their team, while the other two Lucas and Silvia bolster the backline with their water and metal magic.
With the replacements, the team lost a good deal of its damage and became quite physical-attack heavy, which led to many setbacks and subsequent losses. Besides poor teamwork and the general divide between members.
The Academy offered them additional opportunities during the last tournament to remedy their lacking performance but even that didn¡¯t bring much success. Worse, even the three new kids often voice their complaints quite openly about how anyone leaning on their Blessing is a sham. How the wielders of those Skills enjoy an unfair advantage and steal the spotlight from those working harder¡
What a load of crap.
Victor and August don''t admit to it but they just can''t see the replacement members as equals. They were plan B and the only reason the six of them have to work together is because his friends died. They died and their Blessings are the only things to blame, yet people keep acting jealous. They know nothing.
Kayla is Kayla, she tries to befriend anyone and anything, even if her attempts are futile.
¡°Good evening students.¡± Echoes the voice of the aged professor as he approaches the podium.
The hall quiets down as all eyes and ears turn to the upcoming lesson. This subject is optional so only those truly invested in learning about the art of war attend.
¡°Last week we discussed the evolution of cavalry warfare and flanking tactics. As you hopefully remember we steered toward the different beasts used as mounts and the unique approach of certain races. Today we¡¯ll focus on those differences.¡± Although this topic might no longer be as prominent as it was hundreds or even a thousand years ago since Ebroden today is firmly controlled by human nations almost in its entirety. Nevertheless, a change in perspective can never hurt.¡± He explains and puts a few wooden figures on the table right next to him.
A human, an elf, a dwarf, an orc, a goblin, a beastman, a figure with wings instead of arms, and lastly a half-human half-horse.
¡°Most of what I¡¯m about to tell you is knowledge passed down from even before my grandparents¡¯ time. Wars between races used to be the most common type of conflict before human hegemony descended. This is not because we are superior or stronger or smarter¡ none of that.¡± He huffs and shakes his head. ¡°Individually humans are second to last, only coming before the goblins really.¡±
That statement earned some dissatisfied grumbling from the students. Everyone has their pride and calling their race garbage, despite reality proving otherwise, was difficult to accept.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
¡°Gnomes are arguably weaker but they make up for it with ingenuity and artificery. The human military needs no introduction. Numbers hold the frontline while mages and archers cull the enemy. A balanced approach with moderate risk, easy-to-execute maneuvers, and mediocre gear. Average, like humanity in general.¡±
The figure of a man wearing typical guard armor is placed back on the table and the professor takes another figure into his hand.
¡°Elves.¡± He says in a grave tone. ¡°Unlike the unfortunate dwarfs, the uninterested gnomes, or the disorganized orcs and beastmen, elves have all the necessary means to stand their ground on the world stage. Their numbers might be laughable but even I would be considered fairly young among their ranks and as the young say nowadays time equals levels.¡± He lifts the tiny elf up for everyone to see, bow and a dagger in his hands.
It looks grateful and regal¡ nothing like Elyssia, much less Kayla.
¡°They fight like the predators of the jungle, swift, unseen, and deadly. Frontal confrontations were rare, although not unheard of, and even then most of their ranks were made up of tamed beasts, powerful mages, and rangers. The reason we never shiver in fear of elves conquering swaths of land is because nature does not belong to anyone and the elves know that better than anybody. Our numbers and walls mean little against the true monsters of the wilds. This is only our land as long as they allow us to reside here and the elves behave accordingly.¡±
Victor grins and shakes his head in silence, unlike the majority of human students who indignantly murmur among themselves. We¡¯re the rodents allowed to live under a rock. Left alive until the rock needs to be moved.
According to him, Kayla is the spitting image of an elf. Eli on the other hand¡ She was closer to a mix of gnome and orc. From what I understand, elves really are the peaceful type, accepting things as they are, as given by nature and Aelion. Then again Eli was¡
¡°Dwarves.¡± The lecture doesn¡¯t wait for anyone¡¯s inner musings and so the professor continues. ¡°A formidable force of a bygone era. Their cities weren¡¯t fortified to protect themselves, the cities themselves were the fortifications. Holds as they called them, were the strongholds themselves. The settlements, carved into mountains, were nigh impenetrable just like their fighting style. They didn¡¯t rely on cavalry or archers to thin out the enemy. Dwarves are enduring and so their heavy infantry simply outlasted any opponent they came up against. Mechanical weapons like the catapult, ballista, or repeater crossbows all come from the old dwarven kingdoms since their people preferred a more hardheaded approach than drawing a bow or using magic. Nowadays dwarves live scattered across Eborden and although they have regained some of their numbers after just barely escaping Korellia their sun likely won''t ever shine again.¡±
A tragic story about a race that lost their home. It was not the first time Victor had sat through a lengthy speech about the Downfall of Korellia and the subsequent evacuation of the continent. Although things might change now as the fleets cross the Balton Ocean.
The stocky figure is placed back on the table and another is picked up.
¡°The bane of the south, greenskin, savage warmongers, and many other names are used to describe the orcs. The general hatred towards them however doesn¡¯t stem from their nature or just the fact that they¡¯re different. Conflict is an integral part of their culture, it''s how they settle debates and choose leaders. Selecting a partner in life, the size of their hunting grounds, or even the name of a child, it all comes down to who wins the duel.¡± Despite the clear distaste in the man¡¯s voice, there¡¯s no sign of hate or disdain. ¡°Using their advantage in strength, weight, and resilience the orc resolve to shock tactics or mass charges. Sheer force is the only tool they need to win a confrontation and if one is facing off against a larger warband¡ That¡¯s when warbeasts and shamans come into play. Trouble is what the orcs are.¡±
Just as the professor is about to continue playing with the figures, reaching for what seems to be a goblin Victor spots Kayla at the door. She¡¯s peeking into the lecture hall with sparkling eyes clearly looking for someone.
Not again¡
When her eyes meet Victor¡¯s her face lights up and she waves him over with less than subtle motions drawing far too many eyes. Despite shaking his head and mouthing ¡®CANT. LESSON.¡¯ The girl doesn¡¯t relent and starts pouting instead pointing at both boys and outside with the attitude of an angered mother.
Victor sighs and relays the message to August who just shrugs and goes back to not giving a rat¡¯s ass about anything but the lesson. Convincing the biggest prick without an equal anymore isn¡¯t a task Victor can imagine himself accomplishing without sufficient leverage. He just helplessly shrugs at Kayla when the girl mouths something. ¡®MESSAGE. FIST¡¯
¡°It¡¯s from the Fist, let¡¯s go.¡± Victor throws all subtlety aside and drags August with him who stops being a pain in the ass upon learning about their predicament.
As they step outside Kayla quickly grabs both of them by the arm and drags them towards the nearest balcony.
¡°What¡¯s all this about? Just report.¡± August grumbles and tries to fruitlessly free his arm from the vines snaking out from the girl¡¯s sleeves and holding onto them.
Victor doesn¡¯t question the girl''s motives. She¡¯s the kindest and purest person he had ever met, an existence he thought to be nothing more than a myth and his first ever true friend. She¡¯s too pure and as long as she¡¯s happy nothing else matters.
Once they¡¯re on the far end of the balcony, away from any prying ears and overlooking the majestic city of Sereban Kayla finally seems content. She reaches into her blouse and pulls out a letter.
I think that move is reserved for adult women. Victor laughs silently, after all, Kayla is young and an elf... it''s not her fault. Her airheadedness is a different matter entirely.
The front of the letter reads: August, Kayla, and Victor read together!
The handwriting is clearly Martha¡¯s and the Fist is only meant to send letters at the end of every month to inquire about their progress. This must be something important.
Kayla fumbles with opening the envelope before August snatches it out of her hand and cuts the paper with a lightning-fast swipe of his nail. The girl steals it back with another vine and starts reading.
¡°Hey, it said together!¡± Victor protests and pushes up next to her, maybe just to stand closer.
The new squad for next year¡ blah, blah¡ two Blessed¡ powerful¡ their names are Valka and¡
Victor doesn¡¯t believe his eyes as he reads the name again and again¡ Elyssia. There was only ever one Elyssia, let alone a girl named like that with a Blessing.
¡°What is it?¡± August asks in confusion as both the others freeze and Kayla¡¯s eyes begin to tear up.
He snatches the piece of paper and his eyes run down the lines with the same speed he¡¯s able to accomplish almost anything. Disbelief soon takes over his visage before he reads through it again. Then again before his arms go limp and he stays there like a statue.
A moment of silence descends onto the balcony before a squeal growing louder by the second like water boiling in a kettle rings everyone back to reality.
¡°She¡¯s back!¡± Kayla screams at the top of her lungs and pulls the other two into an excited hug. ¡°I knew it, I told you!¡± She sniffs and giggles in happiness.
Victor just stares in front of himself, his sharp mind betraying him after a long time. He has never been this thankful for his Skill to be wrong, for his Blessing to fail him. He still vividly remembers the odds he had seen that day, nightmares haunt him of the chance of Elyssia being alive.
5%
He joins the cheerful giggling and punches August in the shoulder. ¡°Close your mouth you fool. Or are you imagining Eli standing here to spit in it? You¡¯d like that, huh?¡±
¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡± August pulls away with a look of pure disgust. ¡°And I¡¯m not the one crying in case you didn¡¯t notice. The letter said she¡¯s stronger, much stronger. The gap has widened¡¡±
The longest sentence he has spoken in a long time.
Chapter 110 - The Second
19696 The 3rd Spring
¡°Could you please tell us more about your experience upon receiving your Blessing?¡± Damien asks with a gentle smile.
No? It was fairly weird and looking back I made some rash decisions¡ The choices I made then and there and the answers I gave to Librea might¡¯ve been the most important ones in my entire life. Is it anything worth keeping secret? Not really. I still don¡¯t want to tell its tale.
¡°How exactly does that question aid the investigation, Inquisitor?¡± Martha huffs, protecting me not from beasts but something far more frightening.
I still wouldn¡¯t dare to be that blunt even though I know by now that this dude is after me and the chimera case is as good as closed. Is being bored to death and listening to him any better than fleeing from the shadows? Well, yeah, but that doesn¡¯t mean I appreciate it.
It has been a whole damn month since we were asked or rather ordered to stick around. Not a week or two as it was promised, oh no. The questions aimed at the fight and creatures disappeared just after days and morphed into inquiries about me, my Blessing, my Class, my future plans, and basically everything about me and nothing about the chimeras.
I might be young but even I can see the pattern here.
¡°May I ask about any development regarding the case?¡± Martha jabs and by the sight of that hateful smile on Damian¡¯s face faltering she¡¯s spot on. ¡°Being restricted from leaving the city can be quite harsh on someone at thus ripe of an age. You know how it is¡ the vibrant youth.¡±
Now Martha is just frying his balls and hopefully for the last time. Katharine, the Judge, has long disappeared and left this vile snake back for us to deal with.
¡°To my great sorrow and despite our best efforts the search bore no fruits. The culprit is still out there and we failed to prevent his next vile act.¡± He answers theatrically while shaking his head. Pretentious bastard.
Are these two just mocking each other? Every sentence reeks of sarcasm and it feels like listening to someone scraping a pan with a fork. I barely even open my mouth because Martha keeps answering for me. She basically ditched her lectures to Bennett just to feud with Damien and I can¡¯t see why anyone would do such a thing.
I heard the old goat usually throws pebbles instead of lightning at those with tireless mouths in the middle of a lecture.
¡°I greatly appreciate the assistance provided even though we failed in our task. Sadly duty calls me elsewhere as some fool has overestimated her authority over some demons and there¡¯s cleanup to do.¡± He stands up and places a scroll on the table. ¡°It was a pleasure meeting you Elyssia and if you or your friend were ever interested in keeping the unruly criminals of Ebroden in check just present this recommendation to the council in Epros.¡± He smiles sweetly as if we became best palls during our too-long time together. ¡°May the hands of Hector make us meet again.¡±
As he leaves the room the other knights file out after him and completely vacate the corridor at last.
May you die on accident along the way. May you choke on your next meal. May neither side of your pillow be cold when tonight. Stupid Magisterium pricks.
¡°C¡¯mon little devil, I don¡¯t want to spend another minute here.¡± Martha waves and we exit the interrogation room that I know all too well by now. As we pass sculptures and pictures she speaks again. ¡°Don¡¯t judge the entirety of the Magisterium based on this one small fry!¡± How does she know, again? ¡°Their work likely saves more lives a year than the Fist takes. The offer he gave you is of incredible value so what do you-¡±
¡°Don¡¯t ask stupid questions.¡± I huff before she can even finish. It¡¯s my time to read minds. ¡°They might earn well and can boss around people but from what you told me they lose a thing very important to me. Let me ask you this, can they choose their tasks? When and where to go?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not questioning your loyalty or anything Eli, I know you well enough that just because of Damian you would never even consider joining Epros.¡± Damn right. ¡°And yes, their work is a lot more¡ rigid.¡±
Whatever, I¡¯m good.
We leave the outside beautiful inside deserted building and Martha stops us just on the bottom of the steps. ¡°Wait for it.¡± She says and that¡¯s what we do, wait.
For what we wait, I don¡¯t know and I don¡¯t really care as a few minutes are nothing compared to the days of utter waste of time just to get my adventuring pass back. Not a real pass, I can just leave the city now. Anyway, bureaucracy sucks.
It doesn¡¯t require much of my already saintly patience to find out why we stopped. Bodies, winged and four-legged take bloat out the sun as about twelve of them take to the sky. Most would expect griffons to be about the size of lions since that¡¯s the base they were designed upon but that is a gross underestimate. Even comparing them to bears would be akin to dogs cats and panthers.
And man those things are freaking cool. Riding like that does earn big cookie points for the Magisterium job¡. Still a firm no, just a little less harsh.
¡°They arrived from the north the day your father returned with news about the chimeras. Epros is to the east.¡± Martha points out while we observe the disappearing figures. ¡°This was not the first such incident.¡±
That would explain how and why they got here so fast. I would be in a hurry too if a lunatic was running around the continent, creating abominations like that and it was my job to prevent it.
¡°So are you gonna stuck to reading and pumping levels into that second Class of yours once you decided on something or is it time to stretch your legs?¡± Martha asks with a slight smile.
Yeah, it¡¯s best I don¡¯t delay that any longer. Fighting anyone breathing and willing back in the Fort, including my Bennett and my parents did earn me four levels and quite some progress with my Skills. And way more losses than I¡¯ll ever admit. Not a lot for an entire month¡¯s work but I took it easy and it was closer to friendly spars than whatever I had against Val.
In all those cases I lacked something quite crucial that could¡¯ve given me a slight edge if only I was able to make up my fucking mind. I have to choose a second Class, it¡¯s driving me crazy. Last night I barely slept going through all the possibilities.
Do I want to fight like Mom and get myself a Warrior Class, or double down on Mage, or maybe a Rogue to focus on speed and even a little stealth? Everyone loves the element of surprise.
Or maybe even something not necessarily fighting-related. Hell, the ability to heal myself¡ man I¡¯m something so jealous of Val. Or something that¡¯ll help me get the most out of the Academy, a Class focused on learning and understanding¡ stuff. I¡¯d also love to explore the locations I saw on the map back in the goblin cave. Our visit to that underground whatever-that-was turned out quite fruitful. And then there¡¯s doing that¡
¡°Let¡¯s get back.¡± I tell Martha. ¡°I can¡¯t let Val pull ahead anymore.¡±
The damn brute just went for another melee option, this one a little speedier. This means she moves faster and hits harder meanwhile I just¡ okay, Focal Mana Trance, is pretty awesome but it can¡¯t compete with an entire Class.
¡°Do you already have something in mind?¡± Martha asks as we walk.
¡°Nope.¡± I proudly declare, ready to roll the dice the same way I did when deciding on the arcane element.
***
Back in the mess hall, not the real one but the one in my head, with pretty plates on every table and a distinct lack of people. No food either so the real one wins, by a lot. The place looks a little less dilapidated but it¡¯s still clear not everything is back in its old glory.
¡°Plates, to me!¡± I command and they gather around the owner of this soulscape.
[Merciless Murdrer of Rabbits - Wind] [Brawling Mage - Wind], [Incinerating Presence - Fire], [Grounded Fighter - Earth], [Mana Scribe - Water], [Fiend of the Night - Dark], [Plasmancer - Fire], [Serated Blade - Wind], [Dagger Dancer - Wind], [Finder of the Forgotten - Light], [Eternal Duo - Life], [Camping Expert - Nature], [Lousy Thief - Dark], [Agent of the Law - Metal]You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
It¡¯s a lot and I¡¯m gonna ignore most of them right away.
¡°Wait. Now that I think about it¡ something is missing.¡± I mutter, looking around in search of that certain unruly purple light. I forgot about it the last time because of how much I enjoyed smashing plates but shouldn¡¯t it be around somewhere, taunting me and whatnot? ¡°No, it¡¯s best not to think about that stupid scam right now.¡±
Anyway, skip, not bad but I mostly made that combo to take down Val without actually using fire, skip, skip, skip¡ Okay, let¡¯s just focus on the interesting ones. Mages don¡¯t brawl, I only fight uniquely close with my magic. Fire magic is a little boring at this point and although a dedicated Class could provide me with some handy passives for the element, I can¡¯t see anything awesome enough to warrant wasting an entire slot.
¡°Now this one is tempting.¡± I make [Fiend of the Night - Dark] float closer. ¡°Dark blue right off the bat.¡±
Its rarity isn¡¯t insane but considering I¡¯m merely at the first milestone for my second slot¡ really shows how much attributes and feats matter.
A quick read reveals that this is indeed a stealthy Class and that it¡¯s all about the gigs we did back in Salermo. Which is unfortunate because intimidation and other minor crimes were what we did and thus they are the main focus of the Class. Not to mention I don¡¯t want anything related to that place¡
[+2 Free Points, +2 Might, +4 Speed, +3 Endurance, +2 Mana, +1 Willpower +2 Intelligence, +2 Focus per level]
What a shame¡
[Plasmancer - Fire] is an absolute gem in this pile of¡ pretty solid choices actually. I¡¯m just a little too picky. Anyway, a light blue Class, this early on means its future prospects are stellar, not to mention the magic trick it¡¯s all about is also maybe the most potent in my arsenal.
[Plasmancer - Fire]
Requirement: The ability to wield the mysterious fourth state of matter and bring destruction using the force of a star. 600 Intelligence, 600 Focus 300 Mana
¡°The power of a star¡ I like the sound of that.¡± I nod, getting tempted the further I read.
You dance on the edge of creation and destruction, wielding the raw fire of stars and the crackling breath of storms. Cloaked in an incandescent glow, you summon the chaos of plasma to shape it to your will and bring destruction. With every motion, you blur the line between wisdom and sorcery, channeling energies that sear the heavens and light the darkest void.
¡°Mmmh, nice. Very nice.¡± I groan, liking this option more and more.
[+2 Endurance, +5 Mana, +3 Willpower +4 Intelligence, +3 Focus, +2 Fortitude per level]
What can I say? I¡¯m impressed. By myself.
Let¡¯s quickly check the rest of them goodies before my self-control gives in.
[Dagger Dancer - Wind]
¡°Would this make me better at dancing or just mix things up?¡± I¡¯m slightly curious but not all that tempted. ¡°Considering it does offer speed and some melee combat I won''t rule it out, but not a strong candidate.¡±
[Finder of the Forgotten - Light]
If I were already strong enough and fighting some noble scions wasn¡¯t expected of me I¡¯d likely take this. Also, I doubt there are any ancient ruins in the Academy anywhere around Sereban.
[Eternal Duo - Life]
I¡¯d be lying if I said I¡¯m not delighted to see this. I love being around Val, more than even my parents probably, and I¡¯ll always prefer doing things together¡ for the foreseeable future. But once she frees her people¡
While this Class might greatly empower us both while we stay close and have that certain bond between us I know she won¡¯t always be by my side. Be that during a simple duel or¡ I don¡¯t know I can¡¯t imagine it yet.
And it wouldn¡¯t be fair toward her either, using this Class as an indirect binding. But that¡¯s a tomorrow Eli problem, right now it really made my day.
¡°The remaining ones¡¡± I check the few plates still waiting for their turn. ¡°Is this a joke?¡±
[Agent of the Law - Metal]
¡°What law? I probably racked up about a few dozen charges in¡¡± I keep reading.
Requirement: Aided in upholding the sacred law of the arcane and protecting the continent according to the Epros Conventions¡
¡°Ah, that.¡± I nod. ¡°I should probably read through those one day. Maybe they have written down some great ideas on how not to use magic.¡± And with that, the list of options is exhausted. ¡°Plasmancer is pretty cool. The rest, not so much.¡± I stack the useless plates back on the table. ¡°But I already have something in mind.¡±
[Mana Scribe - Water]
I know, quite lame compared to Plasmancer but solid foundations matter and that stupid bitch refused to teach me even though I rarely ask for anyone¡¯s help. Well, now I¡¯m interested and don¡¯t know about any other way of making it go away than rolling my sleeves up and doing it myself.
The requirements are nothing extraordinary, and the description is just what one would expect. It¡¯s a Class about writing stuff and doing that with a tinge of mana but it gives me the Skill I need and some stats even if it won''t change anything in the short term.
I have no experience with crafting be that baskets or weapons but it¡¯s never too late to learn.
[+1 Free Points, +4 Mana, +2 Willpower +2 Intelligence, +5 Focus per level]
¡°Fuck it, I¡¯ll make this Class work even in combat. People believed the arcane element to be mostly useless and guess what?¡± I grab the plate without a second thought and accept the Class.
***
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve changed your Class to [Mana Scribe - Water] lvl 9 -> 18, +1 Free Points, +3 Dexterity +3 Mana, +2 Willpower +2 Intelligence, +3 Focus.]
Eh, not all that surprising.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the skill [Shimmering Lines lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the skill [Precise Hands lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the skill [Cram lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the skill [Beauty in the Craft lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the skill [Penmanship lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Shimmering Lines: Letters are more than mere symbols, they are conduits of intention, humming with latent energy. Each stroke breathes life unto the surface, as the glowing lines ripple with meaning and magic.
Not exactly what I need¡ I¡¯m not an expert but making pretty glowing letters doesn¡¯t exactly grasp the essence of inscriptions. But it¡¯ll do for now. I¡¯ll chew through this Class in no time and get my hands on something nice.
Precise Hands: A steady hand is what brings thoughts and ideas to reality while precision is indispensable for anyone having at least a smidgen of self-esteem. Be proud of your work and do it right.
Cram: Inspiration and greatness do not wait for anyone unlike the bed that will stay where you left it. Act now and sleep later, there¡¯s much to do!
I guess. This will surely come in handy for what I have planned.
Beauty in the Craft: There¡¯s a lot more to creating something than its function, more than rigid parts made by hollow eyes and cold hands. Pour your soul into your work and rely not just on reason to guide your hands but also on a sense of completeness is beauty.
Yes, very yes, absolutely. Looks are absolutely a key factor in anything I¡¯ll ever make.
Penmanship: Some swordsmen could win a duel even in their sleep with how proficient they are at wielding their weapon, so don¡¯t let anything stop you from being a master of your tool or writing essays in your sleep!
What is this cursed Skill? Do I have to?
I¡¯ll take them all thank you, very much. Not exactly an inscriptionist Class quite yet and that¡¯s completely fine. I¡¯m not sure if the whole crafting ordeal really is for me and even if its a bust I can just make use of this whole scribe and studying thing in the Academy.
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Elyssia
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Age: 13
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 9836/1098
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Free Points: 32
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+1263/hour (-397)
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Might: 18
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Intelligence: 1181
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Mana: 1098
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Speed: 461
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Focus: 1269(+327)
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Willpower: 1263
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Endurance: 270
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Dexterity: 160
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Fortitude: 170
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 86
Identify lvl 88
Dodging lvl 95
Pain Tolerance lvl 46
Premonition lvl 98
Survival lvl 64
Maintained Magic lvl 82
Martial Instinct lvl 69
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I. Class: Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane 116
Arcane Mastery lvl 99
Action for Reaction lvl 94
Mana Perception lvl 95
Focal Mana Trance lvl 89
Ethereal Stage lvl 68
Rhythmic Strides lvl 62
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II. Class: Mana Scribe - Water lvl 18
Shimmering Lines lvl 1
Precise Hands lvl 1
Cram lvl 1
Beauty in the Craft lvl 1
Penmanship lvl 1
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III. Class: *Locked*
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¡°Good enough.¡± I¡¯m not one to give high praises, even to myself. Although this one will serve me exceptionally well.
¡°Took you long enough.¡± Martha steps into my room not even five seconds after I¡¯ve opened my eyes. ¡°Your mother is waiting for you at the reception.¡±
Urgh, not now Mom. I still have a haughty blacksmith to drive nuts and new Skills to test.
¡°On my way.¡± Of course, I value my life more than to bring up those complaints.
¡°So, what are we working with.¡± Martha welcomes me with sparkling eyes. I¡¯m still in my street clothes so I left my room right away.
¡°Nothing much, a humble Mana Scribe.¡± I confuse her right away as it¡¯s obvious she¡¯s following me to observe more of my newfound magical brilliance. That has absolutely nothing to do with Savant.
She merely blinks before catching up to me. ¡°Wha- Wait, are you-¡±
¡°Yep.¡± I confirm her suspicion. As expected, the old hag is sharp.
We make some small talk about my whimmy, its viability, and what other options were realistically on the table before Mom¡¯s grinning face comes into view.
¡°Pack up, we have a job!¡± She declares.
¡°When did I lose my say in things?¡± I mutter, dejected and moppy but still compliant.
¡°Happened right after I pushed you out of my body.¡± She chuckles. ¡°Now, chop-chop, this one is a bit time-sensitive.¡±
Chapter 111 - New Fascination
We left with haste as if the world was about to collapse just for a gig that pays about as poorly as the rabbit quest before the bonuses and extra compensation. Because Val wanted to visit the fabled vista of the Azure Coast and Mom insisted on going on some weirdly popular crab genocide.
I¡¯m not actually mad. I missed these sandy beaches, the wild salty breeze, and the soft sound of the waves. I grew up on the coast after all. Once a girl of the docks always a girl of those dirty, fish-stench-covered, noiseful docks.
We¡¯re here a day or two early I think. Which does make me mad because why the hurry if we had ample time? Either that or we completely missed the place, which sounds unlikely considering the task.
Every year around the same week millions of Thorny Blue Crabs march onto the beach, turning the land blue and gathering in the forest to¡ cook up little crabs.
It¡¯s kinda like the Elder Line up north in Turan, except the civilized world won¡¯t be on the brink of destruction if we fail to kill enough. They disturb the hunters and their meat fetches a modest sum, that¡¯s the only reason we¡¯re here.
¡°Can you show me what our Coin looks like?¡± Valka slides next to me and whispers. ¡°I can¡¯t make it shine.¡±
Before departing we got ourselves some pretty coins made that serve a similar purpose as the hunter¡¯s emblem. Identification and proof of expertise. These beauties are quite large for a coin and react to blood which is even more difficult to fake. They have the image of Eborden on one side surrounded by thorns while on the other is a windrose surrounded by stars.
Gotta give it to whoever came up with the design, they nailed it.
¡°What do you mean?¡± I look at her ridiculously. ¡°Just drop some blood on it. Nick your finger or¡ Oh.¡± She can¡¯t cut herself. We don¡¯t have anything sharp or enchanted enough besides maybe Mom¡¯s spear. ¡°So¡ what? Want me to hit you hard enough for your nose to bleed? A rock? Or explosions?¡± I ask sarcastically.
She rolls her eyes, grabs my hand, and holds it to her mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t act stupid or I¡¯ll bite a finger off and see it for myself.¡± She threatens while looking straight into my eyes.
I know she¡¯s joking and still the cold runs down my back. Her teeth are more than sharp enough to cut through my flesh and I doubt her jaws would have any problem either. But it¡¯s neither of those factors that make her truly intimidating.
It¡¯s her presence.
It was a short lecture Martha gave me between two dancing lessons. Us Mages influence the mana often unconsciously, making it bend to our will by simply breathing. That is if the mage in question is powerful enough. She called it aura or in the case of monsters like her, a domain.
One can learn to control it but otherwise, it¡¯d exert a suffocating pressure as the surrounding mana would no longer be completely free.
In the case of Warriors, something similar is true. Anything with the intelligence above grass can recognize a powerful creature just from a single glance, their steps, demeanor, muscles, and the body as a whole. It¡¯s intimidating, and Val is already showing signs of it.
I reluctantly take my knife, make a little cut and smear the blood onto the metal. ¡°A simple please would¡¯ve been enough though.¡± I add.
The same glow Mom showed us appears, albeit the image is a lot¡ less. The outlines of the engravings barely light up.
¡°Meh.¡± Valka shrugs. ¡°Thanks anyway.¡±
¡°My thoughts exactly.¡± I nod and put the coin away. It hopefully stops glowing after some time. ¡°Did you Class up your¡ what was its name?¡±
¡°Storm Strider.¡± Valka repeats the name for the umpteenth time with the same pride.
¡°Yeah, that. Still level 18?¡± I wave off her enthusiasm.
¡°I might be excited to take the next step and keep making you eat dirt but I won¡¯t lose out on quality because of childish impatience.¡± She huffs and crosses her arms. I think she learned that from me.
Now I know her well enough to recognize a lie right away. She¡¯s at her breaking point, far too eager to grasp strength and I can¡¯t really fault her.
¡°Good girl.¡± I pat her shoulder. It¡¯s easy to catch her eyes widening and her cheeks slightly reddening. ¡°Be sure to use the Skills instead of just mindlessly bashing, okay?¡±
¡°Oh you little-¡±
Someone is grumpy and it¡¯s not just because of me. She already hates the approaching summer heat, constantly whining that it''s way too hot and how much better it was at home. And there¡¯s no way she¡¯s serious. No way that a frozen mountaintop with only a single type of weather, cold as fuck, could ever compare to the gentle sunlight and smooth breeze combo we have here.
¡°Girls, we¡¯re here and no longer alone. Behave!¡± Dad warns before we make fools of ourselves.
Just a little over, where the grass meets the golden sand, camps are set up in the dozens. Tents and campfires have people mingling around them, waiting for the job to start or just resting on their journey wherever it may lead. Now there are no doubts we¡¯re at the right place. The only thing left is to look for a suitable spot to set up camp and pass the time, something I¡¯ve been looking forward to.
It wasn¡¯t all too easy to write while walking and at night Dad didn¡¯t appreciate me doodling on the ground, ignoring our surroundings. A solid three days of being denied my right to play with my newest Skills. This little trip better be worth it.
¡°What now?¡± I ask, hoping for a certain answer.
Mom gives me an unimpressed look for my lack of subtleness then shoos me off. ¡°Do whatever, just do not bother anyone, and don''t do anything stupid!¡±
I won¡¯t even act huffy or outraged, it¡¯s Mom I¡¯m up against and my record is firmly against me. I don¡¯t even have to do anything for something stupid to find me.
Since Val is basically melting in the heat and I¡¯m back at the beach I¡¯ve been fond of since I could walk it''s time to dip into the salty waves of nostalgia. Clothes meant to get soaking wet with salty water aren¡¯t among our supplies as we backed in a hurry.
So I improvise.
I grab a few things from the bags, nudge Val a few steps away from our stuff, and encase ourselves with an earth dome. I want some privacy and we should have at least a minute or two worth of air in here. I create a spark of light and get to work.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
The shirts can stay and I¡¯ll just dry them with magic but when they get wet¡ yeah, they kinda lose their purpose. Wearing leather pants would just be straight-up heavy and uncomfortable so I brought two tools. Some random cloth, rope and bandages. Truly the solution to everything.
As the dome comes down we are revealed in all our magnificence. Bandages around the chest under the shirt with rolled-up sleeves and makeshift shorts on us from the cloth and held together by some rope.
¡°Eli I don¡¯t feel comfortable-¡± My friend shrinks in her clothes as if the Valka fighting in tatters while covered in blood was a whole other person.
¡°Potato, potato.¡± I dump my actual clothes beside our bags. ¡°It holds. See? You kept whining that it''s too hot so what is there to worry about?¡±
Let¡¯s hope it works.
¡°Look at the both of you!¡± Mom whistles with a nod of approval. ¡°Don¡¯t take the breath of too many men, they¡¯ll be useful tomorrow when the numbers swell too much. Now off you go!¡±
I skip down the beach without a worry in the world while also feeling some gazes on me as I get to the water. It¡¯s not the type of looks Mom warned me about, I¡¯m too young for that. But even if it is... well, that someone is probably tired of having their sight.
What can I say¡ just like the Blessing, looking fine has its own curse. That or people just find it weird how nonchalantly we go for a swim when things are about the get crabby. I think we''ll be good.
I squeal a little as my toes dip into the water. It¡¯s cold. Not too cold or anything, but rather a habit I had back when I was little. Probably the only cutesy side of me left. Fortitude also has a minor role in regulating the impact of temperature on our bodies, something I have quite an abundance of compared to little Eli.
That begs the question¡ What is Valka bitching about? She has like ten times my physical attributes and all that. I think it¡¯s all in her head.
Taking a deep breath I just sprint into the water and dive headfirst below the gentle waves. As the sandy bottom slants and gives room to the deeper seabed the scenery below the surface changes so much that it makes me wonder whether I am in the same world or if I¡¯m dreaming.
The colors, the creatures, the forests of corals, the way my hair floats, or the sounds of the currents¡ I pity those who die without seeing this marvel.
Just imagining what else might hide out there, below the waves or hidden in lush forests waiting to be discovered¡ As much as I hate leaving civilization behind I doubt I could stay put forever.
When I surface, to take a deep breath and get rid of any water that seeped in through my nose or mouth Valka is still standing on the shore and watching the tiny waves carefully. Like a cat acting allergic to water.
This has to be a fucking joke¡ If this was a horde of monsters or, hell, even fire, she¡¯d throw herself at it without a second thought. Oh wait, she can¡¯t swim, can she?
I don¡¯t waste any breath on sweet words or encouragements. A massive orb of water parts from the surface and I raise an eyebrow as reality dawns on Valka¡¯s face. She dodges the first ball, so I send six more, then bigger splashes, tentacles of water dragging her into the depths, and at last, after all the complaining and begging, she¡¯s defeated.
This might be an actual weakness of hers¡ We need to work on that.
***
Spent and with water flowing even from our nose, we lay on the hot sand and let the sun dry us as we catch our breath. All in all, it was a fair fight. She treated me like a ragdoll and tried to drown me since she was able to hold her breath much longer while I relied on air magic not to die and used the water to wrestle for control.
It was fun. Like the brawls we had back in Meliorport ages ago. And I¡¯ve clearly won.
¡°Clean it!¡± Val grumbles. ¡°There¡¯s sand everywhere and I don¡¯t like the smell. My eyes are also itchy.¡±
I do as she asks off-handedly, mostly because I agree, while my eyes are stuck somewhere else. An old-looking dwarf walks around the beach crouching down from time to time and fiddling around with rocks he pulls from his pocket. This in itself is nothing extraordinary, the three-year-old me could copy that, but it is the mana swirling around his hands that catches my attention.
I get up and walk a little closer while calling on Mana Perception to make me wiser. It¡¯s curiosity that draws me in, edging me for answers for something weird I¡¯ve noticed. As the world turns colorful with the use of the Skill my intuition is confirmed. Little bundles of concentrated magic are left in the sand wherever the dwarf passed, arranged in a large area across the beach.
¡°Hey, stop where you are!¡± A voice shouts from my left and I instinctively get ready to fight. ¡°Calm your horses, pipsqueak!¡± A man who resembles Bennett if I imagined in his prime winks at me. I hate the fact that he¡¯s arguably handsome. ¡°I¡¯ll point it out, just in case there¡¯s a problem with your eyes, those little red flags mark where not to go.¡±
I follow his fingers and see a few small sticks with pieces of red cloth on them.
¡°They look like thrash.¡± I shrug because backing down would be the same as acknowledging that I completely missed them. ¡°And you can¡¯t tell me where not to go.¡±
At this point, Valka comes up next to me as backup, just in case things go south.
[Warrior lvl ???]
She would make little difference.
¡°If you want to lose a leg then by all means go ahead.¡± The dude chuckles. ¡°It¡¯s also rude to spy on the craft of someone else. Didn¡¯t-¡±
¡°Alex, it''s fine.¡± I hear a voice that must belong to the dwarf, judging by its deep gravelly ring. ¡°If I don¡¯t try to hide something that¡¯s because it''s no secret.¡± Then his deep brown eyes land on me. ¡°If you¡¯re curious then I don¡¯t mind you watching but only if you can avoid the bombs. Proceed at your own caution!¡±
Bombs? Damn. As much as I dislike this Alex guy for the way he pointed out things and his looks reminding me of Bennett, I¡¯m also thankful because he might¡¯ve saved my skin. I glance back to our stuff and see my parents look antsy, Dad already with his bow in hand. Probably because it might look like I ended up in a¡ stupid situation.
A small smile and a quick thumbs-up defuse the situation.
¡°You curious?¡± I turn to Valka.
¡°Nah, hungry.¡± She replies using the minimum amount of words and returns to our camp. Without lowering her guard of course.
Mana Perception changes my view of reality again. It was the Skill that presented me with a glance into a new world, the second one I discovered and one I probably know even less about than what lies beneath the waves.
I move past the invisible line of little flags and step between two bundles of mana¡ then it all turns into a game of hopscotch. Reverse hopscotch, spiced with a little danger.
The bombs are not too tightly packed and neither are they overly sensitive so I reach the dwarf without much effort. Literally dancing through danger, like usual. He¡¯s crouched with another piece of rock in his hand while lava drips down the other as he draws onto the surface of the stone with his fingers.
Just my luck¡ He¡¯s old, or at least that¡¯s what the long salt and pepper bear is telling me, and old men are the most irritating species to ever exist. Especially dwarfs and their inherently difficult personalities. Simple brown leather armor covers his stocky body with a large satchel on his side and glasses on his bald head.
¡°Your first time seeing someone do inscriptions?¡± He murmurs without taking his eyes off his work.
At first, I nod due to being too invested in observing the works before realizing my mistake. ¡°Yeah.¡± I lie because it¡¯s faster. I should really get rid of this habit of mine.
¡°Do you see it?¡± He asks an ambiguous question, yet I fully know what he¡¯s talking about.
Wherever his fingers touch the mana stays. It usually dissipates after we relinquish control because everything has its own mana by standard and all we do is cram our own in there to make it move. An imbalance that evens out without meddling hands.
Not here.
It¡¯s just like my writing Skill, except mine only adds a bit of water and binds light mana while this¡ The lines remain like writing on paper and seep into the piece of rock doing¡ Yeah, that¡¯s the real mystery. What are they doing?
¡°How is this-¡± I start to mumble.
¡°Silence. You don¡¯t need your mouth to observe.¡± The dwarf interrupts.
I continue searching for answers in the lines. No not lines¡ letters? Words? I can¡¯t make sense of whatever marks he leaves on the surface but it becomes clear that the lines alone are only parts of the bigger picture. How they remain stable remains a mystery only a Skill can answer. Martha taught me they shouldn¡¯t yet my eyes tell me otherwise.
After long I switch my focus from the result to the process, to his finger. While carving each line the thick, almost sticky-looking mana is smeared into those grooves, like some kind of ointment¡
Maybe coming on this journey wasn¡¯t a complete waste of time after all.
Chapter 112 - Don’t Overthink it!
The sky over the Azure Shore is orange by the time the dwarf puts down the last piece of rock and steps away. The previously sparsely placed bombs are now so numerous as the stars above our heads yet I still can¡¯t get enough of it.
[Labourer lvl ???]
Huh, not a Mage? Not his main Class at least.
Only when he walks past me do I realize we¡¯re about the same height despite all the nasty things they say about dwarves. Val is a little over a head taller but both of us are firmly above average in height, although in my case not exactly compared to our age. Stupid elven blood.
He leaves me behind without another word before stepping through the sea of bombs as graceful as an elf, without even looking down. I won¡¯t lie, I expected some kind of explanation or small lesson about this whole shebang after silently waiting for hours.
For a few moments, I contemplate whether to follow him or return to the others before my body decides for me. I¡¯m cold, still wearing the same barely clothing I went into the water with, not to mention I haven''t eaten since noon. Fascination is a scary thing, it bested even my stomach.
I scamper back to where our campfire is already lit, hopping through the field of death, and plop down next to the others.
¡°You looked like you were possessed.¡± Valka remarks just as I reach out for roasted meat over the fire.
I just grunt and bite because arguing would be meaningless. I did feel possessed. I don¡¯t know how to explain but something about the dwarf¡¯s work seemed so simple yet fulfilling. It was magical and... I wanna know more.
As it is a family tradition they hold back on remarks and questions while I stuff my face and then just a little for me to change back into normal clothes. Valka counts too, not family but I forced our rules onto her time and time again until she adapted.
The food despite being just some simple meat with minimal seasoning over arguably basic fire is incomparable to the stuff I made during my forest-dwelling days. There¡¯s little difference between the method and material yet the taste is¡ Dear Gods, how did they do it?
As always swallowing the last bite signals the free for all question time. ¡°What did the dwarf do?¡± Valka is the first to speak, having learned the timing of my eating habits by the second.
¡°He drew some weird symbols onto the rocks that turned them into bombs somehow.¡± I shrug. ¡°I hoped it¡¯d make a little more sense than whatever that bi- I mean, the blacksmith did to your collar. Just simple questions like how it works, like, what exactly is it that makes simple lines into magical effects¡¡±
¡°And?¡±
¡°You think I would¡¯ve spent hours standing there if I got my answer?¡± I shot Val an unimpressed look.
My eyes turn towards my parents, demanding answers and also suspicious of why they¡¯re so quiet. Turns out the two of them are sitting over a piece of paper with some weird doodling on it and having a heated yet hushed discussion.
¡°Khm!¡± I cough pointedly. ¡°Care to share?¡±
While inscriptionist isn¡¯t actually a rare occupation finding books detailing the ins and outs is almost impossible. Knowledge is usually passed down within the family or from master to apprentice. The juicy bits, the best symbols, or whatever they are¡
Mom looks at Dad and nods towards me so he just rolls his eyes and picks up the paper. ¡°So¡ neither of us is too knowledgeable when it comes to the Inscriptions despite having seen and held enchanted equipment before. What you saw was most likely Runecraft. An art of enchantment created and mainly used by the dwarves.¡± Then he shows me the¡ thing on the paper that stylistically resembles the symbols on the rocks, even if just by the smallest margin.
So it''s called Runecraft¡ That¡¯s cool and all but doesn¡¯t exactly answer any of my actual questions.
As it turns out their wisdom about enchantments doesn¡¯t extend beyond the basic names and the fact that there are around four main methods of inscription. I could go and ask, however, the dwarf, whom I know nothing about and just met today, didn¡¯t seem like the kind of person to waste words on others.
I glance over to where he and the irritating young Bennett-looking dude are sitting around a campfire somewhat more shabby-looking than ours with a few other people. He¡¯s still better than nothing, even if just barely, sp wreck my brain, looking for an angle of approach.
This is where mom comes in clutch. She pulls out a reddish-purple-colored bottle from her bag with theatrical elegance before presenting me with the key to all secrets. I don¡¯t have to be a genius or any older to know what I just received.
¡°Some booze might help loosen his mouth,¡± She grins. ¡°especially when it comes to dwarves. They have a habit of poisoning themselves with things that might kill us, just because their bodies are more resilient and they like the taste. Spices are also a type of poison believe it or not but alcohol is only understood by the most distinguished ones.¡±
Dozen of alcoholics lying in their own piss while sleeping in alleys flash through my mind¡
¡°So if I gave a dwarf a vial of snake poison he¡¯d simply down it without second thought?¡± I ask skeptically.
¡°You¡¯re oversimplifying it but¡ Well, it was almost a decade ago, and we had a healer around. Stubborn bastard just couldn¡¯t bear to lose that bet.¡± Mom shakes her.
Weirdos.
I chirp a quick Thanks! and carefully, hiding my excitement and nervousness approach the target.
Before I got too far I heard Dad ask. ¡°Valka, could you go with her? You know how she is¡¡±
I¡¯m really starting to feel like public enemy number one on this trip. I know I do have a tendency to get into trouble because I like to explore and understand things and I won¡¯t ever apologize for not being boring. But this is just pure prejudice I swear.
Before even arriving at the group of people they already have their eyes on me, following my every step with uncomfortable scrutiny. When at the edge of their campfire I stop everything just stops as they stare at me for an explanation while I debate in my head on how to approach this awkward situation.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
But the answer is quite simple really.
I present the gift I¡¯ve been hiding behind my back until now and ask. ¡°How do inscriptions work?¡± I try to sound confident.
Yes, just like that. If there¡¯s one thing I learned about dwarves is that they are honest to the bone and stubborn as stone. That¡¯s two. Anyway, cutting straight to the chase is the best move.
The others around the fire chuckle and cheer for the offering but the old dwarf remains stoic. He eyes me for a good few seconds before turning back to the fire and picking up a rock.
¡°Sit!¡± He grunts and I don¡¯t have to be told twice. To be precise, Valka joined in for some reason. ¡°You were persistent despite being a pointy-eared.¡±
¡°Half.¡± I correct him as the bottle is snatched from my hand.
¡°Same thing.¡± He mutters with that constant crusty attitude of his. ¡°What did you see? I don¡¯t want to waste breath on explaining what you already have a grasp on.¡±
I tell him my theory about the lines, the symbols, and the behavior of the mana. The bottle of what should be wine, if my nose is right, starts its fourth round by the time I recount my observations.
¡°So a little over nothing?¡± The dwarf rudely assesses my tale. ¡°I should¡¯ve settled for two bottles...¡± He chugs deep and sighs. ¡°In short the symbols you saw are Runes and when they¡¯re fed with power they give instructions to the surrounding mana to produce a result. This¡¡± He takes the rock and draws a few simple lines that look like letters stacked on top. ¡°Is a simple ball of fire.¡±
The Rune lights up and indeed a small ball of fire appears above it. Then the glow fades and the flames get snuffed out a moment later.
¡°As you saw it didn¡¯t move because it lacked that piece of the command. If I do this¡¡± And he makes the symbol a bit more complicated. ¡°Now it''s useful.¡±
And as to demonstrate it, a fireball is launched into the water when he next pours mana into the pebble. Just as the magic launches off the piece of rock cracks and crumbles.
¡°The ¡®lines¡¯ as you called them are reinforced by a Skill to endure the corroding effect of mana. I made them weak and etched them into pathetic material to demonstrate why even proper enchanted equipment does not last forever. Every symbol is a command as if saying words or sentences to the mana itself. Satisfied?¡±
Am I satisfied? Is my curiosity satiated? What a joke.
Shedding all my anxiety I start speedrunning through my questions. ¡°What do you mean mana erodes? What other inscription types are there besides Runecraft? Can I do that? And most importantly what are the limits?¡±
Another round of laughter rolls across the audience but the dwarf just facepalms with a twitching eye. ¡°Oh ancestors why punish me¡¡±
Just as the dwarf is throwing curses at the high sky that Alex dude I dislike for some inexplicable reason takes over. ¡°Eroding means that the pathway, or canal through which the mana flow is slowly destroyed over time. Akin to water in quite a number of aspects really.¡±
¡°But we also use mana.¡± I point out just to irritate the guy the same way his resemblance to Bennett irritates me.
¡°And it corrodes us all the same, we just heal from it day by day. You¡¯d know what I mean if you ever experienced mana poisoning.¡± He shakes his head.
Oh. Yeah, that sucks. I don¡¯t feel like boasting about that particular achievement.
¡°The most common methods of enchanting are called Runes, The Grand String, Song of Mana, and the Flow. Each and every one of them has its advantages and disadvantages so none of them is truly superior. With that said, every craftsman has a little bias towards one or the other.¡±
¡°What are you babbling about?¡± The dwarf huffs. ¡°Runes are clearly superior!¡±
Bias, got it.
¡°Can you draw Runes? Sure. Will they work? Maybe, for a second or two before collapsing because it lacks any structure. I still advise you to try, as it''s a requirement for any Inscriptionist Class.¡± Alex throws a rock into my lap. ¡°To answer your last question-¡±
¡°There are only three limits to the effect of inscriptions.¡± The dwarf whose name I still don''t know and won''t even bother asking speaks up. ¡°The symbols themselves, the abilities of the craftsman, and of course the size of the inscriptions.¡± Wait, that means- ¡°Any element, any size, any direction, and any outcome is possible with the right words of power.¡± He sighs towards the sky. ¡°This is our only tool to truly control mana.¡±
Well, I can already use plenty of elements in a plethora of cool ways so that part of the deal is not all too enticing. And how would I even have the time to sit and doodle while beasties are trying to bite my head off? Or worse if I¡¯m up against people. Also, I bet anything crafting-related gives a bunch of Dexterity which I have little use of¡
But then why¡ why do I see so many answers in the simple pebbles and those mysterious lines on them? Decoys, shields, illusions, weapons, armor, bombs, and whatever marvels the mind can conjure. Not to mention my magic has limits. My knowledge is limited, as is my power and possibilities. I could learn, a lot, observe how these Runes the dwarf mentioned coerce the mana to do their bidding¡
My heart likes it¡ my mind on the other hand revolts.
¡°Don¡¯t overthink it!¡± Murmurs the dwarf beside me. ¡°You have your entire life ahead of you and maybe some more as a pointy-eared.¡± His mouth curls into a tiny smile. ¡°You are a Mage and the fact that you¡¯re here of all places instead of a library makes you unique enough to consider even the calling of the craft... Don¡¯t trample on dreams with facts! Believe me, I¡¯ve lived long enough to know.¡±
Dreams, huh? That¡¯s funny. The dream I had when that fruit messed with my head¡ was that not a coincidence after all?
¡°It¡¯s getting late.¡± The dwarf remarks. I¡¯ve been raised well so a social cue this obvious does not need to be spelled out.
We thank their time and patience before returning to our camp. I stay mostly silent for the rest of the night. The conflict in me ravages all other thoughts and needs mercilessly, leaving me as a husk of uncertainty.
Some small talk ensues about how the crabs can vary in size and tricks, how we should avoid getting swept away by their numbers, and something about me specifically. Although my mind is somewhere else.
¡°Eli, because there are a bit too many people around could you just stick to two elements tomorrow?¡± Mom asks. Not exactly a question, more like a polite instruction. ¡°Since you already had your fun with water I think it¡¯ll do fine for one and lightning would pair well with it, right?
¡°Uhum.¡± I nod, still curled up on my bedroll.
The crabs are swarm creatures. Mostly. I was always told that the higher the number the lesser the quality. They don¡¯t need to be strong individually if they multiply like halflings around a heavy coin pouch and can overwhelm you with numbers. Just two elements are fine, besides I don¡¯t even use about half of them most of the time.
Finding what works best against certain opponents is more efficient.
***
Despite being comfortably far from the nearest forest and having plenty of other groups around we still scheduled nightwatch. Or as Mom pointed out it is especially because there are other people around,
For a change, I got paired up with Mom, who can be a lot more¡ difficult company than Dad when alone in the darkness of the night.
¡°You know sweetie, if you spread yourself too thin it¡¯ll backfire on you.¡± Mom strikes up a conversation after about an hour-long lull. ¡°When you were little you asked me why I didn¡¯t take a support or an artisan Class.¡± I remember that. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re either good at one thing or the other but never everything. Just like the arcane element.¡±
That¡¯s not exactly fair. I might not be as good at throwing flames as an actual fire mage but if we¡¯re talking about just doing magic altogether I can¡¯t think of anyone stronger at my age. Also¡
¡°Wouldn¡¯t being average at two things twice make me pretty good if we add them up?¡± I present my witty reply.
¡°Or twice as average.¡± Mom flicks me in the forehead. ¡°Did the dwarf say anything enlightening?¡±
¡°Yeah, inscriptions can do almost-¡± I start to recount the wisdom.
¡°Not that!¡± Mom tries to flick again but this time I¡¯m prepared and dodge.
We fool around a little more, quietly of course, before sitting back to the fire and watching the waves wash the beach beneath the light of the moons.
¡°Is it really a bad idea?¡± I ask after a great sigh.
¡°That¡¯s the question everyone asks before making a decision Eli. A question only you and time can answer.¡± She ruffles my hair now that I have my guard down, just because I hate it.
I can¡¯t wait for the others to take over the shift. I like sleeping a little too much.
Chapter 113 - Crab Crab Crab
Last night I secretly blew some dirt into Dad¡¯s nose while he was fast asleep to speed to bring an early end to my watch. I looked extra pitiful and going back to sleep for less than an hour would¡¯ve been a waste so I got what I wanted. A dirty move I know, but it got me the sleep I needed earlier so it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
I think he realized it was my doing because I woke up to a bug crawling on my face in the morning. Some screaming and flailing followed which woke mom up who became quite grumpy first thing in the morning. A disgusting experience.
¡°Where the crabs?¡± I mumble in a barely coherent way while rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
Valka throws an unimpressed look and points towards the water. A few cat-sized crablings are already crawling around in the sand just out of the midnight-blue water. Their dark-blueish armor and small clicking pincers are almost cute combined with the clumsy sideways walk. I expected a lot more of them and maybe a bit bigg-
That¡¯s not the color of the seawater¡ The waves of the Azure Shore are light blue, which means those are all¡
¡°There¡¯s maybe even more of them than three years ago.¡± Mom pulls out a loaf of bread from her bag and some jerky. ¡°Let¡¯s eat. We¡¯ve got a long day ahead of ourselves.¡±
I barely register her words as I desperately search for even a tiny patch of the seafloor not covered by the flood of blue critters. I didn¡¯t sign up for this. There are not hundreds or thousands but millions and I don¡¯t care how weak or insignificant a single small crab might be when with just their combined mass they could crush us into paste.
To be fair our situation really isn¡¯t all that dire. These creatures are not here to eat us or decimate the lands past our camps. They march to¡ uhm, so yeah, they are driven by other instincts.
I wolf down anything edible handed to me for two reasons. One, I really, really don¡¯t want to have my stomach demanding to be fed in the middle of combat, and two, I have to see those Runes in action. To judge their efficiency and power and maybe some other shenanigans the dwarf is about to pull.
¡°So no lunch or mana recharge breaks?¡± I ask looking at the increasing amount of legs crawling out of the water.
Dad just chuckles. ¡°If you do find a place to rest then be sure to tell.¡±
Which translates to a maybe. Eh, I¡¯ll live, the danger is on the lower end and this is more of an arduous job than a dangerous one. Also, we don¡¯t get paid to stop as many as we can but to be here, participate, and get as much crab meat back as we can. Basically¡ ditching the battle is absolutely on the table.
Almost double the people I saw last night are now lining the beach with plenty of distance between them each and a complete lack of tension in the air.
¡°I think you girls should stick together and just mow down as many as you can.¡± Mom brandishes her spear and walks off to the left. ¡°We¡¯ll be nearby just in case but try not to die or you won''t hear the end of it, I¡¯ll make sure.¡±
I love the vague explanations. When does this even start and how do we know in the end who killed what? Adventurers¡
Damn, that must¡¯ve been the mercenary speaking in me.
Dad takes up position further back so I guess the stage is all ours. I don¡¯t plan to hide behind Valka for this one so I march towards the beach to check what we¡¯re dealing with and to see the boom rocks at work.
¡°Bag!¡± Valka shouts and flings my luggage over.
Oh right, we have to carry everything around else the chances of ever seeing our stuff are laughably slim. Brilliant.
Just a few steps away from the crab I send a small bolt of lightning into it and¡
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Thorny Blue Crab].]
You can¡¯t be serious, this is a waste of mana. I know I told Mom I¡¯d only use water and lightning but¡ actually those are the best suited for this place. There¡¯s no dirt here, only sand, and fire does terribly against armor if the output is kept low for mana efficiency. Metal might do quite well now that I think about it¡
I hear a wet crunch and see Valka just step onto one of the unlucky creatures, crushing it with next to no effort.
¡°Step back from the water if you¡¯re done playing with the younglings.¡± I recognize the gruff voice of the dwarf who educated me last night.
Wait, younglings?
I backtrack hurriedly not because I¡¯m scared of the small stuff or the even bigger ones, but because I learned to take warnings from the oldtimers seriously. Despite his words, the only change I see is the size of the waves growing and shrinking and some of the sand shifting.
The number of legs on the beach doesn''t require much patience to increase. Drastically. Crabs after crabs, on crabs, under crabs, between crabs¡ Like a wave, they move onto the sand in numbers that soon rival the stars.
I throw another few snaking streaks of lightning into the fray for little effect. All that happens is I feel the System in the back of my mind prickling, telling me I have a notification and the reason behind it is easy to guess. Since they¡¯re as tough as paper yet mind-bogglingly numerous I pull some water from the sea and mold them onto my arms like long tentacles before pushing lighting magic through them.
It works like a charm. The crabs drop like flies everywhere my elongated arms pass though and I can keep this up just barely above their replenishment rate. There¡¯s only one problem.
¡°What¡¯s up with the bombs? Are they duds?¡± I shout at the dwarf with a hint of irritation.
He turns towards me with his fist raised and outrage clear on his face. ¡°I don¡¯t create duds you ignorant little twat. They only active above a certain weight!¡± His face turns slightly red as he yells.
Still only as useful as a piece of rock right now, so duds until I see some explosions.
Despite my efforts, the little blue crabs are already at my feet and pinching at my boots. I dance around as if the floor was lava slapping and zapping before trying to drag the hordes back.
I make the sea reach out, envelop a substantial mound of bodies, and drag them all back below the surface before sending a crafty bolt of lightning after them just to make sure some die.
As if a response to my bolt the water explodes with crab parts flying all around and a pincer about my size breaking the waves. It is soon followed by its pair and two long googly eyes staring into my soul with little intelligence.
[Crab lvl 167]
Okay, damn, that was a big jump.
The crab smacks my water tentacle with its pincer, freezing it in a second and shattering the ice with no effort whatsoever. Just to check for toughness I throw a thicker bolt of lighting at its face for little effect but that doesn¡¯t discourage me. The big crab is slow, clumsy, and an easy target that eats the attack with minimal reaction but the danger it poses is still minimal.
A brilliant idea strikes my brain. The crab is big and heavy and judging by its eyes clearly locked in on me. Time to test those bombs.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
I run towards the field of explosive rocks with the beast breathing down my neck. A hop and skip and with the help of Mana Preception I avoid every magically glowing rock. Surprisingly a wave of smaller crabs is acting as escorts to the huge one meaning it must be some sort of big mama or female or something¡ I think. Kayla is the expert.
Doesn¡¯t matter, the more there are the easier it is to¡
BOOM
The first bomb explodes cracking the big fellow¡¯s leg and taking a bunch of small crabs with it. Soon the second goes off and then a third follows, creating a deadly firework on the beach.
I give the dwarf an impressed nod, only to see the ¡®I told you¡¯ smugness on his face.
A difficult old man, just like the rest...
Things die en masse and I quickly flee the area so as not to get caught up in the ensuing destruction. Running back to my spot I see Valka having the time of her life, crushing shells, and smashing the many-legged creatures the same way toddlers play with leaves.
And it¡¯s only been about a minute¡
***
I¡¯m exhausted.
We¡¯ve been at it for six hours now mowing down crabs ranging from level 30 to 160 not counting the really tiny ones. I¡¯ve even resorted to just stomping them when mana became scarce but they just keep on coming. The adults did most of the heavy lifting when it came to the chunky ones, although right now that task is down to us.
[Crab lvl 147]
A bit smaller than the first heavyweight that crawled onto shore yet resilient all the same. Its thick armor firmly protects it from whatever magic I throw its way, especially because I¡¯m trying to conserve mama. The reserves are running dangerously low. Valka is doing equally poorly because the crab hits like a war hammer swung by a giant and can probably crush even her bones between those pincers.
The solution? Well, I¡¯m still working on it. I even tried explosions, breaking the small promise I made Mom, yet even that failed to do its work. A concentrated, shaped charge might do the job but I¡¯m not comfortable closing the distance. Not with this many other critters around.
Okay, I specifically asked Dad not to shoot this one down with a single arrow like all the previous ones. I was curious how we¡¯d fare against it and the answer is¡ not all that well.
¡°Any ideas?¡± I ask Val while trying to deal with the smaller crabs growing in number around us.
¡°Can you restrain it for just one second?¡± She asks back still relentlessly punching and kicking the hard shell in hopes of cracking it. With enough time I think she might even succeed.
This is usually the other way around. She asks for a plan and I¡¯m the one asking for a window of opportunity to do my thing. It feels a little off but I¡¯m willing to give her a moment to shine.
The water I used to slap and zap now envelops the crab¡¯s legs, the only unarmored joints besides the eyes it can retract in less than a second. At the same time, some sneaky earth magic begins to extract the sand from under its feet to mess with its footing.
It works, sort of. The water gets frozen again which does lock the legs, sunken into the sand, and unable to exert strength with the ground fleeing from under its feet. It¡¯s enough to win Val more than the one second she requested. To climb onto its back?
She rides the crab, using it like a walking platform. The pincers snap and flail in an attempt to get the free rider off, but Val manages to keep her balance before slamming her fist crackling with electricity right on its head. To my surprise, the eyes pop out of the shell at the impact, and Val grapes the opportunity, quite literally.
She¡¯s too fast for the long squidgy eye extensions to retract and gets a good grip on the organs. After wrapping her hands around them like a rope she makes sure her footing is solid and heaves.
The crab screeches and throws itself sideways to save its vision, albeit a bit too late. One loud grunt from my partner and the eyes are torn out with a wet and snapping squelch. I don¡¯t hesitate and throw lightning after lightning into the now empty socket as the creature is too preoccupied with suffering to defend itself.
The hits still leave me without the tingling of a notification so I use the uglier method. The water still around me freezes into a long spiked and bladed snake of ice. The murderous ice twirls and dances and quickly dives through where the eyes used to be.
In just seconds the body goes limp, dead by a thousand excruciating cuts. We¡¯re still not done though. This one might be down but that certainly does not mean the beach is clear.
¡°How are you doing on mana?¡± Val asks while catching her breath.
¡°Bad.¡± I grunt while.
Even now, when she¡¯s gathering her strength, it¡¯s down to me to prevent things from crawling onto us. Mana should be around twelve percent, stomach ten percent, and stamina twenty. I think it¡¯s time we bail.
We quickly come to an agreement and proceed with a fighting retreat towards the treeline. For as far as the eye can see the ground is covered with crabs, not sparing ever the trees. This leads to quite a long retreat and plenty of cursing before a solution finally presents itself.
¡°Had enough kids?¡± Dad jumps down from a tree and I nearly lash out at him because of the constant tension and exhaustion. He just chuckles and with a swing of his dagger bisects most of the crabs around us. ¡°You did pretty, well. Better than about half the adults that¡¯s for sure¡ No worries, we can come back tomorrow.¡±
While I¡¯m occupied getting pissed at his comments he takes his bow and fires off an arrow that lands just by Mom¡¯s feet although I can barely see from this distance. She turns with a glare that quickly softens when she sees the sorry sight that we are. Unlike us, she¡¯s in no hurry to retreat, leisurely walking our way while the signature shards of ice impale dozens of crabs every second. The show-off¡
¡°Are we done already?¡± She asks with faked surprise.
¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me we could come back tomorrow? Or even later today?¡± I point a finger at her accusingly, then turn to Dad as he¡¯s just as guilty just more quiet.
¡°You really thought we¡¯d travel almost a week all the way here and then back just for an afternoon''s worth of fun?¡± She grins like the devil while still keeping our area clear with ice. That part is kinda cool.
I don¡¯t really look forward to coming back here to be fair¡
***
It did mean that. We came back the same afternoon, then retreated a lot further away for a good night¡¯s sleep before jumping into the meat grinder once again first thing in the morning. During this little over a day¡¯s stay here I learned a little about Inscriptions, armored enemies, and how evil my parents can be when the level of danger is low and the opportunity to train is ripe. The fight-to-every-other activity ratio had been insane. We were pushed to almost complete exhaustion more than once a day¡ a completely new type of battling I find utterly ridiculous. It¡¯s like working out, except a little more intense and you can¡¯t exactly tap out any moment you feel like.
Oh and lastly, I despise crabs.
Finally, on the second day¡¯s evening, the color of the water returned to the same clear sky blue I know and grew up to love. Not because we killed all of them or pushed the horde back¡ what a joke that¡¯d be. Of the millions assaulting the beach and pushing towards the forest only about a tenth of them found their demise at our hands, the rest got through.
I don¡¯t really understand why we even stayed, because the amount of crabmeat we can transport is severely limited and I saw multiple parties just pack what they could and leave both days. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it was all to condition me and Val. Yeah, I can totally see Mom, hell, even Dad coming up with an idea like that and justifying their actions with ¡®It¡¯s just real-world experience¡¯ or some other crap.
I drop my backpack and just plop down where I stand, my legs turning into noodles the moment I no longer force them to keep me going. Even now some crab parts are stuck under my bum as they are basically everywhere the eye can see and¡ I just can¡¯t be bothered with it.
¡°C¡¯mon Eli, get up. The best part is just about to start.¡± Mom slaps me on the back.
¡°Bath? Food?¡± I ask pleadingly, hoping some of the puppy eye the little me wielded is still with me.
¡°No, and yes. Also, you can use all of your elements now, we¡¯ll need them.¡± She gives a thumbs up and shouts. ¡°Who has the bowl?¡± The question is for everybody in range of her voice and some actually respond.
People start moving again, even more organized than before as if everyone knows their role.
¡°Time to taste the fruits of our labor.¡± Mom winks and hoists me up on my feet. ¡°Let¡¯s prepare for the festival.¡±
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Thorny Blue Crab].]
¡
[You have triumphed over the enemy [Thorny Blue Crab].]
[Your group has triumphed over the enemy [Deepsea Glacier Crusher - Water lvl 147] - [Coral Bulwark - Nature lvl 32].]
¡
[Your Class [Nature''s Partner in the Dance] has reached lvl 117-> 118, ++4 Free Points, +8 Speed, +4 Endurance, +15 Intelligence, +16 Focus, +2 Dexterity, +14 Mana, +16 Willpower, +2 Fortitude.]
[Your class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 102-> 104.]
[Your class Skill [Action for Reaction] has reached lvl 96-> 97.]
[Your class Skill [Mana Perception ] has reached lvl 97-> 100.]
[Your class Skill [Focal Mana Trance] has reached lvl 92-> 93.]
[Your class Skill [Ethereal Stage ] has reached lvl 69-> 70.]
[Your class Skill [Rythmic Strides] has reached lvl 64-> 66.]
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 87.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 96-> 97.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 99.]
[The general Skill [Maintained Magic] has reached lvl 83-> 85.]
[The general Skill [Martial Instinct] has reached lvl 70-> 73.]
Chapter 114 - Familiar Faces
As the three dames of the night settled on the sky, it became apparent why so many stayed despite doing their fair share of the work and bagging more than they could carry.
Preparations for the Festival.
People with earth magic made large pits and even larger bowls of stone, water mages sourced and purified water and lastly, the fire under the bowls was lit. Whatever we can¡¯t carry we eat. The unwritten rule of the yearly Azure Crab Festival as adventurers from the entire beachline we fought across for days gathered to¡ socialize I guess.
Not long after the fires settled on a stable orange dance dozens of carriages approached in the distance and as they arrived their purpose became increasingly clear. People from nearby towns flocked here en masse to eat and join the festivities, which I later learned is a genuine thing. A celebration that¡¯s held every year in honor of Runir for calm waves and Kyra for bountiful harvest. The new arrivals didn¡¯t come empty-handed, however, barrels and then many many more barrels rolled off the carriages filled with¡ yep, alcohol. They also brought some other ingredients, sweets and whatnot, enough to feed an entire army but the sweet and vibrant smells coming from those barrels remained the focus of our attention.
¡°Can we try?¡± I beg.
¡°Yes, can we try? Please?¡± Valka joins.
Let¡¯s be honest who wouldn¡¯t be curious about something so popular?
The liquid poison of the mind is basically flowing in rivers here and the only thing standing between us and a test run is permission from parents. The wine back in Salermo tasted awful, not to mention that particular night was maybe the second worst in my entire life. All in all, that one doesn¡¯t count.
¡°It¡¯s a bad idea.¡± Mom shakes her head. ¡°You¡¯re too young.¡±
The rest of us, Dad included, just look at each other with incredulous gazes. Even right now there¡¯s a tankard in her hand almost emptied. For the third time.
¡°Luna, were you any different at their age?¡± The only one with the power to stand up to the tyrant raises a valid question. ¡°And I don''t know about you but I would feel much more at ease with my daughter getting wasted when we¡¯re around. Imagine if she had her first glass in the Academy, with some boys¡¡±
Nice speech Dad, although let¡¯s not go down further on that path. There will be no wasted Elyssia or any boys trying to get me drunk. If they value their limbs that is.
Mom¡¯s resistance crumbles in seconds under the combined assault and soon we all have some mead in our hands. The bystanders cheer and laugh as we get our drinks, turning the curiosity-filled exploration of the two tiny fighters of the beach into a spectacle.
It smells sweet, fruity, and somehow rotten at the same time¡ a weird combo.
The parents drink with practiced swings and Valka doesn¡¯t show too much caution either, with all the Endurance she has, so I also gulp deep to not seem like a wuss. It''s disgusting and savory at the same time. Like eating stale dark-brown bread with a bucket of honey. It hits just like the wine, making my body all warm and tingly, except this time the taste is also to my liking.
Then comes the food, finally. I asked for a taster time and time again and got denied mercilessly despite all the work I¡¯ve put in. Heartless old ladies and their pride in cooking, After an endless wait, however, it''s finally time to dig in. Okay, it was like ten minutes but it still surprisingly felt long with an empty stomach.
¡°Arggh!¡± Valka growls and bites the crab''s leg ferociously.
¡°No no no, this is how you eat it.¡± Dad takes it upon himself to show her how to eat crabs along with a bunch of other seafood. Although I¡¯m pretty sure I heard the shell crack between Val¡¯s jaws which is pretty terrifying.
Masking my thoughts I take a bite and¡ man it makes the last two days so worth it. Soft like butter, sweet with just the right seasoning. Exactly the way I remember it from back when we lived in Meliorport.
Just as I truly begin to enjoy the food and mead to its fullest, some quiet music starts to play. A fast and jolly melody that matches my mood perfectly. Soon the plates get refilled and the tankard in my hand gets a lot lighter just like my head. Even the air tastes a little funny and my feet are starting to tingle¡
I might come around again next year.
***
¡°Only two gold and twenty silver?¡± I complain as we exit the Adventurers¡¯ Emporium in Granhall. ¡°C¡¯mon, we brought back so much and spent days massacring crabs?¡±
Yes, we brought back all the crabmeat we could, meaning everyone carried as much as the backpacks could fit while Mom kept them frozen to preserve their quality. Selling the goods to the nearest town would¡¯ve fetched us even less, although I¡¯m not sure this pathetic reward was worth the loaded trip.
I¡¯m well aware it represents a monthly wage for some poor talentless folks but compared to what I returned with from Salermo¡
¡°So, can I get my share now?¡± I demand rather than ask for some money of my own since I really did work for it this time. This money I earned through hard work, without stealing even if it¡¯s not a crime when the victims are criminals.
I hold out my hand and Dad drops¡ one two, three, five¡ ten silver. Is he serious? That¡¯s less than five percent.
I stare at him with the eyes of disbelief and he snorts. ¡°Sure, you can get more if you¡¯re fine paying us back for the money spent on your supplies. Deal?¡±
A quick calculation tells me it''s not a deal. Not even close. I don¡¯t really need the money but I still feel robbed somehow.
¡°Don¡¯t look so dejected sweetie.¡± Mom pats my back. ¡°Think of it like another lesson. A gentle taste of the abomination called taxes.¡±
A small tiny part of me prefers stealing over this type of robbery. Because I feel like the victim here. Mean but fair I guess, just what I¡¯m used to from my parents.
With the job done and the reward received we make our way back to the Fort where the parents drop us off and go take care of their¡ whatever adults do. They mentioned a few times that my whole Blessing-kidnapping-training situation does provide them ample free time to enjoy themselves and keep their marriage healthy.
Not that they hate me but why can¡¯t they enjoy themselves with me around? I want to enjoy stuff too¡If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
¡°Meal?¡± Valka asks as we walk across the front desk.
The guards and other staff members are so used to us coming and going by now that they don¡¯t even look up from their work when hearing our voice.
¡°You read my mind.¡± I grin.
She just scoffs and we continue the banter all the way to the mess hall. The majestic place of unlimited delicious food. I can¡¯t even imagine the amount of work the cooks have to put in to feed all these people¡
I snatch up a plate and walk to my usual spot but freeze halfway there, almost dropping the plate as my jaw goes slack. The seats are taken. Heads with auburn, brown, and green hair stuff their faces in silence just the way I always demanded back when I was the fourth one sitting next to them.
¡°Eli, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Valka asks.
At the mention of my name, all three heads snap back with vastly different expressions appearing upon seeing me. Disbelief on the red, an ear-to-ear smile on the brown, and mammoth tears on the green.
¡°Huh, you¡¯re back?¡± Is all I manage to say, just as surprised as them, before a body slams into me.
I feel the beat of my heart quicken and happy bubbles rise in my stomach. I hoped when wandering the forest alone that no one else met their end that day and after coming back everyone told me that dagger dude, Milara, and I were the only casualties. But seeing them, confirming it with my own eyes is the real deal.
Kayla and then Victor pile onto me and we fall to the floor with giggles and grunts and¡ the plate shattering.
¡°Who¡¯s acting up again!¡± A man storms over with a furious face. Because we¡¯re causing a ruckus obviously. When he sees the three of us jumbled on the ground and the shattered remains of the plate his cold eyes lock onto us. ¡°You look old enough to know the rules by heart by now,¡± He must¡¯ve had a bad day. ¡°And yet brawl on the ground like¡¡±
Someone hurries over and whispers something in his ear that breeds the lovechild pf confusion and embarrassment which ages into a frown and dies with a huff.
He turns around and leaves as if nothing happened¡
¡°Was nice talking to you too.¡± I whisper, and the glace he gives me from the corner of his eye tells me I wasn¡¯t quiet enough. ¡°And Kayla, don¡¯t smear the snot into my shirt!¡± I grumble and push her head face away from my chest.
She just giggles and pushes back with Victor also teaming up against me, keeping me. After a quick zap, the two of them are left groaning on the ground while I get up but that¡¯s my way of showing caring and how much I¡¯d appreciate not lying on the cold ground.
I find August with Valka, the two of them exchanging a few words and observing us with mocking smiles. I don¡¯t like my best friend and the guy I barely tolerate beside each other. So I do something about it.
¡°Good to see you.¡± I say to August and slap his shoulder.
A rat move because the light tap is followed by the signature delivery of electricity that has the boy collapse as an unfortunate consequence. I made it a little stronger especially for him.
To your place, filth. Don¡¯t you dare stand next to Valka and corrupt her!
I don¡¯t hate his guts that much anymore. Of all the people I¡¯ve met, he¡¯s far from the worst since his competitors are gangsters, thieves, and thugs. This is just my way of showing appreciation to someone who doesn¡¯t deserve it all that much.
[Warrior lvl 87]
[Ranger lvl 89]
[Druid lvl 85]
The gap isn¡¯t as big as I expected it to be. I still have a good thirty-plus levels on them so I can hand them their asses with no problem. I hope. Although it is a bit concerning that they barely got fifteen levels on average in almost an entire year. Maybe because not too many things are out to eat you in the capital city of the strongest country on the continent. Maybe, hopefully.
Anyway, before they can even get up, or worse, retaliate, I sprint for another plate and plop down on the bench they just vacated to pile food in front of me indiscriminately. I wave for Valka to follow suit and maybe act as a shield but also to flik the mushrooms over on her plate. I don¡¯t like mushrooms.
¡°Yep,¡± Victor grunts while crawling to his feet. ¡°That¡¯s definitely Elyssia.¡±
Kayla just rushes at me again and throws her arms around me. ¡°Thank you.¡± She whispers. ¡°Thank you for, thanks- thank- it¡¯s good to have you back, thank you so much .¡± She buries her face into my hair and stays like that for a good few seconds.
¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± I return the hug.
August isn¡¯t so subtle and marches at me with a vengeful frown. Valka tries to stand up and stop the incoming source of danger almost instinctively before I drag her back to her bum.
¡°If he knows what¡¯s good for him he won''t start a fight. Firstly because he¡¯s aware of how it ends when my mealtime is disturbed. Second, the rules forbid it.¡± I wave merrily with my fork before engorging the potato on it. ¡°And third¡ because I¡¯m much stronger now.¡±
¡°But didn¡¯t you just start a fight?¡± Val asks, her eyes still on August.
¡°I just slapped him as a friendly gesture and he collapsed. I cannot even fathom how what might¡¯ve caused it.¡± I speak dramatically and with undisguised mirth.
¡°Get off your high horse!¡± August growls. ¡°Last time you got lucky and this time-¡±
¡°This time I¡¯m a few steps ahead of you. Now shut up and sit down! You know my rule.¡± I tell him commandingly while looking at the other two to signal they are no exceptions. My fiendish grin might work against my serious demeanor but I just can¡¯t help myself.
¡°NO!¡± Kayla declares with surprising finality. ¡°No fighting. Not right now.¡±
¡°She¡¯s right, you¡¯ve got some explaining to do.¡± Victor seconds and sits down, squeezing us all closer.
August, as always, communicates with stares instead of words, and as unfriendly as that face is it still shows some signs of curiosity. But I don¡¯t relent. I also want to share all that happened, learn what life is like in the Academy, and just basically chat with the people I deemed the closest things to friends. However, if I allow for an exception now then it will set a dangerous precedent.
¡°After!¡± I grumble and continue eating.
***
As it turned out, no matter how stubborn I was, or how irritated I acted, they could still move their mouth to my great despair. Kayla kept on spewing words which was no surprise while Victor tried to break my facade of ice with laughably weak jabs. Even August spoke from time to time which was wild.
Valka did the talking instead of me. She¡¯s the best. Maybe to earn cookie points with me or to get in the good graces of the others¡. beats me. First, she introduced herself and almost went to lengths to avoid sensitive topics when I made one thing clear. We were all Blessed at the table, fellow unlucky souls.
Naturally, she got excited, the same thing for everyone else, and a few duels were agreed upon then and there. Then the discussion steered towards my miraculous survival, life in the forest, the beasts, the Sanctuary, and everything that followed.
¡°Wow, so you lived with the beasts? And met an actual Lord? Like a big and scary one?¡± Kayla keeps gushing about my adventure in the forest even though the story has already moved on. ¡°And it helped¡ But what about those fruits and why lighting? And how could you burn so many trees down? And was the little one really that fluffy and- and and¡¡±
Oh, I think she¡¯s finally broken. The excitement overload got her in the end and we¡¯re free at last.
Since it¡¯s lunchtime and Valka has to attend the upcoming lecture unlike the rest of us, she gets to do the dueling first. She has much to learn about the world so that¡¯s her plight. We have about an hour, so it''s plenty of time for her to crush all of them, twice.
August has been the most skeptical about Val¡¯s Blessing and Skills, especially after hearing about her lack of training. He¡¯s asking for it and so he shall receive.
After all of us, except Kayla, change into training clothes and we make our way to the courtyard which surprisingly isn¡¯t entirely empty. Six other kids around my age are taking up most of it, training their Skills with sweat running down their faces even though it''s lunchtime.
A squad. If I had to make an educated guess, they are candidates for the Academy slots and are a lot more enthusiastic than I was. Judging by August¡¯s and Victor¡¯s faces I¡¯m not the only one who came to this conclusion but I sure as hell won''t be the one to deliver the bad news.
So with silent nods, we agree to simply ignore all of them and postpone that conflict for another day. The two Warriors take up position in the dueling ring and I activate the inscriptions shielding the outside observers. Another shining example of how extremely versatile and useful inscriptions are and a perfect opportunity for me to study them.
I doubt the duel will be any more exciting than the inscriptions.
After both Val and August signal they¡¯re ready Vitor takes up the mantle of judge and starts the fight. ¡°Begin!¡±
Chapter 115 - Catching Up
¡°Begin!¡± As soon as the word leaves Vitor¡¯s mouth the fighters swing into motion.
Valka, true to herself, rushes straight at August who just raises his sword and waits for his opponent. We haven¡¯t exactly discussed who chose what for their second Class or how our main one and Skills have advanced. It¡¯s only proper, after all, no opponent will ever share the tricks up their sleeves as well as their weaknesses before a clash.
Only second-rate villains do that.
Just as Valka throws a feint punch that even I as a Mage can easily recognize August finally moves. He ducks below the fist with speed far outclassing anything I¡¯ve seen from him before and thrusts his sword to pierce through his opponent¡¯s heart.
Valka raises her knee and brings down her elbow, catching the blade and trying to grapple the irritatingly agile fighter. She catches on frighteningly fast to what August is all about. The boy wisely abandons his sword without hesitation and draws a knife to slice up the arm reaching for him.
How naive.
The edge of the knife doesn¡¯t even draw blood. To say August looks baffled would be an understatement but her adapts surprisingly fast, just like everything else he does. He switches targets for the shoulder, then thigh and stomach, piercing only cloth and leather. Valka growls and swings, only hitting thin air but still following the little prick relentlessly.
¡°Winning by making me naked doesn¡¯t count!¡± She hisses and kicks in a wide arc with such power that its impact is visible on the dueling ring¡¯s barrier.
August vaults over the leg with the agility of a cat before using it as a springboard and reclaiming his sword. To his credit, the twerp remains composed despite all his failed attempts and unfortunate twists until now. Although that last comment did make him flustered a little.
Now that they¡¯ve both gotten a slight gist of what they¡¯re up against a moment of lull sets in. August¡¯s face is clearly troubled while Val on the other hand¡ she¡¯s literally made to fight this type of opponent. And she''s loving it.
To no one¡¯s surprise, it¡¯s her who shatters the momentary ceasefire, as she punches the stone floor of our little arena as hard as she can. The first strike, making even the ground tremble, cracks the slabs and the second one breaks the plain gray stone into bits large and small. Her knuckles are bleeding but she just acquired ranged weapons.
Rocks. Befitting a brute of her caliber.
She grabs a handful of them and hurls them at August like a scattershot. There¡¯s nowhere to dodge, nowhere to hide except¡ down. My old rival merges with his own shadow, leaving only a small puddle of darkness much like the panther I fought about a year ago. The only difference is he pops back out right away, with frightening momentum, clearly on the offensive.
A cutesy Skill but I¡¯ve seen it already, an improved version at that. Still, it might be just the tool to cause a lot of headaches against certain opponents and make the slippery swordsman even harder to hit.
This time he¡¯s the one to sprint at Valka with the sword in his hand turning awfully bringt. Light magic coats the blade and turns the simple weapon into a pseudo sword of light. Val is too slow to dodge and can only raise her arm to block the incoming attack. The concentrated light finally cuts through her skin but fails to achieve more as her healing is able to keep up with the negligible damage.
Now, a normal person would recoil and retreat¡ Val however is not normal.
With the blade still lodged in her arm she reaches after August and grabs his hand in a crushing grip, pulling him close before sending him right back with a gentle headbutt. The arch prick hits the ground with a grunt and just as his eyes are about to clear up Val slams her fist right past her face to deliver the message.
¡°It¡¯s over, winner Valka.¡± Victor comments as it is officially done even though the outcome is clear.
It wasn¡¯t close, not even remotely. In the same way August is a bad matchup for me, Valka is the kind of enemy the jerk would never want to meet face-to-face on a battlefield. I still won about half our duels but that¡¯s mostly because I¡¯m not a conventional Mage. And I¡¯m just that good.
¡°Who¡¯s next?¡± Valka stands tall on the platform while August walks, down still rubbing his forehead.
Frankly, she held back quite a bit. I haven¡¯t seen any Power Bursts or Skills used from her second Class. Maybe she¡¯s hiding it in case the next fights prove to be tougher. Although that¡¯s doubtful.
¡°I¡¯ll pass.¡± Victor throws in the towel even before entering the ring.
¡°Don¡¯t like your odds?¡± I ask mockingly.
¡°That¡¯s one way to put it.¡± He shrugs. ¡°I like choosing my battles, and walking into a losing one is just not my style.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t have any strong enough friends with me right now but after classes, I¡¯d love to.¡± Kayla on the other hand seems quite enthusiastic. ¡°I have just the friends in mind¡¡± And there it is that rare malicious glint in her eyes. Three hours is more than enough to gather beasts Val might be helpless against.
The brute, somewhat disappointed, leaves the dueling ring behind raising her head only slightly to glance at me. ¡°Another round?¡± She asks, wiggling her eyebrows.
Weird way to ask¡ I do consider my chances of winning the duel for a moment, the benefits it would mean for the Skills, and the little demonstration of how awesome I am for the others.
¡°Maybe later.¡± I shake my head.
¡°Don¡¯t like your odds?¡± It¡¯s Victor¡¯s turn to ask with a shit-eating grin.
He¡¯s right, I don¡¯t. I could win maybe three out of seven times and the fight would be beneficial no doubt but¡ I would probably lose and that just doesn¡¯t sit well with me. Valka¡¯s second Class is a little more straightforward and advanced than mine. Just a little more patience¡
¡°I was gracious enough and let her win the last time, even if just barely. With that said we¡¯re fairly even and if not for my second Class I wouldn¡¯t even hesitate.¡± I¡¯m reluctant and selfish but I¡¯m able still admit it. ¡°If anything the gap only widened since then.¡±
Unlike the mocking remarks I expect to hear, only a round of surprised looks are thrown my way. Even Kayla remains silent nodding to herself instead of her usual gushing.
¡°What?¡± I look around.
Vitor puts a hand on my shoulder and nods. ¡°You did grow up in your own way.¡±
My eyes turn dangerous and a cold smile creeps onto my face. ¡°Val, I think you should get changed before the lesson. I¡¯ll take care of things here.¡±
***
Needless to say, I butchered my opponent.
Victor stood up to me first and tried his usual cat-and-mouse game where he used to win as both the hunter and the prey. We chose the wider courtyard as a whole for the duel since we needed cover and range to fight properly and so the shootout began. I played around a bit before getting irritated by how well he could duck from cover to cover and guess the trajectory of my shots.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
That stupid Blessing of his is still far too overpowered.
And so I grabbed some water and earth and simply walked towards him using the two elements as shield and whip, turning all his attacks obsolete. The sneaky bastard probably expected this, BUT I expected him to expect me to choose the frontal approach.
Lightning Mines, as he calls them, littered the place when I activated Mana Vision and a rain of ice arrows descended as I came close enough. Those bombs somewhat resembled the inscribed rocks the dwarf made, only these were uniform and held together by a Skill. Raising a shield of earth and water I hunkered down to make sure I didn¡¯t lose to a joke of an attack like that when the realization hit me.
That was Victor. Not some stupid beast, not the simple Valka, and not some younger brand new cadet but the most devious kid I¡¯ve known who would never waste mana or time on pointless attacks like a bunch of ice arrows.
I retreated right away and was just in time to catch him flanking me from the side with another row of lighting-infused icy arrows pulled back on his bow and a fiendish grin that quickly disappeared when we came face to face.
The water whip, still in my hand, descended right across his shoulder, breaking the bow and slapping him straight to the ground showing no mercy. He surrendered right away with a nasty bruise as a reminder that I wasn¡¯t so easy to trick anymore.
To my joy, August still decided to take the stage even after I handed Victor his ass. I¡¯m down by a third on mana but it would look like a joke if I started complaining when he¡¯s clearly weaker.
The battlefield stays the same since we destroyed enough of the courtyard already for it to matter little. If my memory doesn¡¯t deceive me I¡¯m in the lead on our little years-long competition and I¡¯m certain August also keeps track of it. I hope the proud bastard will try his best to last at least a little longer than Victor.
¡°Begin!¡± And we swing into action.
Thankfully I am already familiar with his new trick, even though it isn¡¯t really new, and have a bunch of my own still up in my sleeves. I abandon the idea of large, devastating spells right away and instead conjure a simple bottom-shelf arcane armor onto myself. Something rudimentary without any supporting Skills. I also send small, mostly irritating attacks at the approaching August.
The armor won''t do much against that light sword but will stop his weaker ranged attacks that got me a year ago. With Maintained Magic, the armor stabilizes so I can focus on winning this round.
The simple earth bolts and icicles I launch all miss because, as much as I hate to acknowledge it, August is just as good at dodging as he is fast. He approaches fast so I recreate the water tentacle I used against the crabs, a wonder of water and electricity, and start slapping. I turn into a deadly maelstrom as August looks for an angle of approach but I keep him on his toes.
¡°How boring.¡± He spits and then the sword in his grip glows again with the power of light magic once again. He slices straight through the water, somehow severing my connection with my mana and closing the distance to my throat rapidly.
His advance goes largely uninterrupted as my magical limbs got severed one after another but that¡¯s simply because I allow it. Unlike Val, I¡¯m actually curious about August¡¯s abilities as it is the true purpose of these friendly duels so prolonging the fight is in my interest.
But I don¡¯t plan on losing either.
Once my opponent is too close for comfort I simply tap my feet and the ground erupts with earthen spikes. Everywhere, all around me, and large enough to skewer even an adult. August cuts a few and dodges a handful but I keep the numbers overwhelming, pushing him just a little more.
Then out of nowhere, his feet get covered by the same radiance as his weapon and he disappears from my line of sight. Mana Perception activates, providing me with only a pair of thin lines of light zipping past me. But that and the shiver running down my spine are enough for me to discharge a large amount of mana in the form of electricity, blasting my surroundings not one second too early.
Likely hit by my defensive blast, August flies past me with such speed I barely notice, bouncing once then twice off the ground before grinding to a halt. Only now do I clearly see the incandescent halos around his boots, pulsing with power, eager for speed.
¡°Cute trick, care to show me more?¡± I send a few more bolts of lightning after him. I say that but he scared me for a moment, his speed is ridiculous.
As if welcoming my challenge a similar shield of light materializes on August¡¯s left arm, eating my bolts but not looking too solid. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who worked hard!¡± He raises his weapons and that pesky beam of light lands on my shoulder.
The armor holds as the power is negligible and I¡¯m forced to protect my head with my arms but Mana Perception never loses sight of my target. I know I¡¯m pushing it a little, still holding back despite things getting heated but August is no Valka, he won¡¯t get back up if I truly strike him.
Not to mention I¡¯m curious to see more.
He¡¯s once more moving faster than my eyes can track so I also reveal some of my cards. Predicting his pathing with Premonition I create air bursts out of nowhere, relying on Ethereal Stage to catch him off guard. He comes to a rough halt, because as it turns out the shiny boots only provide him with speed and not so much maneuverability.
¡°I can do this all day.¡± I taunt, even though my mana is down to about half. I¡¯d love to whip out the plasma and assert dominance but I sincerely doubt August would survive that because he sure as hell wouldn¡¯t surrender.
¡°Get off your high horse.¡± He scoffs and rolls his shoulders. ¡°We both know tha-¡± Then with a sudden burst of light, he closes the distance almost instantly.
A clever surprise attack but scouring the streets has taught me to know better. Flames surround him the moment his sword is about to behind its journey toward my throat, forcing him to retreat to his shadow again. And basically traps himself when teeth of stone close around the tiny puddle.
To my joy at the last second, a whip of pure darkness escapes, striking at my side but unable to pierce my armor. As I step back the shadow thickens and August emerges from the tip of the whip, weapon poised to strike.
From this distance and without even a second to do my shenanigans, I¡¯m firmly on the back foot. But not exactly in danger.
Rhythmic Strides coupled with Premonition allow me to dance out of danger¡¯s way, every step forcing August to either push through danger or retreat as the elements spring to action under my feet. Distance also plays into my hand and one misstep here is all it takes to decide the winner.
The blade scrapes my armor and sails past my face, as August pushes harder so I do a little scorched earth retreat. In the most literal sense. He maneuvers around the flames I leave behind with a flash of light once more only to come face to face with my finger and electricity crackling at its tip.
Retreating to the shadows is once again his only choice to remain unscathed. And I decide we¡¯ve had enough fun for now.
I simply send a hastily condensed ball of fire I prepared in advance right into the puddle of darkness letting it explode on impact and expressing August only to get caught by my water. His legs freeze and I reach out my arm just in front of me right in time for August to reappear and get flicked in the forehead.
¡°It¡¯s over... Eli won as expected.¡± Victor chuckles, massaging his forehead with a cheering Kayla at his side. ¡°That was¡ incredible.¡±
¡°You two were so COOL!¡± Kayla bounces. ¡°The whoosh and the bam, and the swing and the speed and the flashy¡ everything.¡±
I let my armor finally dissipate and nod toward August. ¡°You hid your Skills against Val. Knew you stood no chance against her?¡±
¡°l went easy on her. I wanted to see what you brought back.¡± He mutters with a weirdly satisfied frown.
¡°But did your best trying to win against me, huh?¡± I scoff. ¡°So dark for you and Victor went for water for your second Class. What about you Kayla?¡±
Vines grow from under her feet and emerge from her sleeves, wrapping around Victor tightly and slightly lifting him from the ground. ¡°So I can always grow something to eat and carry nature around with me.¡± Kayla smiles proudly.
Just wonderful¡ Why do I feel like she¡¯ll be the most troublesome?
***
We ¡®play¡¯ around for hours, showing off Skills, telling even more stories, and guessing who else might be on the new squad about to be sent to the Academy. Other than Val and me obviously.
I also interrogate them about the ins and outs of life in Sereban as well as their experience in the Academy. Well¡It¡¯s mixed. Everything is luxurious, marvelous, and quite vexatious. Competence does play a huge part however wealth and social standing have the final say be it social interactions or treatment. They do feel out of place there and I can totally understand.
¡°I hope you had your fun children.¡± Martha steps below the archway to the courtyard with Valka right behind her. ¡°Elyssia, come with me! And stop destroying the courtyard or else I¡¯ll make you restore everything down to the tiniest patch of grass, all of you!¡±
Since I¡¯m curious about what she was to say I walk over passing an exhausted-looking Val on the way. ¡°Did you win?¡± The lecture clearly did a number on her.
¡°Of course I did.¡± I answer. It was my duty to uphold our prestige in her absence.
¡°Then, it¡¯s your time to suffer. Studying is the worst¡¡± She shakes her head as escapes the old witch of Karon Fort.
Chapter 116 - Making Something Pretty
¡°Where to?¡± I catch up to my old mentor as she leads me down the corridors of the Fort.
¡°To the smithy.¡± She winks enthusiastically. ¡°My informants told me about your newfound interest in the letters of power and I think I can help.¡±
Informant? Who could¡¯ve¡
¡°Did you interrogate Valka?¡± I ask with an unimpressed look.
¡°Please, it¡¯s been ages since I last visited the Crab Festival. I wanted to hear about how you fared.¡± Her reasoning feels a little thin. ¡°I¡¯m cooped up here most of the year so cut this old lady some slack.¡±
Yep, something definitely stinks. She almost never calls herself old. With that said I¡¯m still in the dark so proceeding with caution is the best I can do.
¡°Any advice on how to deal with Zarah?¡± I inquire about the unbearable smith I¡¯m about to face. Know thy enemy and whatnot.
¡°Hm,¡± Martha taps her chin, sorting through her thoughts. ¡°Don¡¯t talk unless it''s absolutely necessary. Zarah works secluded not just to keep her abilities and identity secret but also because she¡¯s¡¡±
¡°A lone wolf?¡± I add.
Martha¡¯s disappointed eyes tell me the woman in question wouldn¡¯t value the pun either.
¡°Anyway, she does things at her own pace and it''s often difficult to follow her line of thoughts.¡± We approach the armory and I¡¯m starting to feel antsy. ¡°Try not to get on her nerves but even if you do¡ Well, it¡¯s not like there aren¡¯t any other capable inscriptionists around, but I doubt most of them would be willing to share much of their wisdom. Zarah just isn¡¯t the type to care.¡±
That doesn¡¯t sound as reassuring as it was meant to be.
Once again heat welcomes us as we enter the hidden smithy, however, this time without the constant singing of the hammer. Instead, my supposed teacher is just leaning against her anvil, wearing fucking glasses of all things, and reading through what seems like a romance book.
¡°Well, do you have an inscriptionist Class now?¡± She gets straight to the point exactly as I feared.
¡°Did you have a blacksmith Class before you started hammering stuff?¡± I cross my arms and ask back instead of simply saying no.
¡°What a waste of my time you are.¡± Zarah shakes her head and closes her reading. ¡°So tell me why should I bother teaching you?¡± It¡¯s her turn to cross her arms.
¡°Because we¡¯re paying you to.¡± Martha mutters right beside me but her comment gets completely ignored.
I decide to go with my signature move of conjuring four different elements, literally the impossible, and have them dance around me like stars. It¡¯s not the pinnacle of my magic but the fine control coupled with Ethereal Stage creates a true spectacle no one else can replicate.
But Zarah only shakes her head. ¡°Girl, you just proved my point.¡± She turns away, ties her hair up, and retrieves her tools. ¡°It is not your Blessing I asked about. You are not your Skills¡¡±
She ends the conversation there, lighting the furnace and working the bellows to increase the heat while I merely gape at my own incompetence.
No, not even that.
I¡¯ve grown too accustomed to being special and the superb treatment that comes along with it. Do I want to delve into the art of making inscriptions due to my Blessing, hm? No? Then why in hell did I react like that?
Why do I even want this?
¡°Can¡¯t say I didn¡¯t expect that.¡± Martha sighs and puts a hand on my shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll have no issue finding another-¡±
¡°Wait.¡± I interrupt her and take a step towards the smith likely putting even dwarves to shame with her stubbornness. She¡¯s already hammering away, back in her little world isolated from interruptions.
But I don¡¯t want other teachers.
¡°It¡¯s¡¡± I open my mouth and although I¡¯ve bothered to gather my thoughts in advance, expressing them doesn¡¯t come as easy. ¡°I always destroy and hurt and take¡ It¡¯s what I do best and I¡¯ve accepted that, but I also want to leave something behind. I want to create just for the sake of it. To see if I can make my ideas into reality, to do it with my own two hands¡ To make something pretty. Ever since inscriptions first caught my eyes¡ it was so pretty.¡±
Definitely not the speech I¡¯ve prepared. Halfway through, or rather after the first sentence, my mind just went blank and I was no longer in control of what I said. I didn¡¯t even notice the sound of hammering come to a halt.
¡°See, it wasn¡¯t anything difficult.¡± Zarah lays her tool on the anvil and picks up a red-hot rose of iron I didn¡¯t notice until now. ¡°There¡¯s no need for any grand goal or selfless calling to put your mind into a task. It¡¯s fine to be selfish, to let you choose instead of your circumstances¡ Making something pretty sure is worth the trouble.¡±
From her apron, she retrieves the pen used to free Val and starts working on the rose once more, smiling slightly to herself as her hands dance around the petals. Mana Perception allows me to trace the lines left in however they follow a completely different pattern than the Runes I¡¯ve learned about. It¡¯s closer to¡ an intricate web.
Once complete Zarah simply taps the top of the iron flower and it comes to life. The heat lending its colors flares up, while the air carries the flames and makes the rose float in the air in all its fiery glory.
It¡¯s pretty.
Then Zarah¡¯s eyes land on something past me. ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy?¡± She asks Martha, giving her a look.
My mentor however just keeps gaping at the spectacle before asking. ¡°Can I have that?¡±
¡°Hah, five gold.¡± Zarah huffs and asks a ridiculous price for something requiring so little work.
But Martha coughs up the money without a word of complaint. Unlike its creator, she handles the delicate work of metal with care as it''s still insanely hot before turning to me. ¡°Behave!¡± And she leaves us to ourselves.
And things get awkward really fast.
¡°So¡ are you willing to teach me?¡± I¡¯m the first to fold.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
¡°Not really.¡± She crushes my hopes in a blink. ¡°If what you want is a person to hold your hand and guide you through every step then keep looking! I¡¯m not teacher material. If you don¡¯t believe me, go and ask my son.¡±
¡°Who?¡± I tilt my head.
¡°Nevermind. Look, I¡¯m busy and I¡¯m sure the hag will be able to find you a dozen other teachers who can explain all the theory better than me. Let¡¯s not waste each other¡¯s time.¡± Zarah leans against her anvil the same way I first saw her today.
Daring of her to say that word out loud about Martha but I most definitely won''t wait around a week until the hag finds me a decrepit, old gnome who hasn¡¯t touched a single tool in more than a century. Not to mention theory won¡¯t do the crafting for me¡
¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m adaptable and you don¡¯t even need to teach me.¡± I shrug off her attempts at trying to weasel her way out of this responsibility. ¡°Just do your thing, maybe let me help from time to time and we¡¯ll see where that gets us.¡±
¡°You do know I have the right to decline you as my apprentice?¡± Zarah¡¯s eyes narrow as she asks.
¡°Uhum, and you did not once tell me no. Besides, that¡¯s not what busy looks like and I¡¯m much more interesting than some book.¡± I¡¯m not used to trying this hard to get something. I wonder if a social Skill would¡¯ve already made her fold¡
Zarah just sighs and shakes her head after clenching and unclenching her jaws a few times. ¡°You can stay for today and we¡¯ll see how everything goes. Do not make me regret this, because chances are, I¡¯ll be the one to keep your future gear functional.¡±
¡°Yesss!¡± I fist pump and up my cold aura as I hop closer.
¡°Don¡¯t do that!¡± Zarah instantly shoos me away. ¡°If you want to fool with your magic, do it outside. Some metals might start to decompose if you mess with the temperature.¡±
Metals will do what? Like plants?
But it¡¯s ridiculously hot in here¡ So I pull my cooling aura closer, basically creating a second skin, before I add another outer layer to up the heat. The small trick eats my mana like an actual armor but other than that Maintained Magic takes care of the rest.
¡°So, what¡¯s first?¡± I¡¯m basically vibrating with anticipation. ¡°What should I know and oh, can I do the inscriptions on a sword?¡±
¡°That¡¯s not exactly what we agreed on, is it?¡± Zarah sighs once more, a weird habit people develop around me. ¡°First, the basics?¡±
¡°Right.¡± Then I go into explaining what I¡¯ve learned from the dwarf. The four common arts of inscriptions, and how they¡¯re made.
¡°Well, that¡¯s not an awful lot.¡± Zarah huffs.
¡°Why do you think I¡¯m here?¡± I roll my eyes, about to inspect some of the tools before I think better of it. ¡°That grump said Runes were the most common and clearly the best.¡±
¡°All of them are the best in their own way but I can¡¯t deny, Runes are definitely the most popular. They¡¯re simple and sturdy.¡± Zarah nods. ¡°Think of each style as a different language, very different ones. Their values and rules are hardly comparable and put more emphasis on certain aspects. Like how dwarves have thirty ways of saying stone while the same goes for orks and tearing your spine out before beating you to death with it.¡±
Heh, nice.
¡°And what you used on the rose was¡ not the Runes.¡± I try sharing my observation but fail halfwaythrough.
¡°It was the Grand String. Good, you¡¯re not hopeless.¡± Zarah flashes a half-smile. ¡°A ridiculously convoluted style designed by gnomes to be highly modular and just as time-consuming to prepare. Considering you¡¯re not the type to sit around in a basement and carve for days I¡¯d advise against it.¡±
¡°So¡ then what are we doing?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Zarah shrugs and I feel a dark urge growing in the back of my mind, telling me to bite through her throat. ¡°I told you I¡¯m a horrible teacher. Scribbling a few runes, learning some history and whatnot, maybe even making one a symbol run smoothly for a few seconds¡ Those sound like the prerequisites to a beginner inscriptionist Class.¡±
Okay, we¡¯re getting somewhere. Unlike learning how to wield my magic I can¡¯t just wing it and rely on Savant, but once I have at least a proper Class in place the rest might be no longer as much of a hassle.
¡°Show me a symbol or whatever and I¡¯ll replicate it.¡± I retrieve some water from a nearby bucker as a spark of genius ignites in my head. This¡¯ll be so easy.
¡°That¡¯s what I had in mind but I fear you¡¯ll have to dirty your hand a little.¡± Zarah gets to work with her pen. ¡°Mana needs an empty canal, and any material you¡¯re wielding as a Mage is anything but. Not to mention what you want to do is a mockery toward every artisan. Keep that in mind going forward.¡±
¡°Oh, sorry.¡± Some of my enthusiasm dies right away because I do acknowledge what she said. And this is exactly why I was so hell-bent on finding a proper teacher. ¡°What does this one do?¡± I poke my head around her to observe the work.
The doodle on the simple sheet of metal looks like someone broke a bunch of letters into pieces before merging them all into one¡ symbol. I have absolutely no clue how this works or what it does, that¡¯s how useless those books I¡¯ve been reading are.
¡°See for yourself.¡± Zarah steps back and allows me to do my thing.
A little mana is all I infuse into the Rune and the metal¡ disappears. From our eyes that is. Mana Perception allows me some insight into how the light envelops the simple iron and bends the light around it to create the illusion.
Clever.
Now it¡¯s up to me to replicate it to the best of my ability and maybe make it work. At least a little¡ ¡°Was there nothing more basic?¡± I complain moderately after a good minute or three of observing the thing.
¡°There is but you¡¯d complain all the same if I¡¯ve drawn something simple.¡± Zarah answers and I fail to find a rebuke. Damn right, I would. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t think I need to introduce you to the rules governing Class quality.¡±
Also true. Let¡¯s do this.
Instead of iron, I choose a piece of paper as my surface, stacked in a corner like this very purpose. Not to mention my Mana Scribe Class might even benefit from this tiny exercise.
¡°But why Runes?¡± I ask as my hands get to work. ¡°Rather, which one should I focus on, the one relatively useful even in combat?¡± I know Martha advised me to limit the breath I waste on talking but I¡¯ll try to learn as much as possible while Zarah is still cooperative.
¡°I think your thinking is slightly flawed if you¡¯re looking to use inscriptions in combat. Don¡¯t ask what you can do in the heat of the moment but rather what the preparation and infinite store of tricks you can put together.¡± She taps her furry chin. I wonder if she¡¯s fluffy¡ ¡°I¡¯d say Runes suit your needs because they¡¯re quick to scratch down even if quite dumb and¡ stubborn. Think of them like simple words with broad meanings spoken in the tongue of Aelion herself. At least that¡¯s what the dwarves claim.¡±
Speaking to the dirt¡ very dwarf-like I have to say. Simple does not mean bad. Runes are most definitely among the styles I hope to learn.
¡°The Grand String, in theory, tries to replicate the mana vessels found in living beings through weaving and interlocking formations. Perfect for smaller enchantments and very versatile. The Song is¡ well, a song written to the mana. I swear the elf who came up with this must¡¯ve been high.¡± She growls slightly in frustration, clearly not fond of the method. ¡°The mana dances to the tune and poof, magic. I don¡¯t know every detail because this one is probably my least favorite. It¡¯s very fickle, almost impossible to achieve precise results, but plenty powerful in exchange.¡±
This reminds me of that elven woman who played around the marketplace a year ago. Her voice was so soothing and even the world seemed to relax a little as she sang.
¡°There¡¯s little known about the origin of the flow but it basically depicts the desired result like a painting. A very specific, and artistically questionable painting but quite a potent one. Sadly it requires a lot of surface.¡±
Hmm, I can see some fantasy in all of them to be fair, be it normal equipment or some extras. Mostly bombs but I¡¯m sure with time my mind will open up to new possibilities.
At last, I finish sketching the mega doodle that is a Rune and give life to it by adding mana to my Shimmering Lines Skill I used. The lines do glow and they are truly pretty, just what I wanted but that''s not all. The paper disappears, mostly as the symbol is still very glittery and visible, however the Class does serve its purpose exactly as I hoped.
[Your class Skill [Shimmering Lines] has reached lvl 4-> 7.]
[Your class Skill [Precise Hands] has reached lvl 3-> 4.]
[Your class Skill [Penmanship] has reached lvl 4-> 6.]
No Beauty in the Craft? C¡¯mon, it wasn¡¯t that bad.
¡°Good, we might not need to waste as much time as I feared.¡± Zarah crumples up my work and throws it into the furnace. ¡°Now time to get to work.¡±
Fuck.
Chapter 117 - The Real Thing
19696 The 2nd Summer
With a new albeit reluctant mentor secured I spent about half my days locked up in the smithy, far from the light of Solaire and the troubles of the world. As well as Martha trying to force rehearsals onto me just in case I forgot some of the things she taught us.
She had no luck, even though I probably required it.
This lull was a blessing in disguise as Val needed all the time she could get to cram four years'' worth of lessons in two months¡ Let¡¯s be real, that was an impossible ask and thus some corner-cutting had to be done.
While we did that the other three secretly disappeared to do some actual light adventuring, contrary to the crazy two gigs we did with my parents. The gap between them and me has widened considerably and the only way to catch up was to capitalize on my infatuation with inscriptions. It stung a little that they left me behind like that but I would¡¯ve done the same and it was better this way.
Blessings tend to be danger magnets after all and even just Val and I were enough to find ourselves in stupid situations constantly. Not that we didn¡¯t contribute to them.
And thus I chewed through every book I could find and visited every shop to gather inspiration. Although most places almost instantly kicked me out for spying and so I was a true pain in the ass for Zarah. Okay, we also went on a handful of quick and simple gigs with the family but that was mostly because Valka threatened to end herself after three weeks of ceaseless studying.
And that¡¯s what we¡¯ve been up to for the past two months or so.
Now, if working with inscriptions is like poetry then I¡¯ve barely learned how to write a few simple words, and even that in only one language but it has been strangely eye-opening.
First, even though I¡¯m not yet a true inscriptionist there are dozens of ideas floating in my head on how to improve simple boots or even a stick, turning them into deadly weapons. I know, not the appropriate thoughts for a girl, or anyone my age but I¡¯m hardly the usual.
Next, although Zarah told me every style is the best in their own way I think it''s quite the contrary. All of them are bad because none of them is perfect. Sure Runes are what we usually rely on but they can¡¯t replicate a third of what I can achieve with my magic.
And last but not least¡ This is fun. If the work is quick and painless it¡¯s fun. If creating the symbol hours and many retries it¡¯s¡ not as fun but feels more rewarding. And I think Savant likes it as well.
Inscriptions are also a branch of wielding mana and it¡¯s also divided up based on elements. With enough practice I¡¯m certain I could replicate my tricks, maybe even plasma, using only a few symbols and I¡¯m sure there¡¯s much more to explore.
All in all, it¡¯s a shame we didn¡¯t get to go on a few adventures with the gang, especially since after last year''s incidents the shadows have almost completely disappeared but I¡¯m wholly satisfied with my time spent.
¡°Eli, Valka, do you have a moment?¡± Martha finds us after lunch as the two of us laze around in the fresh grass of the courtyard.
¡°Yeah?¡± I ask.
¡°Don¡¯t get too comfortable with me, young lady! Get up and show me at least a sliver of respect.¡± She crosses her arms and narrows her eyes.
Valka avoided the nasty stare by already standing by the time the scolding arrived, so after I push myself up with a fake groan and Martha¡¯s face returns to a less-annoyed state we can get to the point.
¡°It¡¯s about your squad, or rather the other four people we selected besides the two of you to represent us this year in Sereban. They¡¡± She frowns and chews on her lips. ¡°The six of them have been close for years and didn¡¯t take too well to being told two of them are to stay behind. They planned to conquer Sereban together so¡¡±
¡°So they blame us?¡± I cut to the chase with my arms crossed.
¡°Wouldn¡¯t you if someone stole your chance for something big?¡± Valka slaps my shoulder instead of taking my side.
¡°We send the kids strongest for their age.¡± Martha snaps her fingers a few times to get our attention back. ¡°You both are a year older while also vastly stronger than any of them, so whining about fairness is just an excuse. Sadly that doesn¡¯t change the fact that they indeed do put the blame on you and your Blessings. Hence the change of plans.¡±
Well, that sounds concerning. I¡¯m not sure whether or not to blame this round of trouble on my Blessing or not but considering things have been quite calm these past months I can¡¯t really complain.
¡°We usually send six people to fight in the team battles whenever the Academy competes internationally.¡± Martha tells me what I already know. ¡°However, that¡¯s clearly not an option this year. We still need to verify things with the board in Sereban so I¡¯m only here to warn you about the hostilities. All that paperwork¡¡± She rubs her forehead and begins to leave. ¡°Just, keep it in mind.¡±
¡°Uhm, Martha?¡± I stop her to ask about a topic of the utmost importance. ¡°What about money?¡± She turns to face me and raises an eyebrow. ¡°For Val. We already agreed on my allowance last year but what about hers?¡±
The clouds over her head disappear as an innocent kind smile stretches across the old woman¡¯s face. ¡°Oh little devil, it¡¯s already taken care of.¡± Wow, nice. ¡°You brought her here as your property, she joined as your property and,¡± Fuck, no no no no. I knew she¡¯d get back on me for that. ¡°and you¡¯ll pay her expenses as the owner.¡± She cackles as my face crumbles before walking away again. ¡°Oh and Elyssia, if you plan on pursuing that path¡ I advise you to make a step now.¡± After adding the last part Martha disappears as usual.
I really would¡¯ve preferred to simply join team Kayla, August, and Victor since from what I¡¯ve heard the replacements the Fist sent are¡ well, let¡¯s just say they aren¡¯t winning. I know them already and it was meant to be my spot in the first place so it¡¯d also make sense.
Except I¡¯m down an entire year¡¯s worth of studies.
if they just added us to the others¡¯ team to fight since I mostly knew how to work with them once¡ a bit¡ maybe¡
A shame. I¡¯ll feel bad a little, just a little, for those kids who¡¯ll have to watch their friends go to the capital while they stay back.
About Martha¡¯s advice¡ Maybe it¡¯s best to get it over with. I doubt I can squeeze anything more out of my poor second Class in hopes of earning a cooler, more powerful one, and Zarah can¡¯t exactly teach me everything. That¡¯s the job of the teachers at the Academy.
Mana Scribe had been an immensely useful Class as it turned out. Reading all those books, making notes, and practicing inscriptions¡ I just can¡¯t imagine how anyone without Skills suffers through that.
Anyway, there¡¯s little more this Class can give so it¡¯s time to take the next step. Settle in my bed and¡
[Your class [Mana Scribe - Water ] has reached lvl 18. Class advancement is now available, would you like to start the Class up?]
[Y/N]
Yes, please.
***
It¡¯s still the same mess hall, same plates only this time the place is back to its original glory. Suppose someone asked me which I like more, this or the good old beach¡ hard to say. The good and bad memories on both sides are pretty equal, except I don¡¯t associate the beach with being kidnapped. Although the Fort has unlimited food on its side¡
The difficult questions of life.
¡°Plates, to me!¡± I command my hidden element.
[Battling Bookworm - Lightning], [Bomb Frenzy - Fire], [Not Reading for Fun - Earth], [Combat Secretary - Water], [Adventurer of IIl-fortune - Dark], [Stowaway Scribe - Earth], [Rune Enthusiast - Earth], [Dryland Octopus - Water], [Bane of Crabs - Water], [Enjoyer of Romance under the Candlelight - Dark], [Aggressive Mana Scribe - Water], [Exemplary Student - Light], [Unconventional Artist of Inscriptions - Water], [Mana Monologue Maker - Wind]
It¡¯s insane the Classes are the same quality as the selection I saw when advancing my main Class at lvl 36. Even better actually. With that said, I have little interest in most of them, after all this time I arrived with precise expectations in mind.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Since the variety isn¡¯t overwhelming, and I pretty much have my eyes on the winners already let¡¯s just skim through all of them.
[Battling Bookworm - Lightning]
Yeah, yeah, has reading Class, still fights, the wisdom of combat, the art of war, blah blah. Honestly, it does have its allure. The focus seems to be largely on learning from previous battles and books and putting all that knowledge into practice. It¡¯s decent actually.
Now that I think about it, for the common people¡ would this one be considered an outstanding Class? I mean, not everyone fights every other day, at my age, as well as me, and against opponents as dangerous as me. And I¡¯m being humble right now.
Man, I can¡¯t even imagine working with the mediocre stuff.
[Bomb Frenzy - Fire]
This one is lying. I¡¯m not obsessed with explosions, they are just one of the greatest tools of destruction. Besides, the Runes were the interesting part of the dwarf¡¯s work, not the explosions themselves. I do like explosions but won''t waste a whole Class on it.
[Not Reading for Fun - Earth]
Duh, some people read as a hobby while I read because everyone refused to tell me what I wanted to learn. Doesn¡¯t sound too fun, does it?
[Combat Secretary - Water]
Wow¡
Requirements: Dutiful pupil to a powerful mage for many years. 30 Speed, 60 Intelligence, 60 Focus
You follow in the shadow of the giant that is your mentor, eagerly hanging on their every word. Your mind and ideas are one-
¡°Okay, damn. This is most definitely about Martha and I¡¯ll make sure to take this Class with me to the grave. I¡¯d never hear the end of it. Although¡¡±
[+1 Free Points, +2 Speed, +3 Dexterity, +3 Intelligence, +4 Mana, +4 Willpower, +3 Focus, +2 Fortitude per level]
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s solid¡¡± I frown. ¡°Next!¡±
[Critique of the Words of Power - Fire]
Fiery temper, revolting design, burning the norms¡ This finally does have something to do with inscriptions, except not in the way I want it to. I want to create, not destroy, and deconstruct them.
[Adventurer of IIl-fortune - Dark]
¡°This is so not my fault.¡± I whimper after my eyes land on the bleak, somewhat worn plate.
[Stowaway Scribe - Earth]
Well, I do like it when nobody disturbs me but don¡¯t want to make that my whole thing. I guess it¡¯s really about time I do something other than reading under my blanket and stuffing my face.
[Rune Enthusiast - Earth]
¡°Ah, finally.¡± I light up at the sight of a proper inscriptionist Class at last.
Requirements: Has managed to draw the power of a Rune. 60 Intelligence, 60 Dexterity
¡°Okay, pretty basic.¡± I nod and keep reading.
Your infatuation with Runes knows no bounds. They are the greatest and only art of-
¡°Okay, it¡¯s a dud.¡± I wave the plate away. ¡°It is close though but from what I¡¯ve read, Runes don¡¯t even sound like the second-best option to make the most outstanding equipment. Besides, I do like to keep my options open.¡±
[Dryland Octopus - Water]
The water tentacles were cool and even the Journey Guide acknowledges that. Although I don¡¯t really like octopuses. They are like wet spiders and I hate spiders.
[Bane of Crabs - Water]
Ah, the typical one specific enemy focused garbage Class. The crabs were delicious though¡
[Enjoyer of Romance under the Candlelight - Dark]
¡°No, fuck off, don¡¯t make it weird!¡± I groan at the mostly black plate with candlelight flickering in it. ¡°I just read a few pages of a romance book. It wasn¡¯t even that interesting!¡±
Also, this is the darkest shade of green I¡¯ve ever seen. Just how bad is this Class?
[ +2 Free Points, +1 Endurance, +1 Dexterity per level]
Criminally bad.
[Aggressive Mana Scribe - Water]
Fighty, writey¡ quite interesting.
Requirements: Be eager to throw yourself into the maws of danger while looking for ways to turn your craft into your strength. Martial Instinct lvl 30, 30 Speed, 60 Intelligence, 60 Focus.
Your work is no longer for the faint-hearted or anyone who is looking to keep their heart. Inscriptions are a tool just like any and perfectly capable of wreaking havoc if you desire to do so. Switch up your environment and bring some excitement to your work, allowing it to bloom where emotions are the most heated and where eyes are plenty. Every surface is your canvas.
[+4 Free Points, +3 Speed, +3 Endurance +3 Dexterity, +4 Intelligence, +3 Mana, +2 Willpower, +2 Focus per level]
¡°Uh, this one is good, this is what I need. Quite literally.¡± I nodded, grabbing the jagged plate with the sound of frothing waves echoing from it and hugging it to my chest. ¡°But let¡¯s not get too hasty.¡±
[Exemplary Student - Light]
Oh please, this must be a misunderstanding.
Requirements: You eagerly listened to your teacher, hanging on all her words, and pursuing knowledge according to their guidance.
Oh wait, it¡¯s talking about Zarah and not Martha¡ Well, truly I was on my best behavior to get what I wanted.
[Unconventional Artist of Inscriptions - Water]
Requirements: A knack for bringing the Words of Power to life with an unusual flair. 30 Dexterity, 60 Willpower, 60 Focus.
Fascinated by the magic in the symbols you researched without sparing your time, all to satiate the curiosity gnawing at you. The first attempt was a failure and none of the subsequent tries proved adequate for the goal you pursue. And thus it''s time to take a major step towards true mastery. Just like writing, one needs to learn the ins and outs of the Inscriptions forming the language of mana, and then pushing it to its limits.
Okay¡ This isn¡¯t about the achievements like my Class options usually are but more focused on the work I¡¯ve been putting in. Quite rude too. Nobody expects me to make picture-perfect Runes without a proper Inscriptionist Class and a buttload of practice, so the System should just mind its own business and let me do mine.
Jabs aside, this is probably what I¡¯m here for. And better than I expected.
[+2 Free Points, +1 Speed, +5 Dexterity, +4 Intelligence, +4 Mana, +2 Willpower, +4 Focus per level]
Passable stats I guess. It offers less than the Aggressive Scribe which means it should give better Skills¡ right? Even the stats are allocated differently. But what is it I really need?
[Mana Monologue Maker - Wind]
The wind whispers of magic and acts as your tool to¡
Yeah yeah, another Inscriptionist Class, just worse and even without any requirements. For once this isn¡¯t going to be a difficult choice. Where I¡¯m headed aggression and combat won¡¯t be a focal point of my everyday life. Learning on the other hand¡
***
My eyes open groggily to check the intensity of light seeping through the curtains. Barely morning, good. I snuggle deeper into my blanket and nudge the System to show the changes.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve changed your Class to [Unconventional Artist of Inscriptions - Water] lvl 19 -> 23, +2 Free Points, +1 Speed, +5 Dexterity, +4 Intelligence, +4 Mana, +2 Willpower, +4 Focus]
I remember this used to be a substantial attribute increase years ago with an incredible sensation of strength that followed but now¡ all it does is tickle a little like a cold breeze under the blanket. It¡¯s still nice though.
[Your Skill [Cram lvl 15] has been forfeited during class advancement.]
Eh, a shame, it had been somewhat useful.
[Your Class Skill [Shimmering Lines lvl 18] has changed into the skill [Canals of Mana lvl 18].]
[Your Class Skill [Canals of Mana] has reached lvl 19 ->23.]
[Your Class Skills [Precise Hands lvl 18], [Penmanship lvl 18], have merged into the Skill [Perfect Strokes lvl 18].]
[Your Class Skill [Perfect Stroke ] has reached lvl 19 ->23.]
[Your Class Skill [Beauty in the Craft lvl 18] has changed into the skill [The Urge to Create lvl 18].]
[Your Class Skill [The Urge to Create] has reached lvl 19 ->22.]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Skill [Mistakes Be Gone lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Skill [Merciless Scrutiny lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Those last two sound mean¡ I like them already.
Canals of Mana: No riverbank is safe from the forces that formed it in the first place, just like no channel of mana stays unharmed by the turbulence of the arcane. Reinforce the lines of your making to ensure the craft lasts and serves its purpose as the words of power.
¡°Yes, yesss! Finally.¡± I wiggle around excitedly in my bed. ¡°Exactly what this Class is all about. At last, I can make actual inscriptions. More!¡±
Perfect Strokes: With this skill, your hand becomes an instrument of perfection. Every line you draw is smooth, deliberate, and precise, as though guided by the will of creation itself. Hesitation vanishes, leaving behind only the flawless harmony of your intent and execution.
So a straight and simple upgrade. Nice.
The Urge to Create: A restless spark ignites within you, driving your every thought and motion toward creating raw beauty. Your hands seem to move of their own accord, channeling chaotic inspiration into forms that embody your wish and pulse with the desire of your heart.
I¡ I don¡¯t know where to put this. A part of me smiles while the other sneers, reading these words. It¡¯s super ambiguous. Either this Skill helps me make pretty things, which is great but doesn¡¯t necessarily require a Skill, or literally empowers my creations depending on what I desire.
Most important of all it focuses on the process.
I learned that while the goal is why a journey starts, the road will be what lives on in your memories even brighter than any success. Fuck, I hate growing up and complicating things. It was so much better when everything was either a yes or a no without the maybes.
Mistakes Be Gone: Not even the work of Gods is without a mistake so it would be foolish to expect anything more from you. But you should do better. Mistakes are common and are meant to be eradicated from your work before they taint its function. Reverse what was never meant to be but be wary of the residue left behind.
Damn, no chance this works on other stuff in my life too right? Just the most irritating things, like a failed magic experiment, or August¡
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve acquired the skill [Mistakes Be Gone lvl 1].]
Merciless Scrutiny: You observe all work around you with such a judgemental look as if any fault would be blasphemy of the highest order. However, no task is as mercilessly evaluated as your own. Make no mistakes but if you do make sure to locate and eradicate them. Shortcomings are acceptable but only if they¡¯re steps, not excuses.
What a bitch of a Skill. I¡¯ll take it.
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve acquired the skill [Merciless Scrutiny lvl 1].]
¡°And with that, I almost have everything for my upcoming Academy years.¡± I murmur, still comfy in my bed but way too excited to give my new Skills a go.
Chapter 118 - Combat Application I.
¡°I have it!¡± I burst into the smithy with an ear-to-ear smile. Even though unauthorized people. just like myself shouldn¡¯t be allowed around here¡
¡°And? Want a pat on the shoulder or something?¡± Zarah huffs but I know her well enough to not buy her act.
She stopped. Whatever she¡¯s been making has been put to the side and her attention is on me. Big softie can¡¯t be honest with herself.
¡°Can I help now?¡± I ask since almost everything made down here goes through a long and arduous process of enchantment.
And for the second time since asking her to teach me I witness a veritable battle of emotions happen on Zarah¡¯s face. She chews on her lips, wrinkles her eyebrows, and looks through every weapon waiting for inscriptions. I really don¡¯t think my question was all that complicated. Even those ears of hers easily an eight out of ten on the fluffy scale just by their looks funny as they wiggle around.
¡°Uhm, maybe you should practice first.¡± She finally offers, handing me some scrap mental for me to realize. Yeah, my skills probably aren¡¯t at the Fist of Krieg standard yet. ¡°Here, carve a rune of heat into this.¡±
I quickly visualize the Rune on the practically garbage metal and build a step-by-step process in my head¡ Then I realize yet another important tidbit I¡¯ve failed to consider when picking my Class.
I¡¯m still closer to drawing rather than carving. Especially since the Canals of Mana requires something real and liquid for me to do my thing. And liquid rarely likes hot metal.
¡°Yeah, maybe I should experiment a little first.¡± I nod, not dejected since becoming a weapon manufactory wasn¡¯t the main objective from the start.
¡°Good, now shoo.¡± She waves me off and grumbles something under her nose since her previous work has by now cooled and is basically ruined.
¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll stay.¡± I answer. It¡¯s clear it wasn¡¯t a request but I¡¯m more comfortable here. Even despite the heat.
Stealing some paper and a cup of water are all the preparations I need before finding an empty spot at a tiny table. Runes can have at max nine shape-defining features, which already goes to the detriment of power, at max two elemental features, four launch features, and a few other minor delicacies like mana delay, timer, and focus. Easy peasy. I¡¯ve been doodling for months now¡ but for some reason, I¡¯m feeling nervous.
¡°Okay, let¡¯s start with something simple.¡± I mutter and something simple it is.
I dip my finger into the water and my Skill makes it stick to my skin, shimmer and spread smoothly once it touches the paper. The Urge to Create probably has a blast, Perfect Strokes is likely the only thing stopping my hand from shaking, and Merciless Scrutiny points out every tiny blemish even if they won''t really affect the outcome.
It¡¯s working.
A vertical line intersected near the top by two parallel, curved lines sweeping outward to the sides, like a stylized gust of air escaping the earth. The base, defining wind. That¡¯s it.
Despite the task being braindead simple on the scale of true inscriptions, I¡¯m drenched in sweat and feel absolutely exhausted. But it seems good.
As usual, the last step is to add a drop of mana.
Once my finger touches the water infused with my Skill, it glimmers for a fraction of a second before a gentle breeze begins to caress my face. It¡¯s weak and uneven but that¡¯s mostly due to how little mana I dare feed the symbol. Once the supply increases and the wind picks up¡
¡°Tone it down, you-¡± Zarah is about to scold me as usual but as her eyes land on me and my shenanigans her irritated eyes go soft. She steps over and gives a quick look at my work before making the verdict. ¡°It¡¯s a little sloppy.¡±
¡°Hey!¡± I¡¯m about to snap.
¡°But, I probably had worse things to call my product when I first started out.¡± Then she points at the two ends of the straight line. ¡°It¡¯s not common knowledge but if you thin narrow the two ends it¡¯ll create sharper gales. If you make it stubby then the wind will be a little sluggish but have a greater push. Keep it up.¡± She nods and gets back to her work.
That was without a sliver of doubt praise. And I quite enjoyed it. She liked what I made and¡ it feels just as awesome as I imagined, especially since it came from someone like Zarah.
But I feel like, no, I know there¡¯s room for more. Actually, I¡¯ve been pondering on a certain Rune ever since we cleared the abomibunny cave. Mostly because I still haven¡¯t figured out how to use light magic¡ Anyway, a sudden change in brightness, even just from completely pitch dark to basic daylight can suck. But what if I tuned that up by like a factor of nine and threw it into a room?
I¡¯d sure hate it if that happened to me. I wouldn¡¯t be able to see even my own eyelids, and would probably hit the ground within seconds, most likely dead.
¡°Hey, HEY!¡± I yell for attention over the sound of the roaring furnace and the ringing of metal. Zarah¡¯s grunt tells me I have it. ¡°What¡¯s the symbol for light?¡±
Finding the basic four, water, fire, earth and air, in books was no issue but anything beyond that is hard to come by. Especially since the last step of every inscription work is encrypting it. A nasty thing. Totally understandable as well because if I were the artisan and someone tried to steal the idea behind my work I¡¯d do my best to conceal it as well.
Zarah eyes me for a few seconds, likely contemplating my motives before one of her fingers turns into literal fire and she carves the symbol into the wall right by her side. And it¡¯s not the first time she¡¯s done that. There¡¯s a complete tapestry of material composites, runes, shapes, or other random words on every surface.
¡°And what about sound?¡± Something brilliant begins to brew in my mind.
***
After only a few hours, far too few hours Martha found me and dragged me away to the courtyard. I wasn¡¯t finished but she didn¡¯t seem to care, even though I was so close to creating something devious.
¡°Eli, Valka, as it''s only two days before you depart for Sereban,¡± Again, I add in my head to Martha¡¯s little speech. ¡°I want you to meet the other four cadets who¡¯ll start their studies alongside you.¡± She motions towards the other four¡ I can¡¯t really call us kids anymore. Youngsters? Yeah, that¡¯ll do, so the four youngsters beside her.
Although no introductions are needed.
The moment I saw them it wasn¡¯t hard to guess who I have the pleasure to. Not like it¡¯s my first time meeting them or anything and had the displeasure of talking to some of these obnoxious bastards sometime in the past while I lived here.
They, as a team, are good as much as I hate to admit that. From left to right a massive boy acting as vanguard wielding the lava elemental with a tower shield, a girl a bit taller than me but shorter than Val, using a halberd to mow down anything in her path, a halfling guy with a crossbow as a sort of stealthy miniature ranger, and an elf girl throwing some nasty zaps.
There should be another one with dual swords and a barrier mage if I remember correctly¡ guess they were the weakest.
[Warrior lvl 73]
[Warrior lvl 76]
[Ranger lvl 72]
[Mage lvl 75]Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Although the rest of them aren¡¯t too impressive either.
¡°These here are Bernard, Eva, Morbeg, and Tialha.¡± Martha tries to create a friendly atmosphere. ¡°They are-¡±
¡°If you have any honor left in you then step back and give your posts back to those who deserve it.¡± The halfling basically grows, starting the conversation I was kinda looking forward to. ¡°Sheer luck and favoritism are the only reason you two were selected instead of Tim and Fritz. Those stupid Blessings of yours are nothing compared to the hard work they put in to reach where they are.¡±
Man, this is so clich¨¦¡ They¡¯ll keep yapping, we¡¯ll have a short and pointless argument and in the end, the two of us will simply hand them their asses once they get too loud.
Valka takes a deep breath to start the verbal beatdown before I grab her arm. She eyes me, questioning why I stopped her but I just shake my head a little with a thin smile.
This is way too good.
¡°Yeah, they deserve this opportunity more than anyone.¡± The big, no, medium girl continues the empty debate. ¡°Our teamwork is flawless and the two of you destroy the composition we¡¯ve been working on for years. We won¡¯t even be able to compete in the team tournaments because of the two of you!¡±
So either Martha told them a different story to sound less biased or they drank extra deep from the cope juice today.
¡°Are you done?¡± Valka''s level, almost quiet voice interrupts my entertainment. She¡¯s most likely not enjoying this farce as much as I do. ¡°If you think they worked harder than anyone else and are so deserving of this privilege then give up your spots.¡± She crosses her and raises an eyebrow mockingly. ¡°C¡¯mon, do what you preached about, do the right thing, step back, and let one of them take your place!¡±
¡°Stop it!¡± Martha finally groans, seemingly in pain while massaging her temples. ¡°You¡¯re on the same side, don¡¯t-¡±
¡°Please stay out of this Captain.¡± ¡°It¡¯s already on, Martha.¡± Eva and I shoo her back to the sideline as one.
The girl looks me in the eyes and scoffs. ¡°Let me be straight; you don¡¯t deserve this. Be good and don¡¯t make things more difficult just because you think you¡¯re a little special.¡±
¡°Be honest with yourselves, we are stronger.¡± I take over the berating tournament hopeful to get them even more mad and this whole thing more enjoyable. ¡°If I¡¯m honest I think even the four of you would only last about five minutes against us two, so I have to ask¡ what delusion makes you think we don¡¯t deserve to go to the Academy?¡±
She huffs like I just told a joke. ¡°You¡¯re older, bitch. Even farmers can boast about their level with decades under their belts.¡±
I didn¡¯t write them off right away when Martha shared the situation with me. I was willing to give them a chance like I did with August, and just tolerate each other. But I just can¡¯t stand this level of stupidity. We should be within their Identify level range, even if just barely, so¡ No, I can¡¯t even fathom how this whole thing isn¡¯t dead obvious to them.
¡°Why don¡¯t you prove it then, huh?¡± The halfling asks. ¡°If you¡¯re so confident then let¡¯s do it. But if you lose you have to give up your spots.¡±
¡°That¡¯s not how this works.¡± Martha states before we can make any stupid bets.
¡°And what if we win?¡± I raise an eyebrow, almost purring as I play with my food. ¡°There¡¯s nothing in this for us. You¡¯re just wasting-¡±
Valka slaps a hand on my mouth. ¡°Fine but if we win you¡¯ll do your best to avoid us and shut the fuck up.¡± Then she winks at me. ¡°You think we can lose this?¡±
No you idiot, I wanted to scam them!
¡°Fine, whatever!¡± Martha throws her arms up. ¡°Damn children with Krieg putting the words in their mouth. Do it, don¡¯t listen to me, your elder, superior, and instructor! Duke it out all you want, just be prepared because after you¡¯re done, it¡¯ll be my turn.¡± She¡¯s pointing her finger at us with sparks dancing around in her hair. ¡°And why is it that you¡¯re always involved one way or the other?¡± She looks at me specifically.
I simply gawk at the accusation that¡¯s not exactly baseless yet not on point this time. I didn¡¯t start it.
I was looking forward to this. I¡¯m not an advocate of violence and do hope to solve issues in any other way before starting a wreck fest¡ This was not such a case.
Since this is the Fort and everyone is always in training uniform for convenience¡¯s sake, and because they¡¯re kinda comfy, all we have to do is take up position in the courtyard and wait for the signal to start the fight.
¡°What were you thinking?¡± I slap Val as the other side discusses strategy. ¡°What if we lose?¡±
¡°Will we?¡± She huffs.
¡°No, but we are supposed to be the more refined people. The good guys.¡±
¡°Wow, someone is grumpy. Didn¡¯t sleep well?¡± She pats my head and I bite, although she doesn¡¯t even flinch as my teeth close on her hand.
¡°Nah, bah ah goff me neu clafs.¡± I answer.
And she understands my every word. ¡°For real? You picked a new Class? Wanna test your Skills first?¡±
I spit her hand out, left with a generous amount of saliva, before answering. ¡°Nah, none of the Skills is exactly made of combat so I want to get this over with and get back to the smithy.¡±
Maybe the Aggressive Mana Scribe would¡¯ve served me better¡ No Eli, think about it in the long run! But man I would¡¯ve loved to give a proper test for some of my new toys. I¡¯m not quite ready for that, not yet.
¡°Jokes aside, I¡¯m here to win this and I know I will win because that¡¯s what we agreed on.¡± I¡¯m once again met with Val¡¯s good old indomitable gaze. ¡°What about you?¡±
¡°Fine, I get it. Now shut up and help me come up with the best approach to teaching them a valuable lesson.¡± I mutter in defeat. After my duel against Val, the rabbits, crabs, and countless other smaller bouts in the name of training I think I¡¯m ready to fight properly again.
Sadly on the information front, they have a tiny advantage over us. Everyone saw the battle between Val and me when we arrived so our hands were mostly revealed. Except maybe the second Classes and things like plasma¡
Who do we have to take out first?
¡°The halberd could be dangerous.¡± Valka remarks as if reading my mind.
She can weather cuts and bites with little difficulty however there are Skills that either heat up the blade, make it sharper, use some nasty wind coating, etc. They do some serious damage and would have no problem slashing through Valka¡¯s Manaforged.
Our opponents will no doubt protect the Mage at all costs since she¡¯s their best shot against a tank. The Ranger will be hard to catch and that tower shield can survive a lot of punishment¡ The halberd has to go first.
We also come with a few contingencies. For example, if they dogpile on Val we estimate she can weather their combined might long enough for me to decimate all four of them. If they target me, which is way more likely, I¡¯ll stall and keep them at bay while Val hunts down the mage and hopefully the halberd.
It¡¯s never optimal to make extremely convoluted plans, only for them to fail and leave you in even deeper shit than just marching head in and skipping the whole planning phase. I¡¯m sure there are some Master Strategists who can even figure out when a fly is gonna fart but for us simple is the way to go.
¡°Let¡¯s get this over with!¡± Martha shouts, clearly not in the greatest mood. ¡°Everyone ready?¡±
This is another weird feature of duels you only realize after being ambushed once or twice. Nobody cares if you¡¯re ready, or rather the enemy will wait until you aren¡¯t before they strike. I still nod like everyone else and Martha lets us loose.
¡°Go, beat each other up you feral-¡±
Both sides bolt forward to grasp the initiative. Despite us being stronger individually by quite a bit, we¡¯re still not invulnerable against pincer attacks. While the other side needs to maneuver carefully because there¡¯s no way they can withstand our concentrated assault, we stick together and force them to reveal their hands.
Valka rushes forward and I keep close to avoid being separated as our opponents break into two groups. The shield dude with the mage at his back while the ranger swings around to flank with the halberd close behind.
They¡¯ve decided on a textbook hammer and anvil tactic against us to hit the vulnerable backline, while the anvil, or shield in this case, holds us back. This destroys all our plans with a move we never accounted for.
This is a joke, right? Do they not realize I can¡¯t be taken down like this?
¡°Eli I should-¡± Valka stops and tries to adjust the plans but we¡¯ve fought side by side long enough to read each other¡¯s thoughts.
¡°Go!¡± I yell and continue forward.
They are giving us victory on a silver plate. Mage on mage I demolish the elf and the shield can¡¯t really block anything I shoot around it in the first place. Val might need a little help if the energy is too slippery but I can¡¯t see her losing. Seems like our enemy has terrible luck when it comes to thinking, be that debates or plans.
Tialha, the elf mage, ducks out from behind the advancing shield with lighting already crackling between her fingers. Premonition snitches on the trajectory of her attack based on her eyes and her partner¡¯s movement. I choose to create the easiest and cheapest shield possible by simply shifting the ground under the charging vanguard¡¯s feet and dragging him in the attack''s path.
The boy manages to keep his balance through some miracle or rather through the aid of a Skill but completely fails to defend against the lightning slamming into his back. It¡¯s lightning, it¡¯s meant to be fast. The warrior remains standing but clearly the both of them are flustered after the comical blunder. And I haven¡¯t even attacked yet.
They regroup, wasting their initiative and I don¡¯t even push them any further to force more mistakes out of their already shaky teamwork. It would be overkill. I¡¯m seriously concerned if this is the best the Fist could find. They hide behind the shield once more positioning themselves to force me away from the other three duking it out.
Yet despite the tense atmosphere I only dance and hum. A jolly tune I heard at the crab festival and movements that carry no mana. It¡¯s merely a distraction.
My ridiculing eyes meet Tialha¡¯s as I let the bolt of lighting loose from the edge of my Ethereal Stage straight at her chest. Since she has the element and the Skill that goes with it, the damage should be minimal so it¡¯s all good.
Still, I find this almost insulting¡ Maybe my standards are a little skewed.
Chapter 119 - Valka - Combat Application II.
Just what are they thinking? Their numbers are their strength, two-on-ones favor us.
I charge the two flanking fools and in response, Eva raises the halberd like a spear to impale me if I feel foolish enough to run at them like a piece of rock. The halfling zigzags behind her from side to side, faking his moves a little too much before pulling out the crossbow and sending a snapshot before retreating. Even though he¡¯s nowhere even close to me.
Despite knowing that I could withstand the projectile and likely any tricky payload it carries, Bennett beat the instinct of dodging into me. Always assume the worst of anything flying your way.
Which is valid.
Instead of giving up my momentum, I fall forward on all fours and allow the arrow to whistle past me. But the other one, the girl, is quite capable and capitalizes on my inconvenience and with a fiery burst appears in my face. By the time I¡¯m about to get back up the incandesced edge of her halberd is already on its way to severe my head.
However, the weapon is not what makes my heart skip. The halfling¡ he ran past me. It seemed like we were up against complete amateurs but they made a sacrificial play, leaving their best to claw their way towards victory.
Respectable.
The clear rumbling of mages destroying everything in sight means Eli is still quite preoccupied and another opponent is the last thing she needs. Oh, I would love to go after him and wring him by his neck like a chicken if only there wasn¡¯t a red hot piece of pointy metal nearing my eyes concerningly fast.
Damn, why does it have to be fire?
I roll out of her way but Eva follows, repeatably stabbing and slashing as I scramble to my feet only to duck once again as a flaming afterimage of hers repeats her swing. Her moves are quick and quite deadly, her every angle covered in blades and fire. She¡¯s not half bad.
We play around for a while, although I quickly realize time is not on my side and go on the offensive. Let¡¯s see who flinches first.
But as we both commit to an attack I remember something Eli showed me.
I reach for the weapon but instead of touching it I merely direct my Waking Storm¡¯s Shroud into my hand and let go of it once my finger is about to touch the metal. The arc of electricity jumps from my hand right over to the weapon and slaps it away with enough force to almost make Eva spin. From there I simply grab the shaft and a hard yank pulls not only the weapon but also its wielder downwards, who I welcome with a punch right in the jaw. A moderate one to only break the bone a little.
Eva¡¯s eyes lose focus and she falls like a sack of potatoes after merely one hit. Instead of letting her fall I grab the girl by her collar and hoist her on my shoulder, using my other arm to aim.
Then activating a tactical Power Burst, I hurl the unconscious girl with enough force to tear the boots off her feet.
Eli notices the ambush just as the bodies are about to collide and I see her eyes zipping from the halfling to the soaring Eva to me, where they narrow with a grumpy glint. In an instant, with the same move as someone pulling the blanket onto their head, she shields herself from the collision with an arcane barrier.
¡°Watch where you throw things!¡± She yells as the shield crumbles. She only gives the two lying on the ground a quick side-eye before turning her attention back to her two opponents.
They¡¯re still standing. Barely. That shield their vanguard carries is completely blackened while its wielding is clearly limping on his left leg. The mage seems unscathed but that¡¯s something Eli can remedy in less than a second.
But I¡¯m not done either. The halfling crawls out from under the unconscious Eva, eyeing me like a daring rat found in the kitchen by a hungry cat. And I still remember him trying to stab Eli in the back¡
He makes a run for it, likely hoping to regroup with his team so I give chase. Lightning courses through my legs as Ancient Tempest activates and my speed reaches new heights. It¡¯s a real hassle to control since its power is closer to periodical bursts than constant boost but it does the job.
It does the job very well.
I basically fly after the tiny fellow, however, he¡¯s quick to catch on to the drawback of my speed and turns sharply once I draw close. A deafening explosion steals my gaze for a second but I can¡¯t make out anything due to the smoke and realistically, Eli is the only one here who can make the ground tremble like that.
The halfling tries his luck a few more times and shoots arrows my way hoping for a miracle. It¡¯s pointless as even after I fail to dodge the fifth it merely scratches my skin as Manaforged holds. At last, our chase leads us toward his team, or what¡¯s left of them. A big hole, the pretty grass completely wrecked just like every other time Eli steps foot in the courtyard, and a mage harassed by a dozen pebbles from every side.
My prey has to make a difficult decision. Does he want to face whatever caused that destruction, and can make his teammate useless while scribbling on a piece of paper¡or me?
To his misfortune, the choice is taken from him when Eli turns our way. Whatever she¡¯s been working on is clearly finished, considering the lines on the paper growing brighter by the minute.
Knowing her¡ I stop my pursuit, shield my face, and even retreat a few steps. The last time she made something new it was fiery and zappy, and it melted through bones. I¡¯m not taking any chances. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
And as expected a brilliant flash follows. Except there is no thundering explosion, or tremor, or heat...
¡°This crap!¡± Eli¡¯s frustrated growl is the first thing I hear. ¡°That garbage book lied about sequencing! The sound component is completely fried.¡±
While she¡¯s fuming I catch up to my prey. By simply walking up to him as he¡¯s rolling on the ground, holding his eyes. A little anti-climatic but I wasn¡¯t expecting a valiant final fight either way.
I simply grab his head and hoist him up in the air. ¡°Are we done?¡±
Even blind he tries lifting his crossbow once more to take a potshot but tightening my finger just a little around his skull makes him turn a little wiser. ¡°Yes! Yes, we¡¯re done.¡± He squeals, then adds almost whispered. ¡°We didn¡¯t even stand a chance.¡±
And he¡¯s not wrong.
¡°What was that magic you used there Eli?¡± I ask my partner but she doesn¡¯t seem to be as satisfied with our victory as I am.
She stomps towards me and I notice the dude who carried the tower shield, and whose name I didn¡¯t bother to learn, climbing out of a pit and crawling after Eli. However, before I can even say a word, the earth wraps around him and drags him back down in a tight embrace. The boy begs and claws at the ground¡ all for naught.
That¡¯ll teach him a good lesson.
Their plan wasn¡¯t even that bad. They faked the hammer and anvil expecting me to avoid the lighting mage and tried to bog me down to get rid of Eli first in a 3v1. The foundation was solid. Execution? Not so much.
¡°Thank the Gods you didn¡¯t drag this out.¡± Martha grumbles and checks on the injuried. ¡°But did you really need to break her jaw?¡± She complains to me as Eva¡¯s face doesn¡¯t exactly look¡ healthy. ¡°And Elyssia, was that a halfassed light Rune?¡±
¡°Hey, I¡¯m still learning and I barely had any time to scratch it down.¡± The girl in question huffs in outrage. ¡°Besides. it worked.¡±
¡°Yeah, yeah, well done. Go wash or whatever I don¡¯t care, just don¡¯t die or disappear in the next two days before we hand you over to the Academy.¡± She waves us off before disappearing with the halfling and my projectile. ¡°Gods, I¡¯m too old for this.¡±
¡°That was fun.¡± I chirp as we head out.
¡°Makes me wonder what to expect from the Academy.¡± Eli answers, already deep in thought. ¡°Hope they have courses on inscriptions, all of them. Anyway, I gotta go, the Runes won¡¯t carve themselves.
¡°Just don¡¯t blow anything up.¡± I remark as she speeds down the corridor.
¡°Oh, but I will.¡±
***
The days up to the departure went¡ complicated. For me at least.
Every day felt slightly more tense as our day of departure neared. I¡¯m pretty oblivious to most things in Eborden, be it culture, renowned institutions, legends, and trends¡ but even I¡¯ve learned to understand the weight of Sereban, the Shining City. And that means this Academy place has to be something phenomenal.
It became apparent people were willing to go quite far for the opportunity that just fell into my lap and would probably pass out with their mouths foaming if they found out how little I cared about it. Originally that is.
However, I can¡¯t stand it. The excitement is there, the drive to grow alongside people my age, to spend time with them, and to continue this¡ adventure with Elyssia. It¡¯s all there and it disgusts me.
My people are suffering, starving, or might even be actively dying out there at this very moment and what do I do about it? Eat a hearty dinner? Learn history? Have¡ fun?
Elyssia is like family and the most important person in my life right now and her parents¡ they treat me like their child¡ and I just can¡¯t help but enjoy every moment of it. I want their care and love but it''s eating me from the inside¡ it feels like betrayal.
¡°You¡¯re making that face again.¡± Elyssia says while lying on her stomach in the grass beside me, a quill in hand and some scribbled paper in her face.
¡°You can¡¯t even see me.¡± I answer and roll to my side to make it even more difficult in case she tries to look.
¡°And you haven¡¯t denied it.¡± She throws a piece of paper overhead that lands in front of me and turns into purple smoke. ¡°Stupid connectors¡ Listen to me Valka, and listen well!¡± She grabs my shoulder out of nowhere and tries to roll me back with absolutely no success, so she just climbs over me to look me in the face. ¡°Is there anything you can do right now? Anything worth mulling over?¡±
I just look away instead of answering. We have already had this discussion, many times.
¡°Fine.¡± She lets go of me and leans back. ¡°If you really want to go then I won''t stop you and about my promise¡ I will have to sort things out once you disappear but I¡¯ll come right after you once I¡¯m ready.¡± She says every single word with utmost seriousness.
I just blink in confusion as all my answers prepared for the usual conversation crumble. Every time in the past she tried to reason with me, pointed out why I shouldn¡¯t be hard on myself, and reassured me that everything would be alright.
Not this time. This time it¡¯s all up to me.
¡°I¡¯ll be honest Valka, your worries are not baseless.¡± She looks up at the sky while talking to me. ¡°You might be the last member of your tribe already and all I did until now was hold you back from doing the right thing, albeit stupid, thing. From saving even a single soul. I know I took the decision from you and I see it¡¯s causing you a lot more harm than I ever imagined so the choice¡ I¡¯m giving it back.¡± Her eyes return down to meet mine with a sad smile. ¡°The Fist might be a bit crabby about your disappearance but let that be my problem. I dragged you along in the first place.¡±
Ever since she started her monologue I wished she never opened her mouth. The choice, the freedom she just gave me¡ it¡¯s a burden. A burden she¡¯s been carrying until now, the burden of my future and maybe that of my entire tribe.
It¡¯s heavy and cold.
After Elyssia has no more words for me she just lays back down and puts a hand on mine without giving the gesture too much attention. This has been her way of telling me I¡¯m not alone ever since that night in Solermo.
I feel my muscles twitching as a part of me screams to move while the other begs to stay. One side is telling me to try and go even if it means I throw everything I have now away and probably die before doing anything meaningful. The other one is scared to let go of the warmth and the only solid point in my life.
A voice of cowardice¡ weakness¡ reason? It¡¯s whispering to me that I deserve the good things and that my people are just as strong as me. To live for myself a little¡
¡°You¡¯re quite cruel sometimes, you know that?¡± I make up my mind but refuse to say it out loud. I don¡¯t have to.
¡°If you¡¯re referring to me poking where it hurts for your sake instead of saying what you want to hear even though even I don¡¯t believe my words¡ Yeah, I¡¯m aware.¡± She answers plainly. ¡°It¡¯s one of my greatest qualities.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t take my word for it, but I doubt you¡¯ll be able to make many, if any, friends while letting that greatness of yours off the leash.¡± I realize only after finishing the sentence that I¡¯m doing exactly the thing I¡¯m talking about.
¡°It¡¯s fine, I have the pretty privilege.¡± She giggles. ¡°Besides-¡±
¡°The delegation will be here any minute now, get going!¡± Bennett arrives like a bull, completely oblivious to the moppy atmosphere that lingered around me just seconds ago. ¡°And stop lying in the grass, your clothes will get dirty!¡±
I¡¯m starting to understand why Elyssia has beef with this man¡
Chapter 120 - Sereban
Same delegation, different carriage, and different pompous bastards. And quite a lot more of them. Seems like I wasn¡¯t the only one who suffered one way or the other after the ambush and neither of us wants a repeat. I¡¯ve heard stories about the Academy begging to sweep the whole incident under the rug and offering mind-boggling sums of money for anyone to keep their mouth shut.
I would¡¯ve taken the bribe with no issue, money is great and money can solve problems. The Fist, on the other hand, just showed them the finger and made a huge deal about Blessed ones being kidnapped and the Academy¡¯s mismanagement. Let¡¯s hope this proves as valuable as the coins they refused.
The two fancy-robed mages keep their arrogance on a tighter leash this time, even having some small talk with the top brass. Meanwhile, the about twelve armed and armored heavyweights, wearing top-notch equipment, wait around with their professional demeanor that makes even Fist veterans raise an eyebrow.
If anybody wants to give a shot at me kidnapping this time, they''ll need to send an army. Another one.
Finally, after exchanging enough empty words, the older of the fancy Mages approaches the six of us soon-to-be students. ¡°In the name of the great Sereban Academy and the Chancellor I greet thee, bright children of the Fist.¡± I almost forget to blink when his attitude is the staunch opposite of what I expected. ¡°Our duty is to safely escort you to the Academy where your knowledge and abilities will be tested before beginning your studies.¡± He conveys firmly yet gently. Conscious of the weight on his shoulders.
I¡¯m¡ pleasantly surprised. My view on these fancypants won''t be favorable for the foreseeable future, because I can and will judge them based on my previous encounter. I hope the whole relationship will morph into a ¡®you do you and leave me alone¡¯ style. I like that one the most.
¡°We were made aware of your special status,¡± The same old dude looks at Val and me specifically this time. ¡°and will do our utmost to prevent any incidents and provide outstanding guidance for you, the brightest flames.¡±
He just had to add this last part, didn''t he? Now the other four beside us have their face changing colors and even the people around us are rolling their eyes. And the worst thing is the way he put it, ¡®brightest flames¡¯. Everyone knows they die the fastest and I¡¯m almost certain it wasn¡¯t a coincidence.
Will I only be traveling with people who generously fucked up the last time? Absolutely not. I¡¯ll have Mom and Dad traveling with us separately. Yeah, theoretically they won''t be part of the convoy, just moving alongside us the whole trip. I can¡¯t blame them for coming along.
The Fist will also double their ¡®delegation¡¯ for no particular reason, beside the courtesy trip.
¡°Don¡¯t bring shame on my head, the six of you.¡± Martha comes to bid us farewell. ¡°For those of you who think learning is just a sidestep on the path to power¡¡± She sighs. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, if I had this same opportunity when I was your age you¡¯d call me Commander Martha right now.¡±
Bennett steps up next to her and I throw him a nasty look. ¡°Let¡¯s skip the pleasantries old man. Don¡¯t die before I can kill you.¡± My words are insolent to the point where I see almost every eyebrow around us climbing upwards.
The recipient just chuckles. ¡°Go kick some ass kids!¡±
I just nod while the others respond in a more polite manner, just the way an officer deserves it. An officer other than Bennett that is.
Our ride isn¡¯t the fancy over-enchanted carriage it was the last time. It¡¯s three different carts, all of them armored and filled with inscriptions, not for luxury but for protection. And I¡¯d love to give them a proper look.
While our stuff is loaded onto the rooves and other baggage areas I quickly skip over to my ever-squabbling parents as stops will be rare along the way and I¡¯ll stay mostly inside the carriage while they camp around us.
¡°I¡¯m saying we should buy the horses, we can¡¯t rent for a week!¡± Mom is slapping her palm while nearly full-on shouting by now.
Looks like I arrived for the best part.
¡°The little apartment we bought in Sereban doesn¡¯t even have furniture yet woman, what makes you think we can waste the little money we have on horses?¡± Dad counters, massaging his nose and slowly losing some of his patience built through decades.
Oh, yeah money is tight now. Val and I decided to ask for Martha¡¯s and more importantly the Fist¡¯s help with handling our loot. Gems aren¡¯t the basic currency and the value of the complete haul was a little too much to leave in our amateur hands.
Leaving it for someone else, well-trusted, to handle was a difficult decision. It means a lot less indulging and shopping sprees in the capital of all places but it was the smart decision.
Even if we sort of need a little extra funds right now. Not that my parents would ever accept it.
¡°We¡¯ll sell the horses when we arrive, obviously. And after Eli enrolls we¡¯ll have plenty of time to ear some coin.¡± Mom says.
¡°Sell the mediocre horses in the capital? Brilliant idea, how did I not think of that?¡± Dad counters hard. ¡°And exactly what work will we find around one of the biggest city on the continent that doesn¡¯t involve sewers, gangs, or delivery tasks, huh?¡±
¡°But-¡±
¡°Sorry Mom, I think you lost this round.¡± I chime in just as I¡¯m called for departure. ¡°Don¡¯t argue much until we get there, and eat well and maybe inquire about possible gigs along the way. Oh, and stealing the horses is also an option.¡± I wink and scuttle back to the carriages before Mom¡¯s wrath could strike me.
¡°...the space inside the carriage is limited and thus at most five people are able to sleep comfortably per carrige.¡± The old Mage is discussing quarters with the four Fist members I¡¯ve never seen in my life. ¡°Two kids, one of your escorts and maybe-¡±
¡°Dibs on the second!¡± I shout and drag Valka away.
¡°Your belongings are in the first.¡± I recognize Bennett¡¯s voice giving a helpful hint before changing directions.
The inside feels like a cross between the previous fancy ride we took to Sereban and the prison carts that rattled through Solermo oh so many times. It¡¯s somewhat furnished and obviously well made, while also insanely crammed and barebone basic.
I¡¯ve had worse.
***
A few days of staying in said secure but merely functional carriages miraculously managed to change my mind. I wanted pillows more fluffy, more legroom, more, air, walks and literally anything to help with the boredom.
No explosions this time at least. Some squabbles about sleeping arrangements, pee breaks, and portions of meals were inevitable and were resolved as quickly as they appeared. Last year''s mishap from the Academy¡¯s side was a powerful tool.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
Lots of grumbling, plenty of hours, and only one person to keep me company. The only problem was¡ Valka is even less suited for long and boring trips in a tiny space. Especially when staying put and enjoying the ride was our only possible activity. This resulted in her begging until they let her run alongside the carriages while I dove back into my new hobby.
To my misfortune, one of the younger Academy wanna-be mages graciously decided to give me a lesson on The Flow, which I never asked for. It quickly spiraled into a speech about his research and achievements. His presence did have one positive side-effect, however, as I reached new breakthroughs with manipulating sound to preserve my sanity.
I even told him I was not interested both kindly and the proper Elyssia way and my words just bounced off him so I made sure his words properly bounced off me as well.
But I¡¯m excruciatingly bored by now.
While sitting and skimming through a book called Lelkam¡¯s Guide to Inscription Weaving the air starts to feel stuffy. The sensation has been there for a few minutes now and grew strong enough through the minutes to become noticeable. Imagine it cold and soothing like a breeze in the boiling summer while also making me feel light as a feather. And that fizzy sensation on my skin¡
And while the sensation is without a doubt pleasant I¡¯m extremely uneasy. Scared even. Scared of the unknown and scared of what this growing sensation could mean. An impending disaster or attack? The arrival of the comet again?
¡°You seem restless.¡± The elderly mage sitting in front of me looks up from his book. ¡°Is something bothering you?¡± When I describe to him the feeling, instead of caution his face shows surprise. ¡°Quite sensitive to the mana, are you? A Skill maybe?¡± He ponders before explaining. ¡°You must know about the Ley lines if you hope to enroll, and you must know that one of those gifts of Aelion is right under Sereban¡¡± He leaves the sentence open as it dawns on me.
Looking through the small glass window as thick as my thumb a few very hard-to-miss structures appear on the horizon framed by the glistening surface of the Weslis Sea. The biggest and most obvious are the walls, spanning as far as my eyes can see and reaching tall. It¡¯s unlike any other simply tall and sturdy fortification, not because of its size but the way it''s painted blue and white, inlaid with gold and shimmering light blue under the rays of daylight.
It¡¯s majestic.
The things that really pique my interest, however, are the massive bastions across the surrounding land in similar colors and just as imposing. They are spaced irregularly and as we get closer to one of them I activate Mana Vision¡
I¡¯ve been astonished, bewildered, and most often curious when the Skill activated and something new presented itself before my eyes¡ never before have I felt fear. I stumble back and shield my eyes with my arm as looking at the tower with Mana Vision is like staring right at Solaire. The structure¡¯s brilliance and presence were so overbearing¡
¡°Eli? Are you alright?¡± Valka''s voice rings in my ears and I turn off my perception Skill.
¡°I should¡¯ve warned you not to try anything funny before getting this close, my apologies.¡± The same wizened wizard puts his book down finally and glances out the window. ¡°Those are no simple bastions,¡± Well no shit. ¡°they are called the Pillars of Power, each of them equal to an army and capable of subduing smaller nations on their own.¡± But there are about nine of them¡ ¡°They are the reason the Emperor has an iron grip on the northeast of Eborden. Wonderful creations of ancient masters.¡±
That explanation didn¡¯t make much sense old man¡ How could defensive structures conquer nations?
The Fist mercenary, similarly old scoffs in the corner. ¡°Wonderful, huh? Well, for now they merely defend against wandering hordes drawn to the Ley Line, but once they start moving¡ Krieg would be delighted.¡±
What do you mean by moving? Don¡¯t drop the conversation there, explain Gods damn it!
***
The closer we draw to the wall the stronger the weird sensation grows. The pillars of military wiener measuring are an imposing sight for sure, even if likely more expensive than entire nations. They stand tall between wheatfields and snaking lines of people and carriages traveling towards the capital of the neatly paved roads.
They are a message. One heard by everyone loud and clear.
The peninsula Sereban was built upon is not small by any measure, yet the size of the city is so enormous that only the southern side needs to be walled, the rest is guarded by the sea. The three gates allowing traffic in and out are so massive that even some crawling buildings and shops on wheels are seeking entry.
I already dread the queuing ahead of us because. From my experience, the bigger the city, the more people want to get in, and the longer the line. And that line¡ We¡¯ll be here all day.
¡°The Pillars of Power,¡± The old man from the Academy continues the conversation out of the blue. Did his mind suffer a temporal attack? ¡°roll the earth beneath themselves and ride it like a wave to advance and crush anyone in their path.¡± Yikes, up there on the list of things to avoid. ¡°Inscriptions cover every surface inside those stone beasts, and a Hadron crystal so large that most nations could only dream about obtaining one fuel the war machine.¡± And it just keeps on getting more ridiculous. ¡°The Commander of each construct is a Lord Castellan, one of the most prestigious noble titles one can receive. The great Emperor¡¡±
I stop listening to the political babbling right as the topic changes from inscription to politics and instead attempt to visualize the magic at work inside those towers. The scale, the complexity, the amount of mana¡ I hope the Academy teaches even a fraction of what I think makes the Pillars move.
To my delight, we don¡¯t join the queue. I prayed, I actually did, for this possible outcome as the Academy does enjoy some privileges and it came true. Some soldiers have a chat with the drives and escort knights, peek inside the carriages and we¡¯re off. Simple as that.
What a great day¡
Even simple soldiers checking the people passing through here are above my Identify limit and I also sensed some kind of prickle crawling up from my toes to the top of my head as we waited. My guess is? They checked everything, thoroughly.
I don¡¯t get any more time to ponder about either security or maybe the secrets of the wall that is thick enough for both the carriage and horses to disappear beneath it. That is because the interior, the heart of the Empire, opens up before my eyes.
Cities usually expand horizontally because it¡¯s easier to build new houses and expand the wall than to raise those same houses on top of another one. The land area of Sereban is already massive so I was expecting buildings to be¡ normal here.
They¡¯re not.
There seems to be no restriction on how tall a building can be and even if there is, they must¡¯ve been very generous when deciding it. Spiraling towers, buildings of different heights crammed next to each other like steps, stone sky bridges massive outcroppings providing a backyard with only thin air beyond their fences and multi-story streets. Not just streets actually, canals flowing between and under some houses with both boats of varying sizes floating on the water and a few people casually strolling between the boats.
Some carriages are pulled by horses, others by goas, lanky bipedal lizards, and even people. And Then there are the ones pulled by thin air.
¡°Ah, the Vortexwork coaches.¡± The old mage catches my gaze again. ¡°Some nutjob decided that no beast is luxurious enough so what if the carriage rolled by itself? A ridiculous waste of mana.¡± Scoffs the man even though the things sound ingenious to me.
Everything is congested. The sidewalks, the roads, the water, and even the damn air. Not with people flying mind you, no¡ levitating boards of advertising. I should say a quick prayer to get there fast.
¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up girly, we might be in the city but it¡¯s gonna take a few more hours to reach the Academy.¡± The joke comes from the very same mercenary who should be on my side instead of making fun of me.
Traitor.
***
He didn¡¯t lie, the only thing between me and a fine nap was the amount of noise coming from the streets even through the armored walls of the carriage. Okay, the noise and curiosity. I peeked out the window, with Valka looking over my shoulder, checking on what our new city for the next three or so years looks like.
Everything would be a good word to describe the sight. The poorest and the richest, cheapest and ridiculously expensive, fur and not even hair¡ Anything you can think of.
After some time, a building like none other comes into sight as we approach the sea. Like a gigantic layered cake of stone precious metals and unbelievable splendor. Then there are the towers both thin and tall or just simply chunky, like candles on the layered cake of a palace. Lines run in circles and up and down the walls, shining bright with the unmistakable gleam of mana. Even the massive square between the building and the rest of the city is a sight to behold.
¡°Wow, is that the Academy?¡± Mutters Valka with her eyes sparkling.
I wanted to ask the same words, although I doubt my words would¡¯ve been coherent as my mind is preoccupied with taking in what my eyes relay.
¡°Haha, I can see why you would think that, but I must disappoint. That over there is the Imperial Palace, White Flame Keep.¡± The old, robed man answers without the need even to look out the window to check on what we¡¯re talking about. ¡°Look toward the docks.¡±
And we do¡
Chapter 121 - Entrance Exam
The Academy is impressive in a whole different manner compared to the Imperial Palace. It¡¯s not the splendor or size that makes it unique ¨C although both of those are still jaw-dropping ¨C but the location. On a large island just outside the docks, swarming with all kinds of ships sits the small city, within a city.
The largest structure with the dome and towers growing out of it is unmistakably the main building. Houses, a market, docks, something resembling a massive fighting pit, a small forest, and a veritable forest of curious buildings crowd every bit of land, likely home to a plethora of unique activities.
I always believed aesthetics are just a waste of resources but I¡¯d be lying if I said the sight alone didn¡¯t raise my evaluation of this place from ¡®mere stepping stone¡¯ to ¡®this might be fun¡¯. The only thing missing that would elevate the island to a proper city is a church, although I hardly understand the necessity of an entire commercial district in a place of learning.
From the looks of it, only a single bridge connects the island with the rest of the capital so besides crossing the water that¡¯s the only way in and out. Like a fortress, or a prison. As far as I know, it''s a boarding school with education divided into three segments a year, or trimesters.
Unsurprisingly our carriages turn onto the bridge, merging with the bustling traffic streaming onto the island as people arrive to take the entrance exam en masse. At last, I''m here, without any ambush, kidnapping, assessing, or whatever the world is willing to throw my way.
This time we can¡¯t just bypass the line of people both on foot and in incredibly fancy rides. Our little convoy sticks out like a sore thumb with the militaristic design and heavy protection even after the knights escorting us broke off right after we entered the city. I still remember the relief I felt when we skipped the queuing at the city gate, and how we avoided the worst activity ever, waiting. And now it strikes back.
Bureaucracy is the road bump of every process¡
***
¡°Next!¡± Croacks the voice of an old woman who said the same word probably a million times throughout her life. Even I¡¯m getting tired of hearing her repeat the same thing.
It was good to finally disembark the carriage and stretch our legs after crossing the bridge. That¡¯s when we realized our rides weren¡¯t the only things looking unfit for the place and occasion. We look every bit like the commoners we are and if not for the white-robed mages flanking our little group, the guards might¡¯ve already asked us to leave for looking like lost travelers.
The inside is a bit more functional than I imagined. There is still an obsessive amount of expensive materials, tall corridors, finely decorated pillars and carpets, and all the fancy stuff one could imagine, just toned down a little. Like the palace in Granhall but made to be functional and not just for show. A lot more tasteful.
¡°Name!¡± The old hag behind the counter barks without looking up.
¡°Elyssia.¡± I gulp and answer as the closest of us six prospective students.
She snorts and adds, ¡°Affiliation!¡± before raising her gaze and meeting the eyes of her colleague. ¡°Proceed.¡±
That was weird.
¡°Our duty as escorts has come to an end.¡± The same old mage representing the Academy throughout our journey addresses us. ¡°I wish you all luck with the examination and hope you will be able to reach new heights here in Sereban while bringing fame to our humble Academy¡¯s name.¡±
Why can¡¯t he just say ¡®Good luck, bye.¡¯ and be done with it? What¡¯s up with people wasting their breath to say everything so eloquently? That¡¯s the capital for you I guess¡
¡°This way.¡± A young and much more servant-looking bloke calls out to us and starts walking down a corridor.
Okay, I know I just complained about flowery talk, but he really should¡¯ve attached a please to the end of that sentence. Who does he think he is?
[Mage lvl 202]
That¡¯s what I thought, only about twice my level.
We follow the young man down another unnecessarily spacious corridor, and just two turns later he opens a door to what looks like a waiting room if the other twenty or so kids sitting there nervously are anything to go by.
Most of them are muttering to themselves or the single servant/relative accompanying them. However, there are a few kids with a completely different ¡®I have it in the bag¡¯ attitude openly displayed on their faces and interestingly in the company of similarly confident individuals.
[Warrior lvl 71]
[Leader lvl 65]
[Artisan lvl 69]
[Leader lvl 71]
[Mage lvl 74]
¡
Nothing extraordinary. Although the confident ones¡
[Mage lvl 79]
[Warrior lvl 83]
[Leader lvl 85]
A bit more interesting.
We stick out yet again with our aloof faces and four heavily armed combatants at our backs but nobody notices as they are too preoccupied shitting their pants.
¡°Please wait here until your name is called. May Laplace guide your thoughts.¡± Our guide instructs with an attitude on the border of polite and dismissive.
I hop down on a chair with only a single spot next to me since I don¡¯t really care about the other four besides Valka and our escorts won¡¯t stick around for long. I would be lying if I said I don¡¯t feel even a tiny bit nervous.
There¡¯s¡ not that much on stake. If I fail here then¡ oh well, I¡¯ll continue the adventuring tour, hopefully with my parents, and grow stronger through experience while stuffing my pockets.
I know this place is supposed to be some kind of golden ticket to a brighter future, but I doubt all the stuff they teach here is knowledge only available within these walls. I could learn cool things here, maybe make some friendships with influential people, or¡ just soak up all the knowledge, murder everyone here, incite a civil war, and take over first the Empire then Eborned to become Eternal Empress of everything.
Let¡¯s just pass this test first, we¡¯ll see how things go after. I put most of the effort into memorizing the history and geography books since math is pretty simple and Savant can answer any question related to magic. Or at least most of it.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
I keep pondering about what my years in the Academy might hold when heavy and irregular breathing breaks me out of wonderland. Looking to my right I see Valka chewing on her lips and muttering something too fast for me to understand even a word.
¡°TheBattleofHenrik¡¯sDriftintheyear¡ oh no¡uhm, thegeneralAugustusFranzleadthetroops-¡± Her words blur into a jumbled mess until I can¡¯t bear with it anymore.
¡°Stop it already!¡± I hiss quietly. Even I¡¯m starting to get nervous just from listening to her. ¡°Just remember to hum the songs of battle from that stupid bard, and the multiplying tables. You got this.¡±
Instead of arguing or berating her for getting nervous, I realize that some encouragement and maybe good advice is what she needs. It also serves as a reminder now that my insides are in a tight knot and my throat feels parched.
Minutes pass slower and slower as names are called and kids are led away down a corridor and through a door.
Everyone even allowed to enter here is either a genius or from upper society with a thorough education from a young age. If those people stress like crazy and feel insecure about the outcome then what about me? I can only recount whatever Martha bothered to teach us, especially the lessons where I wasn''t asleep. Can I really¡
¡°Elyssia.¡± The dreaded voice calls my name.
FUCK!
I shakily get up on my feet and follow the woman down the hallway. The lights seem dimmer and every step is uncertain as I trail after her, silently begging for something to relieve me from this responsibility. I¡¯m not scared of the question or the outcome or even the people¡ failure is what scares me. The flash of disappointed faces, judging thoughts, the voice in my mind telling me I wasn¡¯t good enough¡ that¡¯s what scares me.
The woman stops at a regular-looking door, opens it wide, and nods for me to enter. After a deep breath and a long mental scream, I step through the doorway and five faces turn my way right as the door closes behind me.
An elderly elf man, a small, frowning gnome with some weird round glasses on his forehead, the most basic-looking human man I¡¯ve ever seen, an old woman with short red hair and built like most Warriors I¡¯ve seen back in Fort Karon, and lastly a demikin woman in her early adult years. I¡¯m not Kayla to know all kinds of animals, even so, I recognize a wolf ear when I see one.
They sit behind a half-circle table and observe me with eyes just like mom¡¯s at the market whenever she buys meat. There¡¯s a single chair in the middle of the room and it¡¯s not state secret why it is there. I don¡¯t move to take a seat, I know common courtesy even if I hate to use it.
The room is aesthetically a bit toned down compared to the hallway or the waiting hall with warmer colors, relatively simple furniture, a few paintings and plants, and tasteful lines of art carved into the stone walls and floor.
¡°A pleasure to have you here Elyssia. Please, have a seat.¡± The old elf takes the lead and motions towards the chair.
I lick my lips and rigidly walk over before sitting down in the most ladylike way I¡¯ve ever done.
[Mage lvl ???]
[Artisan lvl ???]
[Leader lvl ???]
[Warrior lvl ???]
[Rogue lvl ???]
[The general Skill [Identify] has reached lvl 92 >94.]
Yeah, it was naive of me to expect anything else. It¡¯s also reassuring in a sense to see the teachers are actually capable instead of earning their post through elbow rubbing and kinship.
¡°Just relax child, our duty is not to fail you.¡± The old elf takes up a friendly tone. ¡°Don¡¯t let the sharp old eyes or the atmosphere take your courage, we¡¯re here to have a little conversation and check the boundaries of your knowledge.¡±
I¡¯ve heard enough flowery talk and long sentences to be able to dig up the true meaning. This is a test, we are the judges, so be prepared.
¡°This might be our first time meeting in person, yet we already know a great deal about you.¡± He continues and taps a piece of paper in front of him. ¡°You are¡ one of a kind.¡± That¡¯s one way to put it. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, there¡¯s plenty more we¡¯d love to learn about you, however, we are forbidden to ask you to share your Class or Gods forbid your Blessing with us. Putting that information aside, would you mind introducing yourself?
***
¡°... and the Great Phoenix of The White Flame, Abellion, disappeared after he aided his partner, the First Emperor, to victory and the founding of Sereban.¡± I basically recite the history book I read about the founding of Valeria without a hitch. ¡°Emperor Valerion untied the feuding minor kingdoms and created the groundworks of the hegemon that is Valeira today.¡± I add some healthy flattery towards the end.
I¡¯ve already answered questions about our neighboring countries, high nobility, distinct differences between species, the continental laws and the role of Gods. It went¡ okay. The stress made me stutter a few times and my mind just refused to remember things I should know but all in all, I did okay. Or so I hope.
¡°Very good, that is indeed how our great nation came to be.¡± The elf nods with a gentle smile. ¡°I can attest to that.¡± He adds with what seems to be a cheeky smile.
No fucking way, just how old is this man? That story is almost two thousand years old.
¡°Now, as a promising Mage besides being a little master of combat, you must surely have a great deal of knowledge in the realm of mana, isn¡¯t that right?¡± The basic human template of a man continues my questioning. ¡°Could you explain to me why controlled water always tries to take up the shape of a sphere?¡±
A weird question¡ let¡¯s see.
¡°In nature, the sphere is the most perfect and stable shape, combining that with the surface tensio-¡± I freeze in the middle of my sentence. So I try again. ¡°The cohesion for- The water molecu- Damn!¡±
No no no no no! Please don¡¯t do this to me, Savant!
¡°It¡¯s because the influence of mana is the strongest in the center point and so it draws the water evenly around it from all directions.¡± The man scribbles something with a few quick flicks. ¡°Not a problem, let¡¯s try something else. Could you elaborate on the correlation between light and dark magic?¡± He looks up at me with expectant eyes.
¡°Ah, uh, I- yes.¡± I stutter.
Of course it¡¯s not the secrets they need, you idiot. Give them the crap you read in those stupidly heavy books. Although Savant is stingy and still hasn¡¯t taught me about those two elements.
¡°Uhm, they are the projection of the radiant and umbral realm. Their influence seeps into our reality through objects like fire, mirrors, and shadows.¡± I give the answer I read in a book and scoffed at years ago.
¡°Indeed.¡± The man nods. ¡°A mysterious force influencing our reality. Lastly, what are earthquakes?¡±
The movement of tectonic plates deep beneath our feet.
¡°Uneven concentration of earth mana exploding and rebalancing itself.¡± I dejectedly reply without any difficulty.
¡°No need to feel saddened, two out of three is quite acceptable.¡± The man nods with a fake smile before writing something down again. ¡°The Academy exists to guide younglings like yourself, and knowing everything would defeat that purpose. I believe we¡¯re done here Elyssia, thank you.¡± The others around the table nod. ¡°She¡¯s all yours Melena.¡±
¡°Very well.¡± The demikin gets up from her seat and walks over to my chair. ¡°My name is Melena and I¡¯ll be testing your combat abilities. Walk with me!¡± She says and strolls towards a wall.
The lines carved into the stone I believed to be decoration light up with the distinct glow of mana and soon a portal forms in front of us with lush vegetation on the other side. I¡¯ve seen space magic used plenty of times throughout my life, courtesy of Martha, however, never once did I witness the formation of a portal.
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 88.]
Yep, this is something new and special. Let¡¯s not even mention that this is probably the work of inscriptions¡ Oh, I¡¯m looking forward to learning here more and more.
I¡¯m just about through the doorway in reality when I hear some whispering among the professors.
¡°A half-elf commoner?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because of her Blessing.¡± ¡°Remember the incident last year?¡± ¡°is it her?¡±
Looks like those pieces of paper really didn¡¯t tell them much about me after all.
Moving through the portal is really no different than stepping through a door, besides the slight change in temperature because of the light of Solaire and the slight breeze that was absent inside the building.
I find myself in the middle of a clearing in a small forest just a little past the treeline. Behind me is a wall standing alone in the grass with the same carvings I¡¯ve seen lighting up back in the room now dimming as the portal closes.
¡°Kids sent here by the Fist outperform almost anyone every year and the previous batch was no exception. They were ridiculous.¡± The woman with wolfish ears, fur around her shoulders and forearm, long nails, and a tail switches to a much more casual way of talking now that it¡¯s just us two. ¡°Your level is probably the highest I¡¯ve ever seen for any new student, and I¡¯ve been teaching here for decades, so show me what the best of the children of Krieg is capable of.¡±
All the tension I felt earlier in that room is carried away by the breeze blowing through between the trees, like a bad dream. This is what I¡¯m good at, more than anyone my age.
Chapter 122 - Tried and Tested
¡°What are you waiting for?¡± The wolf demiking, Melena, raises a furry eyebrow. ¡°Show me how you fight.¡±
¡°Against what?¡± I ask in confusion. ¡°A rabbit, mammoth, human, bird¡ they all require a different approach.¡±
The woman nods approvingly. ¡°That was the test before the actual test.¡± I somehow doubt that. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe me how many sheltered, naive brats I come across whose bodyguards annihilate a forest so their masters can get a headstart. We get too many of those.¡± She grabs something from her belt and throws it onto the ground.
The small round metal disk with a Hadron crystal clearly visible in its center lights up and soon a big lizard walking on its hind legs appears. Its two front arms are so laughably small, they look like two fingers growing from its shoulder while its whole head, and specifically the jaw, is of a terrifying proportion.
Spacial magic or maybe life?
I use Identify on instinct and the results show¡ nothing.
Surprised or not I jump back and strike at the target just in case. Mom¡¯s teachings guide my hand. Blast first and ask later.
A push from the earth beneath my feet and a gust of air throw me back quite a few steps to widen the distance. At the same time, an earth pillar shoots out of the ground the size of a tree, right into the belly of the big lizard.
And it goes right through it.
¡°Yes, yes!¡± Melena shouts with a satisfied grin. ¡°Finally some decisive action instead of gawking or panic.¡±
I blink as my fight-or-flight instincts calm. This time I examine the lizard properly now that the danger is seemingly gone. The thing doesn¡¯t move, even one bit, and just seems¡ off. Then Savant tips me off, based on how my attacks phased through the beast.
It¡¯s light and nothing more.
[Rogue lvl ???]
Yeah, I should¡¯ve done that sooner.
Although I¡¯d greatly appreciate it if my secretive Blessing offered a little more. I mean, it¡¯s right here, light magic in all its glory. The damn fickle Skill even chimed in so would it be too much of an ask to teach me more? I swear Librea scammed me because I asked too many questions.
I curiously walk around the light construct before crouching down and picking up the metal disk, making the lizard of light waggle around with it. Runes, and the String, both methods of inscription seamlessly-
¡°Hey, hey!¡± Melena claps. ¡°This is a combat demonstration, not the tinkering corner. Put that down!¡± She crosses her arms with a frown growing across her face. ¡°Your reaction was even better than what I hoped for but I still haven¡¯t seen what you can do, and I heard it''s a real spectacle. Now hit the featherless chicken.¡±
The what?
Also, am I something of a celebrity? I thought information on my identity and abilities was supposed to be a well-kept secret, or at least something very few people knew of. Not that it matters, I¡¯m here to kick some ass and be flashy so whipping out five different elements in a fight has been the plan all along.
Since hitting something immaterial sounds only as fun as one would imagine it, I give a little performance. Elyssia special. Of course, I reach for plasma. This is a test I have to ace and if making the woman¡¯s jaw drop is what it takes then I¡¯ll oblige.
At first, only the winds accompany my dance. The foundation of my devastating spell. Then lighting whips out from my arms, liking the trees and cracking with excited energy. The air earns some color as I bring the heat. Soon they form into searing hot plasma that rips through the ground and everything else that comes in contact with it.
Then following the guidance of my arms it lashes out and unsurprisingly passes through the big featherless chicken of light. But at least it looks cool as¡ very cool.
I turn towards my examiner proud as punch and await the praises.
¡°Flashy.¡± That is all she says without even a hint of awe. ¡°Definitely not a backline mage, and¡ how fast are you?¡±
¡°Compared to what?¡± I ask since I¡¯m faster than a spell slinger and a snail compared to August.
¡°I¡¯ll take that as a medium. Now to test-¡±
Just as my examination is about to step into its next stage, the lines on the wall where my exit portal disappeared light up again. The portal opens up wide and through the shimmering frame I see another room very much similar to the one I arrived from.
¡°Melena, be so kind as to evaluate the capabilities of the other one as well.¡± A voice calls out from the other side before Valka is guided through the shortcut in the fabric of reality.
¡°Brilliant, dump all the work on me, sure no problem!¡± The woman with wolf features shouts as the gate closes. ¡°Those lazy old¡¡± She stops the ranting, realizing she¡¯s not alone, and continues after a deep sigh with a professional attitude as if nothing happened. ¡°You know each other?¡± She asks and I nod as Val is still trying to take it all in. ¡°Good, I was just about to see the limits of your strength myself, but now with your little friend here that¡¯ll have to be pushed back a little.¡±
¡°How did it go?¡± I whisper to Val as the lady keeps on talking.
¡°I feel like they¡¯re being lenient.¡± She answers seriously. ¡°The questions were too easy and they just swept all my mistakes under the rug like-¡±
¡°Don¡¯t be surprised by any of that.¡± And of course, this woman, Melena, heard us all along. Fluffy ears. ¡°The initial screening is the harshest part of the entrance exam and the rest are just a way for the Academy to show they care about our high standards. They went easy on you because we, as in the Academy, want you. Besides, even if you fumbled every answer I would push you through if I think you can win us those tournaments.¡± She flashes a toothy grin and nods towards Valka. ¡°Now show me what you got whitey!¡±
¡°Uhm, that¡¯s not that easy.¡± Valka scratches the back of her head nervously.
After a quick explanation about how her Blessing works, because it will be revealed one way or another, Melena walks over to the portal¡¯s wall and taps it. By some mechanical miracle or clever earth magic, weapon racks emerge from the ground, a variety of which rivals Fort Karon¡¯s courtyard.
The woman lazily picks up a sword and grins our way. ¡°Then let¡¯s get right to it.¡± And just as these words leave her mouth her hair begins to dance as electricity flickers around her body. ¡°Choose your weapon and signal when ready!¡±
Lightning huh? That will be troublesome probably even more so now that a Rouge is wielding it instead of a Mage.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
I quickly glance over the various weapons displayed around us and choose the most suitable one. My magic. Valka has her weapons on hand all the time and just needs to roll up her sleeves in preparation.
¡°Don¡¯t destroy your clothes, you¡¯re supposed to wear them for the whole day!¡± I warn her and prepare my own weapon of choice.
¡°Uhm, Eli¡ what the hell are you doing?¡± Valka looks at me with eyes wondering if I turned completely nuts.
My weapon for this round. Metal. Every arm on display is made of metal without any form of inscription or mana reinforcement. Just basic metal in the shape of something made to kill. I gather some of them around and reform the swords, maces, and daggers into metal clumps for me to wield.
Martha¡¯s lessons warned us against using metal equipment when fighting a lighting user because metal attracts lighting. Metal armor and weapons can protect you from most attacks but not lighting.
Savant tells me otherwise.
Most metals lead, or conduct, electricity because of their tiny complex almost magic something structure and they don¡¯t just miraculously attract lightning. Time to see if physics can win against magic bolstered by a couple hundred levels worth of attributes.
Melena observes my little machinations with a raised eyebrow but raises her sword nonetheless. ¡°I see you¡¯re ready.¡± We nod. ¡°Then come at me!¡±
Valka and I both bolt forward to meet the professor head-on. Me because I want to test how well I can ground magic electricity ¨C and because even if I seem like a dumbass and do terribly, I¡¯ll probably get admitted. Val¡ it¡¯s just how she is, and with a lightning elemental Class now under her belt, she might even survive a hit or two. The trick is to ground any electricity and control her movement.
Let¡¯s just hope our opponent knows how to hold back.
***
¡°I¡¯d say you pass.¡± The professor leisurely drops her sword after handing us our asses back to back. ¡°Yeah, I think I could make good use of them. Maybe not for the team¡ solo, or perhaps the free-for-all? That might work¡¡± She starts pacing back and forth while murmuring something to herself. Nice to see I¡¯m not the only one doing that.
As she goes on with her solo brainstorming Val and I catch our breath with tired smiles. My friend might not be happy about the same thing as I am, namely getting things done without any serious injury, however, we sure as hell are both relieved to be rid of the responsibility of today''s examination.
My idea worked¡. marginally. The trick of grounding electricity would be brilliant against lightning mages who actually throw the magic around instead of a melee fighter who enhances their weapons and body with it. Our dynamic duo used every bit of firepower and teamwork we could muster and it didn¡¯t amount to anything. Of every prospective student both here or back in the Fort, we were by far the strongest, so seeing our attacks swatted away by a Rogue¡¯s bare hand like flies was a bit of a wake-up call.
¡°...maybe even this year¡ Yeah, sounds plausible.¡± Melena finally stops and crosses her arms. ¡°Tell me, in your opinion what would make you a better fighter?¡±
¡°Range and speed.¡± Valka replies instantly as this is a question often discussed in Fort Karon.
I just scratch my head because what I want and what would work are two different things. ¡°I¡¯m currently into inscription but they¡¯re not really-¡±
¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with inscriptions.¡± She interrupts as I am about to justify something even I don¡¯t believe. ¡°You can build sturdy and lasting defensive positions, enhance your gear, or trick your enemy with some cleverly laid out decoys and traps. It¡¯s a common misconception that the words of power are useless on the battlefield. Sure, setting one up takes time and even a small mistake can destroy your work but it¡¯s not without use. Stop telling me what I want to hear and say what¡¯s on your mind!¡±
I feel silly right now. It¡¯s very unlike me to dance around a problem and reach for excuses.
¡°I want to learn inscriptions.¡± I tell her with confidence this time. ¡°And maybe look for a way to fly.¡±
¡°Now we¡¯re talking.¡± Melena grins in a weirdly intimidating way with her sharp fangs and taps the stone wall in the middle of the clearing again. ¡°We should be on our way back. I have at least a hundred more students to evaluate today and this probably isn¡¯t where you want to spend the rest of your day either.¡±
And a portal opens again.
I would usually agree and cuss at nature because of past experience but this place might not be that bad. It¡¯s calm. A fluffy bed still wins by a landslide, ohh and some chocolate, I hope they have that here in the Capital.
Walking back through the portal we find ourselves in a tasteful, albeit empty room. ¡°Go out the door and to the right.¡± Melena instructs us as the portal flashes and the scenery on the other side changes back to the room where my ¡®interrogation¡¯ went down. ¡°Good job passing the evaluation girls, have a nice day.¡± And she¡¯s gone.
¡°That went¡¡±
¡°Yeah, it wasn¡¯t that scary.¡± I finish the sentence for Valka. ¡°You hungry?¡±
¡°I¡¯m starving.¡±
***
After following the directions we were given and arriving back at the reception, our job in the Academy was done. My parents, accompanied by two of the Fist mercenaries sent to keep us safe, and the other four of our candidates sent here were all waiting for us right at the reception and as soon as we arrived our little group promptly left the Academy premises.
Whether or not the others got the same preferential treatment as the two of us I don¡¯t know, and won''t ask because I don¡¯t care enough. But since the old mercenary dude praised all of us, even if it was half-assed, I guess we all passed.
¡°What now?¡± I ask the same old man as we leave the island.
¡°Now? We show you the local quarters and let you rest until the opening ceremony.¡± He answers in a slow and thoughtful manner. ¡°Our job here is done and thus we¡¯ll soon return to Granhall but fear not, the Fist¡¯s presence here in the capital is only second to the headquarters, you won''t be without protection.¡±
I hope this translates to ¡®Here¡¯s your bed, do whatever you want.¡¯
Compared to the carriage, traveling in this city by foot is an even bigger complete nightmare. People push and shout, constantly in a rush and leaving so little personal space I can almost feel their breath on my neck.
¡°I hate this city.¡± I grumble quietly.
¡°Yeah, way too many humans.¡± Valka agrees. ¡°Like arriving in the nest of those rabbit abominations.¡±
Not exactly what I meant¡ I also generally dislike humans as a species and if I was forced to kill either a human or an orc the human would probably have to go. Not that I want to murder anyone¡ For orcs, violence is a cultural thing. Humans on the other hand are generally driven by greed.
This is still nothing compared to Valka¡¯s dislike and I really hope for her sake that she can outgrow her hate sometime in the future. Otherwise, her life will be miserable on the continent with a human majority.
We push through the center of the gigantic city, through its commercial area, and arrive in a lot calmer district with an atmosphere of wealth. Instead of buildings looking like regular houses stacked on and around one another, the manors here have little fenced gardens and a much less crammed vibe.
I did have my hopes up that one of the spacious and extravagant houses would be the so-called local quarters and was still surprised when we actually stopped at one of them. My shock quickly disappeared when I examined the building more closely.
No over-the-top adornment, no colorful garden of flowers, and no family crest visible anywhere. Esthetically it is below average, however, it dwarfs all the adjacent manors in size.
¡°Welcome to the Sereban brach safehouse or Crown Nest as we like to call it.¡± Then the old man ¨C whose name I should¡¯ve learned by now but since he¡¯s leaving soon it won''t matter ¨C looks at my parents hesitantly.
¡°Message received, we have our own place anyway.¡± Mom waves his concerns off. ¡°Although I think it¡¯d be better if the girls stayed at home. With us. Is that possible to arrange?¡±
A long discussion follows with arguments thrown around concerning safety, subtlety, comfort, and to my surprise our opinion. In the end, the final verdict is decided by a single sentence. ¡®This is the capital. In this city, even the Emperor can¡¯t do anything funny without consequences.¡¯
To translate it; some of the most powerful people in the country call this place their home. Even if someone discovered and kidnapped us, the news would spread like wildfire and the consequences would be devastating and unavoidable.
Even the simple rumor of a Blessed one being kidnapped on the streets of Sereban would tarnish the reputation of the Empire quite a bit.
So staying in our new home it is.
¡°Let¡¯s check out this city of miracles shall we?¡± I ask, despite my apparent dislike for crowds.
I¡¯d be lying if I said I¡¯m not dying for a good round of sightseeing.
Chapter 123 - A City of History
¡°The Fist will likely take care of all your needs for smooth studying.¡± Dad says and pats the pouch of coins on his belt. ¡°But we¡¯re still not at peace with them. They raised you well and gave you this wonderful opportunity yet we will never, ever, be able to forget the day you left the house four years ago.¡± Dad hisses with dark eyes and a clenched fist.
Neither will I. There are only two things I¡¯d miss if the whole Fist of Krieg thing disappeared from the face of Aelion; the mess hall and Martha. The world would lose little if some murderers just barely within the boundaries of the law and guided by gold were no more. Some members are pretty cool but no tears would be shed if they were no more.
Is the Fist what one would call a necessary evil?
¡°So we¡¯ll do our own shopping.¡± Mom finishes the explanation. ¡°We¡¯re still doing fine on money because we didn¡¯t spend on horses and followed on foot.¡± She glances murderously at her husband. ¡°So let¡¯s see what we can get you two.¡±
We follow after Mom on the backstreets of Sereban with considerably less foot traffic and a more bearable mix of noise and smells.
¡°Me too?¡± Valka blinks, then fiddles. ¡°There¡¯s no need. I¡¯ll be fine with-¡±
¡°You too, and it¡¯s not up for a debate!¡± Mom says. Although her voice is commanding, the smiling eyes betray her. ¡°Valka, looking after you is our choice, and never felt like a burden. You don¡¯t need to refuse kindness or punish yourself for enjoying life. Remember, everyone is deserving of unconditional love, especially a wonderful girl like you.¡± Mom ruffles her hair like she¡¯s done to me countless times.
Despite her harsh and impulsive attitude, Mom has the qualities of a good parent and always knows how to reach someone¡¯s heart. Both with word and her spear. The point is, that was very well said.
Valka tears up a little and nods, hiding her face behind her falling locks of hair and sniffing quietly as we walk on in the narrow alley. We slow our pace a little to let her confront her emotions without interference and stop looking like a crying mess the next time we return to the crowded streets.
As much as my fate sucks, I really lucked out with the people in my life.
***
¡°That¡¯s daylight robbery!¡± Mom barely stops herself from slapping the counter.
This is the third shop we visited so far in the commerce district, and every time we left empty-handed because the prices for simple refilling quill or mana ink were outrageous. And I say that with a veritable fortune¡ somewhere in better hands than mine.
¡°The price is very competitive and we offer a beautiful holder for the quill as a gift.¡± The merchant keeps on pushing the transaction without batting an eye. ¡°I can guess the young ladies there are soon-to-be students of the Academy since today is the day of evaluation. Such a prestigious place demands the best don¡¯t you think?¡± His smile is so huge and fake it makes me feel like throwing up.
¡°They could need it.¡± Dad¡¯s resolve wanes as the merchant plays for any parent¡¯s weakness. ¡°Is there a chance you could go any lower?¡±
¡°I¡¯m afraid three gold twenty is my best offer for the two quills and ink. Maybe if we-¡± He tries to haggle further when Mom has enough.
¡°No thank you!¡± She snaps and starts dragging all of us out of the shop. ¡°This city got even more ridiculously expensive since last year. One gold ten for a quill¡ a damn quill?¡±
As we continue marching away from the house of a scam they dare to call a shop, a scream breaks through the blanket of noise covering the streets. The passersby instinctively flee from the shop where a demikin is visible holding a knife to a woman¡¯s throat, shouting in with barely comprehensible words.
¡°Give me back what¡¯s mine! You shameless bastards that bracelet was my last¡¡± He starts laughing like a maniac.
[Rogue lvl 142]
I secretly tear some of the road up at my feet and form a spear out of it, aiming at the unstable man across the road. Killing him isn¡¯t necessary but I don¡¯t have a clear shot so I just wait for an opportunity before a hand grabs my shoulder.
Dad looks at me and shakes his head with a slight grin, signaling me to drop the vigilante act and just observe.
Before the murmurs can even settle the man seems to get yanked away by an invisible force faster than I can blink. He crashes into the back of the store where he is making a ruckus, collapsing a wall in his path and taking out a lot of merchandise with it. When the dust settles all we see is what¡¯s left of him. Lying there with an arrow lodged into his chest and another into his skull.
Dead, instantly.
I use Premonition to guess where the arrow could¡¯ve come from and when I glace towards the the top of a building, so far away I can¡¯t even make out its windows, all I see is a small glint before that too disappears.
Don¡¯t do dumb shit in Sereban Eli, it won¡¯t end well.
We move away from the scene to make sure we avoid any interrogation and the masses of people approaching to see what happened.
Sheep.
¡°Should we leave purchases to the Fist after all?¡± Dad asks after we find a quiet corner on a street where being swept away by the crowd is less of a worry.
¡°No, we¡¯re going there.¡± Mom looks especially guilty as she implies the location.
¡°Please don¡¯t do this to me.¡± Poor Dad shakes his head in defeat. ¡°We agreed not to go down there after what happended in the tavern.¡±
¡°But it¡¯s cheap.¡± Comes the counterargument accompanied by a shrug. ¡°C¡¯mon, we¡¯ll only visit the upper level.¡±
¡°Okay, is there a chance anyone will explain what the discussion is about?¡± I interrupt. The number of people around me constantly and our current success rate is chewing away at my mood.
After a quick conversation of facial gestures only married couples and people who have known each other for a lifetime are capable of, Mom answers. ¡°A special place with the best offers. I¡¯ll show you.¡± Or doesn¡¯t actually answer the question but at least we¡¯re getting somewhere.
From the huge square, we move to wide roads, then to still massive streets with only foot traffic, and lastly, to alleys cluttered with trash both material and human as we traverse the obstacle course called a city. The buzzing atmosphere drains my social cauldron of energy more than I expected, and even the sight of carts climbing up the walls to avoid traffic or entire blocks of buildings shifting right before my eyes fails to excite me after hours in the thick of it.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
By the time I¡¯m really getting sick of all this and prepare to throw a tantrum, Mom finally stops in a dark corner of a shady alley. I would never even look in the direction of a place like this, not to mention come here voluntarily because the whole area smells like trouble. Okay, it smells of rotting, ash, bile, and like a very strong and disgusting soap.
¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Mom announces and I look around to see at least one reason why I shouldn¡¯t just walk away.
Smashed barrel, a big tub of hopefully water but more likely piss, crumbling walls, and muddy ground. Nope, I¡¯m outta here.
¡°Not so fast.¡± Mom picks me up by my armpit and carries me to a wall. ¡°Take a deep breath and keep your mouth and eyes shut!¡± She instructs and it dawns on me what she¡¯s about to do.
I¡¯m being held up like I don¡¯t weigh more than a sack of potatoes with the tub of vile concoction of liquid waste below me. Fear grips my heart, the same fear people feel towards the unknown and bottomless darkness, and I look at my mother with eyes wide by betrayal.
¡°No-¡± Before I can even finish my plea she lets go of me.
As soon as my boots touch the surface, I remember the advice from Mom and prepare for the worst splash of my life. I keep on sinking and sinking into the tub, way deeper than it should be, until even my shoulders are covered only to hear Valka whisper. ¡°Please put me down.¡±
My legs and arms flail to get me out of the pool of doom as soon as they find purchase, however instead of the resistance one would expect of liquid it feels like¡ air? The familiar pulls of gravity pull me further and I feel my face dipping into liquid shit and piss only for a second before it breaks the surface on the other side and I barely manage to put my feet under me to avoid falling onto my ass.
¡°What in the Abyss happ-¡± I glance around as a shudder runs down my body.
I¡¯m in a tunnel, well-lit, fairly clean, and big enough for me to walk comfortably. Right after assessing my situation, I try to clean myself of the nightmare-inducing experience only to realize I¡¯m not wet and don¡¯t smell either. It¡¯s as if I wasn¡¯t even dropped into that tub, yet I¡¯m sure it wasn¡¯t just an illusion as I did feel the touch of the liquid.
¡°This won''t be forgotten.¡± I swear revenge against those who wronged me.
Then a foot pokes through the mirror of water floating above my head and I can clearly see Valka on the other side clinging onto Mom¡¯s collar to save herself from the same fate that befell me. I can even hear her scream with anger and desperation in her voice.
Like, how does she not catch on? I literally disappeared in a small tub¡
¡°Hehehe.¡± I giggle and grab onto her leg.
A scream of pure terror echoes through the tunnel as Valka finally falls through, quickly followed by my parents jumping after her, laughing their asses off. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you put cockroaches in my mouth while I sleep,¡± Wheezes Mom. ¡°This was so worth it.¡±
Yeah, they were never the normal ¡®I hope she won¡¯t get hurt¡¯ parents. They¡¯d watch me run, stumble, and fall before warning me to be careful and not run around. Not because they like to see me fail or get hurt but because they believe experience is the best teacher.
I know they still love me with their everything, but I¡¯m also keenly aware my mean side didn¡¯t just materialize out of thin air.
¡°Are you crazy?¡± Valka shouts at me first, even though I was only an accomplice. ¡°That was more horrifying than anything I could imagine¡¡±
¡°Don¡¯t worry, they will pay.¡± I nod with an understanding smile.
¡°You¡¯re in it too!¡±
Okay, maybe a little.
¡°So where are we?¡± I ask and have to wait a few seconds for the adults to catch their breath.
¡°We¡¯re not really there yet, this is just one of the entrances.¡± Dad chuckles, reaches up, and flicks some of the floating liquid we passed through at me. ¡°Have a little more patience.¡±
¡°But why drop us into¡ that.¡± I say and almost retch when a droplet falls onto me before realizing it''s just regular water.
¡°If we explained would you have jumped into it on your own?¡± Mom takes the lead and asks with a ridiculing grin.
I don¡¯t have to think long to have my answer. I¡¯d rather jump into a sea of fire than that tub, at least flames don''t smell.
After minutes of walking down the crudely made tunnel, following a downward slope with minimal lighting coming from yellowish glowing crystals, the sound of activity grows more noticeable. Instead of asking questions again, I use my supposedly advanced hearing to make out what¡¯s down the path.
Every little noise echoes off the walls of stone, voices, what sounds like wheels rolling, metal striking metal, and footfalls in the dozens. If I had my eyes covered and didn¡¯t know we¡¯re underground I¡¯d guess a normal street is up ahead¡
Shortly the tunnel widens just as the amount of light around us increases and when make the last turn an unbelievable scenery unfolds before my eyes.
An underground city looking like someone flipped Sereban and removed all the splendor. The entire place is one big slum with dark smoke clouds gathering at the top of the massive cavern. Everything looks poor, dirty, and shady as heck. Also, the ratio of humans to non-humans, which was pretty strongly in favor of the former above ground, has now sort of evened out.
So a city under a city with secret entrances and a general dislike for the law¡ No wonder the entrance was masked to look¡ something no one ever would want to touch. I know it was just normal water and yet the memory of being released above the tub still haunts me.
¡°Welcome to the Undercity.¡± Mom pulls me aside before someone decides a gaping child standing in the middle of the pathway is getting on their nerves.
¡°Impressive, but not exactly in a good way. Like when you see a snake swallowing something too big, choking on it and you go wow.¡± I express my feelings the best I can.
¡°Hehe, not a bad way to describe it.¡± Dad hides his stash of money inside his leather jacket, probably expecting thieves to be drawn to it like moths to the light.
¡°Just one question. How do you know about this place?¡± I take up my interrogation face and look at my parents judgingly.
¡°And what did you mean by upper level?¡± Valka adds, teaming up against the adults.
They glance at each other, amusement, embarrassment, and something dangerous dancing in their eyes. ¡°The undercity has multiple layers and the deeper you go the shadier and more dangerous things get.¡± Mom answers, completely ignoring my question. ¡°Sereban is not the first city to be built upon the Ley Line. I heard this spring of mana has been here for thousands of years. As nations fell one after another throughout history, so did settlements rise and fall on this very peninsula.¡±
So¡ we¡¯re like in the graveyard of whatever was here before Sereban? That¡¯s¡ cool actually. I¡¯m getting itchy to explore this place.
¡°And you just accidentally stumbled upon that entrance?¡± I ask inquisitively, still not done with them.
¡°Uhm, a friend of ours showed us around.¡± Mom answers offhandedly. ¡°C¡¯mon, they should have some smuggled mana ink on stock.¡±
What a blatant lie. My parents have no friends, they are just as bad at socializing as I am. I got my temper from Mom and my distant attitude from Dad, just toned down and mixed a little. A vile concoction.
What I find even more disturbing is not the fact that my parents are so on board with avoiding the law but that I actually agree with them. Those prices were ridiculous.
Walking down streets that at best look like the alleys we¡¯d avoid in any normal city is an uncomfortable feeling. People either wear overly big clothing to cover their features or look like someone dug up a corpse from a three-year-old grave¡ at minimum.
Most just loiter around with no purpose in their eyes while others hurry about as if they were chased. Then there are the shapes moving in the shadows, from time to time an eye glinting in the darkness like a predator looking for prey.
[Labourer lvl 183]
[Rogue lvl 147]
[Labourer lvl 91]
[Labourer lvl 142]
[Warrior lvl 135]
[Labourer lvl 86]
¡
Even the average lowlife walking around here is more powerful than your everyday citizen back in Granhall.
Telling apart people who just came down here like us and the denizens of this shithole is a brain-dead easy task. What differentiates them is not just the clothing and the skin tone looking like they never saw the light of Solaire but the posture, the eyes, and especially the way they avoid the most dangerous-looking spot almost on instinct.
It¡¯s something a person has to grow into.
I can tell I¡¯m slightly above the average when it comes to combat yet if not for the presence of my parents I would never set foot in this area. Lower levels don¡¯t mean they aren¡¯t deadly, and the people living here have both a numerical advantage and a home advantage. And I would bet at least one month of whatever money the Fist gives me that they sent at least one member to tail us in secret.
It¡¯s weird how the first thing I do upon seeing a new place that should have me go ¡®Wow¡¯, I assess my chances and the escape routes. This can¡¯t be normal for my age, right?
Chapter 124 - Intimidated? Me?
I have no idea what landmarks my parents use to navigate the streets of the undercity. However, their familiarity with the place shows that this isn¡¯t the first time they ventured down here. Not by a long shot.
¡°Anyone hungry?¡± Dad asks out of the blue.
To be fair we haven¡¯t eaten much today as the irritating shopping tour kept our minds occupied instead of listening to the body¡¯s needs. With that said, I don¡¯t want anything money can buy down here to drive off the hunger. I don¡¯t need my stomach to commit suicide the next day.
¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I hold up my hands defensively.
¡°C¡¯mon, it can¡¯t be that much worse than anything we back in Solermo or in the forest. Aren¡¯t you even a little curious?¡± Valka¡¯s argument fails to convince me.
Mom elbows Dad and smiles. ¡°Well, we can¡¯t force her to eat if she doesn¡¯t feel like it. Let¡¯s just hope her appetite stays the same even after we leave.¡±
Bah, nice try, I¡¯m not seven anymore. Pulling tricks like that have stopped working years ago.
They approach a demikin man with skunk-like stripes, nose, and tail, sitting on the ground with a small firepit next to him and the smell of brunt¡ something wafting the air. Beside him on almost rotting wooden planks are what look like squashed bread-crust with some kind of red sauce next to them.
He looks up as we approach and grunts.
¡°Three, spicy.¡± Dad answers as if this was a totally normal conversation. The man holds up four fingers but Dad gives him only fifteen bronze. ¡°Do I look like this is my first time here?¡± He asks and the shady cook gets to work. ¡°Forty my ass.¡±
The cook slaps a piece of metal over the fire that looks like it was scavenged from someone¡¯s dead body and hasn¡¯t been cleaned ever since. Some diced meat of questionable origin is pulled out from his loose clothes and slapped onto the metal, with some weird powder and the red source following right after. The recipe for a good stomach ache and a lot of time wasted on the toilet.
As soon as things look even remotely cooked, he scoops the mix into the bread and pulls out another sheet of metal, from Gods know where to squash the food between the two scrap metal.
I hate the lack of hygiene, the ingredients, the tool, the whole place, and the man looks like he¡¯d spit into the food if we turned away, yet the smell¡ By the Abyss, the smell is incredible.
I gulp as we take the food and leave with another word. The others dig in and only Valka shows even the slightest of hesitation. And after the first crunchy bite with the juices and smell spilling everywhere¡ I start to regret my decision.
It¡¯s just some food, Eli, you made your choice so now live with it. They¡¯ll regret eating that next thing in the morning and how good could something made in the gutter taste? That could very well be rat meat.
Not even a minute goes by as the others eat and I keep on failing to tear my eyes away from the steaming hot and delicious-smelling food in their hands when Dad reaches his snack out to me. ¡°Want a bite?¡±
Curiosity gets the best of me and I take him up on his offer. After some hesitation to show I haven¡¯t changed my mind at all, I take a massive bite¡ The crust is crunch, the meat juicy and the spices almost too strong yet that almost is what makes my mouth begging for another bite.
¡°Give it back!¡± Dad tells me but I¡¯m reluctant to part with the snack. ¡°C¡¯mon, you had your chance.¡± He mercilessly tries to pry the meal out of my hand so I take one more quick bite before he can succeed. ¡°Don¡¯t be a baby Eli, you had your chance.¡±
That was good stuff. It shouldn¡¯t be¡ Just what vile magic is this?
I lick my lips and check my chances with the other two.
¡°Look, if you want one then here¡¡± Dad drops four coppers into my palm. ¡°Go get yourself one! We¡¯ll wait here.¡± He smiles viciously.
Why can¡¯t I just have simple parents who know ahead of time I¡¯ll change my mind and decide for me? Okay, maybe we can split the blame since I had my chance to do a U-turn but they should know me by now. To top it off do they expect me to walk these filthy and dangerous streets all alone?
Just a glance at my father''s face is enough to harden my resolve.
Less money, alone, no intimidation? I like my odds.
A scoff and frown are my way of taking the offer, or rather a challenge, and I make my way back to the street corner. Coming off confident is just as important as actual strength when dealing with the people living in the shadows of society. That¡¯s an important truth I¡¯ve learned in Solermo. And yet I don¡¯t trust that wisdom enough to let my guard down for even one second.
I¡¯m twitchy as hell and have to restrain myself whenever the kids playing nearby laugh too loud, or the man in the nearby alley reaches inside his cloak, or the sound of something collapsing comes from the vicinity.
Already in sight of the cook and his vomit kitchen, I tighten my grip on the little money on me and approach. That¡¯s coincidentally when the kids playing what seems like tag change their course toward me and bump into me theatrically. The feline beastman brat falls over with an exaggerated scream as we collide and the farce is on. He hisses in pain and looks at me as if I just assaulted him out of nowhere.
All three of them are.
¡°You just broke his arm!¡± One of them steps into my face. ¡°You pay for a healer, ya hear me?¡±
[Warrior lvl 45]
[Warrior lvl 56]
[Labourer lvl 41]
My initial surprise is instantly overshadowed by irritation.
This? Really? I almost feel embarrassed by how basic and moronic this whole situation is. Gang up on someone who¡¯s definitely not from around these parts and extort money without even checking what we¡¯re up against¡If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Martha did teach me a lasting lesson when I pranked her following my first Class advancement. I learned to choose my opponents wisely. Now the roles are reversed and unlike her, I have no obligation to be lenient.
Although their levels are quite respectable, especially since they look to be about a year or two younger than me.
¡°Last chance to piss off before I actually break any of your arms.¡± I warn them in an emotionless tone and cold unblinking eyes.
I have done worse and I¡¯m not proud of it but just because I¡¯m still a tad bit scared inside does not mean I¡¯m a pushover. This time I was kind enough to hint at what¡¯s about to go down so I¡¯ll feel pretty guilt-free. They are even around my age, or should be, so does this really count as bullying the weak if their weakness is their own fault?
These kids were raised by the streets down here, or at least know the ins and outs such as not showing weakness. Because the moment you do, you lose.
So instead of backing off after hearing my threat they double down and encircle me. I usually like to solve things using words, because one, even while wielding a language you can dish out a pretty hard beating, and two, dealing with the aftermath of a brawl is such a hassle.
I scoff just as the one to my right opens with a left swing right at my face. A quick step back and a bow forward let the fist fly over me harmlessly, before I gently kick the attacker''s knee and flick him in the forehead playfully. A move inspired by Valka.
The next hoodlum tries to tackle me from behind but instead of moving aside I grab the earth beneath my feet and pull it sideways as if dragging a carpet. The nasty backstabber and his friend I just tripped up collide and leave only one of them gaping at me with wide eyes and sweat running down his face. The one who bumped into me.
He takes a step back and I follow, raising little bumps under his feet with every step to make him lose his footing as he backs away, like kicking a rock down the street. An ugly thieving rock. After the fourth stumble, the boy falls onto his ass and holds his trembling arms up to protect his face as if expecting a harsh beating.
I scoff. ¡°What happened, I thought your arm was broken?¡± I step next to him and lean closer. ¡°Want the accusation turned into reality?¡±
Even now I hear someone rushing my way as I belittle my opponent unsurprisingly. I¡¯m presenting my back after all. Without looking back a flimsy pillar of earth springs up behind me, with pinpoint accuracy. It shoots up to about only waist-level but the pained squeal and thud of someone collapsing tells me the attack was devastating enough.
They are all boys after all.
But looking at them like this, dirty, hungry, and desperate, I¡¯m reminded of the days Val and I spent in Solermo. We did what we had to even if we weren¡¯t proud of it and survived relying only on each other¡
I step closer to them and the kids flinch back, likely expecting a good beating. But instead, I simply reach into my pocket and drop four pieces of round metal at their feet. They need it more than I do.
¡°That literally all I have.¡± I look away, slightly embarrassed. ¡°Get yourself something to eat or¡ whatever.¡± The three delinquents merely gawk at me so I turn to leave. ¡°And next time use Identify. That¡¯s one of the few things separating us from beasts. Now scram and don¡¯t waste that money or I¡¯ll find you and break your arms.¡±
There¡¯s nothing more to be said.
Since the original mission is now impossible I retrace my steps back to the only people down here I trust.
***
¡°So, did things go smoothly?¡± Mom asks, still munching on the last bites of her food. ¡°Or not, I guess.¡±
Wasn¡¯t hard to guess since I¡¯ve returned empty-handed. It¡¯s a little irritating I¡¯m not gonna lie, but I¡¯ll chalk that up as my good deed for the week.
¡°Eh, I¡¯m not that hungry anymore.¡± I shrug.
¡°You, not hungry?¡± Dad nearly chokes on his food that¡¯s still mostly intact. I¡¯d bet an arm he followed me. ¡°Want a bite¡±?¡±
¡°I¡¯m good. Let¡¯s get that shopping done, I don¡¯t want to spend a moment longer down here than necessary. It might be noisy above ground but at least it has sunlight and people there have the word clean in their vocabulary.¡± I grumble, trying to hide my smile after seeing how much they care for me.
Nobody disputes my proposal, because realistically who¡¯d want to loiter around in the biggest slum in maybe the entire world just for fun? We¡¯re on our way to what looks like the weirdest market I¡¯ve ever seen. It¡¯s made similarly to the Emporium in Granhall as this place also has multiple floors, in a sense. Clearly the architects here didn¡¯t have access to proper materials to make something grand and stable so they had to get creative.
Instead of using pillars or the existing buildings as a base they used thick metal cords to to fix individual buildings or entire complexes to the ceiling and each other with suspension bridges. The blocks and cable create what looks like a huge spiderweb littered with rocks and many tiny bugs wiggling around.
As I stare at the architectural abomination ahead of me a shadow moves on the windowsill right next to my face. I only catch myself at the last second before blasting the entire wall to bits.
A cat.
A black cat merges with the darkness to the point where only its eyes are visible.
[Cat lvl 26]
By the Abyss, even the cats?
¡°It¡¯s good to be on your guard, just don¡¯t be too twitchy, we don¡¯t want any trouble.¡± Mom chides me over her shoulder. ¡°The people down here might be lawless but they have their own rules that we must follow.¡±
¡°We¡¯re not going up there are we?¡± I ask. completely ignoring her words.
¡°That¡¯s where the best deals are. That or on the lower layers.¡± She says then adds without the usual carefree attitude. ¡°We don¡¯t go there¡±
***
Although I never really liked heights, I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m afraid or anything to be on the top floor of a building. This time I¡¯m scared shitless. The tower-like shop we used to access the spiderweb market was one thing, but when nothing but cables and prayers separated us from plunging down below¡
Then there¡¯s the part where the buildings sway slightly as their center of mass shifts with the people traveling around. I will pray for an earthquake to take down this hazard after we leave no matter the cost to human lives because, to be fair, there¡¯s a good chance more people died using it throughout its existence anyway.
The first few shops sell magic gadgets, drugs, and weapons, unsurprisingly. The last two I can understand, both types of goods are highly regulated by laws and quite often used for untasteful business, however¡ what types of tools need to be sold in the slums to hide from the watchful eyes of the law? Just asking for a friend, I definitely don''t want to inspect whatever inscriptions they hide.
There¡¯s one more type of establishment I expected to see almost every corner in a place like this, servicing customers in one of the oldest professions there is. Not that I¡¯m complaining or missing them, but where are the whorehouses? Isn¡¯t this weird?
¡°What do you want?¡± Asks the shopkeeper girl maybe a year or two older than me with the attitude of an old hag. It looks like money also buys manners.
¡°Mana ink, anything above low quality, and regrowth quill if you have any.¡± Mom answers expertly as if she knew the stock of the shop already.
That seems like an impossible task since most of the goods aren¡¯t even on the shelves and the ones that are are just piled there without a care.
The girl grunts and disappears to the back of the shop where her voice is soon joined by many others and after about a minute of scrapping later, she reappears with a bottle of dark liquid and a small tree in a pot.
¡°Sixty-two silver!¡± The girl dumps the goods onto the counter and demands her fee.
The price difference is already crazy, I would pay the money without a complaint, and yet Mom still throws herself in to haggle.
I still have much to learn from my parents.
Chapter 125 - And So It Begins
19696 The 1st Autumn
Our adventures in Sereban until the start of the school year were¡ limited. No matter how massive the city was or the myriad of activities, two major problems stood in our way. The first is cost, which my parents assured me would be no biggie but I couldn¡¯t justify the expense. Not my money, too pricey.
The other and maybe even more glaring issue was the fact that Valka dislikes humans and I dislike people in general. Meaning the stuffy crowds, pushy merchants, people trying to scam or steal and countless other needless interactions made us stick to staying home until the day of departure.
Speaking of home, the apartment my parents bought about a year ago is around half the size of our old home in Meliorport, although it does have its own perks. Even with their years of saved-up funds as adventurers and our old house sold, this one was rather pricey. The location and view, however, almost make the pricetag seem completely reasonable as we¡¯re only minutes from the sea with a nice view of the Academy.
What a coincidence.
What I don¡¯t like is the lack of a backyard. We¡¯re on the third floor and adding one in mid-air would cost quite the extra. One thing that didn¡¯t change thankfully is my parents¡¯ tase when it comes to the interior. Warm and homey.
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Elyssia
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Age: 13
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 11891/12000
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Free Points: 47
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+1332/hour (-445)
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Might: 18
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Intelligence: 1275
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Mana: 1200
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Speed: 511
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Focus: 1389(+367)
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Willpower: 1332
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Endurance: 290
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Dexterity: 220
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Fortitude: 180
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 88
Identify lvl 91
Dodging lvl 100
Pain Tolerance lvl 47
Premonition lvl 104
Survival lvl 66
Maintained Magic lvl 86
Martial Instinct lvl 76
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I. Class: Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane 121
Arcane Mastery lvl 109
Action for Reaction lvl 103
Mana Perception lvl 111
Focal Mana Trance lvl 98
Ethereal Stage lvl 83
Rhythmic Strides lvl 81
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II. Class: Unconventional Artist of Inscriptions - Water lvl 28
Canals of Mana lvl 27
Perfect Strokes lvl 25
The Urge to Create lvl 27
Mistakes Be Gone lvl 20
Merciless Scrutiny lvl 17
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Some extra inscription practice done, one open general Skill slot in case I found myself struggling with anything, and ample exercise to keep me fit.
Academy guidebook completely ignored¡ As ready as I¡¯ll ever be.
¡°Do you have everything? Change of clothes, all five of them?¡± Mom goes through our luggage one more time before the meetup at the Crown Nest. ¡°We packed some food and water in case your stomachs crave anything before the opening ceremony and-¡±
¡°It¡¯s fine mom, we¡¯re just going to the Academy, not to Koleth.¡± I roll my eyes as this isn¡¯t the first round of last checks. ¡°We should get going or we¡¯ll be late for the meetup.¡±
¡°I know, I know.¡± She quickly fixes her hair and levander dress one more time. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±
That¡¯s all we need to hear to get moving.
Val and I are wearing the standard Academy uniform of white blouse and long blue skirt combo with tasteful embroidery and no accessories delivered to us in advance for the opening day. The accessory part is our own choice, the side effect of growing up to be fighters instead of princesses I guess.
My parents also tried their best not to look like absolute peasants while escorting us to the Academy gates where we¡¯d part for the next few months. I don¡¯t care much about appearances but even I understand this is the bare minimum.
¡°C¡¯mon hurry, we don¡¯t want to be late!¡± Mom bugs us after making everyone wait for almost half an hour.
The audacity.
***
August, Kayla, and Victor arrived just a week prior along with the rest of their grade¡¯s students from the Fist as well as the third batch I¡¯ve never met. The first thing we did was compare our lists of classes to see if any of our choices matched. Just so we wouldn''t have to sit alone among a bunch of strangers who were also nobles.
Little luck there.
I also discovered the oldest ones to be a few levels above me. This I found interesting since getting almost fifty levels in a span of two years while not doing much besides reading books is not how things work. Maybe the classes in the later years are a little more exciting.
With that said, my curiosity wasn¡¯t great enough to actually initiate a conversation so I just ignored them like I usually do most people.
After a smooth rendezvous with everyone else from the Fist we arrive at the bustling bridge leading to the island. Students and their entourages big and small swarm around us as our group of twenty-plus marches on with our hefty bags. It¡¯s clear everyone is dressed to impress.
Everyone but us. Although the four elite mercenaries in their unique colors more than make up for that.
The other thing I didn¡¯t notice when we were here for the entrance exam was the age difference. Sure, kids from the age of twelve can attend the Academy but that doesn¡¯t mean anyone older isn¡¯t allowed to. I guess there¡¯s no actual upper cap on age, just a preference toward younger students because having full-grown adults sit among the youngsters would be embarrassing for the institution.
¡°I hope you¡¯ll make some new friends or at least try to avoid making enemies. You¡¯re both considerably better at the latter.¡± Dad jabs while looking so nervous that I¡¯m starting to feel embarrassed.
Not that what he said is wrong¡ I could count the number of people I call friends on a single hand while the opposite would need all my limbs.
¡°Be respectful towards your teachers and study properly, don¡¯t just assume you know everything.¡± Mom adds her own words of wisdom while walking hand in hand with her husband.
I don¡¯t think they¡¯ve noticed the awkward atmosphere as they try to act like good parents to their one-plus-tax children with a dozen orphans and four grown warriors in tow. It¡¯s weird. Looking around properly, it¡¯s not just our group either. Even nearby people throw weird glances our way as the nervous wrecks that are my parents keep on rambling.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
As we arrive at the gates leading to the island city we stop to say our goodbyes, this is as far as everyone else is allowed to go. The other cadets and Fist mercenaries don¡¯t mince their words and leave after a few good wishes.
¡°Don¡¯t become bullies, girls!¡± Dad starts the last hurrah of parental advice to make sure. ¡°Just because you¡¯re stronger doesn¡¯t mean there aren¡¯t any consequences.¡± Huh, I was expecting some kind of moral reasoning. ¡°And your actions might come back to bite you in the future. If someone asks for a beating then give them a good verbal one.¡±
Oh, I¡¯m proficient at both of those but I can¡¯t promise not to throw punches if any of them oversteps a certain boundary. I¡¯m here to kick asses in the first place and learning the consequences of running your mouth should be part of the curriculum.
¡°Since you¡¯re not so young my pretties, remember to always wear lingerie and be careful with boys. If you still take any of them back to your rooms then be sure to use Zagram pill or search for the school doctor after you-¡±
¡°STOP!¡± ¡°MOM!¡± Valka and I yell with beet-red faces before my mother can continue. ¡°You¡¯re enjoying this aren¡¯t you?¡± I hiss, trying to hide my embarrassment.
¡°How could I not?¡± She chuckles. ¡°Now off you go! Enjoy your time and be sure to learn something world-shaking to show us for the next time we meet.¡±
After a quick round of hugs, we go our separate ways with baggage weighing down our shoulders and hearts racing in excitement. In contrast to the road leading straight into the main building, we follow the paths around it through gardens, squares, and buildings that probably serve a purpose in the Academy¡¯s curriculum.
Early in our little trip, we¡¯re requested to hand over our luggage for ease of movement and to have them delivered to our rooms for us. Sounds like a deal and soon every carefully packed baggage is handed over to an army of small furry monsters running up and down a tucked-away path like an army of ants. They have big fluffy ears and massive eyes on a body with the size and proportions of a toddler yet they carry everything with surprising ease.
[Gremlin lvl 56]
Huh, weird creatures.
Following the tide of students and the guidance of the staff, we find ourselves in the hall of administrative nightmare. Students are being herded like sheep filling in forms on double-decker tables and chairs floating around. Clerks interact with multiple people at once and honestly, even observing it is a frustrating task.
¡°Wait for your names to be called to fill out the paperwork!¡± A sign reads itself out loud every ten or so seconds.
This is hell.
***
¡°Here you can see your room number,¡± The gnome clerk slams a piece of paper into my face. ¡°your mandatory faculty, the major events throughout the year, the list of counselors and professors, and here is your identification bracelet.¡± He hands me a shiny light blue metal band with a shimmering white line adorning it. I quickly pocket it to make sure I don¡¯t miss anything important. ¡°By signing here, here, and here.¡± He hands me another handful of papers. ¡°you agree to the Academy¡¯s rules and recognize your obligations as stated below. On this paper, you can sign up for the subjects you desire to learn this trimester. After finishing all your paperwork please hand it over at desk thirteen. For any further information seek out a helper or available staff. Next!¡± The chair I¡¯m sitting on just slides away from the counter with all the papers floating after me accompanied by a quill.
I haven¡¯t decided yet to be infuriated or impressed but the war inside me is fierce. That was some next-level rude shit. I know this is just how gnomes work, fast and efficient but¡ Nah, I wouldn¡¯t waste energy on being nice either to be fair.
Thankfully a seat at a table is vacated just when I really start to consider sitting on the ground and not giving a damn about what is proper and what is not. I basically pounce at the opportunity and steal the spot from my competitors who leave after a few whispered insults about my manners and looks.
Losers.
They can bark all they want while I get this over with and free myself from this place. The people delivering our uniforms left a long list of all the different things one could learn in the Academy ranging from horseriding, or e-questi-rain-ism¡ yeah, nurturing plants, building stuff, and of course anything fighting and mana-related.
My list goes like this; Mana Theory, Art of Numbers, Law of Nature, Lessons of History, Tactics Tinkering, Beginner Inscriptography. I know it¡¯s just six, however, Martha told me that overstretching yourself leads to worse results in the long run. If I did that my knowledge would be diverse but shallow, after all, there are only so many hours in a day.
Although I am pretty good when it comes to stretching myself too thin. It¡¯s what I¡¯ve been doing for years now.
I also sign the paper about whatever laws and demands the Academy has because I sure as hell won''t sit here for hours and chew through pages of that bureaucratic nightmare.
But when my quill touches the paper an eerie feeling enters the back of my head. What I¡¯m about to do isn¡¯t just lazy but also dumb. Really dumb.
Maybe I should read some of this stuff¡
***
Half through reading this bureaucratic garbage I waved over Valka after she got dumped to the side by one of the gnomish clerks and solved our sitting issue. I stood up, she sat down and I used her lap. It was a little embarrassing but helped us finish here faster so I¡¯d do it again any day.
The paper mostly detailed responsibility in case I caused any damage or got injured and some rules regarding fights and other breaches of Academy law. Nothing stated on the paper is actually binding in a magical way and is more like a signature using your mana as well as your handwriting to legalize the whole thing. After all was done and dusted we left as fast as we could and were instructed to go to the ceremony hall for the opening speech.
I feared this would be a repeat of my first day in Fort Karon, meaning we¡¯d wander around utterly lost and being late. But my worries turned out to be baseless as the wise people of the Academy expected this problem.
A portal, just around the corner.
The noise of quills dancing on paper and names being shouted all around changes to excited chatter and soft bustling as I step through the shimmering gate into the massive aula. The dome above us is a reflection of the starry night sky without any of the moons, made possible only by some clever application of light magic since it should be around noon right now.
Rows upon rows of seats are arranged in front of a high podium, separated into three segments.
¡°Do you see the others?¡± I ask Valka as she has a height advantage when it comes to peering over crowds.
¡°I think grades are seated separately. I see Kayla in the second segment, her hair is easy to notice, and everyone in the first looks a bit older.¡± She relays her sad report.
Well¡ bollocks.
That means I¡¯ll have to endure at least one random brat with a silver spoon up their ass for the duration of this charade. Actually¡ won''t that be my fate for most of my lessons here? Oh no¡ By the Abyss I must make some friends or even just fine bearable people to be around or else I won''t survive this. I can get irritated by someone having a stupid face or an aura I don¡¯t like let¡¯s not even mention opening their mouth¡
¡°Let¡¯s find some good seats, we seem to be early.¡± Val starts pushing her way gracefully through the crowd with me following her like a duckling.
Her stature alone commands respect as only very few students get even close to her height and all of them are surely at least a year or two older. Then there¡¯s the fact that she¡¯s a warrior with enough muscle to be visible through the loose clothing. It¡¯s like looking at an anvil; you know it¡¯s heavy just by a glance. The same is true for strength and Valka.
For us Mages, it works a bit differently, or so Martha said. We look like twigs compared to physical fighters, however, we can express our presence through the mana. I still haven¡¯t mastered the technique but it should work by imagining releasing mana like it was sweat and filling the surroundings with it. This increases the ambient mana in a very different way than what I felt when nearing Sereban because that released mana is not ¡®free¡¯, it is controlled by the one who dispersed it and feels suffocating and crushing to anyone around them. Of course, all of this is dependent on stats as usual so it¡¯s not just a stun anyone for free card.
We sit in the front row of our segment for additional legroom and watch the people stroll around us like sheep. Minutes pass and the amount of seats occupied increases to a bit above half when someone decides to occupy the place next to Valka.
The quick glance he throws at her, then me tells everything I need to know and instead of an irritated huff, a smile climbs onto my face. He checked my ears and I saw those disgusted eyes before, he¡¯s one of those kinds of people. The way he looks at Val however¡ hehehe.
¡°Hello fair lady, may I introduce myself?¡± He holds his hand out with his palm up. ¡°I¡¯m Charles Dupont, second son of Count Dupon.¡±
Even I can¡¯t stop myself from raising an eyebrow at how well done that was. Manners, moves and words¡ it was all top-notch.
¡°Who me?¡± Asks Valka who¡¯s never been called a lady before, other than the chiding young lady Martha likes to use. ¡°Uhm, nice to meet you, I¡¯m Valka.¡± She shakes his hand.
No man alive would be able to watch this without laughing in tears and neither am I. The noble¡¯s perfect visage shatters as he realizes who he tried to court.
¡°You¡¯re a commoner?¡± His eyebrows run up his forehead. ¡°That was quite unexpected. Are you sure?¡± Val nods and I keep dying. ¡°Fascinating. Sadly I have to go now. Farewell. ¡°He storms off like an embarrassed little girl.
¡°That was priceless.¡± I wheeze while Valka pouts beside me. ¡°Looks like your looks weren¡¯t enough for him to overlook who you are. A shame.¡±
As revenge for having a great time at her cost, she pinches the skin on my thigh till I must do my absolute best to stop myself from squealing despite all the levels of Pain Tolerance.
¡°Did I really deserve that?¡±
¡°You¡¯ll understand when I¡¯m the one doing the laughing.¡± She answers with a shrug and without looking at me.
I doubt that will ever come my friends. You might¡¯ve missed those looks but I haven¡¯t, I grew up around them. The eyes of people judging you for being different. I can¡¯t tell if it''s because they¡¯re nobles or because this is the capital or whatever ridiculous reason really¡ They shun these ears and won''t see me the way they see you because they can¡¯t see past the ears.
It¡¯s saddening to realize this place is a costume party and too few people attend with their real faces.
¡°Welcome one and all, on this wonderful day in our glorious Sereban. For the new faces under the grand dome, I¡¯m Boris Malcador, Chancellor of the Academy.¡± The entire hall quiets the moment the voice resounds, clear yet moderate. ¡°As always, we¡¯re thankful to the Empire and His Imperial Majesty for supporting our humble institution and creating such a wonderful place for the leaders of tomorrow to bloom. Students and colleagues, old and new, it fills my heart with pride to see all this knowledge and potential under one roof and to be the one to announce the start of another hopefully just as fruitfully year ahead of us. May Laplace¡¯s fickle hands guide the¡¡± The bearded old man goes on with his lengthy speech wishing us all kinds of things and telling us about a glorious and bright future¡ words, nothing else.
¡°... and I wish you all a fruitful year. Remember, lessons start in two days while extracurricular activities meet first thing tomorrow. I would also like to draw your attention to the exhibitions held by various departments today. Wander around, enjoy the city, watch the upperclassmen show off their expertise, and join any club that resonates with your interest. That¡¯s it for today, have a blessed day everyone.¡± He disappears without the slightest disturbance in mana and life seemingly returns to the hall.
Chatter and shuffling all around signals our cue to leave and we join the stream of students towards the corridor this time instead of a portal. We should find the others but¡
¡°Let¡¯s get to our room, I feel drained already.¡± I propose after the time spent around a large number of people totally drained my social bucket.
Chapter 126 - Sightseeing
We were saved from the aimless wandering within the walls of the building monstrosity that is the Academy. Herded by the older students we left the main building at the back, opposite of Sereban and the bridge, and marched toward the small city and the other facilities in between, occupying the rest of the island. Some of us walked like a big herd while others took to the skies, flying freely overhead and bypassing all the boring foot traffic.
Lucky them, I really need to solve my flight problem as soon as I can.
The dorms are just halfway between the main building bloating out the light of Solaire, and the market arranged in a half circle. Probably to make us feel more like we¡¯re living in a normal city instead of a prison island.
Although, I¡¯m really curious what students could need a whole town for when all our basic necessities are taken care of by the Academy¡ I hope to find out today.
Unsurprisingly there are three buildings allocated for us students and after the seating order during the opening ceremony, it''s not hard to guess the arrangement. All of them are largely the same actually, multistoried, tastefully decorated yet functional, with plenty of windows. The only noticeable thing telling them apart, and also signaling which one might be ours, is the massive ring on the facade looking exactly like the bracelet we received not long ago. There¡¯s another, white-colored one, on the second dorm and a golden ring on the third. Looking at the students, or more accurately their uniform, nothing other than their age and bracelet hints at what year they attend.
At least the clothing isn¡¯t discriminatory¡
¡°So room or town first?¡± I ask, genuinely tired but also curious to see what this place has to offer.
¡°Room, and then meet up with the others?¡± Valka proposes with only one flaw.
¡°Have you agreed with them on anything?¡±
This is not just the Fort where we can walk around and shout the other¡¯s name until we find them. From what I¡¯ve seen there are tens of thousands of people here and to top it off we¡¯re basically strangers to this place.
¡°We¡¯ll figure something out.¡± She says. If not a plan, at least the motivation is there.
The inside of the dorm building is a lot more¡ functional than I expected. Plants and furniture take up the place of fancy decorations and wide floors welcome us instead of suffocating splendor. In a sense similar to the Fort.
I also sense a tinge of space magic in the air, maybe the same trick that exploded in the carriage a year ago¡ We¡¯ll see.
We know our room number, it was on the paper the gnomes slapped at us and it surprised neither of us that out numbers matched. I¡¯m not saying I can¡¯t endure sleeping in the same room as Valka, she got rid of her habit of crawling over to me, my worry is if it¡¯s not just the two of us.
¡°Twenty-four, twenty-six, twenty-seven. Here it is.¡± I say out loud what is clear to see. I grab the hand, pull down on it, and¡ it''s locked. ¡°It was twenty-seven, right?¡± She nods. ¡°And you didn¡¯t get any keys either, right?¡± She shakes her head.
Okay¡ are we missing something?
I don¡¯t know if just on a fuck it basis or for some weird other reason but Valka gives the handle a try herself. The door hums as her hand touches the metal and turns with ease opening up to our room without any difficulty.
¡°Just how low is you Might?¡± She looks at me dumbfounded.
¡°It¡¯s not that, you idiot!¡± I slap her to move inside and check through my memories for what she did differently.
More force, slight pull upwards, left hand, different mana sig¡ Wait, wait, wait. I check her left arm and see something on it I¡¯ve mostly forgotten about, the blue bracelet. I slam the door on Valka¡¯s nose and pull out my own token of identification inside the Academy.
It should¡¯ve been obvious really.
As soon as I put the blue ring close to the handle the door hums again. ¡°Bingo.¡± I fist pump.
On the other side of the doorstep, Valka¡¯s back welcomes me and some heavy-handed portion of embarrassing silence. Popping my head around her back, two new faces come into view. Both of them are girls thankfully and they look even more surprised than we do.
¡°You are not nobles, right?¡± One of them asks carefully.
My perplexed face is quickly distorted by a fiendish grin after hearing her question.
This might not be that bad.
¡°Repeat your words if you¡¯ve grown tired of life, peasant!¡± I step forward with my nose held high and eyes full of disdain. ¡°If you kiss my- Argh.¡± A slap to the back of my head interrupts my act right when their faces are beginning to turn white.
¡°Don¡¯t be a bully, remember?¡± Valka takes up the mantle of chiding now that no adults are around. ¡°You¡¯re making us look bad.¡±
¡°It was just a joke.¡± I whine while rubbing my head. Damn, she¡¯s fucking strong.
[Mage lvl 63]
[Artisan lvl 66]
Just barely crossing the threshold to even participate in the entrance exam. A quick use of Eyes of Judgement, an Eli special, tells me they will have a ridiculously hard time here and will likely cry in their rooms every third night.
One demikin with gray feathers on her limbs and shoulder with hair of similar color and yellow eyes, while the other is a dwarf. I have never seen female versions of the short and physically dense people before actually. I assumed they¡¯d be an eyesore but that¡¯s not the case at all, she¡¯s just kinda short and bulky. It¡¯s like you compressed a normal human and got a dwarf, although that¡¯s not entirely true since dwarves usually weigh much more than the average human. At least she doesn¡¯t have a beard, just a mane-like brow hair to match her brown eyes and light brownish skin.
Like chocolate, I hope they have chocolate here.
Anyway, besides their race and background, which both seem to be deciding factors on this island, they are weak and meek. A terrible combination.
I sigh and shake my head. Protecting and guiding them is not my job, I don¡¯t even know their name. They made it this far so they can¡¯t be total pushovers¡ except if they cheated somehow, like us.
¡°Yo, I¡¯m Elyssia and this is Valka, looks like we¡¯ll be roommates so let''s not get on each other''s nerves, sounds good?¡± I introduce ourselves as it is proper and they just nod silently. ¡°So¡ any room arrangement, any of them occupied?¡± I ask after realizing that although the living space is shared, we all still have a bedroom of our own. They each just point toward a door and I¡¯m starting to lose my patience with their miming. ¡°Names, words, now!¡± I order with my eyes narrowing, a hint of threat latent in my voice.
¡°Uhm, I- we, I¡¯m Adele.¡± The birdy stutters.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
¡°I¡¯m Rona. You¡¯ve got a sharp tongue to go with those pointy ears I have to give you that.¡± The dwarf huffs. ¡°At least not a noble that¡¯s for sure.¡±
¡°How did you get here so fast?¡± I ask the obvious question since we came here straight away.
¡°We sat in the back¡¡± Adele answers, fiddling with the feathers on her forearm.
Yeah, I can imagine that. Also, I want to touch those feathers, they should be soft right? And she would freak out if I asked¡ Self-restraint Eli, you¡¯re no longer a kid.
¡°Your bags are in the common room and we took the liberty of settling in the rooms to the right.¡± Rona finally speaks something useful so we can stop wasting time dilly-dallying. ¡°Say¡ you¡¯re not like the average student here, right? I¡¯m not just talking about the level, I saw others as strong as you but¡ you are different.¡±
Hoh, people as strong as us? Interesting.
¡°Care to elaborate?¡± I ask while Valka grabs her bag and checks one of the empty rooms.
¡°When I worked under my master in the smithy we had all kinds of customers, his work has always been popular¡¡± Rona chuckles. ¡°I¡¯ve seen countless people with levels I could only guess but there was always a big difference between those who were strong and the dangerous ones.¡± She looks at me in the eyes. ¡°There are a few strong students here, however, you two¡ you are dangerous.¡±
I¡¯m not sure what dangerous means and won''t ask because that would be sort of uncool, breaking the facade of mystery and danger and all that. In the end, I just smile and walk past them mysteriously to check out this place properly.
A small kitchenette, for mostly recreational purposes, a few tables to eat and or study I guess with my baggage on one of them, and a massive window opposite the entrance.
That fifth door should be the toilet and hopefully the bath so we don¡¯t have to share that same space with hundreds of other people in the same dorm. When I look out the window it becomes apparent why I felt the tinge of space magic here. Everything outside is too big. The rooms and this entire place are enlarged just like the carriage was.
Have these idiots not learned what happens when one of these malfunctions? Would it be so difficult to just build bigger? Although the space on the island is fairly limited¡ then just have fewer students I don¡¯t care, I can still remember the sensation of space destabilizing around me and it gives me the creeps.
Since three of the four rooms are already occupied I just take the last one without complaining. Except if they¡¯re not all the same, then I might get a bit grumpy.
A normal single bed, a study desk, a wardrobe, a small window, the bare minimum. Nothing is too fancy, yet the quality is still apparent, which is to be expected for the amount the Fist pays in tuition.
For now, I just dump my baggage at the foot of my bed and make sure the other rooms are the same. Now that the excitement of the opening ceremony is over I carve some conflict, to bug somebody. Valka is not the best target, she just doesn¡¯t have the snappy reaction and instead takes it as a challenge.
Without knocking I barge into said brute¡¯s room. ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯m hungry!¡±
She¡¯s in the middle of unpacking and I grimace a little at the sight of her belongings. Two changes of clothes, a pair of boots, a comb, a towel and just a few other junk, most of them bought by my parents.
Damn, we should buy her some casual clothes and something warmer for when the weather cools. And maybe something for the hotter days¡ That five gold a month doesn¡¯t sound that much anymore.
¡°Why can¡¯t we wear something else? These sandals and skirt are just so¡ so¡ impractical.¡± She pulls out the training pants we borrowed from the Fist some time ago.
¡°Because it''s a requirement when attending lessons and they are comfy as hell?¡± I look at her with a tired expression. ¡°My clothes probably don¡¯t fit you so I¡¯ll grab some more coins, you wear whatever you want as long as it doesn¡¯t look like underwear.¡± I turn and leave her, only to meet two pairs of eyes in our common room.
Yeah¡ what should we do with them?
Valka emerges from her room in the same blouse but wearing pants and boots this time. She points towards the other two with her eyes, asking the same question I had, and I just shrug. Not my problem. After that a wordless conversation unfolds, moving only our facial muscles and using mostly our eyes. It goes something like this.
We should include them. She points out.
We know nothing besides their names, they are strangers to us.
Yeah, strangers we¡¯ll be sharing a living space with, besides didn¡¯t your father tell you to make friends?
This is too fast for them and he meant friends, not pets. Just look at them! I know I¡¯m mean but this is for their sake.
¡°Uhm, are you going somewhere?¡± Adele asks after I basically nod their way.
¡°Yeah.¡± I answer and try to change the topic. ¡°Do you two know each other from somewhere?¡±
¡°What? Not really we just sat next to each other during the ceremony. People avoided us because¡¡±
¡°Because they¡¯re petty assholes.¡± Rona add. ¡°The two of you on the other hand are no strangers, eh?¡±
¡°That¡¯s right, we have¡ a lot in common.¡± Valka speaks before I can stop her. ¡°We¡¯re actually planning on checking out the town, would you like to come along?¡±
¡°Thought you¡¯d never ask.¡± Rona gets up. ¡°Let me get ready, just a minute.¡±
¡°Y-yeah me too.¡± Adele also disappears.
¡°What are you doing?¡± I hiss at my friend while poking her in the chest, demanding answers.
¡°Look, they are commoners and not human. There has to be something special about them to gain admittance.¡± She whispers after flicking my hand away.
¡°You think they are-¡±
¡°No, something else.¡± She replies before I even finish and just as the others return from their rooms.
***
After searching around the second-year dorm but not bothering by asking anybody, we decided to just set out without the other three. We trusted, or rather hoped, Kayla and Victor¡¯s Blessing to find us. One of them can ask literally any rat or bird while the other is able to guess which turns to take until they end up finding us.
They are just simply better suited for this task.
The purpose of the small city becomes apparent just minutes after entering the crowd. Everyone here is either a student or a staff of the Academy except the artisans and clerks offering their services. Every shop is tailored to the needs of young nobles looking for entertainment or small necessities to aid their study.
¡°Everything is posh, everything is expensive, and worse, full of people.¡± I complain after rounding only the second street corner. ¡°Let¡¯s find somewhere simple to grab a bite, then buy you a few sets of clothes and get out of here.¡±
¡°Is there a place you¡¯d like to visit?¡± Valka ignores me completely and asks the others.
Stop making me look like the inconsiderate one and help me help you Gods damn it! Half the reason we¡¯re even here is you yapping about the uniform, ungrateful woman.
¡°The smithy.¡± Rona answers bluntly.
¡°I would also love to eat something.¡± Adele found her voice in the last few minutes, chirping instead of stuttering constantly.
There¡¯s one thing poking at my mind wherever I look at the girl¡ was she born from an egg or more like a normal human. Demikin aren¡¯t really a separate species per se like orcs or elves, rather they are like half-elf-like¡ yeah, eww. Asking her would be weird, right?
Obviously, we secure the food first so we can enjoy the rest of our little outing. This single decision almost made my effort to leave my room worth it, if only I didn¡¯t have to pay at the end. Meat-filled salty cupcakes, clams, some mix of potato, egg, and chees baked, and meat wrapped in fluffy pasty¡
We were defenseless.
Every dish was so unique and savory that leaving the place felt like a sin and the only thing stopping the crazed eating spree was someone calling out my name. My hands moved on their own and Valka was even worse, chewing at even just the sight of the food and reaching for every bite with trembling hands. The bill came out to be seventy silver just for the two of us¡
If it wasn¡¯t for the arrival of the three lost lambs we might¡¯ve doubled it, just like our waist size.
¡°I see you fell victim to the local chefs,¡± Victor grins. ¡°We lost most of our funds the first few days just like this and had to survive until next month¡¯s allowance with only a few silvers.¡±
¡°Good timing then.¡± I leave the restaurant even grumpier than I arrived, not because I¡¯m still hungry but because it was just too good. I need to have more. ¡°Where were you?¡±
¡°We got word the coach of the Combat Department was looking for us so we went to see what she wanted. Turns out she was looking for you two so here we are.¡± Kayla chirps while walking past me and Val. ¡°Who are your new friends? Where did you meet? Oh, my name is Kayla, I like strawberries and my favorite color is green. What¡¯s your name? Was Eli mean?¡± She bombards them with questions and enthusiasm so I get a brilliant idea.
¡°Then let¡¯s see what this coach wants from us.¡± I wave and lay the trap. ¡°Could you make sure our new friends aren¡¯t bored until we return, Kayla?¡±
That¡¯s right, I¡¯ll ditch them all.
Chapter 127 - Looking Around I.
We were directed to the familiar, albeit not that familiar forest to the farthest side of the Academy Isle where a familiar face welcomes us.
¡°Took your sweet time, didn¡¯t you?¡± Asks Melana sitting in the grass and chewing on some jerky. ¡°You dare make me look for you instead of seeking me out yourselves right on your first day?¡± Seeing our confusion she chuckles. ¡°Just kidding, but we need to talk.¡±
¡°Wait, wait, wait¡¡± I hold my hands up. ¡°You are the one meant to instruct us on how to duel?¡± I ask, looking for¡ something more.
¡°Why is it so surprising?¡± Melana asks, tilting her head.
Her ears flop a little as her head moves and it''s so fucking cute. Stop it, Eli, She¡¯s an adult and so are you! Almost. Now is not the time!
¡°No disrespect but people far older and probably more experienced sent me here to learn things they were able to impart to us. So¡¡± I leave the sentence open because it''s easier than looking for a way to say things without them sounding awfully disrespectful.
¡°So you expected to see some wizened old fart?¡± She asks and I nod. Even Valka does. ¡°It¡¯s true, some of them do have more experience in combat¡¡± She grins viciously. ¡°But I have more experience against people. I killed more haughty duellists, bandits, soldiers, or even nobles than any of the relics around. Bar two.¡± She disappears from my view. Not a moment later the feeling of dread grips my neck from behind and a cold voice whispers into my ear. ¡°Are you perhaps dissatisfied?¡±
Electricity already crackles between my fingers before I can even open my mouth, but the world around me returns to normal. Yet my instincts are anything but calmed. Then I hear the sound of someone biting into an apple from a branch to my right.
Melena lazily lounges there like an innocent child, enjoying the warmth of Solaire, and looking unbothered, almost as if the predator who made my blood run cold had nothing to do with her.
¡°Not at all.¡± I answer her question with shaky legs. Repressing the disgusting feeling of crippling fear, I steel myself and look the woman in the eye that glints with danger and mischief at my sight. ¡°I hope this is not another combat demonstration, we just ate.¡±
I don¡¯t break that easily.
Instead of answering her face just freezes at my comment before she starts shaking in laughter like someone electrocuted her. ¡°Good, very good.¡± She claps. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you faced to reach your level so quickly but I can tell you had your fair share of dances with Malor.¡± She hops down effortlessly.
I¡¯ll take that as a compliment although I can sense part of her message missing. There¡¯s a certain but omitted there.
¡°Let¡¯s get down to business then.¡± She leans against a tree. ¡°The students of the Fist we receive usually act as the team representing the Academy in tournaments. You all have excellent training, prior experience in combat, and most importantly established teamwork.¡± Oh, here comes the but. ¡°This is not the case this year. The rest fit the norm but you two¡ The two of you are a year older, which is fine, we can work around it, yet at the same time you almost double the entrance requirement when it comes to strength.¡±
Just out with it already woman, I want to be back in my room and just stare at the ceiling rather than listen to you saying things I already know.
¡°The Academy is impartial, we value talent over lineage, yet we must respect the old noble houses.¡± She shakes her head, disappointed. ¡°The warrior dynasties want a share of the spotlight no matter the cost and would bring down a hammer of fury if we gave every event to commoners while neglecting their wishes. The Fist gets the Team Battle while the nobles take the duels and free-for-all. This year it will have to be different. I¡¯ve heard your cooperation with the other four isn''t¡ stellar. At the same time, I¡¯m sure the two of you could confidently aim for the top in both solo events. If we can arrange for that.¡±
Yesss! Thank the Gods. I thought some weird punishment or something was coming after being called here out of the blue. Objectively speaking, good things rarely happen to me so I¡¯m not just being pessimistic here.
¡°With that said, we¡¯ll have to put minimal restrictions on you because of your age advantage. You had four years since your Awakening to grow while the standard is three.¡± Melana adds and no matter what rebuttal I think of¡ this seems fair. ¡°No matter if they determine the penalty to be twenty or twenty-five percent, I believe you¡¯ll be able to work with it. You have much more than a few levels of advantages.¡± She nods with a satisfied smile.
I don¡¯t like the sound of that as much anymore but even with a thirty percent penalty, whatever that might be, I should be a good twenty levels above the minimum. Easy peasy.
¡°Anything else?¡± I ask because this really wasn¡¯t something urgent to drag us here.
¡°Is there some kind of training we do?¡± Valka asks a question I don¡¯t want to hear answered.
I know her goal is to grow stronger and I promised I¡¯d walk that road with her but c¡¯mon, not the free time.
¡°We¡¯ll discuss the rest tomorrow morning. Today you have a day off and extracurricular activities only start tomorrow as per the Chancellor¡¯s orders.¡± Melana shrugs. ¡°You¡¯re dismissed.¡±
The words ring so familiarly that I almost instinctively stand straighter and snap a salute. Melana goes back to lazing around in the grass so we leave her in her little sanctuary that is the clearing in the forest and walk back to where we ditched the others.
¡°So clothes and maybe some soap for you,¡± I mentally check our to-do list. ¡°Anything else?¡±
Valka nods. ¡°Both Wolfie and the Chancellor said-¡±
¡°Hold up! Wolfie?¡± I look at her, flabbergasted.
¡°Well, she looks and acts wolfish and those ears are really cute,¡± Right? ¡°So Wolfie?¡± Valka reasons.
¡°Never say that to her!¡± I warn my friend for her own safety.
¡°I¡¯m not stupid, and I doubt she can hear us anymore, not with all this noise around us.¡± She says as the bustling of the city encompasses us again. ¡°So what I was saying is that we should learn a bit more about these extracurricular stuff, like the Combat Department.¡±
Are you telling a person who¡¯s feeling lazy and would rather be done with social interactions for the day to voluntarily look around and search for interesting groups of people? Sounds like a disaster in the making, and I really don¡¯t feel like it¡ but let¡¯s have it her way.
I¡¯m feeling extra generous today.
¡°We should get you some clothes first and maybe after.¡± I remind her of the plan. ¡°And do you plan on dragging the others along?¡± If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
¡°They should know more than we do. Why not?¡± Valka shrugs. She¡¯s not wrong, the rest of our actual squad has been here a year longer so they could help us find things faster.
***
¡°... and where are your new war-peasant friends, huh?¡± We hear as we turn the corner to the square where the magical restaurant is. I will buy that place even if it''s the last thing I do. ¡°They took the opportunity from my sister, you hear me? Do you think because some fancy bandits got your back you belong here, among us?¡±
The topic is Val and I, isn¡¯t it? Every time I get something done another thing pops its head up¡
¡°Hey, Eli!¡± Our airheaded elf waves at us.
Shut the fuck up Kayla, why did you have to notice us, I swear¡
Her enthusiastic greeting draws not only the attention of our friends but also the unwelcome guests. The heads of the two brand-new pains in the ass snap our way. A basic fairy tale prince-looking dude and a slightly chubby girl with the overgrown fluffy rat in her arms.
A charming pair.
The girl sneers like we¡¯re the most unsightly things in the world while the boy has a mix of anger and something else¡ something disgusting in his eyes. He pushes Victor out of his way even though he wasn¡¯t obstructing him at all and marches right towards us.
I really wish beating him unconscious and moving on would be a valid solution. If only the Academy allowed combat outside the designated areas and without the consent of both sides¡ That would be paradise.
For us at least.
[Mage lvl 95]
I bet he¡¯d even agree, judging by that cocky smile on his face, but walking all the way to the arena or training grounds and back just sounds like such a hassle.
¡°You two cheats should-¡± I hold up a hand before he can start throwing insults and make me break the rules on my first day.
¡°Use Identify before you make assumptions, always.¡± I lecture the boy. ¡°Then think about your next words carefully before you make a bigger fool out of yourself than what you¡¯ve shown to all these people around us.¡± I¡¯ve also just noticed the amount of eyes following the events. ¡°Now act like the noble you are supposed to be, apologize, and walk back to Mom and Dad who actually amount to more than a basic footsoldier, unlike yourself.¡±
I say my part and walk past the stunned pretty boy, beaten brutally using only words.
Dad would be proud.
¡°Get off the high horse peasant!¡± The girl in his wake responds in his stead, still displaying enough outrage to fill a lake. ¡°We both know it¡¯s you who¡¯ll end up crawling in the dirt in battle, just where you belong. Act tough all you want but nothing will change that.¡±
[Mage lvl 77]
Big words for someone so small.
¡°Nice rat.¡± Valka nabs the pet from the girl''s arms before she can react. ¡°Smells funny.¡±
¡°It¡¯s a Perfumice.¡± Kayla corrects her. ¡°They look really cute and their saliva is used as perfume.¡±
¡°Give Dia back!¡± The chubby girl lashes out and Valka dodges her with ease.
¡°You walk around with this?¡± Valka throws the creature up in the air nonchalantly, far above the roofs. ¡°I bet your parents change the topic when people ask about you. Now go fix your eyebrows.¡±
The girl desperately scrambles to catch the poor ugly thing.
¡°Do you know any good places to buy some clothes?¡± I ask Victor, giving a cold shoulder to the duo behind us. They¡¯re not worth my time and breath.
¡°Don¡¯t you dare turn your back on me!¡± The boy yells, throwing even the rest of his decorum into the mud. ¡°You dare insult me like that? I demand you face me in a duel so I can punish you for your insolence!¡±
¡°What did Melana want?¡± Victor plays along in the ¡®Ignore the indignant nobles¡¯ game.
¡°Just our roles and all that. We¡¯ll do the free-for-all and duels supposedly.¡± I answer casually. Because this is exactly the topic our poor nobles are so infuriated about.
¡°There¡¯s a nice shop a few streets away. They have some insanely comfy slippers.¡±
¡°What about the extracurricular places?¡±
¡°Ah, yes, is there anything interesting?¡± Val chimes in.
The conversation keeps on flowing, our smiles keep on growing and the snarls on the nobles'' faces keep on deepening.
¡°Halt, you coward!¡± The boy grabs my shoulder just when we¡¯re about to leave.
Don¡¯t lash out, don¡¯t kill him, don¡¯t take his arm¡ Calm Eli, it¡¯s nothing serious, he doesn¡¯t need to get hurt.
He does need to learn a lesson though.
I stop in place and use the technique Martha once taught me for fun but I never got the knack for it. Mana seeps out of my body, still firmly under my control, and it fills the area around us like an invisible smoke. As a fellow Mage, the boy instantly feels the change in the atmosphere and tries to step away before I grab his arm.
His eyes widen and color also begins to leave his face. Despite his respectable level he fails to react in any meaningful way, even though only the ambient mana is affected and his own reserves should be more than enough to fight back.
I continue to press down on my mana around like kneading some dough until his knees give in and he falls to the ground, clawing at his throat. ¡°If you still find your sister more suitable to fight in the name of the Academy then send her to me, but be warned, I won''t be this lenient the next time!¡± I tell him in a cold voice and leave with the others.
That was a big waste of mana if I''m honest without doing all that much. It''s nice but not too functional.
After leaving both the growing crowd and the two humiliated nobles in the small square Valka pokes me with her elbow. ¡°You know that was technically bullying?¡±
¡°You¡¯re the one to talk? Poor girl won''t be able to look into a mirror for a while.¡± I look at her acusingly.
¡°Don¡¯t deny the blame, we¡¯re both at fault even though we promised. It¡¯s just so¡¡±
¡°Easy? Satisfying?¡± I say the words that come to my mind first.
It felt so good to know you¡¯re in power and the opponent is at your mercy, the feeling of superiority¡ It felt addicting.
¡°Let¡¯s make a deal.¡± Valka sighs and reaches out for a handshake. ¡°If the power gets to my head or I go overboard you¡¯ll be there to stop me and vice versa, even if they are pesky humans or haughty elves. I don¡¯t trust the teachers or anyone else to do this and I don¡¯t trust myself to stay incorruptible forever. So, deal?¡± She proposes.
Meaning she does not trust anyone with this¡ but me.
Also, she thinks I didn¡¯t realize the way she phrased it. Small bullying is ok, putting obnoxious little brats into their place is ok, going out of our way just to hurt someone is not. As easy and satisfying this all was¡ I hate it. All my life people more powerful than me decided my fate and I went through hardship after hardship under their hands¡ becoming what you despise is just next-level hypocrisy.
¡°Deal.¡± We shake on it.
¡°This is the shop I told you about.¡± Victor stops us in front of a pretty ordinary-looking place. ¡°You won¡¯t believe the stuff they make here.¡±
***
He didn¡¯t lie¡ and it was fucking expensive. Be got a pair of comfy shirts for Valka, pants made out of some weird plant, fluffy sweaters for the both of us and two pairs of slippers. Those slippers man¡ I¡¯m pretty sure they killed something insanely fluffy and turned it inside out but I don¡¯t care, my feet felt like melting. I haggled to the best of my abilities using every underhanded aspect I could think of but there were definitely some Skills at work on the merchant¡¯s part so I lost that battle devastatingly.
Two gold twenty silver. It¡¯s our first day here and we lost more than half of our monthly budget. I cannot imagine how the others survive the scam of a deal Martha made with them. Okay, maybe I can¡ Kayla is very low maintenance, Victor could live off the streets and August would be okay with just stale bread for months. Still, I¡¯m not the foodie here, they just can¡¯t see the value of good food.
¡°Anything else?¡± Victor asks with a fiendish smile at the sight of my deflated face after spending so much money.
I never really had my own money, except for my share from the crab festival and the gems we stole but that¡¯s different. Anyway, I imagined spending money would be fun.
It isn¡¯t.
Every single silver spent is like a punch to the guts and I wasn¡¯t even the one who earned this. Imagine if I had to see my hard work disappear in a matter of seconds¡
¡°No.¡± I answer in defeat.
¡°Stop being so boring!¡± Valka chimes in. ¡°The day is long and we wanted to check on the different departments.
¡°Oh Malor, bring peace to this poor mortal.¡± I beg the God of Death as I¡¯m dragged away to do more fun things.
This is only the first day¡
Chapter 128 - Looking Around II.
¡°This is the Art Department.¡± Victor shows us a building boasting far too many windows, and walls painted in all colors of the rainbow. ¡°I know the definition of art is pretty broad but they don¡¯t consider combat, technical crafting, magical studies, or the act of roasting each other art. More conventional things like dancing, painting, or singing are what they do here with fashion designing and, ¡°He spreads his hands and holds the nonexistent tension. ¡°Your favorite, cuisine.¡±
¡®Wow!¡¯ is probably the reaction he expects and I kinda want to bash his face in for implying I¡¯m a glutton. I only care about practical and enjoyable things so this; beauty can satiate the soul, wish-wash doesn¡¯t interest me all that much.
August¡¯s sneer tells me he shares my view, which somehow irks me a little. We can¡¯t stand each other and that¡¯s a hostility of three years, yet our mindsets are probably even more comparable than Val and I.
Looks like I¡¯m walking a fine line between genius and prick.
We get ready to leave after taking a quick glance at the colorful building when the shy Adele opens her mouth. ¡°Uhm, I think I¡¯d like to take a closer look.¡± She shrinks under our combined gaze as we look at her questioningly. ¡°I do¡ things like that.¡± Her voice basically disappears before she can explain.
¡°That¡¯s right, we never asked.¡± I facepalm. ¡°What do you do? I mean why the Academy? It¡¯s not hard to guess you¡¯re here to improve your blacksmithing talent, Rona, after the earlier comment.¡±
Man, now I feel like a jerk. We¡¯ve almost completely ignored her and just assumed she¡¯s your slightly above-average girl who¡¯ll get bullied into the ground and thought nothing more of it.
¡°I sing.¡± Adele¡¯s face turns red wherever the feathers don¡¯t cover the skin. ¡°I- My mom always told me I have a beautiful voice and I somehow ended up here after more and more people came to listen to my performances.¡±
That¡¯s¡ nice actually. I hope she will respect my sleeping schedule back in the dorm but other than that I¡¯m a bit curious to hear her voice. Listening to people sing has been one of my favorite pastimes for as long as I can remember.
¡°Yeah, me too.¡± Valka mutters to leave us flabbergasted for good.
¡°You sing?¡± I gape at her as I¡¯ve never heard her be used for anything but shouting and yapping.
¡°No, you moron, I¡¯m curious.¡± She shakes her head and lifts her arms defensively. ¡°I don¡¯t have a great voice anyway,¡± I think you do but saying that would be embarrassing. ¡°what I want to check out is the-¡±
¡°The kitchen?¡± I finish the sentence. Nobody knows my best friend better than me.
Ever since we first got our hands on some money and the opportunity to buy ingredients¡ I still regret it to this day. It¡¯s certainly one of her callings in life and I can respect that, but can¡¯t exactly approve.
Sometimes her inventions were weirdly delicious actually. Most of them, however, would make even dogs shed tears while they force the bites down their throats. All in all, I like food, she likes it more.
¡°Oh, oh then we should check out the-¡± Kayla starts bouncing as the idea leaks out of her head before someone quickly stops her.
¡°Or we could make a round trip to see everything before splitting up and going our own way.¡± Comes the most logical argument from the person I want to hear the least.
How can someone as fucked up as August think the same way as me?
¡°No~o, c¡¯mon we have all the time and so many things to see.¡± Kayla whines.
Haven¡¯t you already been through this a year before? And get a Skill already that can share some of your otherworldly energy or something, otherwise, leave me out of this.
¡°Let¡¯s vote!¡± Comes the proposition from Victor, clearly exercising his semi-squad leader privileges.
I really don¡¯t feel like checking each and every building out. The food art thing does sound mildly engaging, especially if there¡¯s tasting, but I¡¯d avoid pottery and other alibi activities if it means I get back to my room faster. Then again, there are quite a few places I want to check out ¡
¡°Thumbs up for together, thumbs down for August¡¯s proposal.¡± Victor decides on a tricky yet fair method of voting.¡± Go!¡±
The idea behind this procedure is simple, everyone votes at once so nobody can dilly dally and allow others to influence their opinion. Well, I don¡¯t follow these rules and regret it as soon as everyone casts their vote. August and my two new roommates cast their vote in favor of going our own ways. The other three it seems, would like to stick together.
Every eye counting the votes lands on me at the end and an uncomfortable silence descends.
¡°You were meant to vote there, you know?¡± Victor chides with a flat look.
¡°Make me!¡± I huff. Although I only abstained because I can¡¯t really decide.
My position is both quite beneficial due to the power that comes with my vote and really dumb at the same time. No matter what I pick people will be dissatisfied with me even though I don¡¯t represent either side alone.
We could visit any of these places later, right? It¡¯s not like joining a department has a time limit or an entrance quota or something.
I¡¯m about to become a party pooper when someone pinches my side and I nearly squeal. There¡¯s only one person who¡¯d dare do this without fearing the retribution¡ Lightning magic starts running through my body as my head slowly turns towards Valka. I bit by bit increase the output and watch her eyes narrow and her hair get all fuzzy yet she doesn¡¯t let go, as a matter of fact, she grips the skin even stronger.
¡°You¡¯ll regret this!¡± I warn her in a cold tone, no longer worried about the vote all too much.
¡°That¡¯s my line.¡± She doesn''t back down. Of course she doesn¡¯t¡ ¡°Just suck it up and sleep at night or I¡¯ll take your bracelet in your sleep and throw you out on the gangway.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t have the balls.¡± I crank the power up but she still holds on.
She¡¯s resilient as hell and that second, lightning-attributed Class of hers does help her shrug off my magic. I really should start looking for other ways to stay in our little back-and-forth game.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t.¡± She tilts her head.
¡°It means ¡®I dare you¡¯ in a weird way.¡± Kayla adds quietly.
The standoff persists until I come up with an acceptable outcome just as my side starts to ache like it''s about to fall off.
¡°I get the fluffier towel.¡± I offer a compromise.
¡°No way, we were supposed to leave that to Luxandra¡¯s luck! They only had a single purple one.¡± Her grip weakens.
¡°One or the other.¡± I try to keep my facade from breaking this close to victory.
The stakes are high but Valka makes her pick. ¡°Fine, but we¡¯ll go back in a week to see if they have another.¡±
¡°Deal.¡± I squeal as we stop the bickering and I show a thumbs up.
¡°The votes have been cast. The motion passes.¡± Victor declares, giggling at our little charade.
I rub my side and Valka shakes the stiffness out of her limbs while the other waits with unparalleled patience.
¡°Are they always like this?¡± Rona asks openly.
¡°Usually.¡± Kayla smiles defeatedly. ¡°They are a bit too special for their own good and like to be dominant.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t put it weirdly!¡± I snap at her as we walk towards the building vomited on by a rainbow.
***
It was fucking awful. These people had no idea what a meal was and had us wait for half an hour to serve a bite-sized bit of meal and call it a day. Don¡¯t get me wrong it was some of the finest damn food I¡¯ve ever tasted but after it went down the slide I craved for more even though it was all gone.
A damn scam is what I call that. Valka was still excited like¡ like me when I found a new book about how to make things go boom with some weird symbols. Anyway, we stuck around a little before dragging her away even as she tried to explain her idea of a grilled turtle neck stuffed with marmalade and boiled potatoes¡
I think I saw them release a sigh of relief as we left.
Oh yeah, and Adele disappeared singing somewhere. She just scampered off without notifying any of us and we have enough conscience to not force unwanted audience onto her. She¡¯ll open up when she feels ready. Probably.
However, this begs the question¡ How did she ever perform when she can hardly talk without stuttering? It¡¯s just weird.
The roundtour continued and we spent hours walking around the island campus. Plants, beasts, oceans, the skies, politics, history¡ there¡¯s a department for everything.
Since most of us are already part of the Combat troupe we skipped that one right away ¨C just like anything talking or money-related ¨C and went straight for a juicy one. The Artisan Department.
Fascinating only because Inscriptions fall under the umbrella of crafting, alongside blacksmithing and other brutish methods of creating things. Our group of seven arrived at the arguably most functional-looking building on the entire island.
Neat brick walls with relatively minor makeup and plain windows. Yet I would not call the building aesthetically an eyesore, quite the opposite really. Even with the massive chimneys puffing smoke and the sinister glow of magic seeping through some windows. Among the myriad of white and dazzling structures sits this one exemption, proud and uncaring.
¡°Do we have to go in there? It looks evil.¡± Kayla speaks the words probably all of us had on our minds.
¡°Not evil, just dwarven style.¡± Rona corrects her, already marching on.
¡°You voted for moving together, no backing out now!¡± I shrug and follow the shortie. ¡°Who knows, they might have some magical gadget in here that helps your animals fly.¡± I lie through my teeth.
I see Kayla¡¯s eyes sparkle at my simple bait and she joins me only after a moment of contemplation, soon followed by the whole procession amidst quiet grumbling. Walking through the simple yet massive door we find ourselves in a spacious entrance hall. A student sits at what should be a reception desk buried beneath heaps of paper.
Unlike the previous places where paintings, plants, or other subtle decorations filled every corridor, here we see¡ everything. Weird boxes with gears and inscriptions on shelves, swords shaped like antlers on the wall, a suit of armor so big even a full-grow Valka would find it loose, and countless other gadgets and tools on display. On the two sides of the desk and the paper mountain are two reinforced doors, seemingly to keep something out¡ or in.
¡°What can I do for you?¡± Asks the halfling without raising his head from the papers.
¡°Uhm, I¡¯d like to see¡ stuff?¡± I ask.
¡°I¡¯m here to see the equipment and apply for membership.¡± Rona answers with purpose.
The student wordlessly nods to his left and so in we go. And, well¡ here I was thinking I am disorganized.
Despite being the first day of the Academy or maybe not even that, the people here buzz around their workstations with tools ranging from the size of toothpicks to even massive war hammers. Fires of different colors blaze in one corner along with complex structures of pipes, gears, rods, and whatever fucked up shapes those might be are being assembled amidst heated arguing.
Gadgets of unimaginable purpose litter the floor like pebbles on a road and the air is rich with all kinds of smell. All this heated work on one side gives a stark contrast to the students and adults quietly tinkering on their tables with gentle flashes of magic and occasional curses across the massive workshop.
There¡¯s one unifying element though that shows this place truly is one big organism instead of different professions lumped into one room; the wall. They are plastered with paper upon paper, plans upon drawings of tools, Runes, mechanical designs, metallurgical instructions, and meshes of the Grand String¡
It¡¯s the most beautiful nightmare I¡¯ve ever seen.
While I let my eyes roam free Rona already gets down to business and the others¡ I hear them back out where we came from in silent unison.
Cowards. So what if something explodes, it¡¯s just part of the process.
I¡¯m drawn to the corner where Inscriptions adorn the walls in the dozens, scuttling to the people carving or building the lines of magical order on the different parts.
It becomes instantly apparent that any simple function like structural reinforcement is solved using dwarven Runes while the more complicated parts¡ I think this blows wind in a cone with adjustable output¡ maybe¡ so complex stuff requires either the Grand String for fine-tuning or the Flow for a direct outcome.
A good example would be this formation of fire that should fly spirally and be shaped like¡ a bird?
The Flow is weird because it¡¯s like a painting without all the freedom one would expect from the art of drawing.
¡°Hmm, a curious mind you are.¡± An older gnome speaks up from behind my back. ¡°The art of inscriptions you like, join you must!¡± He nods as if it is already decided.
And what¡¯s wrong with him? Why is he talking like that?
¡°I¡¯m just looking around.¡± I try to give myself a bit more wiggle room.
¡°Much more than looking you do, studying, hmmm.¡± He waves for me to follow and for some reason I do. ¡°Some people, all do, no desire. You, much desire but¡ conflicted. Why?¡±
You no speak normal, why?
¡°I don¡¯t want to make any rash decisions.¡± I answer half truthfully.
I know too little for now to make important decisions. I like inscriptions and almost everyone has encouraged me to pursue this calling¡ but I¡¯m nearly certain I¡¯ll regret it in the future in the heat of battle.
¡°Stupid.¡± The gnome says without a hint of malice or mockery. ¡°All the time you have, no danger, only opportunity.¡±
I¡¯d like to argue about the danger part but also¡ This is the least gnomeish gnome I¡¯ve ever seen. He¡¯s wasting his time giving me weird advice and being philosophical instead of productive.
[Labourer lvl ??]
Oh yeah.
So I voice my concern. ¡°Why waste your time on me? I¡¯m sure it¡¯s worth much more than to give life lessons to someone like me. Isn¡¯t that the gnomish way?¡±
The decrepit man chuckles. ¡°Something valuable I do, finding not talent but a spark of curiosity, yes. Others of my kind, too young, they understand not. Very productive teaching is. My time for three students¡ work multiplies, time multiplies, innovation multiplies.¡± He explains to me the art of sharing knowledge using math and his strange way of speaking.
It is true though, if he spends his entire life helping hundreds if not thousands of student master their craft then all their achievements are in part also his achievements. All their success is also his success even if no one acknowledges that.
¡°Now sit, show!¡± He points to a desk and orders me to work.
And I do. Despite my usual reluctance to do as told and try to preserve my dignity, I just plop down and save his time so he can multiply it.
Chapter 129 - Some Potential
¡°Your Grace, I have news regarding the incident last year.¡± A voice speaks from the shadow of the tree in a corner of the imperial garden.
¡°Have I not instructed you to stop reminding me of that failure of an acquisition?¡± The middle-aged man, calmly answers while flipping through a book underneath the shade of a majestic tree. ¡°A mishap for a price so small yet with such bothersome consequences.¡±
He is dressed lavishly in blue, white, and gold to match his blonde hair and gray eyes, staring into the pages without actually reading them.
¡°Your Grace the girl who died, the one with the invaluable knowledge¡¡± The shadow continues undeterred, knowing his master well. ¡°She¡¯s returned.¡±
Hearing the unexpected report the book snaps closed. ¡°Continue!¡±
¡°She enrolled in the Academy just yesterday. Her circumstances over the past year are a mystery for now however her strength has surged. And she isn¡¯t alone. She brought another one with-.¡±
The silent echo of footsteps interrupts the briefing.
Silence descends and the book opens up once more as another presence enters the garden. The heavily armored boots made next to no sound on the marble floor of the palace until a second ago and even now they approach with the grace of a cat.
¡°You Grace,¡± Bows the towering knight covered in armor from head to toe. ¡°Inquisitors have arrived.¡± Speaks the Flamekeeper with a harsh, blaring deep voice.
¡°Noted, I¡¯ll be right with them in a minute.¡± Comes the nonchalant answer despite the presence of the unnatural monstrosity.
The knight simply nods in acknowledgment and returns to where he came from. A man with the prowess of a thousand, merely a servant in the face of true authority.
¡°Do not lose sight of the girl again and learn as much as you can about the new arrival in the meantime! Also, I forbid any action we cannot allow for more failures.¡± The man, the voice of authority instructs. ¡°She is but a tool slightly out of the ordinary and we¡¯ve wasted enough resources as it is. We have our hands tied and the plan is far from ready¡ but time is on our side. Humanity will reclaim what is rightfully ours.¡± Orders the man before standing up to leave.
¡°As you wish. For the Cleansing!¡± Whispers the shadows as silence returns to the garden of the imperial palace.
The new bed was hella soft, yet foreign at the same time so my sleep was mediocre at best. The fact that my room lacks any personality didn¡¯t help either so I¡¯ll have to be extra nice today¡ Because I¡¯m a little cranky right now and something needs to counterbalance that.
A few stretches, lots of groaning and I¡¯m finally out of bed, dragging myself over to the set of clothes I found by the time I returned last night. It¡¯s obviously a training uniform, meant to endure the wear and tear Melana has in store for us.
Man, I had fun yesterday¡ towards the end mostly, I can¡¯t give a rat¡¯s ass about all the other departments besides the artisan one. I guess I know where I¡¯ll spend my days whenever I get bored.
The clothes themselves are not that much different from the ones the Fist provided us for combat practice with the main difference being the black and blue color theme. Black pants, a tight blue shirt, and some leather armor bits. Simple pauldrons, knee protection, a small chest plate, and hardened boots.
¡°You slept well?¡± I ask Valka as she emerges from her room, dressed like me just without the protection.
To be fair I also find extra protection most of the time but unlike me, she doesn¡¯t need it.
We had a serious discussion with Bennett and Martha about how viable armor would be for her and the conclusion was¡ She would last longer than any set or armor we could justify commissioning.
To top it off Val straight up refused heavy armor while anything lighter would be torn to shreds in any serious engagement considering her style. Her wounds would heal, but the material would not.
¡°Better than back in the forest.¡± I belatedly answer after some more stretches.
¡°That¡¯s not a high praise. Why do we even have to do this before breakfast?¡± She ties her hair in a ponytail and tears open the room''s door.
¡°Beats me.¡± I give myself a quick face wash of water and air magic. ¡°We should go, the others are waiting and I don¡¯t want to arrive last on our day of debut.¡±
Our other two roommates are either still asleep or just not that excited to see us so we just leave without a word. We¡¯re not quite friends yet because I¡¯m not the social type but otherwise I think we¡¯ll be okay living under the same roof.
We head to the park between the dorms where we¡¯re meant to meet up with the others. The corridors are largely deserted just minutes after the first light of Solaire touches the face of Aelion so we can avoid any curious eyes regarding our unique outfits.
The grass outside is a little damp and the weather is almost chilly compared to a few weeks earlier when summer was still in full swing. I¡¯ll take it, plenty of water to work with and all the magic I need to dry and warm myself. Sucks to be anything but me.
¡°I heard you acted like a maniac after we left.¡± Victor skips the greeting and jumps straight to the point. Gossip sure spreads fast.
¡°Shush, can¡¯t a girl have fun?¡± I grunt, accompanied by a mighty yawn.
Maybe I¡¯d been a little too enthusiastic yesterday, that¡¯s all.
¡°Enough fun to skip the Mana Department?¡± Victor raises an eyebrow and all my confidence shatters.
¡°Crap.¡± I completely forgot. ¡°Maybe today?¡± I offer.
¡°Oh, you¡¯re on your own this time. I¡¯m not your nanny.¡± Victor says without a hint of jest.
¡°It¡¯s gonna be fine Eli. And look at you¡ You two look so pretty.¡± Kayla quickly circles around us in our new outfits.
A rare moment for her to be firmly on point. I only need maybe a year or three to catch up to Val in the curves department, and then all the fine specimens will be asking me out instead of her. Hehehe, yes, my time will come.
August, Kayla, and Victor are all wearing the same training clothes to no one¡¯s surprise, although Kayla seems to have ditched the armored bits just like the brute by my side. Not the wisest of decisions.
I know we wiped the floor with the fillers the Fist sent along with us this year but that just makes me curious¡ Could the two of us defeat these three, all of them versus us? If all stops are pulled¡ maybe.
¡°Good morning to you too.¡± Valka adds the part we all missed.
She¡¯s still not close enough with the others to waive pleasantries like that. Although that¡¯s hardly surprising considering August is a human with a face begging to be hit and Kayla is an elf. Victor is just¡ he¡¯s too smooth, too easy to get along, it¡¯s suspicious. And he¡¯s a human to make it worse.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
I¡¯ve known those three for years now so the only greeting between us in the morning is ¡®You look like shit¡¯ and when the others sneeze we just tell them to stop it. It might seem like we¡¯re rude and don¡¯t get along all that well and¡ yeah, it¡¯s a weird love-hate relationship.
¡°Please tell me we¡¯re not heading to the tiny forest, that¡¯s the other side of the island.¡± I whine as we start walking in that direction.
I probably won¡¯t be allowed to use fire there.
¡°The Combat Department has its own building you know, the fanciest of them all.¡± Victor cheekily throws us a morsel of information.
That can¡¯t be¡ We visited everything special around the main building and none of those belo-
¡°Oh, it¡¯s the arena isn¡¯t it?¡± I ask.
¡°Nice of you to prove your intelligence is not all just talk.¡± August finally opens his mouth and I wish he didn¡¯t.
***
Well, the arena looks¡ as impressive up close as it did when we crossed the bridge to the Academy Island. Big, circular, and majestic, clearly built on an unlimited budget in case any tournaments are held here for outside audiences. While the exterior was jawdropping the inside is just a less haphazard version of the courtyard in Fort Karon. Okay, it¡¯s also larger, and houses way more inscriptions, constantly drawing my attention away from the people in the middle.
But the main purpose of the two is the same.
Ten or so students along with with Melana and another older man who¡¯s obviously a professor lock their gazes on us as we enter the arena, led by the second-year trio.
¡°Ah, last year''s stars grace us with their presence,¡± The woman announces boisterously. ¡°The young aces of the Academy.¡± Then her grin widens. ¡°But then what does that make the two behind them? Veterans, devils, cheats?¡± She giggles and shakes her head. ¡°No, let me introduce to you the real deal.¡±
Why the hell do you have to make things complicated, woman? So what if we¡¯re better, it¡¯s plain to see so stop pitting all of them against us!
It¡¯s far from my first time being in the role of the common enemy everyone else has to work hard to reach. A goal not too distant to work towards yet just bright enough.
¡°Jokes aside, go and meet the others while we wait for the third years. Just because you¡¯re a darling of the Fist doesn¡¯t mean your spot in any tournament is guaranteed. As you might¡¯ve realized by now levels and Skills only amount to so much. Fight like a fool and you¡¯ll find yourself on the bench.¡± Melana turns serious and nods towards the rest of the students watching us.
This is the part I was not looking forward to. Meeting new people is a hassle.
***
I learned a bunch of names I probably won¡¯t remember by the end of the day except for a few interesting faces.
The average level at my age is a respectable 90 but I feel like both the Academy and the sponsors of these students will try to bump up their levels by the end of this year. That¡¯s when the tournaments usually start and it¡¯s our time to shine.
Kids my year are even less outstanding. I¡¯m aware judging the book by its level is not a wise course of action but too much caution can also be damaging. Although, even with the restrictions placed on me I think I¡¯d be the favorite in any fight against these greenhorns.
All except two.
[Rogue lvl 95]
[Warrior 98]
The first one seems to be an elf girl with chocolate skin and silvery hair a bit more metallic than Valka¡¯s snow-white mane. Her eyes are yellow and like those of a predator, constantly scanning everyone around like a predator.
When our eyes meet she holds my gaze as if challenging me and trying to assert dominance but it¡¯s no more effective than staring at Fluff. That cute little bugger.
You¡¯re far from the strangest being I ever faced, girl. The killing intent and threat behind your gaze mean nothing.
I don¡¯t like those eyes and will show my dislike if she keeps trying me.
The other boy is as human as they get. Not too tall, not too bulky, brown-haired, and blue-eyed like Victor. Unlike the girl he doesn¡¯t stare at our eyes but at our mouths, and the movements of our bodies. Also, unlike the girl who seems wild and aggressive, the boy is weird in an unsettling way.
Their names are the only ones I¡¯ll try to remember, Thalia and Gordon.
¡°What¡¯s wrong with them?¡± I ask Kayla, throwing any subtlety to the wind. She will have to do since Victor is not available at the moment.
¡°Oh, I knew you would like them.¡± She comes closer and starts gossiping. ¡°They are like us.¡± No surprise there, considering the number of students, the lack of any other Blessed would¡¯ve been weird actually. ¡°Thalia is a dark elf, a branch species living in caves and mostly in the Endless Gorge somewhere in the Elder Forest.¡±
¡°Stop right there!¡± I interrupt. ¡°How can anybody live there? I don¡¯t think anyone would last more than a day, let alone call the Forest their home.¡±
¡°They play tag and hide and seek in the caves deep below the woods. It¡¯s dangerous but liveable.¡± Kayla shrugs, likely because she only heard the tales and hasn''t seen the real deal yet. ¡°Gordon is deaf.¡±
Okay, that second explanation was a bit too simple in comparison.
¡°The voice in deaf people¡¯s heads, how do you think it sounds?¡± Valka drops the most random question I¡¯ve heard in a while.
¡°You have voices in your head?¡± Kayla grabs her hand worriedly.
¡°When you have a thought process or a plan¡ Don¡¯t you?¡±
¡°No, I just imagine things happening, images and stuff.¡± Kayla shakes her head. ¡°Eli you-¡±
¡°Both.¡± I massage my temples, hoping this is just a bad dream and I¡¯m about to wake up any second now.
Before the conversation could continue someone taps my shoulder and I see Gordon waiting behind me patiently. He simply nods and points a finger upward.
I think in images too. The words form out of pure light, snaking out of his fingertip.
¡°Ah, so it was all a lie, he can hear us after all!¡± Valka points at the boy accusingly.
¡°He¡¯s reading our lips, you dumbass.¡± August speaks up again after a long while, only to insult someone as usual.
¡°Shut your trap or I¡¯ll shut it for you again.¡± Comes Val¡¯s response. A promise, not a threat. ¡°So what about him?¡± She points towards a human boy so small I¡¯m not even sure he meets the Academy¡¯s age requirement of twelve years.
¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Kayla shrugs.
¡°What do you mean?¡± I try to get a proper answer out of her.
¡°He¡¯s new, I¡¯ve never seen him before. From what I¡¯ve heard¡ he might be like us.¡±
[Ranger lvl 92]
Is that so? If we account for the restriction they¡¯ll place on us ¨C whatever that might be ¨C then this shorty is real competition. Another interesting face.
After a little chitchat, the big boys arrive like a real unit, marching onto the field of the arena as if they own the place. Both bracelets and their looks make their seniority obvious and¡
[Warrior lvl 139]
[Rogue lvl 142]
[Mage lvl 147]
[Warrior lvl 151]
¡
That¡¯s¡ a bit disappointing I¡¯m not gonna lie. The highest level among them is 152 which is only thirty or so levels above me despite being at least a year older.
Although judging by the beard that one¡¯s growing he might as well be much older.
Unlike the previous lukewarm introductions, the older batch does not even bother learning our names. They have an air of superiority surrounding them, confidence and poise their juniors showed no sign of.
However, that¡¯s merely an act. There¡¯s attentiveness and curiosity in their eyes, the gazes of a warrior measuring their opponent. Either their generation is something special or Melana raised them well.
Honestly, I would not bet on myself against any of them.
¡°Prick up your ears tiny terrors.¡± Melana addresses us, even though some of the students here are bigger than her, like Val. ¡°I¡¯m aware most of you know the drill and the workings of most tournaments but we¡¯ve got new faces so I¡¯ll go over them again.¡±
Her speech doesn¡¯t drag on too long and basically boils down to this; different schools compete in many different areas, however, combat is one of the most important of them all. The quality of the students they raise hints at the military potential of the nations so many judging eyes will watch all our matches. There will be three different age groups and three different events. A person can only participate in two events per tournament.
Why is that? So people like Val and me don¡¯t just bag all the wins.
The three main combat events are duels, free-for-all, and team combat. Long-distance archery, horseback dueling, and other such delicacies receive less attention but they¡¯re also prime opportunities to show off one¡¯s prowess.
It¡¯s extremely simple really and I hope someone else, anyone, has to go and deal with the duels because¡ I just don¡¯t like the idea of showing off in front of a large crowd. Even the idea of it feels uncomfortable.
¡°Okay, now that we all know what¡¯s ahead of us, start running!¡± Melana smiles.
You gotta be shitting me¡ even here?
Chapter 130 - Magnus
It was just a warm-up.
Running laps has become an archnemesis of mine after all the senseless spriting I did both under my parents¡¯ watchful eyes and back in the Fort. I¡¯m no friend of physical exercise and running especially has no place in my heart.
I performed poorly¡ of course I did. I¡¯m one of the few Mages here and the point of running as a warm-up is to work the muscles and not to see who¡¯s the fastest. That means no magic.
¡°Now that you¡¯ve all worked up a little sweat¡¡± Melana says after we¡¯re done running. And none of the physical combatants actually broke a sweat. ¡°While you catch your breath I¡¯ll be announcing this year¡¯s participants for the events. Third years duels, Marcus, free-for-all, Evelyn¡¡±
It¡¯s easy to pair names to the faces just based on the reactions following her words. By the looks of things, everyone here is vying for a spot to earn recognition and glory, making this environment very competitive.
¡°... Barnabas, Kayla, Victor, and August for the team combat. The first years still have to prove themselves, although I have two strong candidates for the duels already and their position in the free-for-all is all but certain.¡± Melana says. ¡°My decisions might change before the end of the year, but this is the lineup for now. Work hard and be ruthless kids!¡± She adds with a wolfish smile.
Are she and Zarah siblings or something?
All eyes land on us, again, and I think I¡¯m getting used to it. This must be what it feels like for a woman to wear skimpy clothes on the street and draw the eyes of all men, just for fun.
¡°Third-year sweeties, make sure your juniors didn¡¯t get soft during the summer. Shake them up a little while guiding the newbies around. Ah, and make sure to show them their place as well!¡± Melana assigns the roles. ¡°Elyssia, Valka, with me for a second!¡±
Damn, I was looking forward to being shown my place. I¡¯m not prone to violence but seeing what the so-called stars of the Empire can do does sound like a real treat.
We walk up to the two adults and instead of the wolf-woman, the wizened professor takes the reigns.
[Mage lvl ???]
[The general Skill [Identify] has reached lvl 92.]
¡°You young ladies certainly demand a lot of extra attention.¡± He chuckles¡ by himself. Weirdo. ¡°My name is not important I won¡¯t stick around for long, not in the Colosseum or the world of the living.¡± He giggles, again. It¡¯s irritating. ¡°Your charming professor had asked for my services to demonstrate what restrictions you¡¯ll be placed under when competing in the tournament.¡± The woman beside him looks visibly pissed by his comment.
I can somewhat accept the reasoning behind the penalty. Time is something no one can buy so we have an inherent advantage just by being older.
The walking corpse reaches into his robe and pulls out two¡ necklaces? Wow, look at those beauties¡ I expected a contract or collar or shackles even, not something so pretty.
Mana Vision gets activated right away, an instinct I developed whenever seeing something inscription-related, and¡ just like with the carriage, all I see are weird colorful jumbles.
¡°The principle behind these necklaces is very simple.¡± The geezer hands us the accessories. ¡°Whatever force or mana you exert, the necklace recognizes it and, using your own body and mana pool, sends an opposing reaction.¡±
That¡¯s¡ Savant is a bit speechless. Logically speaking, this shouldn¡¯t work. I could imagine fire or wind magic being countered like this but what about a punch or our running speed?
Instead of guessing I put the necklace on and¡ feel barely any different. To be fair I¡¯m not doing much besides breathing so let¡¯s put this beauty to a test.
I make a ball of fire, the simplest form of magic I can think of, and the moment the spell begins to take shape I feel it¡ Something is stealing my mana as I release it. Taking a quick look at the necklace and my hand with Mana Vision reveals the sinister workings of the little accessory.
We¡¯re surrounded by a thin enigmatic bubble, sticking to our skin, and gripping the fireball in my hand as if trying to crush it. Then to see how the physical restriction works I do a few simple punches and kicks only to realise my every movement is slower as if the density of the air increased.
My conclusion? The necklace steals some of the mana we try to use, weakening our magic and shrinking our actual mana reserves while also acting like a thin stretchy bodysuit that resists our movements.
It¡¯s brilliant.
I absolutely despise this feeling because it¡¯s suffocating but the one who came up with this little tool is a genius. Maybe if I can replicate this on a larger scale¡ No, later.
I quickly share my findings with Valka, who does not share my enthusiasm whatsoever.
The old fellow on the other hand chuckles again. ¡°Hoho, I thought you only had brutes here Melana¡ I fear I might have to steal this one for a second, darling. She piqued my interest.¡± He winks at Melana and I think I see a vein pop on the woman¡¯s forehead.
The old mage waves for me to follow, however, before I can even take a step the earth beneath my feet shifts and pulls me after him. As the weird of goblin would¡¯ve said; caught og guard I was¡ like an amateur. I glance back at Melana questioningly and only shakes her head with a sigh, not helping even a little bit.
¡°No need to be so wary, young Elyssia. My methods are way less crude than that of your mentor back in the good old Fort Karon of yours.¡± The geezer who refused to share his name speaks in a kind yet heavy tone. ¡°Who might that person be if I may ask?¡±
A weirdly specific question. Is he trying to make small talk before throwing me into the thick of it? Oh, whatever, if I flop Martha will look bad, and if I do well she¡¯ll only hog some of my achievements. That is if this man even knows who she is.
¡°Her name is Martha.¡± I answer. ¡°She uses lighting and-¡±
¡°Lighting, wind, and space magic, she¡¯s about as tall as you are and has a nasty temper when people do senseless or stupid things, yes.¡± He lets out an honest laugh for the first time since he started talking. ¡°The Thundering Magister, a talented mage, an acceptable mentor, and a terrible example for someone with your abilities.¡±
Okay, the tables have turned. This man might know her better than I do.
¡°I guess we skipped quite a few questions with that.¡± I step off the earth slab moving on its own and rather walk like a normal person. It felt weird. ¡°My turn to ask?¡±
¡°Feel free, after all this place was built to let the young mind spread its wings and search for answers on its own.¡± He says.
A simple yes would¡¯ve been fine.
¡°I don¡¯t think understanding the necklace was so impressive as to earn special attention.¡± I say and he grunts affirmatively. ¡°So what¡¯s the real reason?¡±
¡°Because you are interesting.¡± Comes the simple and ridiculous answer. ¡°I¡¯m not talking about your Blessing, of course, that¡¯s like telling someone they¡¯re attractive because their parents are powerful.¡± The man snorts, stops, and turns toward me. ¡°The way you fight, the way you think, your straightforwardness¡ It¡¯s refreshing. Not to mention, it¡¯s rare to see a fellow battlemage. The rest are too cowardly to go up close and personal.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Hold up, slow down, that¡¯s a bit too much information about me I never even mentioned. How-
¡°I¡¯ve met enough people girly, don¡¯t act so surprised. Your gait and your eyes tell me tales about what you can do and what you need to learn.¡± He taps his staff twice on the ground. ¡°Attack me, mid-range, I¡¯ll correct your mistakes on the fly.¡±
My initial surprise is quickly overcome and I throw a barrage of stone at him without holding back. This geezer is freaking me off. The ground shifts beneath the man preemptively the moment my mana begins to take shape, moving him out of harm¡¯s way.
Only for a wall of fire to rush at him before the previous attack even lands.
The flames obscure whatever witchcraft he pulls to survive without a scratch but not for a second did I expect it¡¯d amount to anything. Whips of water swirl in both my hands with electricity crackling down to their tip. The moment the elderly form appears through the fire I lash out from both sides to leave him no room for escape.
Earth rises to his sides to block and his lips stretch into a grin. But I quickly wash that smirk off when the trajectories of the whiplashes change, pushing my control over mana to the limit. The two thick limbs of water collide above his head before slamming down with arcs of electricity dancing around the air between water droplets.
He rushes forward, trying to confuse me but I¡¯ve expected as much. I simply abandon my weapons and lunge forward to meet him head-on, striking at him with my palm.
A fiery orb of immense pressure gathers in my hand.
The grin on the old man¡¯s face widens at my bold move and he finally speaks. ¡°Yes, control the events, add more variables, faster!¡±
His voice doesn¡¯t sound strained whatsoever and he dodges my attacks matching my speed using his mundane walking stick to slap my hand away.
All my moves are unfamiliar and cumbersome with the necklace dragging me down but I¡¯d rather get used to it sooner than later. When I fail to land a hit for the manieth time I descend into a dance of explosions, trying to cover a larger area instead of precise attacks.
¡°No, no, don¡¯t lose your cool!¡± I hear the old voice in a lull of explosions. ¡°Fast and precise!¡±
A slab of earth sweeps my legs out.
This is one of my most infuriating fights ever.
***
¡°I¡¯m impressed, you¡¯re very well-rounded.¡± The old man pats my shoulder while I try to catch my breath on the ground. ¡°What you¡¯re missing is something solid defensives, a finisher, and a lexicon of trickery. Experienced Wielders are difficult to fight.¡±
¡°I have it¡¡± I huff between heavy breaths. ¡°A finisher.¡±
¡°Oh, do you now? This day just keeps on giving... Do show more!¡± He stops and watches me with eager eyes.
¡°Mana.¡± I resort to speaking in simple words to save energy and breath.
¡°Ah, the Hadron is right over there.¡± He points his staff to a palm-sized white spot on a wall that probably hides a much larger crystal. ¡°But take this¡¡± He hands me a piece the size of an apple that appeared in his palm. Worth more than a normal house... ¡°I should be elsewhere by now so let¡¯s make this quick.¡±
I hungrily suck up the mana before taking a deep breath and tapping into my reserves once more, making my skin tingle as the mana saturation grows around me. Why I want his recognition I can¡¯t explain but I won¡¯t fight it either.
¡°Take off that necklace. I want to see your peak performance.¡± The old fart adds.
With the shackles off I conjure the biggest and hottest spear of white fire I¡¯ve ever made, and create an imbalance in charges so ridiculous the air begins to buzz around me. The wind rages and the ground withers at my feet as I aim at the large boulder raised to be my victim.
Right as the heat explodes and light makes keeping my eye open a real hassle¡ I let go.
The magical abomination I call an ace up my sleeve flashes through the air with an audible explosion of air before meeting its target. Rock shatters and melts under the intense heat, turning into lava and splattering all around.
I sit back down on the ground with my work done and let my mind and body relax, completely spent.
¡°Hmm, impressive. I dare assume inscriptions are your other specialty.¡± He glances at me and I give a half-hearted nod. ¡°Fascinating¡ We¡¯ll meet next week, lassie.¡± He plays with his beard before turning to leave.
¡°No, you won¡¯t!¡± Melana shouts. ¡°You can¡¯t just hog her after that performance.¡±
¡°Name?¡± I ask sticking to the principle of short and simple.
He just chuckles without looking back. ¡°Well, you earned it, didn¡¯t you? Name is Magnus, prepare for our playtime next week!¡±
As the old mage, Magnus, leisurely leaves the arena I return my gaze to the rest of the people only to see them glare at me like some eyecatching street performance. I quickly glance at the boulder still in a liquid state then back again at the students¡
Yeah, that might¡¯ve been a bit too much¡
***
¡°You just love being the center of attention, don¡¯t you?¡± Valka jabs as we make our way back to the dorms just a little over two hours after departing.
We are covered in sweat and accompanied by loud stomach noises and it¡¯s just the two of us.
Melana wanted to have a few words with us about wearing the necklaces for a few hours every day to get accustomed to it and mostly scolded me for¡ I don''t know. I assume she can''t throw a tantrum at Magnus so I had to do.
I don¡¯t care, I had fun. I even earned two Skill levels and I accomplished the goal I had in mind for today''s training. That is, finding out whether or not there¡¯s someone around worth learning from.
¡°I got a little carried away.¡± I shrug tiredly even though it''s still pretty early in the morning. ¡°Most of my tricks got revealed, the damage is already done but it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll just learn new ones.¡±
The meeting with Magnus was¡ humbling.
Putting the level and age difference aside, he demolished me without even going on the offensive properly. Every time I left myself open or made tactical mistakes he sent a harmless yet devastating attack my way. Devastating in the sense that it destroyed my momentum or trampled on my strategy, pointing out the mistakes in my approach along the way.
The main thing we focused on was mobility and approach. My minimal distance from the enemy opens me up to more attacks, meaning I have to be on the move constantly and commit to a strike only when the time is ripe.
A good example is when he used earth pillars to pincer me from all sides. There was no way for me to dodge horizontally and going underground would¡¯ve been like making my own Prison¡ So I had to dodge upwards, which is commonly known as a dumb idea.
But I had no other choice. I danced on the palm of his hand, failed to see the bigger picture, and got punished.
Magnus¡¯s earth magic was tricky to fight against because it somehow provided him with both mobility and defense. I was elated to finally have found a real battlemage but reality was a bit different than I imagined.
He focused more on small jabs and protecting himself rather than actual, devastating combat. It almost felt like taking the opponent down wasn¡¯t his main purpose all along. His control was outstanding but his offensive capabilities felt lackluster¡ Am I doing this wrong?
All in all, my fighting style should be like that of a rogue¡ with a massive hammer and a ballista. Sounds weird and unnatural and either I kill my opponent first or do my very best to survive because I¡¯m not the most resilient or fast.
¡°What did that old fart have against you?¡± Valka asks. ¡°Didn¡¯t seem like normal practice to me.¡±
¡°Yeah, it was¡ wild. He said I was interesting.¡± And not much else honestly... ¡°What were you up to, did I miss any beatdowns?¡±
¡°Lucky, I was just a test rat. They were mostly curious how well my Blessing fares against different slashing attacks.¡± She shows me her shredded sleeves. ¡°I also had a few interesting duels against the guys Kayla talked about. They were passable and I feel like one of them also has a Blessing¡±.
That¡¯s¡ not that surprising, honestly. There are thousands of students here, the creme of the crop Valeira, and even some of the small neighboring countries have to offer. Thinking it¡¯s just the five of us here who were born under the Crimson Comet would be simply naive.
¡°What about the tiny guy?¡± I ask, implying the boy supposedly in our grade we know nothing about.
¡°That guy is scary I¡¯m telling you. He took August down faster than I did.¡± Valka drops casually. Oh, do tell me more! ¡°Somehow the shadows came to life around him in many shapes and¡ it¡¯s hard to describe. Arms, spikes, tentacles¡ the shadows just fought for him and August was helpless.¡±
¡°He should be interesting. Practice is twice a week, right?¡± I ask and receive a nod. ¡°That means we¡¯ll have to get up early again on Friday¡¡±
¡°C¡¯mon, it wasn¡¯t that bad. Breakfast?¡± Valka asks, ignoring my boastful words.
¡°Bath first.¡± I don¡¯t even leave this up for a debate. The smell of sweat and ash is too thick on me.
By the time we return to the dorms quite a number of students are already up and bustling about, throwing inquisitive glances at the two differently dressed awfully smelling weirdos returning.
After a few generous servings for breakfast, we retire to our rooms on my demand and spend a good few hours doing basically nothing.
Then I got bored.
Simple tasks like setting up my room take no time, and reading through some books about the Grand String or space mana theory feels like a waste of time with the workshop waiting for me.
¡°Let¡¯s head out!¡± I propose less than an hour after making ourselves comfortable.
¡°I hate you so much.¡± Valka grumbles before pulling the blanket over her head.
Chapter 131 - To Live is To Learn I.
I didn¡¯t bother convincing the resting brute to follow me around, I knew it would be a wasted effort. For one, ¡®heavier bodies require greater effort to put them in motion¡¯ which is very true for Valka. Also, since I was planning on messing around in the artisan workshop anyway she would just be bored out of her mind.
So I¡¯m walking alone across campus, relying only on my memory to find my way, taking my sweet time and thinking about all the brilliant ideas I could share or discuss. Oh, and I need to sign in to the Department, I forgot to do that the last time.
In the morning I threw a bunch of questions at Melana about inscriptions and the rules surrounding them when it comes to the tournament. I have to say I¡¯m pretty satisfied with how the words of power are treated. Basically, other than the free-for-all you can bring a limited quantity of equipment with you. Including anything enchanted or ready to explode.
Nice¡ except I¡¯ll probably partake in the one even where it¡¯s all about a spontaneous engagement so besides armor and weapon you can¡¯t bring much with you. That doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t make anything after the fight has already commenced.
Walking alone across campus dressed like every other student, all of them around my age feels¡ weird. It feels normal.
My life has been anything but normal ever since the Fist swooped in and kidnapped me, sort of. And although Bennett¡¯s words from four years ago had been proven right time and times again already I just- I can¡¯t¡ It still wasn¡¯t right. I can¡¯t remember the last week I didn¡¯t ask myself what could¡¯ve been¡
I know that nothing the Fist did was out of pity or charity and at the end of the day we¡¯re all just tools in our own way. Heck, if it wasn¡¯t for Bennett, I might¡¯ve ended up dead along with my parents. Am I thankful for how things turned out?
¡
I guess. It¡¯s not that bad. Especially here of all places, with a full stomach, outstanding weather, and opportunities all around.
While brewing over the grievances of the past I arrive at the black swan of the department buildings, built for functionality instead of looks. I follow the swarm of students, materials, and tools inside. This time I confidently approach the front desk and demand the attention of an older dwarf boy wearing an unsightly helmet of questionable use.
¡°Hey, I want to sign up.¡± I slap the study desk, careful not to destroy the nonexistent order of research papers on it.
He glances up and pulls a round lens away from his eye back to its place among the many adorning the helmet. ¡°Need to take the test and discuss it with a professor of the-¡±
Another slap draws our attention to a small elderly figure standing at the far corner of the desk. ¡°Sign this paperer you want, hm? Made your decision, you have. Good.¡± The same shriveled-up gnome smiles at me.
¡°But Master Nyrbert, she¡¯s a Mage, we can¡¯t just waive the usual test for her sake.¡± The dwarf protest, his budding beard ruffling up as he grumbles.
¡°Test take, she was. Supervise yesterday, I did. Motivated she is.¡± The gnome nods and walks back inside the workshop.
The dwarf begrudgingly takes the paper the professor left on the desk, grabs a quill, and looks back at me. ¡°Name?¡±
¡°Elyssia.¡± I answer with a victorious grin. Finally, something goes smoothly.
Was it yesterday when the gnome kidnapped me that I was tested or did he just lie? I mean, my second Class is meant to create inscriptions, albeit only on paper, like a scribe. Whatever, I intend on steering away from this whole drawing and water-based crafting style anyway.
¡°Level?¡± Asks the dwarf and I have to blink a few times then use Identify to understand.
[Artisan lvl 71]
Oh, how cute, he probably only sees question marks.
I quickly answer all his questions and read through the paper before waving goodbye and entering the workshop. Unlike the last time, the place isn¡¯t bustling with energy, heat, and ideas, instead, people stand frozen staring at a massive¡ barrel?
The complex piece of metal in question is like a thick barrel with wheels and tubes spiraling around it. It¡¯s gleaming with crystals, and inscriptions, and magic, and many, many different compartments.
¡°Dear student, greenhorns and veterans!¡± A middle-aged dwarf walks up to the contraption and slaps it with gusto¡ for some reason. ¡°The gnomes of the lonely north recently came up with a new toy of destruction after the losses they suffered during the last Crimson Disaster. A real menace and weapon of brilliance¡and today we got our hands on one of those puppies.¡±
I¡¯m starting to think I¡¯ll like this place for one additional reason. Humans barely make up about half of all students, while at the same time, adults here such as gnomes and dwarves greatly bring down the average height.
¡°This thing is called a Stardust Cannon¡¡± He hollers. Okay, cool name, do tell more! ¡°And it fires liquified magic.¡± Declares the dwarf and we just¡ blink silently.
Does he mean water magic, or lava or something? Or magic like arcane? Arcane is basically less than gas and I can make it weirdly solid but liquid¡
¡°I see you deliberating what this old fool could be babbling about.¡± He edges us on. I hate people holding back the juicy part. ¡°We only know the basic principle since the gnomes made sure the cannon becomes useless junk once someone tries to reverse-engineer it. Becomes useless quickly and violently¡¡±
That¡¯s one way to protect your secrets. Zarah did grumble a lot about intellectual property and copycats because, realistically, laws alone can do very little once someone buys your product and learns your juicy tricks.
My attention quickly steers back to the dwarf as he continues his weapon display. ¡°You load Hadron into this little beauty, then the crystals get superheated in these tubes, accelerated, liquified, and condensed. Then you fire and the energy in them is released. Sadly, we can¡¯t display the light show to you anywhere within a day''s travel of Sereban but believe me when I say¡ it¡¯s devastating.¡±
What the hell is he talking about? They use a solid material and then melt it till it¡¯s liquid to¡ extract the gaseous energy by overheating it. This makes no-
[The general Skill [Savant] has reached lvl 89.]
Magical Plasma. They are making magical plasma and by destroying the structure of the Hadron they are able to extract all the energy inside it instantly. Instead of gradually drawing mana from its core they use it all... Brilliant.
¡°The principles driving the reaction are beyond our comprehension and likely even the gnomes merely just stumbled upon this phenomenon on accident. But that does not stop this beauty from unleashing hell.¡± The dwarf chortles and walks away from the ¡®toy¡¯. ¡°Sadly that¡¯s all about the Stardust Cannon. We brought it to awaken the creativity in all of you for our next project.¡±
Wait, what?
So, let me be clear¡ they brought a weapon this exciting so we could look at it? That¡¯s like presenting me the chocolate before telling me I can¡¯t have it. To hell with your project let me tear that cannon apart, I don¡¯t even care if it explodes.
¡°We want you to create various launching systems using any element or method you could think of. Let your imagination run free and present your idea by the end of this week!¡± The dwarf issues the task that sparks the fire of creativity in many young eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll also-¡±
Someone taps my elbow and when looking over I see the old gnome, Professor Nyrbert standing next to me. ¡°Your purpose different. Using inscriptions for combat you want. You don¡¯t want to build things yes? Or do you?¡±
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I hate how I almost replied talking the same way he does.
¡°I mean¡ It¡¯s interesting. And I have thought of some small gadgets I could use in actual situations.¡± I answer, interested in both but unable to decide.
¡°Uh, like a deployable illusion?¡± A random girl asks from beside me.
¡°No, it should be something like a flamethrower boobie trap.¡± A boy chimes in.
¡°I have a mobile cover made. Can you help test it?¡± Someone else shouts from a few people back.
And the suggestions keep on coming. The subject shifts from me and the project to small portable gadgets and live weapon testing. All the young artisan minds spin with the attention span of a dumb newborn puppy, shifting from distant ideas to direct use.
¡°Don¡¯t be so alarmed, it¡¯s rare we get someone with actual combat abilities.¡± The dwarf who just popped up beside me shakes his head. ¡°We tried to coerce the people of the other departments into lending us a hand but after a certain incident¡¡± The dwarf who just popped up beside me shakes his head. ¡°Good to have you here.¡±
Incident, huh?
¡°By rare do you mean¡ I¡¯m the only one, aren¡¯t I?¡± I ask just to make sure.
Silence¡
Silence usually means yes.
***
¡°... so this way it creates an optical illusion, heat signal, minimal sound, and even a magical signal.¡± I summarize the drawing in front of me.
There are eleven other students surrounding the table as we work together on the same project. The snap group project came out of nowhere as ideas kept getting thrown around and¡ well, here we are.
¡°Then you¡¯ll have to find a way to make it face upward and stay stable, otherwise the light magic will fuck the entire thing up. The moment it tilts or the ground trembles it¡¯s all over.¡± One of them points out a serious flaw.
¡°What about giving it stabilizing legs? Maybe shape it like a disk instead of a ball. Like a spider perhaps.¡± Another proposes.
I¡¯ve never imagined I¡¯d say this even in my wildest dreams but I¡ I enjoy this. Being surrounded by people and hearing them talk¡
¡°The mana supply will be an issue though. Maybe if-¡±
¡°Okay hermits, scram and eat something before you shrivel up at that table!¡± The dwarf stomps over to us and grabs the quill out of my hand. ¡°You¡¯ve been sitting here for five hours now. Lunchtime is already over.¡±
Huh? No way my stomach failed to notify me, this never happened before.
¡°Then in the afternoon-¡± I try to set up the next brainstorming event.
¡°No afternoon!¡± The dwarf puts his foot down. ¡°Lectures start tomorrow and I¡¯d advise you to visit the library for the relevant books for all your lessons before others beat you to it, there are only so many copies.¡± He rolls up the blueprint and hands it to me. ¡°Work on the assignment if you can¡¯t find anything else to busy yourself. The idea won¡¯t go bad just because you put it on the shelf, it matures. Now scram!¡± He shoos us away. ¡°Damn kids want to burn themselves out on the first day.¡± He grumbles as we stand up from the table we were glued to.
We leave begrudgingly, going our separate ways.
I wouldn¡¯t say I made new friends, I don¡¯t even know any of their names, nevertheless, I look forward to working with them again. Even though none of us have a similar mindset, like Val and me, we are kindred spirits. Our different points of view make sure we don¡¯t overlook anything but our interests align.
So food¡ Checking up on the others, and library and sleep. Sounds good.
***
Returning to the dorms I pop into my room first to drop the drafts we made in the past too many hours. As it turns out, everyone can use time magic secretly¡ The same way our seemingly one-hour-long discussion quintupled without explanation.
Just as I¡¯m about to head down to the cafeteria Valka bursts out of her room with a box in her hand.
¡°Finally, you¡¯re back.¡± She goes to the small table in the kitchen. ¡°Sit!¡± She commands me.
I have complicated feelings about how she said that, still, I comply. As I pull out the chair she places the box in front of me and hands me cutlery¡
Things are getting interesting.
She glances into my room and huffs. ¡°Judging by the bundle of doddle you returned with you were in the workshop,¡± I nod and hum. ¡°Wasn¡¯t hard to guess. I also went out to try out some ideas myself.¡± She says and I already know where this is going. ¡°I had no problem signing up for the Culinary Lab as they call the kitchen and¡ it was fun. Turns out they elect an ingredient every day that you have to include in your dish and at lunch everyone presents their creation for people to taste.¡±
I so know where this is going and I no longer like it¡
Don¡¯t get me wrong, it¡¯s good that she¡¯s enthusiastic and found something to enjoy and she does really like food¡ However, her creativity far outshines her skills when it comes to cooking.
¡°Please tell me it wasn¡¯t snails or something weird like that.¡± I look at her with puppy eyes, my hunger slowly retreating by the second.
¡°Don¡¯t be silly, who would eat snails.¡± She giggles and opens the box. Thank the Gods... ¡°Today¡¯s ingredient was turtle neck.¡± Oh, fuck me¡ ¡°I made some extra for you to try.¡±
This is the last time I allowed myself to be fooled. I¡¯ve seen this culinary anarchist eat liver with jam before so I¡¯m scared to even imagine what she had cooked up this time.
The contents of the box seem to be an arm-sized neck, cooked until it almost melts off the bone and some mashed potatoes. Where the hell did they even find a turtle that big? Then there are apple slices mixed into the potato and some small black berries I don¡¯t recognize.
It looks¡ edible.
¡°Go on!¡± Valka watches me with a wide smile. ¡°They said it was an amazing first attempt.¡±
That¡¯s not a compliment you dense¡ urgh.
I stab the fork into the goop that is the side dish and it just¡ gets stuck there. I could come up with an excuse and slip away, like saying I already ate or I¡¯m not hungry or I have to hurry back to the workshop, or anything really. It would only take a few words to escape and sneak down to the cafeteria where the real, good food is¡ There aren¡¯t even words to make a comparison here.
And still, I won¡¯t.
I can already tell there¡¯s one thing this abomination of a meal has over our basic feed. Soul and passion. That¡¯s two, but I think they are the same in this case. Valka made this with a smile on her face, she made it doing her best and she made this for me.
Gathering my resolve, I dig in, taking bite after bite to get this over with as fast as possible. The mashed potato is gooey and everything is drowning in salt but¡ it¡¯s not that bad. The green apple works weirdly well with the sweet berries and the meat on the neck is just a bit too spicy.
¡°Slow down,¡± The chef giggles beside me as I stuff my face. ¡°It won¡¯t run anywhere.¡±
Yeah, there¡¯s at least that much to it.
I keep up the pace and soothe my hunger in just minutes, leaving the box empty. Besides the bones that is.
To be entirely fair, I¡¯ve had worse, I survived on just roasted meat and garbage in the forest, and Solermo. The critical Elyssia would rate this a three out of ten.
For reference, Mom¡¯s cooking is five and Dad barely scrapes the bottom of six and a half on his best days.
Would I ever part with coins for this? No, absolutely not. Would I force it down my throat again if I had to?
I wipe my mouth and glance at Valka with her goofy smile and empty box in her embrace.
Yeah, I¡¯d eat it any day.
¡°Thanks for the meal.¡± I do what¡¯s right and down a few glasses of water for no particular reason.
¡°You¡¯re very welcome.¡± Valka beams. ¡°I¡¯ll make lunch in the-¡±
¡°No,¡± I interrupt maybe a little too fast. ¡°We should visit the library and prepare for tomorrow.¡± I quickly defuse the situation. ¡°By the way, have you seen the others today?¡±
¡°Yeah, Adele accompanied me and Rona left for the workshop just an hour after you stormed out.¡± Val taps her chin while putting on her shoes.
¡°Should we look for the troublesome trio?¡± I ask because making the decision sounds too much of a hassle.
¡°Ehh.¡± Valka also refrains from giving a straight answer.
Looking for them will take time and their presence is like a coin flip. It¡¯s either quite fun and useful or straight-up irritating. A three to two ratio.
¡°Leave it up to Luxandra. If we stumble into them then it was meant to be.¡± Valka proposes and I nod.
Leaving it up to luck is a decision I generally hate because the world literally hates me but employ way too often. It¡¯s the lazy way.
***
To find the library we had to venture into the belly of the monstrosity that is the Academy building. The only structure larger than this colossus is the Imperial Palace we saw from afar. Unlike previous times, there were no portals opening left and right to solve all our issues because as it turns out, that function is reserved for the professors and staff.
We had to walk, and walk a lot.
Despite all this wandering we never caught sight of either Kayla, August or Victor which would¡¯ve been nice since they could¡¯ve probably guided us to our destination.
Walking, climbing stairs, getting lost, asking for directions, and a lot of cursing. After exploring most of the building we finally reached a massive corridor about halfway up the floors, leading to the unmistakable view of a library.
It¡¯s incredible.
Most of my ire disappears as we enter the sanctuary of knowledge and I¡¯m awed by the view yet again. The wall right across us is¡ well, not a wall but glass. Windows multiple stories tall in the absurdly massive library provide a great view over Sereban and the docks.
The shelves with the paths and bridges connecting to them form a veritable forest of books full of treehouses and alcoves. The type every kid dreams of.
¡°What exactly are we looking for?¡± Valka mutters without tearing her gaze away from the view.
¡°Stuff.¡± I reply mindlessly.
We¡¯ll be here all night.
Chapter 132 - To Live is To Learn II.
We barely made it to dinner yesterday. Thankfully our first instinct upon seeing the labyrinth of a library was to look for the fabled pathfinders of paper and ink. Librarians. With a professional at hand, we expected to get the loot and bail within minutes¡ if only the services of the librarian didn¡¯t demand a hefty price.
The old lady kept on talking for almost an hour about the importance of books, the history of the library, and all the special codexes and stuff the Emperor himself gifted to the collection. I swear she walked slower on purpose and sat down every now and then to tell her stories in depth before showing us the few bundles of paper we were looking for.
We could¡¯ve just been done with our excursion and enjoyed our evening right after realizing the trap we walked into. It would¡¯ve been rude but that¡¯s sort of my speciality. However, her never-ending speech mentioned one crucial secret¡
Most lectures aren¡¯t just about a professor walking in and winging the whole thing, there¡¯s a script to their lectures. Books of old or even their own works like notes to guide the lessons.
Of course, the revelation wasn¡¯t worldshaking, or an omniscient ¡®now you don¡¯t have to study¡¯ solution but it does give us a little edge when it comes to taking notes and paying attention at the same time. We also got a proper guided tour of the library in case we need another visit and we didn¡¯t really have anything better to do so¡ Yeah, that¡¯s about it for yesterday. An unusual adventure that did not involve fighting or burning anything alive for a change.
Weird how accustomed I got to that compared to my reluctance when I was little. Good old times¡
Anyway, I slept like shit.
Worse even than after a night, lying on the cold hard ground and waking up all sore and grumpy. I couldn¡¯t help but get antsy about today''s lectures. A quick shower didn¡¯t help, double-checking everything didn¡¯t help, and even a hearty breakfast failed to lighten my mood.
Currently, I¡¯m stomping down the corridors all alone ¨C if we ignore the hundreds of other students around me ¨C hopefully going the right way otherwise I¡¯ll take this entire damn maze down. I¡¯m heading for a lecture I only picked because Savant is missing something. It¡¯s like when you have all the ingredients for a soup missing only water¡
Water in this case is something much more vile. It¡¯s math.
Trajectories, volumes, mass, velocity¡ Savant tries to make me understand it all in a grand framework I can''t even touch.
Upon arriving at a lecture hall matching the number and description I was given I check one last thing to confirm I¡¯m at the right place.
[Artisan lvl 71]
[Merchant lvl 67]
[Merchant lvl 62]
[Merchant lvl 70]
[Artisan lvl 64]
¡
Oh yeah, no doubt this is the place.
The seats are in the common half-moon arrangement and the podium in the middle stands empty, waiting for the professor. It¡¯s not that different than the room where I slept while Martha talked her mouth ragged, only a lot bigger, and quite a bit cleaner.
Irritatingly, the sound of small talk, the like you hear when merchants have some free time at the marketplace fills the hall to an absurd level. Purchases, supplies, profit margins, and other useless topics assault my ear as I take a seat toward the back.
And use some subtle air magic to minimize the noise.
To pass the time I brood over the blueprints we made yesterday on the realistic-deployable-dummy. Yeah, that name needs some work but the concept is solid, although I hardly understand most of it.
My head remains buried in papers until movement on the podium catches my attention and I disperse the sound bubble around my head.
A gnome¡ what did I expect?
I think this one is a woman, although the two gnome genders look and sound almost the same. She walks over to the blackboard on the large wall straight across and pulls a ladder over I didn¡¯t even notice before.
Don¡¯t laugh Eli, it¡¯s rude and she might hear it.
Before drawing anything she drags a stool to the podium and slams her stuff on its surface.
She really is trying to see how long I can hold back. ¡°Good morning students. I¡¯m surprised so many of you realized you can¡¯t leave every fine detail up to your Skills and that mathematics is the key to defining the world around us. Be that your wealth, the number of troops, logistics, or even the quantity of mana spent on a single spell.¡± I see her eye flicker my way specifically before returning to the paper in her hand.¡± Today we¡¯ll talk about linear equations and¡¡±
Oh Gods above, help this poor mortal in the face of her upcoming trials¡
***
¡°... Similarly you can use the equation to calculate mana expenditure. All you need to do is take into account the passives and their output coefficient, the estimate of distance, your Focus adjusted according to the soft boundaries, and the nature of the element. It¡¯s quite straight forward really.¡±
No, it is not! I want to tear my ears off and poke them through my eyes. I¡¯ll need to look for a general Skill to help me study. It¡¯s too boring and I can hardly concentrate.
The gnome lady moves on. ¡°More on that next week when we¡¯ll also look into the mana consumption of different inscription variants.¡± The tiny demon of Laplace hops down from her stool and bows. ¡°That¡¯s it for today.¡±
And she leaves just like that. Efficient, minimalistic, gnomish.
I hop up and flee the room like a snail running from the forest fire because my head feels like all its contents had turned into soup during the three-hour-long cooking session that was The Art of Numbers.
I think a piece of me died in the room. That wasn¡¯t education, it was torture. I don¡¯t even remember how many pages I burned through during the three-hour-long lecture where the gnome just kept going without even taking a breath.
There were basic stuff like multiplication, graphs, and then some weird linear equations. What the fuck do numbers even have to do with lines?
Forget it, don''t¡ don¡¯t even think about it Eli, just eat something and preserve your strength.
I came prepared. I knew I wouldn¡¯t have much time between lectures to return to the dorm and have a proper meal in peace so I smuggled some of the best parts of breakfast to help me get through this before the long break, before my last torture session.
After gobbling down the sandwiches and cookies I folded into a few napkins, crumped up and saggy, I make my way to the next classroom. Because of course, I have to navigate through half the main building just to get to my destination.
A hall stacked with seats again, only this time there¡¯s a huge flat square instead of a podium in the center. I guess all the students arriving here are mages or something really close to it. Mana Theory is basically the bread and butter for anyone actively using magic in earnest.
This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
[Mage - lvl 68]
[Mage - lvl 68]
[Mage - lvl 75]
[Warrior - lvl 71]
[Artisan - lvl 72]
They should be some kind of Spell Sword and Inscriptionist if I had to guess. Cute little levels.
¡°Attention students!¡± A refined woman walks in wearing a frilly white dress yet moving with military decorum apparent in her steps. ¡°My name is Ingrid Morgan, former imperial mage and your professor this trimester. You speak when spoken to and will call me Ma¡¯am or Professor whenever you address me!¡±
Her sharp blue eyes flicker over us, assessing and judging us in seconds. When it''s my turn to be scrutinized our gazes meet and I feel like looking into the eyes of a cold calculating predator seeing me as nothing more than a cut of meat instead of a person.
Still, I don¡¯t avert my gaze because the sensation is one I¡¯m quite familiar with.
A small, nearly invisible smile flashes across the professor''s face before continuing with her inspection. Her blonde hair is cut short as it is advised in combat to not get in the way and her build, despite being covered by a white dress, is that of a seasoned fighter. Lean, powerful, and built through pressure instead of empty exercises.
There¡¯s clear confusion on many faces due to the sharp militaristic turn in the presentation, something I¡¯m personally more used to than the sweet old storytelling type of lecture. A wave of murmur washes through the hall as my fellow students chit-chat about the teacher like students usually do. Grave mistake.
The lady snaps her finger and a rumbling explosion silences everyone. ¡°Silence! I won''t be repeating myself.¡±
I like her, she reminds me of Martha a little.
¡°Today¡¯s topic will be the cornerstone of all magic, mana.¡± She pulls out a raw piece of Hadron crystal to represent pure magic. ¡°We could dive into lengthy discussions about what mana is and how it came to be¡ We won''t.¡± A cold smile climbs onto her face. ¡°People more well versed than me and far outshining any of you had tried to answer the question and could merely scratch the surface. It¡¯d be a bootless errand and time is precious. Instead of talking about what we don¡¯t know, let us assess what exactly it is we¡¯re working with.¡±
What is mana¡ Such a simple yet complicated question. I myself have often pondered on it but found no answer.
Mana is an energy of some sort... Then again what kind of energy? Kinetic, electromagnetic, thermal, all of them at the same time? With Skills mana can be converted into any of them, however, it''s not true in reverse¡
It''s even less tangible than simple energy and is just part of reality, like time. It is somehow drawn to the soul and the will residing within, like a moth to the light. It is influenced by the surroundings and vice versa shaping its environment, convertible and intangible yet¡ somehow so easily wielded.
It wouldn¡¯t even surprise me if mana turned out to be alive or guided by someone.
¡°... every second we breathe mana in the air, eat the residue mana in our food, or even take a¡¡± She stops herself from naming a third example and I can guess why. It would¡¯ve been about stuff coming out of us. ¡°The reason why we can shape the mana has something to do with our bodies, more specifically the mana vessel, acting like channels and floodgates we can consciously open and close.¡±
That does sound a little dumbed down. According to the theory of the Grand String, the inscription is unable to perfectly replicate magic executed by the living mainly because the mana vessel is not static. It moves and readjusts itself according to our needs.
¡°The same part of our being is also responsible for producing a specific element from the mixture of mana we absorb from the surroundings. I would love to tell you about the how or the why except every time we dissected a creature we found no evidence of this so-called mana vessel and can only theorize on its existence.¡± Professor Ingrid explains.
To sum it up; we use something we don¡¯t know almost anything about to complete a process we don¡¯t understand only to change the world in a way we have not yet explored.
Is this really a lecture I want to attend?
To be fair, Savant or not I also understand very little of what arcane is. All the talk about it being the Breath of Aelion or the power of Gods or a spark of life and none of it has been proven for thousands of years.
Of course, Laplace and the other Gods refuse to part with that particular knowledge no matter how much people prayed or whatever they offered. Just like wherever we tried to make them spill the beans about the Journey Guide.
Those Gods are so damn stingy.
***
¡°... but discussing the mysteries of the world is another topic for another professor to share.¡± Professor Ingrid finishes another monologue while I¡¯m preoccupied thinking about stuff. ¡°Inherent mana density in nature is quite the fascinating subject I have to admit. You must all be aware by now that the difficulty of influencing objects highly depends on the amount of mana residing in them. In the case of living beings, you have to multiply that by their Endurance. It¡¯s a nightmare.¡± She huffs and I can attest to that. ¡°It¡¯s almost as if mana had mass, don¡¯t you think? Just another irritating property that makes identifying the arcane all the more troublesome.¡±
That¡¯s the tricky thing about armor and weapons. Blacksmiths usually saturate the material with mana in the process of shaping the metal by using their Skills making gear off-limit for us Mages to mess with. Worse even every weapon user normally has a Skill binding their equipment to them and flooding it with even more mana¡
Wresting for the equipment is just a waste of energy.
¡°Lastly a snack for thought; why does the capacity of a Hadron crystal grow exponentially along with its size? Shouldn¡¯t one plus one simply become two? Prepare your answers, we¡¯ll see each other in two days.¡± She grins slightly before giving a curt nod and leaving. ¡°We¡¯re done here, dismissed!¡±
Sneaky old hag, that question has gone unanswered for thousands of years. She wants to mess with those who came in here unprepared and make them waste their time just for a simple shrug and guesswork.
With that said, maybe it¡¯s like gravity but for mana. The greater the density or mass the greater the pull¡
After sitting through two cruelly long lectures I already feel exhausted and there¡¯s still the third one later in the evening. I followed Martha¡¯s advice and chose only a few courses so I¡¯d have plenty of free time to enjoy the Academy¡ Yeah and yet here I am, walking absentmindedly as my legs carry me towards the workshop instead of my bed.
Traitorous legs.
***
After being stuck in the workshop for hours upon hours Valka had to swoop in and drag me away else Melana would have had to do the same. Her little scare was enough to make me think twice about pissing her off.
It¡¯s just¡ we were so close. Making a hat that acts like a barrier, repelling water on rainy days while also regulating light is quite complicated to make, and¡ is it useful? Maybe. I don¡¯t need one but perhaps some rich folks do.
¡°Brilliant, you finally showed up.¡± Melana welcomes us, even though we aren¡¯t even last to arrive. ¡°Come, today the training will be more personalized. We¡¯ll be focusing on things you suck at.¡± What a nice way to put it.
¡°He¡¯s not around, right?¡± I ask, scouting the surroundings for the crazy old man.
¡°He better not be or I¡¯ll cut his junk off.¡± Melana growls.
I¡¯m too tired and not in the mood for another crazy bout with some walking corpse of a mentally ill wizard.
¡°Since I¡¯m not proficient at being a damage sponge,¡± She looks at Val. ¡°Or a sneeze of natural disaster I had to call in some help. Go and warm up or something, beat each other up for all I care just finish it in ten minutes.¡±
A little sparing is all we do. I go up against Kayla first without her pets and only using her flower¡ tree¡ root stuff to fight against me like some sort of land octopus. Not an outstanding challenge to be fair, even without using fire to just burn it all to the ground. But that particular Class of hers is still quite weak and mostly for defensives.
Then I square off against Victor where we mostly work on our reflexes and try to anticipate the opponent''s next moves multiple steps ahead at times. It¡¯s quite enjoyable since we¡¯re both outstandingly petty and enjoy messing with our opponents.
Finally, the thunderous clap of our wolfish teacher signals a stop to the time we waste fighting in a half-assed manner. We gather in front of her with a few dozen other adults at her back.
¡°I called in some professionals to impart their knowledge and experience on you according to my observation.¡± Melana¡¯s aloof behavior takes a U-turn now that other adults are around. ¡°I beseech you to work diligently to ensure their time is not wasted and bring out the maximum of their guidance.¡± She glances at the gathering of veterans. ¡°If you may.¡±
They spread out, all of them homing in on a student or two like predators, grabbing their target and dragging them away to a separate section of the arena. A halfling appears next to August and drags him away by the leg, an old woman clad in flames walks slowly towards Kayla who backs away like Fluff fled from the panther while Victor¡ he¡¯s struggling as nothing but thin air is dragging him away.
Ah, the good old fight against an invisible opponent.
Valka is the least fortunate of us five. The hulking bear beastman approaches her like a walking mountain of fur¡ and kicks her away out of the blue. He dashes after her and gives her no breathing room in the face of a relentless assault akin to a rockfall.
Brutes¡ typical.
I glance around warily, having learned from observing the others get kidnapped by their new teachers and really not in the mood to get thrashed around like some of them. This type of rough love is something I¡¯d absolutely expect from the Fist but definitely not the Academy. Especially since most students around are silk-skinned pricks.
No matter how hard I look, listen, or scan with Mana Perception¡ nobody is coming for me. Then that specific conversation I had with Melana on my first day barges into the chaotic pond of my thoughts. It all comes down to my weakness and manoeuvering¡
Then hands grab my shoulder and all I can mutter is ¡°Shit.¡± before they carry me off my feet, away from everyone else, and out of the area entirely.
This is definitely not what I meant when I told Melana I wanted to fly.
Chapter 133 - To Live is To Learn III.
I¡¯m dropped in a not-so-gentle manner just outside of the arena on a large clearing. After solving my descent with wind magic and getting my hair out of my face I finally have the chance to check on the lunatic who took me for a flight.
The fairly young-looking elf with a cocky smile on his face is still mid-air with two sizeable eagle-like wings of fire flapping behind him. We flew too fast for me to notice it before but looking at it right now¡ the thing looks really damn cool.
¡°You may drop your jaws, it¡¯s understandable.¡± He says with a cocky grin I know oh so well. It¡¯s in our blood after all.
Maybe because I had a long day or just due to the abundance of cool stuff around, nevertheless, I fail to display any honest excitement and just nod.
Wings are cool and useful for many more things in combat other than just flying. It¡¯s basically a big fiery limb in this case that could both shield the wielder or roast any opponent up close. With that said I don¡¯t like wings, They¡¯re large and easy to hit, and although damage to them is simple to repair, any holes and tear would greatly destabilize the flight.
They¡¯re still cool though.
¡°I don¡¯t have all day child, fly!¡± He demands.
Uhhh, this man is already pissing me off and it hasn¡¯t even been a minute yet.
[Warrior lvl ???]
¡°My name is Elyssia, a pleasure.¡± I start off with an attitude. He¡¯ll understand as this is an elf-to-elf conversation. ¡°Was it really necessary for all the teachers to throw their weight around? I mean, I would¡¯ve followed if you just asked.¡±
¡°No, it wasn¡¯t, but that uncouth woman insisted on it.¡± He shrugs. ¡°She wanted to shake you up and set your spirit ablaze. To show what exactly you¡¯ll be working towards.¡± I swear his wings got bigger and flashier as he said that. ¡°And we don¡¯t have all day for chitchat. Now, make your own wings of whatever element to use and get to it.¡±
Wings¡ After observing countless birds and their effortless glide, flying with them seems awfully simple. Just flap and flap and whoosh and done. Although Savant did its job and patched up the holes regarding shape, speed, and air pressure. Another major win for my finicky Blessing.
With that said, merely pushing myself upwards with some wind magic could also achieve flight. Perhaps an armor of wind to stabilize and strong gusts to do all the propelling¡
Only one problem with that, it sounds really damn slow. I might as well paint a target on my back and stand out in the open instead of flying without cover and at walking speed. Sure, winds can blow fast, but without a proper Skill, you can only have two of the speed-stability-cost trio.
I haven¡¯t heard of anyone ever flying without a dedicated Skill since splitting your concentration between staying airborne and fighting does sound like a bad idea. Then again, I doubt Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance will ever offer me a Skill this specific because the class itself is too broad, too universal.
This leaves doing things the hard way.
I often use an element in close combat that has plenty of kick and gets things done instantly. Explosions. Well, it¡¯s actually fire but that¡¯s beside the point. It¡¯s all about things expanding and generating pressure and thus thrust.
Wind is still on the table but I already have something in mind. I¡¯ve been brooding over this for years now after all. It seems it''s finally time to do some experimenting.
I¡¯m an advocate of learning through experience, mostly because that¡¯s how I was taught by everyone since my birth. Baby steps.
I tuck my arms in, and hold them close to my body, open my palm, and try to focus the heat right at the center¡and BOOM.
The results are¡ controversial. I do move upwards quite a bit and with next to no control.
My arms feel like they¡¯re about to fall off from the sudden force and just a second later I¡¯m back on the ground on my bum.
I wouldn¡¯t even call this a baby step.
¡°What damnation was that?¡± The elf finally lands and hoists me up by my uniform. ¡°Stop fooling around and make a wing already!¡±
Oh, dear Gods above¡ is this how people feel when dealing with me? Thank everything that¡¯s good Mom managed to tame Dad before I was born¡
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. The old me would lose her cool here but that would lead nowhere. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I appreciate the guidance,¡± I say as sarcastically as possible because I¡¯m still me. ¡°but I¡¯ll do things my way. Some pointers might help though.¡± I add.
The man¡¯s eyes narrow and he shakes his head. ¡°Girly, better leave that pride of yours behind right now. Trust me, I¡¯ve been there. Wings are the most reliable and versatile tool for flight and they¡¯d complement your style greatly.¡±
That¡¯s¡ wait, he used his head? I¡¯m speechless¡
¡°Heh, my bad I guess.¡± I mutter, unwilling to speak a full apology for looking down on him. ¡°But I need all my Skill slots. Flight is great but if there¡¯s an option to save a slot for something much more potent¡¡±
¡°That¡¯s a crooked path you¡¯ve chosen for yourself. Many before you tried walking it and few have succeeded.¡± I receive a fair warning. He glances back to the arena still loud with the echoes of vigorous activity. ¡°Definitely not what I¡¯m being paid for¡ but let¡¯s see it.¡± He stares back at me, a thin smile stretching on his face. ¡°Easier said than done, but if you fail-¡±
¡°Nope.¡± I cut him off. ¡°I might be young but I¡¯m not stupid, no bets. I have nothing to win.¡± Because at the end of the day, the decision is mine. ¡°But I¡¯ll say this¡¡± I mirror his expression. ¡°One day I¡¯ll fly past you faster than you can comprehend while you just flap those wings like a chicken on fire.¡±
¡°Heh¡ hahaha. You¡¯re on, kid.¡± He merely laughs me off instead of the scolding I¡¯ve been half-expecting.
I hate it when he calls me kid. I know he might as well be three times Dad¡¯s age because of how weirdly pure elves age but I¡¯m not that young. And even then I don¡¯t age that much slower, I¡¯m only half.
Now, let¡¯s see¡ I need more power, but my arms can¡¯t exactly handle it. Some wind to rotate and carry me would also come in handy and¡
***
¡°Let¡¯s stop here.¡± Says the elf who stayed mostly silent and observed me as I threw myself at the problem over and over again.
He also dropped a small Hadron crystal in my hand just when I needed it. Some pointers regarding my balance and stance were all he offered and I could not have asked for more.
¡°Just a little¡¡± I grumble, frustrated at the amount of difficulty this seemingly simple task proves to be.
I even took off that stupid necklace to bring my A-game.
Successfully lifting off the ground is the easiest part of the whole ¡®flying¡¯ concept. Staying stable in the air¡ that¡¯s where my problems start. And let¡¯s not even go into maneuvering in any direction.
Or landing.
Despite my best efforts to create a uniform and continuous output and form cone-shaped walls of air beneath my feat to concentrate the thrust, I¡¯m still wobbly in my flight and oftentimes overcompensate for every little irregularity.
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Solution A was to, again, use wind magic to hold me like some guiding hands. The only problem is that the shell completely thrashed aerodynamics and made my flight path erratic.
Option B was to go all out on output, blast flames to the max, and hope for the best. This honestly yielded the most promising results in both the stability and speed departments.
But if not for my temporary mentor catching me it could¡¯ve ended badly. I had zero control over where I few.
Option C¡ That¡¯s what I¡¯m currently working on. It requires precise control over both wind and fire so the amount of mana and concentration it requires is ridiculous. Working it out will take some time, however, I either fly or fight, and my stats won¡¯t allow for anything else.
¡°If only I could just make a few small bursts of-¡± I growl as my mana is about to run dry again and I¡¯m starting to feel dizzy.
¡°Enough!¡± The elf declares firmly just as I¡¯m contemplating setting myself on fire and using my entire body as thrusters. The clothes would not survive for sure but it¡¯d work. ¡°Return the crystal, now!¡±
¡°I¡¯m not done, I can fly-¡± I protest.
¡°It took me weeks to earn the Skill and you¡¯re obviously attempting it through pure control, you stubborn fool. I¡¯m beginning to believe my eyes deceive me and you¡¯re as pureblooded an elf as one can be.¡± He takes back the precious rock from my hand and a moment later we soar through the sky back towards the arena.
I barely even noticed him grabbing me and taking off but I most definitely don¡¯t like it.
The fading light of Solaire is already slowly dipping below the horizon, painting the sea around us orange. Only now that my absolute focus on the task has been broken do I understand just how much this entire day took out of me.
It¡¯s frustrating¡ I gave it an honest effort, everything this day threw at me because I truly wanted to bring the most out of it.
And yet it feels like I barely moved forward anything¡
I also expected a little¡ more from this place. Like, all that happened today was me listening to some old hags trying to stuff our heads with hardly useful knowledge and convoluted questions.
It totally drained me. And now this¡ I might as well have done it all alone.
¡°There¡¯s no need to get so worked up.¡± The elf slows down and we lazily glide through the air. ¡°I¡¯ll give you another decade to show me what being a chicken on fire feels like. And I¡¯m being generous.¡± He adds. ¡°There¡¯s no shame in giving up on a foolish venture if you were to give up. It might sound comical coming from me but pride is-¡±
¡°Oh shut it already.¡± I grumble. ¡°You just wasted your entire afternoon with me.¡±
¡°If I remember correctly it was you who asked for none of my expertise. I¡¯ve been tasked with keeping an eye on you and that¡¯s exactly what I did.¡± He huffs, likely reaching his limit as well. This whole training had been sort of a failure. ¡°Although I have to admit you lasted remarkably long. What ridiculous method you have in mind to achieve flight I don¡¯t know and honestly, I won¡¯t be around to find out either.¡±
¡°Good.¡± I answer curtly. I don¡¯t like this one. ¡° Now drop me!¡±
I feel the hands gripping me by the shoulders tighten. ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid, I¡¯ll bring you back and-¡±
¡°What, you¡¯re not fast enough to catch me if I fail-¡±
Before I can finish my taunt the elf lets go of me.
I asked for it ¨C mostly because I feel like the inner dark Eli is about to break out any second ¨C and thus I¡¯m now hurtling toward the ground at terminal velocity. But I don¡¯t panic, much.
This is far from my first time falling and nothing more than practice.
Around halfway to turning into mush on the grass, I sprawl out and start spewing fire from my palms, helping me get my feet underneath me. Some more Might would make this ordeal a whole lot easier but at last, fires ignite under my feet, roaring with my own fury and scorching the earth.
My landing is more aggressive and destructive than graceful but it¡¯s a success.
I throw the elf, my good-for-nothing mentor hovering in the air, a ridiculing look before making my way back to the dorms.
***
Upon returning to my room I just hit the bed and fell asleep. No shower, no lunch not even getting up when Val returned and asked me if everything was okay. Although after waking up and feeling much better I finally realized what might''ve caused my outburst. Why I was so... unbearable.
Mana poisoning. A mild version, merely the first symptoms compared to the sickness that hit me like a mammoth after I blew myself up four years ago.
Four years¡ that¡¯s a lot of time.
It made me feel like when one has a bad cold, with a runny nose and throbbing headache sprinkled with the feeble feeling of a fiber. It¡¯s awful and I brought it upon myself, although I¡¯m still not entirely clear about my limits.
The abundant mana around Sereban makes falling asleep a chore even to this day.
However, I can¡¯t exactly blame it all on mana. I felt a bit let down, and not because of the lectures and the lack of achievements¡ Well, not only those things. I gotta admit they¡¯re more exhausting than surviving in the forest.
No, it the lack of free time, the time I hold dear, and the time I need to digest things.
Yesterday I went from one lecture to a quick mediocre lunch, to another lecture, then the workshop, and then, only after that to combat practice. It ate up all my time. I was up and running for as long as Solaire was watching over us and it was fucking tiring.
One would expect the hundreds of attribute points and whatnot to pull their weight but that had clearly been calculated into our timetable.
So, I¡¯ll do things differently today, if possible. It all depends on how interesting the material and professor are really. If I¡¯m bored it¡¯ll feel like a waste of time and I¡¯ll be grumpy again the next lecture will feel even worse and so on and so on¡ An infinite downward spiral.
So next lecture, Law of Nature, do your best.
The classroom for this specific lesson could be considered small, just like the number of students present. I guess most people are content with the magic just working as it should instead of looking at the world and asking ¡®Why?¡¯.
They don¡¯t really need to in the first place. Magic Theory provides most of the answers for a Mage frankly and that fulfills the bare minimum. Knowledge does supplement our powers but invested energy does not always equal results.
An elf who could be twenty or two hundred years old just by his looks walks in after the last student takes her place, arriving almost late. His lighter brown skin, brown hair, and brown eyes almost make him look like a living tree. Which all elves sort of are, considering the World Tree is the mother of all elves.
¡°Soon to be scholars and intellectuals of Eborden. I greet thee to my lesson where we glance into the mysteries of the world. My humble name is Eliot and we¡¯ve gathered here to dismantle us and gain a more profound understanding of the world around us.¡± He walks up to the wall at the podium and starts writing on it with his hand.
Letters of light are left in his finger¡¯s wake, maybe his own magic or another wonder of the Academy¡ it''s cool nonetheless.
¡°Today¡¯s topic will be something undemanding to shake us into form¡ Let us examine water.¡± He pulls out a glass of water from seemingly nowhere. ¡°One of the fundamental components of life. We use it every day yet what you see as water is just a tiny portion of it.¡± He pulls out another glass of¡ the same water. It¡¯s just water. ¡°This is saltwater. Contrary to the water in rivers and lakes drinking this does not end well.¡± Then a cube of ice lands on the podium. ¡°Still water, just frozen.¡±
I¡¯m getting bored. So far this lesson feels like a parent showing interesting stuff to their five-year-old child and those things have been rocks and grass so far.
¡°Now we will take a look at a more interesting variant.¡± Again a glass of water appears, this time with a bit of an orangish hue and filled with many tiny bubbles.
Okay, the material might be a bit on the boring end but the way he does that pulling-things-out-of-thin-air trick¡ He should talk more about that. There are no rings on his fingers and even if it''s a spatial Class he¡¯s doing it way smoother than Martha.
The water is cool too I guess.
¡°This,¡± He takes a sip out of the newest glass and then puts it down beside the others. ¡°Is combustion water.¡± He grabs a small metal stick, an igniter, this time from his pocket.
One of the basic tools according to Mom.
He injects some mana and the igniter sputters some weak flames. Instantly the water catches on fire and burns with a wild purplish light.
Now hold the fuck up! Either that is not water or something is seriously messed up by magic. Water doesn¡¯t burn, it makes fire not burn. Water burnsn¡¯t.
Savant tingles again and some messy information about oxygen, hydrogen, water, and high-temperature drills itself into my head. If the things making up water split then it''s no longer water, if it is still water then it is not meant to burn.
That leaves mana as the culprit.
¡°Around volcanos or underwater geysers, the fire mana stemming from the heat seeps into the water. That fire mana is what can be burned while turning the water into steam. Next,¡± I¡¯m not even surprised anymore when another glass appears with purplish water. ¡°Umbral water.¡±
He picks up the glass and pours the content onto his own shadow¡¯s arm. The water disappears in the darkness and instead, his arm gets wet.
¡°As you can see the water can traverse between ours and the shadow realm. It is¡¡±
I¡¯m completely tuned in by now. Compared to the early lackluster demonstration the stuff he shows right now is like fairy tales come to life.
¡°A last one, but after that we¡¯ll discuss our observations about the interactions of nature and magic.¡± He chuckles and a new glass emerges, its content buzzing purple from time to time in an irregular way. ¡°Can anyone guess what this is?¡±
Chapter 134 - To Live is To Learn IV.
Well, that was entertaining.
Learning about new magical¡ stuff and then going through a boring discussion on how mana and other mysterious forces influence each other¡ Yeah, that part is largely physics and chemistry, and listening to their theories on why water expands upon freezing was gold.
Since we finished early and the Inscriptography lecture doesn¡¯t start until later in the afternoon, I have time to¡ to do¡ I don¡¯t know what to do. Lunch, obviously, but I¡¯ll have two unburdened hours for¡ I don¡¯t know yet but I¡¯ll have fun.
Some free time was what I wanted, and now I have it.
I can already hear the chit-chat and clinking cutlery at work in the cafeteria, a sanctuary of peace with way too many people. After grabbing a plate and asking for one of the twenty-seven items on the menu, I look for a place to sit.
And almost put my plate back to leave right away.
There, right at the windows at the back, sit Rona and Adele without a Valka to shield me. As I¡¯m about to blend into the crowd and sit in one of the corners like a social outcast, the eyes of the bird girl land on me.
My fate is sealed.
Amid not-so-subtle waving and words lost in the background noise, I arrive to eat with my two new roommates. Truth be told we spent little time getting to know each other after the first day and only spoke a few words whenever we bumped into one another in the common room. It¡¯s in large part my fault, I did not even try even though I promised to myself I¡¯d do better.
Our different timetables are as much at fault here as the lack of effort I put in to learn anything about them though. And these two are also really, really awkward.
Rona welcomes me with a small nod, which I return, however, Adele¡
¡°Hey, how was your day? Are you free this afternoon?¡± She throws the questions as I begin to sit down, quite a bit bolder than when we first met.
It looks like she¡¯s discovered a loophole in my no-talks-while-eating rule. She¡¯s not the first, the naive girl. Without answering, I take a bit of the grilled fish with a fiendish smile.
¡°Wha-¡± She catches herself, realizing this is not a battle she can win, so she pouts and starts wolfing down her food to be ready when I finish.
I take my time, enjoying every bite and relaxing without a rush. I even force my thoughts down about the upcoming lecture and all the questions I have.
Or at least I try to.
The problem with relaxing is that it¡¯s basically doing nothing, and that¡¯s boring. I keep eating while letting my mind run about what I should do in my spare time until the fork returns empty.
¡°So, I was wondering,¡± Adele pounces on the opportunity. ¡°There are these guys¡¡± She gulps, and I see her eyes search the ground.
¡°Continue!¡± I can already tell where this is going. This came faster than I thought.
¡°Actually, it¡¯s nothing. I think I have to-¡± She gets up from her seat to leave.
I¡¯d love to use the stone of the floor to put her back in her seat if only the entire structure wasn¡¯t teeming with mana. So, instead, I draw the water from my glass and slam it into her chest, pushing Adele back where she belongs.
¡°You¡¯re a terrible liar.¡± I tell her with a flat look. ¡°And truth be told, it was only a matter of time¡ Now, let me at least hear it.¡±
Because I can¡¯t promise you more.
Her eyes well up as I dry her clothes, and I start to fear I have a hand in this.
¡°They¡ they plucked some¡ some of my f-feathers.¡± She stutters. ¡°They said it¡¯ll make a nice pillow and that¡¡± She looks at me with shaking lips. ¡°That I have no other use anyway.¡±
The usual. Bullying someone for being even slightly different is as natural as Solaire rising at dawn. Heck, if there were only humans in this school, they might start to hate each other for the color of their eyes¡
Am I angry for her? A little. I don¡¯t really know much about this girl, and it was without a doubt that racial differences would be strong in the capital. To top it off, I¡¯m not the type of person to play vigilante or stick my nose where it doesn¡¯t belong.
¡°I didn¡¯t know what to do, the three of them-¡±
¡°So what you¡¯re implying¡¡± I keep my voice level and get to the point.
There¡¯s nothing for me in this. No advantage to getting involved.
¡°I- I didn¡¯t want to bother you, and I¡¡± She starts sobbing again. ¡°I just didn¡¯t know who to turn to. Ever since yesterday¡ I¡¯m scared and can¡¯t do anything about it.¡±
Obviously. She¡¯s desperate and sees a way out¡ in me.
¡°So, what can you pay?¡± I sigh and ask.
I¡¯m fully aware that I sound like a super jerk. What I¡¯m trying to show Adele, however, is that tears are not a solution. I¡¯ve been mostly raised as a mercenary, a sword for hire to solve any ire. Sort of. I¡¯m no hero, and she can¡¯t expect anyone to voluntarily pick up that mantle.
Even worse, we¡¯re not friends or comrades or anything... I¡¯m the one they pay to clean up after the hero, and that¡¯s all.
¡°Wha¡ I only have a few silvers.¡± Adele visibly trembles.
¡°Are you for real?¡± Rona snorts, her eyes clearly viewing me as garbage.
¡°You knew?¡± I turn to Rona.
¡°I did, and I directed her towards you. You¡¯re more wicked than the other one.¡± She nods without a hint of remorse.
¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment.¡± I grin, as is befitting someone wicked such as me. ¡°You do understand I have no reason to accept any pleas for help?¡±
Just to make it clear.
¡°I¡ yes.¡± Adele finally answers coherently. ¡°Sorry.¡±
This is difficult because helping them out would set a dangerous precedence and draw some possibly troublesome eyes my way. Zero gain besides the favor of a cutie but pretty helpless girl and all the drawbacks¡
¡°Hmm¡ Which ones?¡± I ask. Let¡¯s just say a common plight is enough of a cause for now.
We¡¯re in the same room which means this girl is mine. That¡¯s all the justification I can muster for now. And if she were to cry herself to sleep it¡¯d also be me listening to it.
Adele blinks in confusion and then answers with her head down. ¡°Second table¡ to the right from the door to the park.¡± I quickly make a small mirror of water and light magic to memorize their faces without making it obvious.
¡°Don''t go overboard.¡± Rona speaks up for the first time since I sat down. ¡°Getting expelled for killing them is not the right call.¡±
I like her thinking, but I¡¯m not that stupid either. Running to a teacher would be a cowardly and futile move. If the Academy couldn¡¯t root out this kind of behavior, then their methods are probably too soft in the first place.
It¡¯s been only less than three days¡ I would love to complain about free time, but this sounds more exciting, and even Val won''t be able to chew off my ear for a little bullying in this case.
I already have a plan. Me going in and strong-arming things would only be a temporary solution and might even exacerbate things. Simply put, Adele needs to show she¡¯s no pushover, which is almost an impossible task.
To do that, she¡¯ll need a few tools and a short lesson about sound in general, to learn what a dangerous weapon her voice could be.
¡°Don¡¯t you worry about me.¡± I shrug, likely failing to hide my nasty grin and apparent excitement. ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
I make my way to the workshop with the vilest contraption in mind to cause no physical harm but deliver as much emotional damage as possible. Then a little extra for Adele to defend herself and¡ Huh, what should I demand from her? Wait, no, that almost makes me sound like the villain exploiting the poor helpless girl¡
Damn doing good is difficult.
***
Upon entering the workshop, I quickly claim an empty desk, steal some paper and ink because I forgot to bring my own, and get to work. I only have around an hour or so to complete drawing up the sketch and get everything I need.
The goal is simple¡ to humiliate those bastards.
The housing should be something simple, then there¡¯s the good stuff and maybe a strong burst of wind to deliver the payload¡ Yeah, that should do the trick. She¡¯ll just need to feed the Rune some mana to shoot and then hold the liquid¡
I keep scribbling with a few heads popping up over my shoulder from time to time, commenting on my work, and adding to my vile contraption. A tension layer so that when the weapon is held horizontally, the load doesn¡¯t leak out, a buffer to let the gust build up a little, flight path stabilizers¡
I swear I¡¯m learning more from fellow students than the professors¡
¡°Hey Ben,¡± I call out to the only student whose name I bothered to learn.
Quiet, yet competent, the only type of person worth bothering with.
Weirdly, that description fits August perfectly and would make Val a waste of breath¡ Exceptions reinforce the rule, I guess.
He is the same age as me, which means he¡¯s my senior. has average looks, although by my standard, and is just simply a useful creature.
¡°Yah?¡± He calls out without looking up from the pieces of metal he¡¯s hammering together.
I get a little closer for him to hear and to cover drown out my voice with the sound of metal striking metal. ¡°What are our uniforms made of?¡±
It¡¯s a trivial question and the obvious answer would be cloth, however, I need a more precise answer. Different kinds of plants have different mana content and react differently.
¡°Why?¡± He looks at me with suspicious eyes.
¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, just keep hammering!¡± I order with a slight melody to my voice and lean closer to unravel my plan.
It certainly isn¡¯t befitting someone attending the prestigious institute that is the Academy. Or a fine lady such as myself¡
¡°What do you need that for, you devil?¡± He drops the hammer and steps back as if I¡¯ve just committed blasphemy.
¡°If you get it I¡¯ll owe you one.¡± I wink and leave for my next lecture which is coincidentally Inscriptography.
For one reason or another, the venue isn¡¯t the workshop but a random hall somewhere on the lower floors of the main building. I quickly stop by the dorms to bag some paper and snap myself a pen.
Yes, snap, as in break a branch of a tree.
The small plant in the pot turned out to be an Inkblood Sapling. The branches contain an ink-like fluid and they regrow pretty fast so it¡¯s basically infinite quills as long as you feed it properly.
A little sprint so I¡¯m not late, and although huffing and puffing a little I take a seat before any teacher enters the large hall. There are no tools here, unlike the workshop. The walls are tastefully decorated with what I can only guess functional drawings of the Flow.
It¡¯s like seeing pictures of what the result of the inscription should look like, every stroke different depending on the intended element. Zig-zagging for lighting, smooth and gentle for water, thin and sharp for air, robust for earth, and so on. Of course, there¡¯s a lot more to this art than doddling something and hoping for a result.
The increased diversity is still present, just like in the workshop, although not because non-human races are better at crafting or anything like that. We just aren¡¯t allowed to fulfill bureaucratic or military roles because¡ paranoia, probably.
Only humans are allowed to be generals in the military or governors across the Empire.
Not even a minute after my hurried arrival, not just one but two adults enter the lecture hall. Their height only adds up to a single adult, though, since both the dwarf and the gnome would be easy to lose in a crowd.
Even before the room quiets down or they arrive at the podium, the dwarf bellows in the usual strong and deep voice I¡¯ve grown used to from his species. ¡°Silence or leave! This profession requires concentration and precision because lives can depend on the quality of your work. If you can¡¯t shut your trap for three hours, then you¡¯re not cut out for being an artisan.¡±
The effectiveness of his warning rivals that of Martha¡¯s zaps. The room goes quiet without even the sound of coughing, farting, or loud breathing.
¡°Now that we have your attention, it¡¯s time for us to introduce ourselves.¡± Speaks up the gnome with his considerably quieter voice. ¡°You can call me Naagback, and this is-¡±
¡°Gorfin.¡± The dwarf introduces himself.
¡°Yes¡¡± The Naagback gives him the side-eye and continues. ¡°You might be wondering what led to two teachers being assigned to explain only one simple subject.¡± His question is met with silence, the aftereffect of the dwarf¡¯s declaration. ¡°We can be¡ partial when it comes to preferences regarding inscriptions.¡±
I can imagine why. Runes for the dwarf and the Grand String for the gnome.
¡°And so we¡¯ll teach you both the stable dwarven artisanry and the gnomish analytical crafting.¡± Adds Professor Gorfin, likely yearning for some of the spotlight himself.
I think these two might be best pals. Val and I can sometimes guess each other¡¯s thoughts and tell what the other wants before they themselves realize it, but these two can finish sentences like a tag-team.
¡°The first branch of the craft to be examined was decided very carefully, to give you a solid basis of-¡±
¡°He won the coin flip.¡± The dwarf interrupts his scrawnier colleague. ¡°Warm up your wrists because this will take a while.¡±
Gnomes are usually calm and composed by nature, although this one seems to be reaching his limit. ¡°Why did I even take this job¡¡± He grumbles not quietly enough. ¡°Indeed, we¡¯ll learn the basics of the Grand String today.¡±
He pulls out a scroll from his vest and throws it at the wall to his back after unrolling it. As the paper meets the stone, it merges with it, and a web of magical lines grows out from the center. The thickness of the lines, their curves, and the many additional parts like zig-zagging lines, a circle, and honestly just¡ It¡¯s a lot.
¡°The ancient gnomish inscription technique attempts to mimic the mana vessel found in us Wielders on a theoretical basis. The web has a core where we infuse or store mana while the lines and the forums determine the result. Adding and reusing parts allows for infinite possibilities, however, mistakes on the web create problems just as significant. One poorly constructed line or faulty forum can make any other element obsolete down the line.¡±
¡°It¡¯s overly complex and incredibly fragile.¡± Comes the short version from the dwarf.
¡°Any complex magical item, be that a spatial ring or personal shield, is created using the String because of its versatility.¡± The gnome hisses in response before clearing his throat. ¡°First, draw a thin straight line with your mana ink or whatever Skill your Class offers for the purpose of making Inscriptions.¡± I comply, and as it turns out, my Dexterity is nowhere near enough to simply make ramrod straight lines freehanded. ¡°Now connect a triangle at one of its corners, and we¡¯ll draw the core¡¡±
***
¡°... the radius of the curve is too wide and the line thickness at the earth forum is not up to standard.¡± The gnome criticizes my work as the lecture comes to an end. ¡°You also forgot to add an equalizer before defining the shape.¡±
This is my first real attempt you fucker!
Gods, how much I hate the word standard already¡ So what if the lines are not perfect or the mana flow might be too much for the shape to¡ Oh yeah, it wouldn¡¯t work. Or even explode in the worst-case scenario. Man, this is stupid.
Of course, I only complain in my head and mutter a weak. ¡°Thank you.¡± Before taking my paper with twitching eyebrows and leaving the lecture hall.
Right after stepping through that door, I tear the valuable paper and all my hard work into shreds and set it on fire for good measure. The other students observe my crazed behavior for a few seconds before moving on with knowing grins.
It¡¯s not that it wasn¡¯t interesting or I didn¡¯t learn anything but more like¡ I wanted to do creative stuff and not just follow the standard.
Was it worth anything?
[Your class Skill [Canals of Mana] has reached lvl 28.]
[Your class Skill [Perfect Strokes ] has reached lvl 26-> 27.]
[Your class Skill [Mistakes be Gone] has reached lvl 21-> 23.]
[Your class Skill [Merciless Scrutiny] has reached lvl 18.]
[The general Skill [Maintained Magic ] has reached lvl 87.]
Worth anything it definitely has. Although the improvements themselves speak volumes about my experience throughout this lecture.
Anyway, Ben should probably have the acid ready, so let¡¯s set up everything for the show.
***
¡°O~oh Ben!¡± I skip into the workshop, drawing a few eyes as I look for the poor dude who forgot to say no to my request.
I find him pretty quickly, sitting at a smelter and pretending he didn¡¯t hear me. As I approach, he holds out a vial without saying a word or even looking my way. He had to have stolen this stuff, probably. Let¡¯s be real; it doesn¡¯t sound like the common material you¡¯d find on any shelf.
¡°I greatly appreciate your contribution. It will be remembered.¡± I giggle and start rummaging through the metal scraps.
¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± He sighs. ¡°And I saw your blueprint, you won¡¯t be able to make the casing, you are no blacksmith.¡±
I ignore his considerate but clueless words and keep searching until I find enough mana-poor iron bits. Without smelting or planning or tools, I just slap them onto a workbench and start shaping. It feels like kneading incredibly thick dough because metal is stubborn, and the mana in it is still at least twice that found in the ground.
Working with metals like this is exactly why I usually avoid it, wrestling every edge and curve is such a pain in the ass.
¡°Sloppy work.¡± Ben comments from my side as the cylinder takes shape.
¡°It will serve its purpose.¡± I respond without any sass. He¡¯s right, it looks like a child made it out of mud.
Now comes the interesting part, adding the Runes. Since I only know symbols of the Runecraft, and even those just barely, I make the most use of the books I got from the library and the fellow artisans around me.
I turn down every offer to do the finishing touches for me and draw the lines of the ancient dwarven mana language carefully onto the metal. The metalling ink and Mana Channels create a rim of liquid repelling force around the edge of the container connected to the bottom where the airburst Rune is and where the mana is to be supplied.
Done. Not perfect, but it''s functional.
¡°Who¡¯s the prey?¡± Asks one of the students, recognizing the liquid and putting one and one together.
¡°Some douchebag.¡± I really don¡¯t know their name. ¡°I¡¯ll be back with the results.¡±
Chapter 135 - To Live is To Learn V.
¡°... you flush mana into this symbol and then point it towards them, got it?¡± I explain the workings of the tool to Adele.
¡°I-I don¡¯t think this is a good idea. This is beyond mean, you know? And what if they attack me?¡± She hands me back my gadget.
Don¡¯t chicken out now, you big chicken!
I didn¡¯t work tirelessly for hours only for you to decide it''s no longer a brilliant idea. I sacrificed so much to make¡ okay, I enjoyed it. Still, you asked for help, and you are getting it, no refunds.
¡°Everything will be fine, Adele. This is necessary.¡± I lie through my teeth. I¡¯m no longer doing this for her but to see my creation in action, for science. ¡°Your Class is all about singing, right?¡± I ask, and she hesitantly nods. ¡°What can it do with your voice?¡±
¡°Oh,uhm¡ you see, when I sing, people become all happy and relaxed, and I can project my voice¡¡± Adele starts to gush about her passion as if all her worries a moment ago were just illusions.
But thankfully, the information I was looking for appears.
¡°That!¡± I interrupt. ¡°Can you increase the volume and restrict how far it reaches?¡±
¡°Of course?¡± She tilts her head. ¡°Those are the basics.¡±
Brilliant. I don¡¯t really know how the body works, nevertheless, it¡¯s capable of sensing sounds so there¡¯s an organ to overload there. Let¡¯s burst those ears.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be nearby.¡± I reassure her with a smile. ¡°And if they try to do anything scary, just scream as loud as you can, okay? Just try limiting the range, we don¡¯t want the entire Academy to hear¡ Uhm, you know, crowds.¡±
Man, I¡¯m starting to doubt my own plan a little.
***
We move on with our days. I sit through another boring math lecture while Adele does stuff in the Art Department, waiting for me to wrap things up and arrive at the meeting spot. Saying that I flee from the tiny devil of a woman torturing us with numbers would be an understatement. I¡¯m pretty sure I am the first to bolt out of the lecture hall and sprint towards my feathery friend.
Friend? No, not yet. That word has a little more value in my book, that has to be earned.
With that said the professor didn¡¯t lie about learning equations on how to calculate mana expenditure, the cost-to-weight ratio of Hadron crystal, and the adjusted value of mana. Yes, points of mana...
For a Mage to figure out the most optimal man expenditure would take almost as long as forming the spell itself and as I already know; time is of the essence on the field of battle. It¡¯s not bad knowledge, I just don¡¯t know how to utilize it.
I arrive in the park just between the dorms and the rainbow building of creativity before any of the actors and set up an observation post in one of the bushes. Adele is supposed to walk past here a little bit into lunchtime to make sure the place is as deserted as possible so the swarm of scum is guaranteed to follow.
Or at least that¡¯s how I imagined it.
A few random students pass by, but none of them notice me, going about their day, completely oblivious and innocent. Unguarded and unprepared for possible assailants, killable in seconds.
Wicked but lifesaving thoughts.
Finally, a familiar face appears¡ Valka.
She¡¯s carrying a box yet again, and I can already feel my appetite wane as she walks past me, humming a merry tune. Of course, there¡¯s no way I won¡¯t jump at the opportunity to mess with her.
I lightly launch a pebble at her back with plenty of power. It naturally bounces off as ifI just launched a booger but it gets her attention. She spins around as her fighting instincts kick in, hugging the box to her chest and looking for her attacker.
I send the next one to fly around through the bushes along the trail and hit her butt again from the back. She surveys the park intently, growling threateningly, and guarding her box like a dragon her hoard.
¡°Okay, Eli, knock it off!¡± She looks towards the bush I¡¯m hiding in with a flat look.
¡°How?¡± I poke my head out from my hiding spot.
¡°I can recognize your smell anywhere.¡± She answers and walks over to me.
How rude. I don¡¯t even smell.
¡°What are you doing in the bushes?¡±
¡°C¡¯mon, hide, you¡¯ll see.¡± I wave her over, and she reluctantly joins me.
Now two of us lying in ambush.
¡°It¡¯s lunchtime, you know.¡± She points out the obvious, and instead of answering, I flash a fiendish grin.
It only takes like five minutes for Adele to arrive hurriedly with the three pre- no, delinquents in her wake. As expected. She holds my little surprise close to her chest, and walks past us with a panicked face, looking for me probably.
¡°What¡¯s the hurry? We just want to talk about the pillows you promised.¡±
¡°Yeah, those feathers are so soft.¡±
Are they into her or something or just trying really hard to be as creepy as possible? Like, I know it¡¯s mean but they¡¯re about that age Mom warned me about¡
I almost lose my cool and start handing them their asses when they corner and pin her to a tree. They laugh like some degenerates, hyenas playing with their food¡
Shaking like a leaf, the poor girl closes her eyes and points the container towards the delinquents. ¡°Back away, please!¡± She threatens pathetically, only to elicit another round of roaring laughter.
C¡¯mon, do it! Don¡¯t think just do as I told you!
Pushed into a corner, Adele has no other choice. Even without Mana Perception, I can sense energy being pumped into my vile little contraptions.
Just a second later the greenish-blue liquid is ejected from the canister, bursting forth with a loud pop, coating everything in its path. The substance gets to work right away, eating away at the white shirt, blue vests, and even the pants¡
Noble dignity and decorum aren¡¯t spared either, melting away along the clothes amidst very unmanly noises.
Luxury clothes especially such as our uniforms are made with a great deal of mana. But when that mana gets stripped by let¡¯s say a light acid with minimal void properties¡
¡°You¡¯re evil.¡± Valka whispers by my side as we watch the young men get undressed without their consent. ¡°Should we cover our eyes?¡±
¡°Nah, there¡¯s probably not much to see.¡± I glower at the success. ¡°But be ready, they might do something stupid.¡± I warn her and keep an eye out in case they attack our deathly pale songbird.
Indeed, the reaction following embarrassment is anger, aimed toward the only person in sight and the one holding the outrageous weapon. The faces morph into an indignant rage, showing no hint of remorse or maturity.
The boys act like victims instead and pounce on poor Adele.
The girl''s eyes well up, and her mouth opens wide.
¡°Shit!¡± I mutter and do my best to cancel out any sound around me and, more importantly, around Valka.
It''s not only her nose that¡®s like a dog''s but her ears as well.
Not a second later an ear-piercing shriek shatters the serene afternoon of the Academy bashing powerfully the barrier of silence I pulled up. Stripping and area of air was troublesome but this¡ Trying to stop all around is a real challenge.
This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
The sound is abruptly cut off a second later, just when my head is starting to get dizzy. The four figures around the tree, both half-naked and clothed, victim and wrongdoer fall to the ground.
¡°Shit, Val,¡± I call out to my friend only to see her grimacing face with hands pressed to her ears. A tactical flick and probably some healing of her own returns her to normal and I issue orders. ¡°Grab and scoot!¡±
I take the box of what I suspect to be my lunch before taking off without explaining anything else. Thankfully, we¡¯ve been through enough problematic situations together, so Val doesn¡¯t question my decision and follows orders.
For now that is, it¡¯s gonna come back later. She will probably chew my ears off after this but it was worth it.
Imagine if I could make that gadget more compact, have a stronger kick, and deliver something far deadlier¡ I gotta get back to the workshop. A successful test demands further exploration of the idea. Not to mention the test subjects are expendable and numerous¡
What a great place this dumb Academy is.
We make a wide circle, rushing through the park, bushes, trees, and all, instead of taking the direct route leading straight to the dorms. I highly doubt Adele remembered to restrict her voice.
We settle outside instead of rushing straight into the building with an unconscious girl in our arms. Only now do we properly check on our brave hero of the day who stood up for herself.
It all played out a little faster than I expected.
¡°Will she be okay?¡± Valka pokes the feathers around her neck. I can¡¯t fault her, they really are insanely soft.
¡°Probably.¡± I shrug. ¡°I think the situation was a little too much for her peaceful heart and she just passed out. It was her own magic after all.¡± I sit down and catch my breath before the giggles take over.
This was fun, a lot of it.
¡°How can you laugh? She¡¯s in so much trouble.¡± Valka chides me, still trying her best to wake up Adele.
¡°Oh really?¡± I grin wickedly. ¡°Do you think the three noble boys would admit to them getting humiliated by a nonhuman of low birth, three versus one? Who¡¯s a noncombatant at that.¡± I add the last part to emphasize how ridiculous this story sounds.
¡°So your point is that bullying nobles is fine because their pride won''t allow them to go whistleblowing?¡± Valka grasps my idea splendidly.
As expected of my right-hand woman.
Retaliation is not unimaginable so either one of us will stick around Adele from now on but I think the message got through. I don¡¯t care about changing the Academy, or want to cure what is rotten¡ I just want my peace, which includes my roommates¡¯ peace, and the rest is none of my business.
After the explanation, I turn to the ancient technique I developed to wake up Val when she sleeps like a rock.
Insanely cold hands.
¡°EEEEEEH!¡± Adele jumps up, and I clamp my frosty fingers on her mouth before she can scream again.
¡°You did great.¡± I giggle again as her eyes land on me angrily.
This is a good day.
***
A little explaining was necessary for Adele to calm her nerves. That, along with the reassurance of Val accompanying her whenever she goes to do some singing. The rest of the afternoon was spent doing stuff alone-together, meaning we read books sitting on the couch or did our own stuff while randomly asking for the other¡¯s insignificant opinions in our own field of expertise.
It was quite pleasant.
Sadly our day wasn¡¯t over quite over or free yet. The absolute monster who put our class schedules together decided to add a bonus lecture toward the end of the day. One at a late hour at the other end of the main building¡
We¡¯re climbing the seemingly endless flights of stairs toward the top of the gigantic building that is the Academy to get to our classroom. The moons have already taken their place high up in the sky and Sereban beneath us is lit bright, mirroring the stars above.
The entrance to the lecture room paints the same scenery as the dreaded main gate whenever we try to enter Granhall. An endless flood of bodies trying to squeeze inside through the small door. The glaring difference is the lack of orderly queueing, so we just force ourselves forward using Val as a living wedge.
Stepping inside, a glorious sight welcomes us, something that¡¯ll likely burn into my memory for decades to come.
Glass. The Entire hall is built out of glass, or at least the walls and ceiling, to be precise. Rows upon rows of seats are arranged in a semicircle around a grandiose podium under the clear night sky, where the light of the moons seems to gather as if waiting for the professor to arrive.
¡°Whoa!¡± I gape before getting swept away by the human tide.
We move quickly the secure our seats in the fifth row, just close enough to not miss anything at the cost of chit-chatting while far enough so our eyes rarely meet the professor¡¯s. Shortly after everyone found their seats the door behind the podium swings open and a wizened old elf shuffles through.
¡°Welcome younglings, I¡¯m Sival Hamilton and I¡¯ll be the professor for your Lessons of History class. What better source than someone who was there when many of the fabled events occurred, right?¡± The voice of the geezer rings quiet yet I can hear him clearly, magic for sure.
I¡¯ve seen plenty of elves throughout my life, however, all of them look no older than sixty by human standards. This man sharing his knowledge, this only grandpa might as well pass for a hundred and twenty or even older.
¡°As children, surely your parents must¡¯ve surely warned you on occasions to be good kids, or else you¡¯ll end up in ¡®Hell¡¯.¡± The professor paces up and down, pretending to taste his own words. ¡°Hell? The home of demons, a barren and hostile place beyond imagination, filled with horrors and death. Something often confused with the Silent Realm of Malor.¡± He stops and looks over our bored faces. ¡°Fairy tales all of them, right? Has anyone seen it? Where is the evidence?¡± He spreads his arms wide as if expecting us to actually answer.
As a matter of fact, a few hands do actually shoot up but get ignored like a knight without a dragon to slay. The audience isn¡¯t supposed to disturb the show. Although the professor should definitely try his luck as a storyteller after retirement, or in his case, a third retirement. He has a knack for it.
¡°You can only confirm what you see, yes? So look up.¡± He smiles and points towards the sky.
Through the clear glass dome of a ceiling, we can see the map of stars like any other night. It¡¯s exactly the same as when I still lived at home and looked at the fat moons while lying in the garden. Am I missing something?
¡°I can see the confusion in your eyes. ¡®What is this old fool jabbering about?¡¯¡± He chuckles. ¡°The fact of the matter is¡ it has always been there, you saw it every night, just didn¡¯t know what you were looking at.¡± His eyes gleam with mischief despite this likely telling the same story with the same showmanship for maybe the hundredth time. ¡°Hell¡ otherwise known as our moon, Ebon.¡±
He drops the news and my eyes widen, looking at the dark brown moon.
The lecture hall breaks out into furious chatter and sounds of disbelief but the old man cares little. ¡°The Gods created puppets of their own. First, were the demons, driven by their desires to bring change and confusion, before the angels were made as a response. A cure to the poison. Since divine intervention is costly due to Aelion¡¯s reluctance, they use these proxies created to be more¡¡± He munches on thin air, looking for the proper word. ¡°compatible with our world. Still possessing a hint of the divine, yet entirely physical and within mortal bounds.¡±
How have I never heard of this? This is mental.
¡°Aelion still rejects them, albeit less vigorously, which is why demons use contracts to walk among us. The contract is meant to bind not only the demon''s actions but also its soul to the summoner. Similar to an anchor.¡± The ancient elf describes what is basically demon-summoning.
Is it really fine to just talk about straight-up demon-summoning so freely? To me, it sounds like a topic inquisitors or other holy orders would love to keep a secret, even if it means taking heads.
As if reading my mind, the professor raises a hand. ¡°I¡¯m talking about sanctioned summoners, of course. It¡¯s no coincidence the identity of Hell is a soft secret. Oftentimes, there¡¯s only a step or two between legends and reality¡ the truth where you¡¯d never expect to discover it. Anyone who digs deep enough may uncover it, but it¡¯s best kept away from the desperate and uneducated. ¡± Ah, there it is, pride mixed with scorn. ¡°Demons are more than mere tools. A simple wording mistake when forming a contract can lead to outstanding disasters. That¡¯s exactly why the angels exist, the residents of Lunova, sister of Ebon, to clean up after such incidents and guide us foolish mortals. They don¡¯t respond to anyone and borrow power from their respective Gods and followers to descend and do their duty.¡± He nods slowly and stares into nothingness.
¡°But, professor, there are three moons.¡± A hand shoots up, and a girl shouts from one of the front rows.
Ah, a soon-to-be teacher''s pet.
¡°Precisely.¡± The man blinks, whatever memories are clouding his mind away. ¡°The third, Arion, is not the result of godly machinations but is just as special as her two sisters. I mentioned a profession a few seconds ago, Summoner. Thousands of years before even my birth, the people wielding that Class were a terrible force to be reckoned with. Back then, another group of creatures more gentle and docile than demons were the ideal partners to form a contract. Spirits.¡± He says the world with a sigh. ¡°They only asked for a supply of mana in exchange for lending us their power. Like a catalyst, you feed them your resources, and they turn them into unimaginable miracles and landscape-shaping spells.¡±
Without a word, my eyes meet with Val¡¯s sitting next to me. What we saw in that forest, down in the ruin,s was an extreme example of what the professor is talking about. Those magical creatures, spirits, hundreds if not tens of thousands of them¡ caught and exploited.
And perhaps still trapped somewhere, away from their kin and the light of Solaire
¡°We were too greedy.¡± The professor shakes his head with a sad smile. ¡°We used, abused, and exploited poor creatures to no end. You see, they are nothing more than elements that came to life. Simple yet unique, with minimal intelligence¡ similar to a child. They are able to grow in their own unique ways and have feelings just like any of us. To their misfortune, that maturing process is quite a sluggish one. So over the centuries, they grew in power, intelligence¡ and resentment.¡±
Goodness, and I thought conventional slavery was awful. It¡¯s no surprise Tasmen is generally hated as the birthplace of slavery, but this is next-level.
¡°For thousands of years, this went on until a young girl by the name of Pandora took pity on the docile spirits and revolted. She had rallied them and unified them to fight against their oppressors through a small, unexpected loophole. Back then, she could not have known her guardian spirit was the soon-to-be Spirit King, Daimon. With their weapons turned against them, the people all over Aelion were decimated, and casualties mounted horribly. The war was bloody and seemed endless, and thus the spirits created a new home for themselves to never be bothered again...¡±
And making an entire moon for themselves was the best solution? That¡¯s God-level stuff. A real shame an entire species this interesting is out of reach. Just because some people in the past had to act up¡
¡°After that came the Age of Regrowth, the great dragons¡¡±
Well, this might take a while.
Chapter 136 - Explosive Action
¡°What do you mean ¡®attempt to fly¡¯?¡± Magnus strokes his beard as I explain my newest short-term goal. ¡°You either do it or not.¡±
Smartass¡
Yeah, he¡¯s back despite Melana¡¯s clear warning and has kidnapped me yet again to lessen his boredom. Not that I mind too much.
It¡¯s already been a week since the start of this trimester and things have progressed pretty smoothly since the little trickery we did on Adele¡¯s bullies. Rumors started to float about three boys found naked in the park the same day, although it all died down pretty fast. As I foretold, no accusations were made.
They choose their pride, as expected. Apes¡
In my free time, and especially on the weekends, I diligently skimmed through the books sourced from the library. Preparation is key and learning is supposed to be our main activity for the next three years¡ mostly. After I brought myself up to speed the lessons became a lot easier to follow.
And a lot more boring as well.
This led to me accidentally skipping Tactics Thinkering when I got stuck testing some brand-new adaptive water shackles in the workshop. It would¡¯ve been blasphemy to leave the experiment unfinished.
Those crazy bastards somehow inscribed water itself and made it into a trap that latches onto the target and tries to lock their limbs. I demolished it of course but it was fascinating and a lot of fun.
Since our coin pouch allowed for little lavish entertainment besides listening to some performers on the streets and a few snacks every now and then we had to be productive. I¡¯d much rather do useful but bothersome things over absolutely nothing.
Although Val has grown awfully fond of the weightlifting section of the Beauty Department ¨C yes, there¡¯s an entire building dedicated to vanity, yes, the structure itself is quite the sight, and, yes, muscles as it turns out have a category of their own.
I mean, I won¡¯t deny it, but still¡
¡°Just fly then.¡± Magnus looks at me as if he discovered the greatest secret in the world.
¡°I can¡¯t just make wing I already told¡ Gods I already feel too old for this.¡± I sigh and prepare myself for the same speech I gave that irritating elf.
¡°No¡¡± The old mage shakes his head, almost mirroring me. ¡°Remember, we¡¯re battlemages, not warriors to shrug off wounds, and not the silky pants hiding behind their mothers¡¯ skirts.¡± Damn, harsh. ¡°Nobody else can truly understand what that means and so their advice is nothing more than an educated guess. Fly, don¡¯t fly, wings, no wings, it¡¯s all up to you.¡± Wings of earth manifest on his back. ¡°Heck, even I can¡¯t properly fly.¡± The heavy feathers of rock flap on his back comically. ¡°And I wouldn¡¯t call this flying either.¡± The ground beneath his feet floats up and¡ well, he stands on the ground, in the air.
¡°Then what¡¯s the point of me listening to any of you preaching about what won¡¯t work for me anyway?¡± I sarcastically ask losing faith in the Academy by the minute.
¡°Because to reach the desired results you either have to follow all the correct steps or eliminate all the incorrect ones. In both cases what you¡¯re left with in the end is the solution.¡± Magnus answers without truly saying anything meaningful. ¡°Now fly!¡±
¡°Okay, wait! But why don¡¯t you just use one of your other elements?¡± I ask before complying since he should have two other options as a Mage most definitely past level 576.
¡°Trying to squeeze some secrets out of me, aren¡¯t we? How inappropriate...¡± He chuckles. ¡°I don¡¯t remember asking what your second Class precisely is, hm?¡±
¡°It¡¯s water.¡± I answer without a pause. ¡°Whether you¡¯re aware or not matters little, doesn¡¯t it?¡±
Countless people could squash me like a bug while only a few could threaten this old fart.
¡°Indeed,¡± He flashes a toothy grin and eggs me on. ¡°Now, up! Oh and take that stupid necklace off!¡±
I show him the results of trying almost every day to perfect the method I came up with¡ five seconds in the air. We could call it a result of going through many, many incorrect steps and getting almost nowhere.
It¡¯s shaky and anything but elegant, however, progress is progress.
¡°That¡¯s just plain stupid.¡± He concludes right away.
¡°Hey, screw you and your-¡± I snap at him but he lifts a hand while shaking his head.
¡°Mind your manners girly! I might seem lenient but don¡¯t let the cover deceive you... Not to mention I wouldn¡¯t lose my job even if I crippled you permanently, wouldn¡¯t be the first incidence either...¡± He threatens me casually. Very much reminding me of Martha.¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about the angle approach when I called it foolish, but the caution you wield fire with. It¡¯s fire we¡¯re talking about, caution is the exact opposite of its nature.¡±
¡°Easier said than done.¡± I tone it down a little. Let¡¯s not tempt fate and see if he¡¯s serious today. ¡°It needs a lot more than that to convince me that thrashing around in the air passionately like fire is superior to proper flight.¡±
¡°And can you do the latter?¡± He asks and I shake my head ever so slightly. ¡°Then what¡¯s there to lose? Think of it like hopping around mid-air.¡± My eyebrows climb up my forehead, hearing the dumbest thing all week. It¡¯s Monday. ¡°What you¡¯re trying to achieve is like running up a rocky slope. I¡¯m telling you to hop and skip instead. Let stumbling be part of the equation and incorporate those mistakes into the movement.¡±
I don¡¯t get it. Is he telling me to do it all wrong on purpose and to fly like an idiot to fly better?
¡°I¡¯d suggest we start on the ground, get a feel for sudden bursts of speed, and slowly increase the difficulty.¡± Magnus strokes his beard as usual. The years definitely did him dirty¡ ¡°What? Don¡¯t be shy, even if I¡¯m wrong you can cross out one more potential approach, what is there to lose?¡± I¡¯m actively losing time old man.
It¡¯s not like he¡¯ll stop pestering me or I win anything if I resist so I get to work.
The basic idea is simple in hindsight¡ It¡¯s just Rhythmic Strides but with more intensity and turns more erratic. I¡¯ll also need my hands to guide my body, consciously increase the volatility of the explosions, and probably have the Skill itself just act as a wind cushion¡
Rhythmic Strides might even evolve into something flight-related in the end. Although I doubt it.
***
A handful of minutes later I¡¯m already sprinting up and down the arena like a rabbit, changing directions with a simple burst of of vicious flames sprouting from my palms and feet. It¡¯s pretty demanding, both mentally and physically. My arms feel like they¡¯re about to fall off and one small lapse of attention and I¡¯ll sniff the ground for at least a few steps straight.
But it¡¯s great, I¡¯m enjoying zipping around.
¡°Good, you¡¯ve got the basics. Now up!¡± Nods Magnus not sparing the praises.
Yeah, I had that coming¡ The dangerous part.
I shake off my stiff limbs, make sure my mana reserves are still good, and engrave that sensation of push into my mind. The force, mana composition, direction, timing¡ It¡¯s all crucial.
Then with a sharp rumble flames erupt around me and I find myself up in the air, only slightly panicked and still mostly in control. For landing, I lean more on wind magic and tiny controlled bursts but in the end, I do manage to arrive back down more-or-less elegantly.
¡°No no no!¡± The old mage shakes his head. ¡°You¡¯re being too cautious again. If you were to crash and die I¡¯ll catch you I promise¡ Although I doubt it¡¯ll be that simple to overcome one¡¯s instincts. Allow me to help.¡±
Help?
I just stare at him flatly as instead of actually doing anything the man just stands there with a wide smile on his face.
That¡¯s when something at the back of my mind tingles, like when you feel somebody staring at you from your blind spot. I flood the world with colors, activating Mana Perception on instinct, and see the earth mana rampaging all over the place below my feet.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
My mind instantly switches into combat mode and comes to the conclusion that the only way to dodge is up. So I jump, just in time for the pillars, claws, and fangs of stone to burst forth and turn the ground beneath me into a rock hedgehog. With a violent burst of fire and a generous gust of air, I toss myself to the side in hopes of landing anywhere but on the pointy rocks.
Only for another massive spike to emerge and strike right toward me.
To avoid a direct hit I have to move myself and fast. Holding out a palm I force an eruption, blasting me away and saving my skin only for things to repeat themselves. A wall of pointy rocks constantly prevents me from regaining my footing while relentless attacks give me not even a second of breathing room.
Over and over and over again.
The pillars sprout faster and faster the more I dodge, matching my tempo as I get used to bouncing around mid-air. Before long, flying boulders join our game of whack-an-Eli I¡¯m starting to get a hang of and I¡¯m forced to take on riskier maneuvers.
But reacting fast in itself is not enough.
The moment I realize an attack is coming I make an action plan and do my best to stay at least three steps ahead of the game. This vile old man isn¡¯t only aiming at me but is also trying to restrict my movement at the same time. Like a hunter herding its prey.
One evasion in the wrong direction and it¡¯s over. There¡¯s not enough time to fuss about every little detail and dodging is about moving a few steps ahead of the game, even if that means taking greater risks.
Just as the new wave of rocks flies my way I do something I¡¯ve never done before¡
I anticipate the next batch before it¡¯s even launched.
Activating the overdrive function of Focal Mana Trance, I lean back and push my elven elasticity to its limits just to avoid every shot, then dive down straight at the ground. I¡¯ve basically turned into a fly, fast, zippy, unpredictable, and completely impossible to hit.
Right as my nose is about to touch the ground I change course, breaking and accelerating fast enough that I hear something slightly crack but it doesn¡¯t matter. Nor would any of that matter in a real battle.
Flying so close to the ground makes me a prime target for an earth mage but just as quickly as I dive I fly back up high, passing below the cloud of boulders and rocks. From here, my goal is already unobstructed.
I reach out a hand and release a violent burst as I get within arm''s length of my new self-proclaimed mentor. At the last moment, I see his mouth stretch into a wide smile at my bold attempt, mirroring my own before things turn¡ unexplainable.
Magnus moves with speed like never before, surpassing the agility of even August by a wide margin. And that is despite that he¡¯s just walking like any normal person would. I¡¯m having trouble merely following him with my gaze as the seconds tick by and¡ that¡¯s when I discover the source of my peril.
The other students in the distance are moving with breakneck speed, dueling as if two Augusts were pitted against each other. A sight not completely impossible, yet still, highly unfeasible considering some of them are quite a bit weaker than me. Which can only mean one thing¡
Time magic.
The explanation to why I feel like dozens of seconds have passed despite the explosion still frothing in my palm. It¡¯s an unsettling sensation¡
As I feel my time return to normal I¡¯m thrown back by my own attack but quickly regain my balance and skid to a stop. My head is pounding but I face the old monster without lowering my guard. He¡¯s messed up in the head, I can never be too careful.
Besides, nobody said the practice was over.
¡°Were you even trying to hit me?¡± I taunt him. ¡°It was too easy.¡±
It wasn¡¯t.
¡°And you¡¯re still vigilant¡¡± He chuckles. ¡°You know Elyssia, if you were born maybe a century or two earlier we might¡¯ve been great friends or even rivals. Those were the turbulent times¡ Many bright stars rose and fell and those who remain until today¡ Heh, if not for my age and duties I would demand you be my apprentice here and now. Alas, fate has decreed otherwise¡¡±
I tilt my head at his ridiculous comment. This is some old people''s stuff I guess, talking about what-ifs and reminiscing about their glorious past. Although my instincts are telling me this Magnus is at the very least as dangerous as Martha. These kinds of people usually all have their own outlandish tales to tell.
Even the most beautiful day has to end when Solaire leaves the skies, that¡¯s just how things work. A good book becomes perfect only with a proper ending¡
As my thoughts start to wander a pebble hits my forehead like a flick, bringing me back to reality.
¡°Hey!¡±
¡°You did well, that¡¯s why I showed you one of my favorite tricks.¡± Magnus fishes out a metallic plate and holds it towards Solaire, determining the exact time with the curious device. ¡°So, did the useless advice of this old fool enlighten the bratty discipline?¡±
To be fair, it¡¯s not like I can fly any better than before. I¡¯d still rather maneuver with my feet on the ground than do whatever I¡¯ve been doing for the past minute or so. It¡¯s disorienting and my limbs feel like falling off.
Will I ever use this? Hell fuckin yeah, it¡¯s like the air step stuff the panther in the forest used except way better and more destructive. Until now, dodging on the ground was the only way to avoid an attack because becoming airborne was a death sentence.
¡°Yeah, seems like that beard is not just for show.¡± I acknowledge him ever so slightly.
¡°It¡¯s majestic, isn¡¯t it?¡± He proudly strokes it again. ¡°Sadly I gotta go, urgent duty calls.¡±
Despite his words demanding haste, Magnus walks away as unhurriedly as any elderly person would. Without even saying goodbye¡
I walk over to Melana since practice is far from over and I haven¡¯t really squared up against anyone despite this being the third time we¡¯ve gathered here.
¡°Birds of a feather, you and that ancient lunatic¡¡± She grumbles, not taking her eyes off the fight. ¡°Refill your mana and rest a little, you¡¯ll be up against Gordon in a few minutes!¡±
Some rest, huh? Yeah, I could use that.
¡°And I¡¯d greatly appreciate if you stopped playing along with that damned hermit every time he waltzes in here.¡± Melena adds offhandedly. ¡°I don¡¯t care how good you are, I can¡¯t have you distracted every second session. Be less entertaining or something¡¡±
¡°But he is making me stronger isn¡¯t he?¡± I rebuke the accusation.
[Your class Skill [Mana Perception ] has reached lvl 112.]
[Your class Skill [Focal Mana Trance] has reached lvl 99.]
[Your class Skill [Rythmic Strides] has reached lvl 82-> 84.]
[The general Skill [Dodging] has reached lvl 101-> 102.]
[The general Skill [Premonition] has reached lvl 105-> 106.]
[The general Skill [Martial Instinct] has reached lvl 76-> 78.]
[The general Skill [Divided Attention] has reached lvl 12-> 19.]
Well, the level difference was gargantuan but I also have an inkling that Magnus wasn¡¯t trying to be discreet with his attacks.
¡°That is up to me to judge.¡± She huffs and flashes a toothy grin. ¡°But know this¡ If you get your ass handed to you I¡¯ll have you make up all the time you wasted. Threefold.¡±
Well, that just means I need to win.
***
I put my necklace back on when my name is called, walking to one side of the arena with mana supplies at max. A few stretches and about five two minutes of watching others brawl it out was all I got after the deadly workout with Magnus.
Every rock he threw at me had the potential to kill but I¡¯m not mad at him whatsoever for doing something so dangerous. Even if I got hit a healer would probably appear and patch me up in a minute. Also, I¡¯m certain the man could¡¯ve made the rock come to a stop almost instantly, he did just enough for me to improve a little.
Now that I think about it, I haven¡¯t checked my Status in a while¡
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Elyssia
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Age: 13
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Celestial Elf
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Mana: 11891/12000
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Free Points: 51
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+1332/hour (-445)
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Might: 18
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Intelligence: 1283
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Mana: 1208
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Speed: 513
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Focus: 1397(+367)
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Willpower: 1336
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Endurance: 290
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Dexterity: 230
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Fortitude: 180
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General Skills:
Savant lvl 89
Identify lvl 91
Dodging lvl 102
Pain Tolerance lvl 47
Premonition lvl 106
Survival lvl 66
Maintained Magic lvl 87
Martial Instinct lvl 78
Divided Attention lvl 19
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I. Class: Nature¡¯s Partner in the Dance - Arcane 121
Arcane Mastery lvl 109
Action for Reaction lvl 104
Mana Perception lvl 112
Focal Mana Trance lvl 99
Ethereal Stage lvl 83
Rhythmic Strides lvl 84
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II. Class: Unconventional Artist of Inscriptions - Water lvl 30
Canals of Mana lvl 28
Perfect Strokes lvl 27
The Urge to Create lvl 27
Mistakes Be Gone lvl 23
Merciless Scrutiny lvl 18
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III. Class: *Locked*
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Really, really not a lot of progress for an entire week¡¯s worth of work. Whatever combat I experience happens in a controlled environment and thus offers little true tension. But at least I managed to pick up this beauty. Even though it¡¯s not exactly there quite yet.
Divided Attention: Your mind is one but the tasks at hand are many. Do your utmost with what you have, push your brilliance further, and achieve more in every situation. Divide and conquer.
I¡¯m not yet quite certain in which direction I want to take my second Class. Something viable mid-fight would be of insane value, especially in prolonged battles like the one we fought back in Solermo. A speed-over-quality approach.
But I can also see plenty of fantasy in delving deeper into the profession of a proper Inscriptionist. In that case, my preparation would begin much before the actual fight with everything at the ready.
That quantity I could carry however would be a limit factor.
Time to kick some ass.
¡°Show me what you¡¯ve got!¡± I taunt Gordon taking up position on the other side of our little fighting ring.
Then I remember he can¡¯t hear a word I say¡ It¡¯s a little embarrassing.
He¡¯s wielding a spear similar to Mom¡¯s and walking with unreadable steps. It¡¯s almost as if his footfalls carry no weight, no caution, no thoughts¡ The moment his eyes lock on me, my opponent turns empty and unpredictable.
From prior fights, I¡¯ve gained a rough understanding of what I¡¯m dealing with, and still, dealing with him will be a real pain in the ass. The necklace is doing its thing so I can¡¯t just brute force a victory either.
Although I have no clue how I¡¯ll play around that Blessing of his. Controlling all kinds of perceptions around him is just so insanely unfair¡
Chapter 137 - Duel of Deceit
From what I understand, Gordon¡¯s Blessing has two main principles. First, he can manipulate how certain things are perceived, be that sight or even heat, feeling like you¡¯re burning alive, which is really nasty. Thankfully, this power isn¡¯t absolute and can be resisted depending on how well you see through the deception.
It¡¯s all about information and willpower.
Then there¡¯s the even more problematic part¡ I¡¯m not completely certain, but I think using the Blessing on himself does more than just create an illusion. He can manipulate his own powers, temporarily relocate some of his attributes, or bend his Skills.
That, or he¡¯s hiding all his abilities at every step, holding back and possessing a ridiculously wide variety of Skills. Which is more likely I can¡¯t decide.
Thankfully, like every Blessing, his is not omnipotent either. He can elect a single target, be that a rock, a person, or himself, and change three aspects tops.
Or again, he¡¯s just faking it¡
That begs the question¡ What is he? A spell-spear, conventional Warrior, a Mage perhaps? Or even a Rogue downplaying his speed?
Martha was right, this place really is exciting.
¡°On my mark!¡± Melena¡¯s voice makes my heart beat a little faster in anticipation. ¡°Fight!¡±
But, unlike usual, Gordon and I don''t carelessly rush at one another. His specialty is deception ,and mine is countering whatever is thrown at me. How the two deviant combat styles fare against each other¡ Well, that¡¯s the exciting part.
There are a few things I need to find out.
I need to feel out his range, how long he can keep up the fight ¨C because I¡¯d be willing to bet money on that devilish Blessing of his goblin up his resources ¨C and last but not least¡ How far can he push me?
After the one-sided battle against Magnus, I¡¯m yearning for a good fight.
I decide to take the lead and give him something to work with. At the same time, I¡¯m aware the boy might not even be standing where his image is. Truly a nasty Blessing¡
To make sure I hurl a bolt of lightning his way, swift, feeble, and completely useless as a proper strike. And as expected, it flies through Gordon¡¯s chest without any resistance.
This might prove a little problematic¡ Mana Perception is not picking up anything because it isn¡¯t really magic I¡¯m dealing with, and Premonition can only warn me about things I¡¯m aware of.
But that does not make him immaterial. All I need is an early warning system. A layer of swirling dust coupled with a flimsy dome of arcane for simplicity¡¯s sake¡ He¡¯ll have to make his way through those first before getting to me.
¡°Let¡¯s play!¡± I cackle.
I whip up the winds, making vicious blades of gale tear through the ground and air all around. But I don¡¯t plan on staying on the defensive. Our segment of the arena, meant for just the two of us is only so big¡
Enjoying the moment, I begin to dance, a lithe and joyful whirl where the wind is my dress, my partner, and my stage. Each step causes the maelstrom of blades around me to lash out, to tear through a segment of the arena.
Methodically, from left to right, I invite the air to join me in my performance and rip to shreds whatever refuses to dance to my rhythm.
After about a third of the arena already bears the mark of my attention, Gordon finally decides to show his face. He¡¯s seemingly fleeing from the deadly zephyr of my doing while closing the distance for a counterattack¡ Seemingly.
That particular Gordon lacks any flare or life to its movements, doing only the bare minimum to stay alive and advance. It¡¯s obviously just meant to elicit a reaction from me¡
While I keep my eyes on the image, I continue scanning all around with Mana Perception because although Gordon might not have a mana signature, his Skills he intends to strike with might do.
To my irritation, the impasse where I offhandedly strike at the fake Gordon while he refuses to reveal himself persists for quite a while. Then, as I stop and truly contemplate turning the arena into a large furnace, another Gordon appears. This one rushes at me much faster and with a spear poised to strike.
I instantly turn my efforts toward restricting his movements, pushing a wall of deadly wind his way and commanding the earth at my feet to rise against him. My opponent proves agile and deftly dodges a number of the blades, getting ever closer.
But even he won¡¯t be able to weather an assault both from above and below.
Invisible whistling cutters swoop down and fangs of stone tear through everything in its path. A surefire method in case he were to have anything tricky up his sleeves to save his skin. But the spells converge, rage and.¡
And he¡¯s unscathed.
The attacks tear through what seems to be Gordon and turn into nothing but a costly waste of resources. The figure keeps charging, but I pay it no mind. He can only manipulate one thing at a time, so if this one is fake, then the other¡
My thin cocoon of a barrier shatters, and by the time I turn my head, Gordon is lunging at me already. His spear is poised to strike, and the wind swirls around him like an aura of swift death.
I messed up¡ Or, more accurately, I didn¡¯t expect him, his actual self, to act as bait all along. I gotta give it to him. It was a nice move, and now he has the advantage.
¡°Nice.¡± I cackle and brace myself.
A blast hurls me through the air uncontrollably, my sole option to avoid a direct hit.
My vision and thoughts get all messy, and my ears ring ,but there¡¯s no damage ¨C besides my aching side. Utilizing what I¡¯ve developed against Magnus just prior, I balance myself with the wind to regain my bearing.
However, my opponent is not lenient enough to leave me any breathing room.
A wall of earth springs up between us as I retreat but Gordon is quick to break through and continues his pursuit. His spear sparkles in the colors of blue and silver, gleaming ethereal yet possessing a cold rigidity I¡¯m closely familiar with.
It¡¯s arcane.
But why arcane? Why a Class picked by hardly anyone sane and useful for one of two purses? Crafting, preparing materials, and enriching ingredients for potions and such, or providing a buttload of Mana. Every element has an attribute or two it favors and from my experience, arcane gives some extra Willpower and Mana.
The spear sails across the air horizontally while the wind slams into me from the other side in a pincer attack. I back off once more, forced to yield to my opponent''s rhythm. A blast carries me back and takes me airborne.
Clones of Gordon¡¯s spear, all made of nothing but pure mana, hurl after me like arrows. I react in kind, bursting forward with another explosion and forming massive arms of blueish radiant mana.
As a Mage, my power and control prove superior in the clash of magic. The spears snap like toothpicks, but as I smash into the cloud of dust and smoke left by my takeoff, I find no one to battle.
Gordon has disappeared once more. That Blessing of his¡ it has to be chugging mana, there¡¯s no other explanation.
¡°Don¡¯t make a lady wait!¡± I taunt and box the air a couple of times with my humongous arms of magic. ¡°I don¡¯t bite I prom- Whoa!¡±
Despite my cocky taunts Gordon¡¯s spear cuts through the arcane arm I raise to defend effortlessly. Thankfully, I¡¯ve got two of those and decent reflexes ¨C as well as a little help called Premonition ¨C so after a swift dodge, retaliation follows.
The fist slams into his side with the power of a charging oxbear and Gordon goes flying. I can only hear the distinctly muted shatter of an arcane barrier crumbling, likely a last-ditch safe from Gordon. But now he¡¯s without solid ground to stand on, and I have the initiative.
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Taking off my gloves of mercy ever so slightly, I let the electricity gather wildly around me. Mana Perception activates to make sure Gordon doesn¡¯t slip away and the veritable web of obscured arcane stings reveals itself to me.
It¡¯s everywhere and collapsing fast.
I¡¯m not exactly sure if this is supposed to trap me, deter any attacks, or catch me off guard¡ I mean, it¡¯s a solid trick but wholly misused against me. With a slight flex of my control, pillars of earth spring up to catch the web while I move on with my counterattack.
The vicious snake of yellow lightning streaks through the air, decimates the web in its path, and strikes right at Gordon without any discretion. Supposedly, our uniforms are special and have some sort of bond with the arena itself as a last-ditch emergency mechanism. If not¡
Well, I think he should have enough Endurance to survive until a healer can get to him.
But Gordon is not out of tricks either.
His body bends almost as if his bones had all turned into wet noodles, and he avoids the deadly bolt by¡ well, bending out of its way.
It¡¯s unsettling to watch.
A moment later, his body snaps back to normal and he disappears from my sight again. We¡¯re back to square one, but his origin trick won¡¯t work again. And he knows that.
Just moments later two identical Gordons appear, running at me from different angles simultaneously. The oldest trick in the book, easily avoided by not staying in place like a moron and pelting the attackers.
From this close, a simple scattershot of meaningless pebbles is more than enough to reveal which of the Gordons might strike back.
Expect for the fact that neither of the bodies stop the pebbles from simply passing through their flesh. In my moment of hesitation, it is my ears that warn me of the approaching danger from my rear. The twin fakes were part of a larger illusion all along, one cast upon me, while the perpetrator took his sweet time behind my back.
The distance is still plenty full, and I have both ample time and room to kill the boy if I wished so. Flames sneak forth from my arms, aggressively advancing on Gordon with a flick of my wrist. However, his next trick isn¡¯t yet another illusion to deceive me.
A headache strikes and quickly spreads through my being, similar to when Savant bestowed new wisdom upon me. It¡¯s sudden and paralyzing, bringing me to my knees as I groan and try to rein in my thoughts.
If I didn¡¯t know better, if I hadn¡¯t witnessed many of Gordon¡¯s suffer a similar assault, I¡¯d be panicking right now. Pain, out of nowhere, and this potent is always a bad sign and urges instinct to override reason.
However, my mental attributes are on the higher end, I¡¯m aware that this is all fake, and most importantly¡ I¡¯m quite pissed as well as willful enough to force my way through some mental charade.
¡°That was dirty.¡± I grit my teeth, watching the spear grow ever closer once more.
Ignoring my body screaming at me that something¡¯s wrong, I burst into flames that quickly turn blue and ravage anything and everything around me. The pesky headache disappears right away and I grab the inferno, marking it sweep across the arena and burn everything black.
But Gordon is nowhere to be seen once again.
¡°Oh, this again?¡± I ask even though I know damn well my opponent can¡¯t hear me.
I¡¯m enjoying myself, and that was definitely a little over the friendly bout threshold. Whatever comes next, he invited it.
Sadly, my mana supply won¡¯t be able to keep up with this forever, even though I¡¯m still well above half. Technically speaking, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible for me to locate or hit Gordon despite his shenanigans. I could fish for tremors or maybe body heat. Or just flood the entire arena with raw mana to search for disturbances. It¡¯d be expensive, though¡
Nah, it¡¯d also be really boring.
Instead, I draw from the many buckets placed along the walls, placed for mages relying on water to do their bidding. Why water? How could it solve my bothersome problem of keeping track of my bothersome opponent?
Mud.
The water washes over the arena, earning a few unsavory remarks from Melana and curious glances from all around. So what if I¡¯m running our little playground a little, the practice is almost over already?
To speed up the mudification process I help the earth and water mix, steadily adding more all around within my reach. Still quite expensive, and very taxing, but I¡¯m basically disabling his pesky invisibility right now.
But man some trap inscriptions, especially pressure snares would¡¯ve been of so ridiculous value here. Not only would they limit Gordon¡¯s possible moves but also completely end the match once he¡¯s caught.
I need to figure out how to carve a few symbols at the very least even mid-fight¡
The arena is slowly filling up, turning into my new domain, bending to my will as the¡ Mud Queen? That sounds like something a troll or goblin would be called. Nah, I¡¯m the Catastrophe.
Soon, I hear and see the approaching Gordon as the mud betrays his location. He might be able to keep himself invisible, but his steps tell me everything I need to know. His speed, direction, turns, and even the hesitation causing him to waste precious seconds¡
I want to play something else besides hide-and-seek.
He has no choice but to drop his shroud and increase his speed, rushing at me frantically. It¡¯s clear in his eyes, he¡¯s losing his cool. That nasty arsenal of quirky tricks of his is running low.
Without even moving a muscle, I order the slob to grab him, cling to his legs, slow him down, and make him lose his footing. His second, wind-aligned Class helps him push through, clearing a pat,h but¡ this is no longer fun.
It¡¯s just another fight against another talented and arguably dangerous warrior.
I raise a hand and begin twirling a finger while giving Gordon a friendly smile. He did well. Just as my index finger dances, the mud begins to gather once again. The vile mix of water and earth, the bane of clothes and arch-nemesis of mothers, rushes at my opponent like a tide in far greater volume than a warrior could hope to fend off.
Gordon is caught, and he struggles, likely increasing his strength but punching mud doesn¡¯t lead him anywhere. The mound grows, the prison grows more and more inescapable by the second and I begin to feel¡ A little disappointed.
I hoped he had something else, another trick, something to keep me on my toes. This just feels a little anticlimactic.
¡°Can you release him already Elyssia?¡± Melena¡¯s voice breaks me out of my quick round of moping. ¡°He can¡¯t exactly tell you he¡¯s surrendering like that.¡±
I glance at the mud pile. The only surface of skin visible is Gordon¡¯s grumpy face.
¡°True. I won¡¯t hear him say he¡¯s giving up any time soon¡¡± But then it hits me. ¡°Melena, you have to come here and tap my shoulder to declare me the winner, otherwise I¡¯m not letting go!¡±
Call me paranoid, but in the last few minutes, we¡¯ve gone through more dirty illusion tricks in the book than I¡¯m aware of. With that said, it was worth every minute, and I¡¯d love to repeat the duel and learn a little more in the future.
Fighting flimsy illusionists is child¡¯s play. Mana Percation or the poor knowledge of their surroundings can betray anyone but the true veterans. Gordon¡¯s Blessing is something even more troublesome.
A moment later, the wolfish coach of ours is by my side to flick my ear. ¡°Congrats, you¡¯ve won now let go and fix the mess you¡¯ve made!¡± She huffs, clearly sharing the attitude of my old mentor regarding the destruction I cause.
It¡¯s just like I said years ago when visiting the guards with Dad¡ Less mage more city.
Undoing my swampy prison, Gordon emerges, looking all unscathed but clearly uncomfortable in his ruined uniform. I¡¯m not sure whether that¡¯s any better than a few bruises, but thankfully, I¡¯m forced to cope with neither.
¡°Good fight.¡± I reach out a hand, saying it loud and clear for him to¡ read?
He¡¯s been my most troublesome opponent yet, going toe to toe with Val who¡¯s just simply really damn hard to take out. Their styles couldn''t be any different and yet they¡¯re both extremely powerful.
You¡¯re one scary first-grade student. I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll beat me even faster next time.
Words appear in the air next to his face.
¡°We¡¯re the same age, remember?¡± I ask, although the nasty necklace is dragging me down quite a bit. ¡°And if you¡¯re so worried about our next duel, just come up with new tricks. I¡¯m looking forward to another fun brawl.¡±
With the pleasantries over I return to the viewer¡¯s area, satisfied and dead tired. My erratic practice with Magnus combined with this and the two lectures I sat through before, one of them being math¡ I¡¯ve outdone myself today.
¡°Nice one Eli.¡± Kayla scoots over next to me. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you won first try.¡±
I¡¯m a little too exhausted to put up with her love for chit-chat but this does pique my interest. ¡°Why how did everyone else fare?¡±
Unlike me, Kayla is visibly glowing with energy. ¡°August was helpless, completely. Although he still is, there¡¯s nothing in his arsenal to deal with stealth. Victor did okay¡ His traps work every now and then and his Blessing also helps but it¡¯s basically a coin toss. And really boring to watch.¡±
That I can imagine. A calculative bastard and a deceptive one face-to-face. Although, if it wasn¡¯t for a battlefield, this open my money would be on Victor.
¡°What about you?¡± I ask because the cover is very much lying about how vicious the book called Kayla can be.
¡°Oh, I won every round.¡± She shrugs. ¡°A good sense of smell and solid defenses turn Gordon absolutely helpless. That and whenever he stepped on my vines, I knew exactly where he was coming from. A few chonky friends and the round was mine.¡± She giggles.
The one-girl army¡ or rather, a horde. Her weakness is also quite devastating, namely anything very long-range and hard-hitting. I wonder how Val would fare against our illusionist.
Not to mention just how entertaining the rest of them might be.
¡°Why didn¡¯t you use fire?¡± Melena asks while we wait for the rest of the duel to conclude. ¡°You could¡¯ve filled the air with flames.¡±
Well, her question is valid, I did in fact not do my best, but that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve heard this question plenty of times already throughout my years in Granhall.
¡°And what is there to learn from that? Brute force takes it all?¡± I raise an eyebrow, meeting her curious gaze. ¡°And he wouldn¡¯t be here if fire alone could foil all his tricks.¡±
¡°Tsk, brat.¡± She huffs with poorly masked mirth.
Heh, I like her.
¡°By the way, what is Magnus¡¯ deal? Who is he?¡± I ask while we wait.
¡°Has he not told you?¡± Melena looks back at me and I shake my head. ¡°Playing mysterious. that old bastard. Always does whatever he pleases.¡± She sighs, something typical for every mentor I had. ¡°He¡¯s one of our country¡¯s greatest, an imperial mage, or a retired one at least.¡±
¡°Like a soldier?¡± I haven¡¯t heard that title yet.
¡°Like the direct subordinate of the Emperor himself. Like the protector and advisor of his Majesty since before the rise of Valeria¡¡± Melana whispers. ¡°Don¡¯t mess with him too much, please. I still need you on this team.¡±
Oh fuck¡
Chapter 138 - To Breathe Life
¡°I found it!¡± I hear Val squeal as I page through yet another useless book.
Her little happy outburst does earn a number of nasty glances, after all, we¡¯re in the library. but what are they gonna do, fight her? Honesty I¡¯d prefer a good brawl at this point over the tortuous task we threw ourselves at and had been going for almost a week.
Following that first fateful lecture of Lessons of History and the mind-boggling revelations ¨C that, according to Professor Hamilto,n are no secrets yet still hardly anyone is aware ¨C we had to dig deeper. That three-hour-long story time was the first actual lead we found on spirits and the reason behind their absence on Aelion.
And I¡¯ll be damned if I don¡¯t dig as deep as I can to find out what that damn purple light within me is.
¡°Tone it down, you brute!¡± I hiss but can¡¯t wait for her to sit and share.
Despite the apparent glamour of the Academy¡¯s library, the veritable treasure trove of knowledge that it is supposed to be, we only found legends, myths, and unfathered tales on our topic. It¡¯s almost as if the world had mostly forgotten about spirits altogether.
¡°Here, read it!¡± She huddles close and points at a certain paragraph.
There¡¯s little proof left of their existence, much less the wonder and particularity of the creatures Aelion had once known as spirits. Marvelous and ethereal existence appreciated for their masterful control over mana we ourselves drove away through our greed.
Ruins claimed by nature and oblivion bear carvings of times when the world prospered and when beasts and titans roamed the plains. Times of wonder and magic, leftovers of a civilization bearing the mark of the old ones, the Saurathen. They stand as proof of what was lost.
But one does not have to travel to the ends of the world to find ¡ª
¡°To find what!¡± I snap at last. And turn the pages, being met with even fewer readable lines.
The tension kept building, things were about to be unraveled and¡ And it¡¯s all redacted! Lines are simply erased and made completely unreadable through far more than simple ink. And it¡¯s infuriating.
¡°Who the fu-¡± I began to give voice to my rage.
¡°Quiet down already!¡± Someone finally had enough of our antics, by becoming a villain himself.
Oh right, library¡
¡°This is basically worthless.¡± I hiss at Val, who¡¯s doing her utmost to keep a hearty laugh in.
¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I thought as well.¡± She takes a few deep breaths before closing and opening the book again on its first page. ¡°Here.¡± She points at the second line.
Author: Sival Hamilton
I¡¯m not good with names, but this one rings a bell loud enough for me to put the pieces together.
¡°We need to find the professor.¡± I declare.
¡°You don¡¯t say¡¡± Val rolls her eyes, not so enthusiastic about my revelation. ¡°But what are you gonna tell him, the truth?¡± She asks a question conveniently I¡¯ve glossed over.
Fair. We¡¯ve mostly held back the juicy part of our adventure in the ruins even from Martha as well as Mom and Dad so opening up to a random teacher would be¡ I don¡¯t know, it feels like betrayal for some reason.
¡°Do you have that thing on you, you know, the metal ball?¡± I contemplate, unwilling to spill the beans yet also far too curious.
¡°Sure do.¡± Val nods.
Not that I¡¯ve doubted it. She treats it like a lucky charm.
¡°Then here¡¯s what we¡¯re gonna do¡¡±
***
With a devious plan in mind and ample determination bolstering our steps, we scoured the Academy in search of our ancient professor. Bribery, trickery, threats, and sweet words. We were willing to use anything at our disposal to unveil the secrets we ourselves merely began to scratch the surface of.
But finding the old fart turned out to be a hassle almost too large for us to handle. Our determination could only bring us so far in the face of endless and pointless wandering for far too long.
We tried to ask the staff, a number of professors, students, secretaries, even the gremlins¡ And as it turned out the later ones were the key to our solution.
Unable to properly communicate with the odd furballs, we merely followed them to an area of the Academy most were unfamiliar with. Not us though. The small patch of woods at the back of the island¡
But of course, he¡¯s an elf.
¡°Can you sniff him out?¡± I ask Val as we stand at the edge of the treeline.
¡°I am no bloodhound, you know?¡± She huffs, overacting her outrage. I swear she¡¯s getting worse the longer I know her. I just don¡¯t know why¡
¡°So, can you?¡± I get back to the point.
Val clearly hesitates, and I watch with a satisfied grin as her pride struggles against curiosity and her infuriation with the time we¡¯ve already wasted. Her mouth opens and closes, and her nose twitches ever so slightly until, at last, a frown settles on her face.
¡°Follow me.¡± She growls.
I know better than to make fun of her at this point. I also know all too well how it feels to be that certain tool people turn to in some situations. Lighter during camping, a source of drinking water, warmth in winter, cool in the summer, a source of light¡ Mine designations are slightly less degrading though.
I stroll after Val, slowly entering nature¡¯s embrace. Here, the soft whispers of the trees overtake the constant bustle of the island. It¡¯s almost as if time itself slowed down ever so slightly, although I know, and feel that is not the case.
This place definitely has its allure. I might come around every now and then when the stuffiness of the whole place gets a little too much.
Despite the scent trail, or whatever Val is following, finding the elusive old man still turns out to be quite the task.
Val in the middle of a serene clearing Val stops at last and sniffs the air a few times. ¡°Professor Hamilton?¡± She calls his name, glancing around the trees.
Knowing my friend better than to question her nose, I activate Mana Perception and scan the forest. I¡¯m aware it¡¯s a futile effort for the most part, but staying idle isn¡¯t exactly my style.
¡°Young ladies, stalking isn¡¯t a commendable habit.¡± We whip our heads towards the source of the voice, and there he sits.
The only issue is that he wasn¡¯t there just a second ago, sitting on the ground. draped in a comfortable-looking robe and tending to a feeble flower.
¡°Professor, we¡¯ve been looking for you. We have a few questions.¡± I explain, although it¡¯s obvious he¡¯s just teasing us.
¡°Hm, yes. Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t have come looking for me. Especially when I hope not to be found.¡± He hums. ¡°Well, since you¡¯re already here, let¡¯s hear it.¡±
Oh, yeah, I did not even think about that. Maybe the reason it was so cumbersome to find him was because he did not want to be found. Although he did show himself in the end so let¡¯s get this over with.
¡°One thing about your lecture caught our attention in particular.¡± I begin. ¡°Your words about spirits¡ how our ancestors drove them away and their marvelous powers. We tried to look a little more into them and came across a certain book¡¡±
For the first, Professor Hamilton graces us with an inquisitive glance. It seems entertaining us won''t turn out to be a complete waste of his time after all.
¡°We would love to-¡±
¡°Why was it redacted? What¡¯s in that book?¡± Val asks straight away, without all the pleasantries I¡¯ve developed after dealing with old people for years now.
They can be either the most straightforward or roundabout people alive, even if not for long¡
¡°Hm.¡± The elf merely hums and returns to his task. Instead of magic, Skills, or anything wondrous, he relies only on his hands to aid him in planting the flower. ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever considered why exactly those paragraphs might¡¯ve been erased?¡± He asks after almost an entire wasted minute.
What a stupid question. Of course, we know we¡¯re not supposed to read whatever had been written there, unlike the not-so-secret tales we heard during his first lecture. But we¡¯re still here.
My eyes meet with Val¡¯s, and she reaches into her pocket.
¡°We hoped to learn a little more about this.¡± She shows her metal ball. ¡°We know almost nothing about it, besides that it might be related to spirits in a way.¡±
Oh, nicely done. Her ability to lie gently is improving by the day.
Pausing in his leisure task again, the elf looks at Valka¡¯s little treasure before a vine snatches it from her palm faster than either of us can react. It¡¯s quite similar to the nature magic Kayla boasted as her new acquisition, only far more potent.
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¡°Hey!¡± My friend protests, but I hold her back from doing anything reckless.
¡°Now, what have we here.¡± The elf rolls the little trinket between his fingers. His discerning ancient eyes dance across the gleaming surface¡ Before he licks it.
¡°What are you-¡±
But before Val can finish that sentence, the grass, roots, and vines all around jump at us and clamp down on our limbs. Despite being puny plants ¨C some flimsy enough for even a child to rip apart ¨C their hold is relentless and their pull immensely powerful. It almost feels like they¡¯re trying to rip my arm off.
¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± I demand, more frightened than furious.
Even if I yelled for help, this man could easily kill us before rescue arrived. My instincts have been honed enough for me to know this is not the time to do anything rash.
¡°Be very mindful about how you answer my questions!¡± Professor Hamilton mutters and rises to his full height. ¡°This thing¡ Who exactly are you?¡±
I barely register his words as my eyes meet his unreadable gaze. It¡¯s like a well of fury and grief, something too menacing to put into words, bolstered by his age and power. I¡¯d compare it to the bloodlust many of the Krieg mercenaries tried getting me used to, except this time, it¡¯s not my life I fear for¡ It¡¯s what¡¯d come before my death.
¡°Speak up!¡± The professor¡¯s words are reinforced by our restraints tightening further.
But Val is not so cooperative. ¡°Give it back!¡± She growls and struggles immensely against the power of nature holding her captive.
Her power had only grown since I first met her, and by now¡ The plants hold strong, reinforced enough to resist her pull, but the ground can¡¯t contend with her brute force. The earth crumbles, and even trees begin to tilt as she roars in blinded fury to retrieve what¡¯s hers.
After all, there are few things left in the world Valka can call her own.
But this is not the time to be stubborn. ¡°Val, stop!¡± I yell, feeling her pull quite unpleasantly.
Not to mention, there¡¯s only so far she can push her luck.
¡°What a peculiar reaction.¡± The elf holding us hostage frowns, and with a flick of his finger, the plants obey. They pull taunt and lift us both into the air where Val won¡¯t have the footing to excerpt her strength properly. ¡°Now speak! This is your last warning, defilers!¡±
¡°Urgh, de-whats?!¡± I¡¯m really contemplating burning this whole forest down. ¡°We were offered that thing fair and square.¡±
And I still don¡¯t exactly know what that thing is.
¡°Where?!¡± He demands. ¡°Who did you trap and where?!¡±
¡°What is even that thing!¡± Val yells in utter frustration and resorts to biting the vines holding her arms.
Following her question Professor Hamilton¡¯s face discards all emotions for a moment. All of it is blown away by the wind as he clutches the tiny metallic ball tighter.
¡°Don¡¯t play dumb.¡± He cackles darkly, directing his cold gaze toward us once more. ¡°Who¡¯d carry around such a precious thing without understanding its identity? To keep a spirit in your pocket¡¡±
¡
Ah, now that would explain things... That would explain a number of things, indeed.
Doesn¡¯t make anything easier or less frustrating, though. I really do feel like killing something right now or at least hurting it really badly. And that¡¯d only be the start of things.
First, however, we need to solve our predicament somehow. A glance at Val reveals she¡¯ll have a hard time stomaching that for a while now.
¡°That we did not know.¡± I mutter, lowering my head. The book revealed what the professor knows to an extent, now I just need to navigate this conversation without revealing too much. ¡°The ruins you¡¯ve mentioned in your book¡ About a year ago I think we might¡¯ve stumbled into one of them.¡±
This much I cannot hide. Claiming it¡¯s from a traveling merchant or family heirloom would make almost no sense. Such coincidences don¡¯t exist, and I can¡¯t afford flimsy lies.
¡°That¡¯s easy to claim.¡± The professor remains skeptical. Understandably so.
Proof is necessary. ¡°The carvings of serpents, flooding rivers, and dragons were all over the wall. Many of the traps used absolutely no magic at all, and there was¡¡± I hesitate. What will happen next is uncertain but anything is better than getting killed, I guess. ¡°There was a city, deep beneath the surface where the tunnels led.¡±
The expression on the ancient elf¡¯s face grows troubled, conflicted even. The plants trying to rip us apart don¡¯t relent even one bit but we¡¯re still alive so it¡¯s certainly a start.
¡°Where?¡± He asks in the end.
We glance at each other with Val again. In her eyes, I can see the same resolve as mine, a stubborn light of refusal to share.
¡°Won¡¯t tell you.¡± She declares brusquely.
¡°Don¡¯t play with me, little girl!¡± The frown returns to the professor¡¯s face.
¡°Can¡¯t change our minds, I¡¯m afraid.¡± I chuckle despite our predicament. ¡°We don¡¯t trust you with that information. The feeling is mutual, as you¡¯d imagine.¡± My confidence isn¡¯t all too grounded, but we¡¯ve far too much to give our secret up so readily. ¡°But we did not find that pretty thing there.¡±
¡°Girl, you¡¯re testing my patie-¡±
¡°We found spirits.¡± I finally blurt it out.
The utter shock on the professor¡¯s face is evident. My words had seemingly reached something deep within him and this is an opportunity I will not allow to slip.
¡°As part of the defenses, or perhaps a source of power, spirits were locked away deep in the ruin, weakened and desperately calling for help.¡± I keep pushing my luck. All of it is based on an intuition based on his lecture and writing. ¡°And we freed them.¡±
¡°Impossible¡¡± The elderly elf merely mutters, holding his head and seeming eerily frail despite his tremendous power. ¡°There were more left¡ for all these years.¡± His eyes wander back to us, me specifically. ¡°What do you mean they called for help?¡±
Oh, fuck, I forgot about that part. Val wasn¡¯t able to hear any of their words¡
¡°Because she¡¯s some weird mana-elf. Now give it back!¡± Val gives an answer short and sweet. No regard for my secret or any subtlety, as usual.
I merely sigh and add my own two bronze coins. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m much more sensitive to mana than most, and since spirits are mostly mana, it¡¯s easier-¡±
¡°A celestial?¡± Professor Hamilton raises an eyebrow before adding. ¡°Half¡ Fascinating.¡±
Well, that¡¯s that¡ Seems like his age is not just for show, but I¡¯ll definitely tear Valka¡¯s ear off if we survive this. ¡°Yeah, yeah, can you let us down now? Please?¡± I even use the secret magical word.
¡°Out of the question.¡± He firmly shakes his head, pacing up and down, deep in thought. ¡°What you¡¯ve stumbled across is one of the greater secrets of the continent. A decision to not pursue, much less repeat, the mistakes of the past. Spirits are meant to be a myth, something out of reach and never to be disturbed¡ And disturbing is exactly what you just did.¡±
I can¡¯t believe there isn¡¯t any security or personnel around to guard this segment of the island and come to our aid. That or the old fart had the flora obscure us in a way.
Either way, I don¡¯t think help is coming any time soon.
But for some reason, I feel like the laws, secrets, or even the two of us, aren¡¯t what the professor is truly concerned about. His tone during the lecture, the descriptions in the book, his anger once he learned we had a spirit in our possession¡
It¡¯s worth a shot.
¡°We freed the spirits, and they asked for our help once more.¡± I speak up as he contemplates, and Val keeps struggling. ¡°They needed mana, my mana, and after almost sucking me dry they opened a tear in reality. It was unlike any portal or space magic I¡¯d ever seen. They left, all three of them, but the gate did not close. Because something reached back¡¡±
¡°No.¡± The professor shakes his head, his words oozing doubt and disbelief.
¡°The world was sapped of its colors, and time slowed to a crawl. And then, it addressed us.¡± I continue, the memories still vivid in my mind.
¡°No¡ No, you lie!¡± The elder repeats himself.
¡°Purple was the only color dominating the gray world.¡± I grin because I can already see victory in sight. ¡°And a colossal, feathered arm rewarded us for ¡®returning the lost lams¡¯ as it said.¡± Goosebumps zip across my body, remembering that monumental presence. ¡°We thought it was a God¡ Heck, even to this day, I can¡¯t say for sure.¡±
My words are followed by but a moment of silence before the plants go limp, and we¡¯re back on the ground. This¡¯d be the perfect opportunity to unleash hellfire and get as far away from the forest as we can¡
But not without reclaiming Val¡¯s treasure and earning something in return for the risks.
That and the risk of the professor tattling on us to the authorities. I don¡¯t want another interrogation session with the inquisitors. Especially because this time, I¡¯m arguably guilty. Who could¡¯ve guessed that we¡¯d find ourselves in shit this deep after asking after an ordinary-looking metal ball?
¡°What you describe was no God, albeit something outlandishly close to the revered ones.¡± The roots move around Professor Hamilton to form a chair. The way he sits makes me believe he might collapse any second now. ¡°But you should know his name by now. I mentioned it during my first lecture¡ Daimon.¡±
Oh¡ That¡¯s also cool, I guess¡ I¡¯ve already grown to accept it was a God so this changes little.
¡°Here, take it.¡± He offers the Valka¡¯s treasure back. ¡°I have no right to seize it. Everything you said, down to the most minute detail, was correct. Although I can¡¯t confirm it myself¡ Goodness, you younglings might know about spirits more than I do by now.¡±
¡°Does that mean we¡¯re not in trouble?¡± I ask the most important question while my friend reclaims what¡¯s hers with the snarl of a mother lion.
¡°Trouble¡ No.¡± The professor shakes his head with a curious smile. ¡°But you¡¯re not entirely off the hook quite yet. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d pretend nothing happened after holding that in my hand.¡± His eyes hardly leave the spirit.
I already regret waking up this morning. But is it really one of those elusive, mythical creatures?
¡°You can¡¯t have it.¡± Val growls and backs away, moving closer to me like we always do when facing dangerous opponents.
¡°I merely wish to observe its growth. This is such a precious opportunity. If this all isn¡¯t a devious scheme that is¡¡± He says and the forest blocks our escape. ¡°But if it isn¡¯t¡ then what you received is more than a gift. It¡¯s a companion, a responsibility, a chance for us to prove we¡¯ve changed.¡±
¡°How?¡± I ask.
¡°Hm, how indeed¡¡± The elf raises a finger, and from thin air, a book appears in his hand. He reads through the pages with frightening speed before snapping the hefty bundle of paper shut. ¡°You need to give it life. That thing is dormant, unhatched if you¡¯d like.¡±
¡°So this¡ will be our little secret?¡± I ask, putting a hand on Val¡¯s shoulder as a way to calm her.
¡°That or Epros could come down swinging, detaining the both of you, confiscating the spirit, and erasing anything related to this incident.¡± He goes into detail.
¡°I am listening.¡± Valka finally decides to cooperate.
¡°A drop of blood and a breath of life¡¡± Professor Hamilton gives her a few words of instruction. Needless to say, we remain skeptical. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that, it¡¯s what the translation from the southern ruins says.¡±
Uh-hum, that¡¯s quite straightforward. And who¡¯d thoughtlessly do exactly what a lunatic who just tried to- Oh, no way!
Val has already chewed through the skin on her hand, carefully dripping some of the liquid of her life onto the shiny metal ball carefully, and bringing it to her face. Then she exhales, blowing air so delicately, with so much of her heart like I¡¯ve never before seen.
And Daimon¡¯s gift responded to Valka¡¯s heartfelt wish.
Her breath envelops the tiny orb, her blood seeps through the metal, and a glimmer, a minuscule flicker of light dances across the reflective surface. What seemed like solid iron before becomes oddly transparent, but the real changes reveal themselves only after I reach for Mana Perception.
The arcane inside the tiny thing is taking shape, stretching and consolidating into an ever-growing, intricate mesh. But the mana for all this doesn¡¯t come from our surroundings or even Val¡ No, at the center of the orb, the heart of the soon-to-be-born life pulses proudly a tiny purple star.
A speck of power I¡¯m desperate to decipher.
But merely seconds later, the outer layer of the orb is complete. The mesh is now solidified, and the intricacies of the mana vessel are obscured by what settles into every newborn creature. A soul.
The metal morphs and reshapes itself right before our eyes, taking shape as I would¡¯ve never expected.
¡°Hoot!¡± It declares adorably, resting in Valka¡¯s palm.
An adorable feathery ball of iron with two massive bronze beads observing us intently.
¡°Hoot!¡± The little one repeats itself, and I feel a piece of me melt.
That¡¯s one of the cutest things I¡¯ve ever seen¡
Chapter 139 - Blazing Bright
¡°Unbelievable¡¡± The professor mutters, leaning so close that it¡¯s almost creepy.
The tiny metallic owlet nestled in the callused hand and embraced by Valka¡¯s fingers observes the world curiously. Like a bundle of iron-shaving, sentient, and cute to a frightening degree with huge gleaming eyes.
Like, the fifth of the entire thing is just eyes.
¡°Hoot!¡± It chirps timidly.
I don¡¯t know how metal can look soft and fluffy, and I¡¯m almost certain this thing isn¡¯t exactly soft and fluffy, however¡ I need to make sure.
But before I can even so much as tickle the owlet, Val coups the small thing, her mesmerized eyes locked with its gaze, and brings it to her forehead. Her gaze is blank and she moves almost like someone possessed.
A metallic clang disturbs the peace of the compact forest when her skin meets with the cutie like that of a hammer striking an anvil. That last one I could hardly care less about, Val would recover from it in no time.
From the owlet, something¡ enters my friend. Visible to the naked eye, a silvery sliver travels beneath her skin and disappears under her blouse. By the time I grab her, it¡¯s already gone, and that frightens me beyond any beast or man I could fight face to face.
I¡¯m not the trusting or carefree type, and the unknown¡ that frightens me the most.
However, that does not mean Professor Hamilton couldn¡¯t have reacted in any way. He simply refused to, he cared more for what was to learn than Valka¡¯s safety.
I will keep that in mind, all of it. The best course of action would be to get a kill order on the elf the moment we return to the Fist. I don¡¯t care what it might cost, he poses a danger too great, especially to Val, for me to overlook.
Then, with a sudden and monumental breath, light returns to Val¡¯s eyes.
¡°What was that?¡± She asks.
¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to know!¡± I direct my gaze at her, then the professor.
¡°A connection has been established.¡± He mutters, grabbing my friend''s right arm and pulling back her sleeve. ¡°The two of you have exchanged a minute part of your being.¡±
There, under her skin, is a thin, mysteriously gleaming silver ring engraved into her forearm. A mark part of her as much as her own skin, like a tattoo made of mana purer than anything I¡¯ve ever seen instead of ink.
¡°Val, how are you feeling?¡± My voice sounds a tad bit shaky as I inquire.
¡°Just fine. A little stiff perhaps?¡± She rolls her neck and then finally looks my way. ¡°What¡¯s with that look? Are you okay?¡±
Was I worrying for nothing?
[Spirit]
It¡¯s a baby, too young even to have access to its Journey Guide. And yet its magic is tremendous compared to its tiny size and age, measured in minutes.
¡°Yeah, it¡¯s all good.¡± I finally give my friend the reassurance she deserves. ¡°Although, one thing is bothering me a bit.¡± Two actually but let¡¯s take things one at a time. ¡°How are you going to carry it around?¡±
¡°Her.¡± Val adds, looking at the little thing with that boundless gaze again. ¡°And I¡¯ll just keep her in my pocket, I think?¡±
Yeah, that sounded just as self-assured as I expected. The whole issue around our past adventure and spirits, in general, is that they¡¯re meant to be a secret, and that cutie is quite eye-catching.
¡°Fascinating.¡± The professor seems to be still in an absolute state of shock, repeating the same few words every handful of seconds.
So I repeat myself only louder and make Val turn away to break the line of sight between the metallic cutie and the bag of bones. ¡°Ideas!¡± I demand rather than ask.
¡°Ah, uhm¡ Certainly.¡± Without any fanfare he makes a ring appear in his palm which then he puts on his finger and seemingly adjusts with a few flashes of mana.
That type of equipment and that certain itch¡ ¡°Professor, isn¡¯t that a-¡±
¡°It¡¯s something a law-abiding young student such as yourself should know nothing about.¡± He interrupts and takes the accessory off. Yeah, definitely an obscuring ring. ¡°Now, eat up!¡±
The professor simply holds the ring out to the owlet, allowing the adorable thing to observe it with its curious eyes¡ before the man simply pushes the ring into its body.
¡°What the bloody hell are you doing?¡± Val slaps his hand away and holds the spirit closer to her body as if it were her own child.
¡°Fixing a problem you¡¯d otherwise be powerless to solve yourself, obviously.¡± Hamilton huffs, sniffing his finger like a weirdo.
[Owl]
At least he did his job well.
But do I even need to be here? Both of them are getting on my nerves, and I have better things to do than be the only voice of reason around the clearing. That and¡ well, I¡¯d be lying if I said I¡¯m not jealous.
Nurturing companions is commonly a Tamer thing. Not the way Kayla does it of befriending everything she comes across. What I¡¯m talking about are deep bonds, similar to that of old friends or even siblings¡ A bond between beast and Tamer for life to serve and aid each other.
It doesn¡¯t necessarily require a Class, in which case the partnership comes without any apparent bonuses but it¡¯s still nice. Like a special pet, that¡¯s¡ quite likely to die on the battlefield and scar your heart for a lifetime.
Or at least that¡¯s how Martha described it.
Nevertheless, I also want one.
I try to bet the cutie owlet but she really is made of nothing but iron that even cuts my finger slightly. ¡°Owie.¡±
The little thing will definitely fit Valka well.
¡°Can¡¯t that weird purple mana I got also turn into something like this?¡± I ask the professor hopefully.
¡°Hm, purple mana? Special mana properties perhaps¡¡± He ponders for a few seconds. ¡°No, never heard of anything like that.¡± Really¡ ¡°Why do you look so upset?¡± He asks a moment later, catching me off guard.
How does he even¡ Oh right, ears. Looks like it has to be an elven thing for him to notice.
¡°Nothing special, I thought I might¡¯ve found a lead.¡± I shake my head, slightly dejected.
¡°Owww, look at you!¡± Valka coos. ¡°Who¡¯s the sweetest little chick we¡¯ll be best friends with?¡±
Isn¡¯t that supposed to be my title, though? Eh, whatever, her infatuation will vane sooner or later, and things will be back to normal. What won¡¯t be back to normal, however¡
My eyes return to the professor. ¡°So, what are your conditions?¡±
Because we either have to learn how to live with the threat that Hamilton¡¯s existence poses or eliminate him soon and swiftly. And I highly doubt the latter can be achieved without some heavenly miracle.
¡°Hm, indeed this is a matter of utmost importance.¡± The nods along, missing my point by a few beats and not even looking my way. I really am just a bother here, huh? ¡°Three times a week¡ we should meet three times.¡±
¡°Oh yeah, and while we¡¯re at it why don¡¯t we move in with you?¡± I almost spit in his face. ¡°Do you want to make it any more obvious? Aren¡¯t you supposed to respect this Daimon¡¯s wishes and aid us instead of blackmailing and making ridiculous demands? In case you forgot, we¡¯re students here, we have responsibilities.¡± I sound like a mother and it¡¯s fucking exhausting.
¡°Why are you still here?¡± He asks, throwing me a resentful glance.
¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m asking myself.¡± I sigh. ¡°Once a week, we don¡¯t want to create a suspicious pattern. Although I doubt we¡¯ll be able to avoid questions forever. Are you certain nobody will recognize it?¡±
¡°Her!¡± Valka adds vehemently.
Why can¡¯t you be at least a little useful?
¡°I supposed it¡¯d be best to avoid any professor well-versed with beasts. She resembles none of the discovered species but other than that¡ My Skills can¡¯t make a difference, can you?¡±
¡°No.¡± I answer.
Unlike the previous spirits we freed, drained, exhausted, and probably on the brink of death, this little thing seems quite tangible. Perhaps that is because matter and mana are the two sides of the same coin and she¡¯s in good health.
¡°I also demand to be informed regarding all of her development.¡± Professor Hamilton clears his throat, going out of his way to be a pain in the ass. ¡°This is an unprecedented opportunity to document a spirit¡¯s maturing and lifecycle. The implications this could have on the research into mana¡ not the mention shining light upon the discoveries from the ruins of old¡¡±
Are you the father or what? I swear, if Val was in the right state of mind instead of whatever this infatuated softie I have to pamer is, I would¡¯ve dipped right after things turned south. This old fart is bothersome and I¡ I can¡¯t waste any more time here.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°Sure, we¡¯ll keep you updated and meet here in a week, is that good enough?¡± I try to cut this meeting short.
¡°It is revoltingly far from enough, however, there¡¯s nothing we can do. The spirit¡¯s safety and development is of the utmost importance, you have my word.¡± He huffs. Well, that¡¯s the most I can get, but how about you stop blackmailing us then? ¡°But we have one more urgent matter to discuss.¡±
Oh, what now¡
¡°Right.¡± Val surprisingly agrees with the man despite her mother bear attitude. ¡°She needs a name.¡±
¡°Ok, I¡¯m out. Have fun, you two.¡± I turn on my heel and leave the two without a second thought. I feel like the odd one around, and the ever-growing sense of jealousy isn¡¯t making it any easier. ¡°Stay on your guard, Val. We can¡¯t be sure he¡¯s not lying, and I can¡¯t stick around all day to make sure you don¡¯t do anything dumb.¡±
¡°Uh-hum.¡± She nods offhandedly. ¡°How about Owly? Do you like it?¡±
Please, Gods above, make her choose a proper name.
¡°Ah, one more thing.¡± I halt in my tracks before leaving the clearing. ¡°Professor, the redacted parts in the book. What¡¯s so secret about those paragraphs?¡±
¡°That¡¡± He fiddles with his ear, which is slightly longer than mine. ¡°Well, it matters little at this point. Some sources suggest this child is not the sole member of her kind left on Aelion.¡± Oho, this is getting interesting. ¡°Beanth the holy sea, settled perhaps even below the Lake of Life, rests another one, bound by not shackles but a promised and its own will. That¡¯s the true source of all the land¡¯s blessing. That or a Ley Line.¡±
Adding that was really unnecessary. Stop ruining our imagination.
¡°Interesting. Maybe I¡¯ll steal that one for myself¡¡± I grin wickedly and leave the two harebrained enthusiasts.
Valka just got her hands on something incredible. No doubt she¡¯ll grow even more powerful in the coming months and once the spirit grows enough to lend her its strength¡ She¡¯s pulling further and further ahead.
Her second Class already offers her an edge in combat, she¡¯s tough as a nail and will only get harder to kill as time goes by, and now this¡ I don¡¯t want to become a nuisance for her. Power compared to my age I might be, but I doubt any beasts or bandits would spare just because I¡¯m young.
I need to find something, anything, and wasting my time here won¡¯t do me any good.
***
Grinding levels, be that Skills or Class aren¡¯t enough. Slaughtering beasts en masse is something anyone can accomplish, given enough time. After my duel with Gordon, even my Blessing feels less special, less like I have a solid edge over the competition.
I don¡¯t need to always win, hell, I don¡¯t even need to go out of my way to fight a difficult battle¡ But it¡¯s frustrating, watching Val¡¯s back grow more and more distant. I¡¯m almost certain she¡¯d beat me in a duel today and if things don¡¯t change, then she¡¯ll pummel me even harder tomorrow.
That frustration led me to the arena for a change instead of the workshop. Once my mana is mostly exhausted and I can barely move a muscle, I¡¯ll get back to the drawing board. For now, I need to perfect my flight.
No more caution or this dumb necklace. No more playing nice and careful.
Calming my chaotic thoughts, I move to the open arena, left unoccupied and unattended. Today¡¯s training already concluded in the morning and since it¡¯s Friday not many are willing to spend their afternoon in a place like this. It¡¯s a little lonely and eerily quiet but that¡¯s fine, at least there won¡¯t be any distractions.
No combat uniform on me either, or healers, so let¡¯s try to avoid any serious injuries.
That said, I let flames blaze forth from my palms and feet without holding back even the slightest. The acceleration is maddening. I feel an invisible force weighing down on my body and my consciousness vane but it gets me up in the air.
And I climb higher and higher, far above the housetops, the treeline in the distance, and soon reaching the shortest towers of the Academy. Then, I slowly decrease the output, gently looking for the exact point where I can hover.
It¡¯s liberating. No walls or floor or anything to impede my movement, no weight to my steps, like moving from a tiny room to the top of a mountain in an instant. And it¡¯s also terrifying.
Looking down is not a question of if but rather when, and I can¡¯t unsee the nauseating height I¡¯d travel in case I lost control. It¡¯d mean certain death, and that¡¯s exactly why I decided on this reckless approach.
This way, I have no other choice but to do everything perfectly under some minor pressure.
After a quick breath to cement my resolve, I lean forward, raise my arms backward, and increase the thrust. An instant loss of balance has been part of the plan all along, but my altitude allows for ample time to adjust.
A touch of wind reduces the sway, maneuvering my arms I take care of the upward thrust, and the raging flames around my feet increase my speed almost instantaneously. It¡¯s like taking a heavy hit without the accompanying pain. Soon my wobbly swim across the sky turns quite straight in its trajectory so I accelerate further.
My hair locks turn into nasty little whips, slapping my face as the wind drives them wild while my clothes are about to be torn to shreds by the wind resistance. Poor choice of clothing on my part I admit, but not the time for distractions.
So unlike previously, I rely on Divided Attention and Maintained Magic to form and sustain a spinning cocoon of air around me. To combat the greatest enemy of flight¡ drag. If I have a layer ahead of me greatly, reducing the forces I¡¯m pushing against, then all that¡¯s left for me is to soar.
My speed is ridiculous enough that I¡¯m reaching the boundaries of the Academy. I suspect they wouldn¡¯t appreciate one of their students simply flying away.
¡°Now comes the dangerous part.¡± I hum, careful not to let any bugs fly into my mouth.
Turning.
Decelerating for stability would make my life so much easier but in live combat that move would be equal to a death sentence. Not to mention, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if that little owlet gave Val wings sooner or later. A creature with the inherent ability to fly, resilience, outstanding control over magic¡
No. The skies have to be mine.
I feel a spark in me that has been merely smoldering for years now rekindle. The same obsession that drove me to pursue the top of the leaderboard back in Fort Karon. My abilities might be focused around being versatile but being good at everything is not enough.
My grin slowly spreads the more I think about that back in front growing distant. To catch up, I just need to go fast. Much faster.
Mana buzzes through my body as the flames are reborn in a dress of blue, dragging a trail of inferno in my wake as I cut through the sky. I warp the wind to guide my path and resist my flight no more¡ Then I twist and angle my arms to change course.
The arc of my flight is gentle, following a curve similar to that of the island¡¯s edge. A careful attempt¡ and a boring one. I cut the power and twist, just the way I practiced with Magnus, voluntarily more or less.
Facing a different direction, I reignite the fire of my ever-burning progress and use it to propel me onward. Faster, with more fire and passion, brighter even if it means burning myself a little¡
And that is, in a way, exactly what occurs.
My idea was right, my timing exquisite, and my control over mana rivaled by none. But my body, and especially my limbs, fail to beat inertia. My legs buckle and my arms bend with an unfortunate crack as I lose control.
¡°Argh, crap that¡¯s bothersome.¡± I hiss. Nothing is broken, sprained at worst, but it¡¯s still a pain and definitely a sharp increase in difficulty.
Thankfully, I still have enough altitude to save my skin. Or at least try to.
Clenching my teeth I do the only sensible thing in this situation. That is, dumping all my excess Free Points into Might and Endurance, bringing them to 60 and 299. The current issue I¡¯m facing won''t solve itself so this is an investment into my future.
After all, I intend to fly much, much faster tomorrow, and after that, and after that¡ We¡¯ll see how far and how fast my magic can carry me. I need no cutesy spirit owl or even a Skill, I¡¯ll do it myself.
Now overflowing with raw power I¡¯ve never felt before, I move again despite the injuries I¡¯ve caused to myself.
Wind helps stop my out-of-control plummet until I get my feet below me to take off once again. The increased control offered by my slightly more powerful bodies does wonders, more than any mana control, and soon I¡¯m soaring through the skies above the island once more.
Crisis averted, but I¡¯m not content. Once more try¡
I know it¡¯s gonna suck, and I¡¯ll probably need to visit a healer, and it¡¯s dangerous, and unnecessary, and reckless¡ But right now I¡¯m so very much alive, burning hotter than even the flames that allow me to blaze like a comet.
¡°Man, I¡¯m so glad I chose magic!¡± I shout freely.
Instead of a gentle curve I move my arms and aim right towards the arena, grinning like a madwoman. This will be no different than live combat, where mistakes are not measured in injuries or minutes wasted but in lives.
Despite the ground growing ever closer I don¡¯t brake and instead lean on Focal Mana Trance to give me another push. Once the sacred spot of our combat training is close enough so I can make out the individual seats on the spectators'' terrace, I cut off the fires again.
A flip and the winds help me reposition, and I burst into flames like a living torch. My halt is sudden, shaky, and quite unpleasant. The sand of the arena rises at my arrival and the ground turns black as I increase my output.
And soon, I¡¯m climbing towards Solaire once more. Gently, slowly, and feeling much lighter because it feels like I can do it. I can reach so much further than my eyes can see. This place, the upcoming three years¡ they are an opportunity.
And I¡¯ll make full use of them to keep my word when the time comes.
Carefully lowering myself I return to the sandy ground of the arena where I first took off. My clothes ¨C despite their exquisite quality and superb materials ¨C are in tatters and severely burned. Clearly an obstacle I¡¯ll need to climb in the future.
¡°For now, I need some rest.¡± I mutter, massaging my aching shoulders. ¡°Still need to visit the workshop though. My Class is just so close¡¡±
¡°What an irresponsible student you are.¡± A male voice addresses me from above. Someone I only met once and want the time I wasted on him back ever since. ¡°I¡¯ve been sent to catch a rogue student terrorizing our afternoon, making the clouds echo with explosions. This, I did not expect from you.¡±
The elf who was supposed to teach me how to fly. The only professor who has truly been a disappointment ever since the first day of my attendance.
¡°What do you mean? Did I conquer the skies too fast?¡± I don¡¯t mince my words, elven blood runs in us both.
¡°If that¡¯s what you¡¯d call that. Even a hurled rock flies with more elegance.¡± He huffs, not in the slightest appalled by my tone. ¡°What you did was beyond reckless. I assumed you to be the measured, calculative type. One who relies on talent and experience.¡± The usual sass and sharpness are completely absent from his tongue.
¡°That¡ I have my reasons.¡± And it¡¯s a little childish and embarrassing. ¡°But I won¡¯t overdo it, I know that¡¯d only come to bite me back in the long run. And I¡¯ve learned how to fly, didn¡¯t I?¡±
Just like training too long while relying on Hadron crystals to squeeze out more from your time, getting mana poisoned, and lying in bed for days¡ Yeah, experience truly is a great teacher.
¡°That you certainly did. Although it left much to be desired, your wings were beautiful in their own right. They were burning so bright, and ardently¡ Have you earned what you need?¡± He asks.
Did I now?
[Your class Skill [Arcane Mastery] has reached lvl 110.]
[Your class Skill [Focal Mana Trance] has reached lvl 100.]
[Your class Skill [Rhythmic Strides] has reached lvl 85-> 87.]
[The general Skill [Maintained Magic] has reached lvl 88.]
[The general Skill [Divided Attention] has reached lvl 20-> 24.]
[Congratulations, you¡¯ve unlocked the Class Skill [Living Comet lvl 1]. Would you like to assign the skill to an empty slot?]
Living Comet: Soar higher than any star on the waves of mana, carrying you past the horizon. The skies are yours to conquer, a domain offered only to those daring enough to cast down their shackles and forge wings of their own. Blaze up high in the sky, wander, wander, little star.
What a fitting reward¡ A shame it¡¯s not an evolution of Rhythmic Strides. If I had to guess the reason¡ This Skill doesn¡¯t exactly fit the theme of my Class.
Not to mention, I wouldn¡¯t dare engage in aerial combat with merely my current abilities. Skill or not, I¡¯m not quite ready yet. And then there¡¯s also what Martha told me back when I first began to learn magic from her.
Why pick a Skill I can replicate on my own?
Ethereal Stage or Focal Mana Trance are beyond my means, while Rhythmic Strides is also on the chopping block. Living Comet would be the easy and convenient choice¡ After all, learning to fly from there on would only require me to work on the Skill instead of all the effort I¡¯ve put in until now.
I can¡¯t allow myself to take it easy right now.
¡°What I need¡ Not exactly.¡± I answer the man with a confident grin. ¡°But at least it confirms I¡¯m on the right track.¡±